Tonya - I knew I shouldn't have shown you how to post on Delphi!
Anyway I agree - Foremost to me is for all to remember that FIRST is not really located in Manchester NH but with each student and mentor involved. It is only through us that it exists. Dean's vision of this taking place in every school in the nation simply cannot be met using the current system. FIRST is about changing the norm - well let's change the norm within FIRST. Why should we choose to exclude teams based on finances. We should be looking at ways to include every school in the nation. The cost structure as it is now will keep schools away.
I believe we need to
1. Do a better job of retaining teams. Successful teams will spur the growth - if we don't take care of what we have, it will be increasing hard to recruit new teams. Kevin - do you have this stat? BTW thanks for mentioning good ol PC right here in the heart of God's Country.
2. Can we deliver a similar product with less cost? Are there opportunities to actually lower the rates we charge teams. Think of some Innovative ways we may lower costs and maintain a quality product.
3. We need to focus more on teaching and mentoring vs. the money aspect of FIRST - I believe everyone should pay their way but it takes a full year to raise funds to travel. This leaves little time to actually fulfill our mission. I spent more time last year fund raising than mentoring - SAD- This year we made a decision we weren't going to do that. True, money is part of life and business but should not overshadow the opportunity to teach and learn. This aspect makes it hard to convince new sponsors why they should invest their money in this very expensive undertaking. They feel they can't get the bang for the buck they should. WE also lose about 5 to 10 new team members every year due to the time commitments that is required, I'd rather keep these kids if possible to lower costs.
Anyway love the thoughts and ideas posted here - good stimulating conversation is never a bad thing - it is only when ideas are not exchanged and discussed that people get their feelings hurt or feel left out.
In response to rural vs. metropolitan teams - in some ways we have it better than the larger cities. We receive tremendous support from our community. I hear sometimes the larger city teams have a more difficult time getting sponsors and donations or in-kind work. So yes I do feel blessed to be here in the heartland of America. But I do not enjoy the long drive to Houston (10 hours driving with a bunch of High school students listening to their music AAAAAAH!) but love the folks - for anyone who has never been to the Lone Star Regional it is a must attend - best atmosphere in FIRST.
Ken York
476
Tor Mentor
