[Koko Ed]

One thing you are not going to be prepared for is the large amount of homeless people who are going to be hovering around. Some of them will be adamant and even rude but don't give them money. Many of them have substance abuse problems and you are only enabling their problems by giving them money. Buy them food if you must but don't just give them money. A stern no is mostly enough tot send them on their way (they're not going to mug a large group of people. I heavily recommend never traveling alone. I can't confirm it but I heard a couple of years ago a mentor was mugged in one of the parking garages. Remember: safety in numbers!) but if you really feel the need to have them got rid of you can either find Georgia DOme security or local police and have them deal with them. What I would ask is a little patience and understanding with them. Many of them are in circumstances beyond their control and are unable to help themselves. What we're doing here in this program is also aimed at helping them as well in the long run to make a better quality of life for all. Gracious Porfessionalism extends well beyond the field to more than just the people in FIRST. That is how you truly change the culture.