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Thanks for all this helpful discussion, all the advice is much appreciated. However, I'm a fan of taking things one step at a time. So before I start figuring out ways to pay for events that aren't planned yet, we should come out with a mission statement first... a purpose:
From what I observe, MassFIRST's needs wouldn't need to be as extravagant as IndianaFIRSTs or SCRRF. If I said we didn't have location on our side, I'd be lying. From all points in Mass, FIRST Headquarters is no more than a 3-4 hour drive away, and we have two Regionals that are easily accessible (BAE and UTC). We have plenty of companies and corporations around that I'm sure hasn't been tapped for funding, and a large population to support a large number of teams.
With all this on our side, then why are we loosing teams?
That's where I think MassFIRST should step in. To try to figure out:
1. why teams are fading away
2. what can we do to keep them
3. have a dedicated group to go out and solicit funds and interest from local companies, and then match them with a team
4. offer help to rookies
5. organize forums and workshops where many teams can mutually benefit and learn
6. put together somewhat social events where we can all meet up and 'network' better
7. inject new enthusiasm into older teams
8. ... anything that would add to the fun
9. website to keep line of communication open (we'd definately need a dedicated webmaster, who would want to do it?)
When it comes to a Regional, it's up to FIRST to put a Regional in Boston. We could help plan it... but for now, it's their call. They've seriously considered it before, its just a matter for need to come up. For an off-season, yes... I am planning a Beantown Blitz for next year. For initial organization, NU would want to keep it as "their thing," but I would be hoping that many different people would want to volunteer for it. It could also be part MassFIRST convention, and a place where people who are thinking of starting a team may go and learn more about FIRST (I just learned that my Mom want's to start a team in Bloomfield, CT... oh boy).
For starting out, I think these are good main objectives. Inevitably we'd expand in years to come... but it's good to start small and learn as you go.
Comments?
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http://www.linkedin.com/in/erapacki
BUZZ 175 (01, 02) - NUTRONS 125 (03, 04) - QUEEN 1975 (06)
Beantown Blitz Founder (04) - FIRST Robotics Conferences (04) - Boston Regional Volunteer Coordinator (06)
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