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Unread 23-11-2004, 15:51
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Onto a New Chapter...
AKA: Kim O'Toole Eckhardt
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Re: Who do I go to first about starting a new team?

Aaron,
1. Do you have any potential schools in mind? If so, I would contact the principal first (set up a meeting time, dont just try to do it over the phone). Bring as many photos and brochures as you can. The principal will be key in getting started at the school. You could ask for names of some teachers who might be interested, and do a little presentation or something. (I have some introductory presentations if you are interested). If you already have interested teachers, include them in the meeting. Talking to the school board or superintendants is a bonus, but rarely required in starting a school club, so shoot lower, you are more likely to get a hold of a principal. (Note: If you dont have any schools in mind, try to pick one that is as close to you and your potential mentors as possible. Distance becomes a big issue over a 6 week period).

2. Do you plan to try to get the University involved? If so, you might see if there is a director for technology related clubs or competitions (like at Clarkson it was called SPEED, and included teams like solar car, mini baja, etc.) If not, try and find a similar club and approach the faculty advisor and ask him/her who to talk to at the university.

3. Do you have a corporate sponsor in mind? If so try and set up a meeting with someone (preferably some sort of high up manager/vp ) who you think might have some interest in the program. Human Resources can often be a place to start if you dont know anyone, as they are often interested in employee community service and can get you in touch with the right people.

I would approach starting a team in this order (I've started both a university and corporate team now, so if you have any questions, PM or email me ). Keep in mind that if you are trying to get a corporate sponsorship, obtaining this kind of money will take you 3 or more months if it is a good size corporation. Smaller companies can get through the paperwork faster, but usually have less capital asset to spare.
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Kimberly O'Toole Eckhardt <3
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