Quote:
Originally Posted by wilsonmw04
The assumption that is being made is that advocating for one program is a negative for another program. This is not a zero sum game. I could take the addition of a VEX team in my school as a negative towards my FIRST team. I see it as two groups working with two distinct populations. Both working towards similar goals (now I do have a VERY strong opinion which program has better student outcomes). By advocating for FIRST we are directly advocating for more STEM funding in the state of Virginia. I think we can all agree that this is an outcome we can all get behind.
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My primary assumption is that the problem is big enough, and that legislatures are forgetful enough, that keeping all the effective programs in front of a committee, and then telling them how important it is to use all of them effectively is the right thing to do. I am not familiar with any STEM robotics (or cyber-whatever, or mathematics, or rocketry, or biology, or ... ) program that is a best fit for every part of the state.
Along with that primary assumption, I am assuming that getting a legislature (or committee thereof) to do anything is no simple task. Whatever we ask them to do needs to open as many doors as possible.
These are the reasons I recommend being an advocate for multiple ways to inspire and educate students, in addition to pointing out that at least one valuable and important program could maybe use a boost (to keep it on equal footing with all other collaborations between non-profits and the state education system). The legislature needs to be in the business of nurturing and catalyzing all effective education and inspiration opportunities.
I'll close by repeating that I'm urging any and everyone, who speaks to a government official, to
show them how to open as many doors as possible. I'm saying nothing more, and nothing less.
Blake
PS: OBTW - I'm wearing an iridescent-
green FTC shirt at work today. To practice what I preach, I might need to dye one of my white RECF shirts an equally noticeable color-not-found-in-nature and wear it tomorrow.
