[richardp]

Any time a team does outreach they at the very least get their team name better known to the community. While yes trophies are cool and shiny, they have to be earned. I mean if a team such as my own which is "A Strong Contender" for the award at a regional going up against 341, this is to me motivation to really push to break past the "Strong Contender" to a Regional Winner. I think that doing things for the Chairmans award is fine. Isn't that why the judges give feedback sheets? So that a team can improve on their weaker points. Yes this coming year is my last year, and I am more determined than ever to get this, but at every event that I have gone to for outreach when I see people excited I want to do it again. I think Aaron is right in saying that seeing the impact is the motivation and fuel. (Most likely why 641 does so well every year). Also visual attractiveness is key in doing outreach, it doesn't have to come from trophies and banners they do help. There are other ways of being visually attractive but when a team is being successful and have tangible object people tend to give more credit to the team.