Quote:
Originally Posted by TPNigl
State how awesome the members make the team
Show how the dedication and such can be good preparation for college
Give a description of the season
Show how we help the community
Explain FIRST
Show how fun the competitions are
Show how close bonds are formed, especially through our Alumni network
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Presenting at school is a great idea, and it looks like you're off to a good start.
Personally, I wouldn't recommend showing your Chairman's video (EDIT: either); make a new clip that's aimed at your audience. This goes for in general too: always consider the audience, be they sponsors, FIRSTers, potential recruits, future recruits (younger students), potential/future parents, STEM professionals, etc. For potential recruits (and sometimes future), we find that music videos go over really well. If it's an assembly, consider playing something as students come in/out or right at the beginning (or any 2 of those, 3 can be kind of overkill). If you can't make your own video, I've found "Get Ready For Your FIRST" (2008) is good for short filler, especially if you put a "FIRST Robotics" title in front (otherwise it can be a little confusing). There are some other clips in the
resource center that are good as well.
As far as preparation, Definitely have the (multiple) students talk, and practice beforehand to get it polished and keep it exciting. Not only does it show students how big/varying the team is, it changes things up and keeps people awake.
Also consider what you want your medium(s) to be. Assemblies can great depending on your school, but smaller forums--booths in the cafeteria, open houses--can also be very effective. They're more personal/one-on-one and perspective recruits can really get involved by talking directly to members, asking more questions, looking up close and/or driving.
We also do quite a bit geared towards parents directly. This may not lead straight to FRC recruits (we get more emails from middle school parents about VEX), but it can really get the word out and generate a community feel.