Quote:
Originally Posted by angelah
"But it wasn't always easy. She was told to sweep a lot, she was told to "stand there and look pretty", she was pushed aside. Luckily, she is a fighter. But not all girls are... it's not as much about the things men do on purpose, it's more about the things you don't realize - the "climate.
|
I COMPLETELY agree. In fact, that's similar to my first experience, although my primary job was to make buttons. (part of that was that I was a freshman, and they usually get that work that "builds character) (Also, I was the only one from my school on another school's team, so that was part of it too)
Quote:
|
However, if an environment is allowed in which they are pushed aside before they get a chance to absorb a task enough to feel confident jumping in, they never will.
|
Again, I completely agree. I feel like if someone feels like they're at a disadvantage because of gender (or any other factor), then they will keep that mindset. They'll fall into the trap of blaming their lack of involvement on something as silly as being the only girl on the team. That's very discouraging.
The thing with girls on FRC teams (based on my experience) is that it's not that we don't want to be involved, it's that we don't know
how to be involved. As others have said, it would be nice to have at least one female mentor. However, the important thing is that someone is there to encourage everyone on the team and make them feel included. I would not have lasted more than a year in FRC if I had felt unappreciated. As for male members already on the team, include members. Show them what you're doing so that they can learn. This is important for creating a positive team environment and also sustainability.
To recruit more girls, I think you should have a girl in a leadership position on your team. Logically, team leaders run recruitment events, and if students see girls being leaders, they will be likely to join. Remember, robotics isn't a "boy thing" unless you make it one.
Even though I am against separating roles by gender, typically girls do slightly better than boys in business/graphics-related things that the team needs. You may want to recruit for that first since it will be easier. At the very least, invite people from your schools to see your competition. I also suggest asking teachers (primarily STEM- or business-related) to recommend people for the team.