[archiver]

Posted by Steve Alaniz at 03/07/2001 12:23 PM EST


Other on team #57 from Houston Regional co-ordinator.



Hi.. There has been a LOT of "Discussion" about the SME
cards. As a regional co-ordinator, let me share a few
things with you.
All F.I.R.S.T. is doing is asking you for a little
help. It takes $... make that $$$$ to fund the National
and regional competitions. (the Astro Arena is not free
and DISNEY definitely is not free) We fund raise almost
year round and when we approach a company as a
potential funder, the first questons we get asked are,
"How effective is this program?" " Do people who
participate really consider engineering as a career?"
Without concrete numbers, we have no way of giving an
honest answer.
One thing that would help is the SME cards as a
tracking tool to give us those numbers. (No, having an
SME card doesn't mean we can "TRACK" you so don't get
lost in the woods and expect SME to find you.)
Will you be kept out of the team party at the Houston
regional if you don't have a card? I doubt it...
Disney? Doubtful as well.. (Although if push came to
shove... mouse ears not withstanding...I wouldn't mess
with Disney security.. those guys have really eaten
their Wheaties!)
No one is asking for your credit card numbers and
expiration dates... all we're asking for is a little
help. And I would be grateful for YOUR help in
continuing the F.I.R.S.T. program.

Best Wishes

Steve Alaniz