Quote:
Originally Posted by EricH
If you do get the $500 within the next week, I've got a suggestion.
Don't let the team members that didn't do any work on fundraising know that you made the deadline--yet.
Then, at the next team meeting, you, or better yet, a trusted mentor who's in on the game announces that because A Certain Group of Students couldn't be bothered to fundraise, your team is short X amount, and therefore can't register. Because you can't register, you can't compete, and if the Certain Group of Students had raised $Y apiece, it would have been rather easy to pay registration, etc, etc.
After the news sinks in and they start complaining and wondering why (and the point gets hammered home by repetition--you didn't raise enough, so you can't compete), you announce that A Different Group of Students managed to raise $500 at the last minute, and the status given was a week old. Because of that, you can in fact compete, but you will all need to work hard like the Different Group of Students. Oh, and by the way, that includes raising funds to help with building and travel (whether you actually need said funds or not, it's always good to have a little extra).
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Although I really do love the "Make them feel bad approach", I would definitely not go with that approach. Having worked at an amusement park for two years, I know how to deal with people, and yes, making them feel bad is definitely one way, but its definitely against what FIRST is about. I have been team captain for the past two years, and have made some huge improvements on our team--guilt was not the cause.
Instead, show the team members what happens from laziness, show them that they cannot reach their goals by slacking off. Maybe set a goal, everyone must raise $X or maybe they they have to do some supplement...like clean the toolbox?
As for the money--
Many High Schools (I assume you're with a school...?) will let you overdraw from your school account. In years past, we have been several hundred dollars short. Our school allows us to go into the negatives within our account. Maybe your mentor should ask about doing so?
Another option that has worked well for my team has been going door-to-door. We have been able to send out about 10 kids, in groups of two. Knock on doors, explain who you are, what the team is, and how it effects not only your life, but the world. THEN tell them that you are $500 short. Many people will gladly give $2-$10. Its not much, but it takes about 5 min per house. About 1/3 of the people donate at least some money.....get enough people and you're all set!
~Brendan