Inclusion in FIRST

[Carolyn_Grace]

I'm sure that I'll be coming back to this thread often, but I want to start with one thing that has worked in keeping cleaning a gender/race/minority-neutral job:

1. Make a cleaning schedule. Using a calendar that is large and visible for all, assign students days that they are responsible for making sure the shop is clean at the end of the day.

2. If making this a public schedule results in assigned students not showing up on their cleaning days (yeah, it happens), then have one mentor keep a list, and randomly assign students that day. Once students have taken their turn, cross their name off and use new students until you need to start over.

3. Lead mentors and student leaders should emphasize that doing tasks like cleaning, helping with menial tasks, and doing the "grunt" work that no one really wants to do is the way to actually get recognized. The students that consistently do these tasks without complaining should be the ones who receive recognition. I know of some teams who have rules like, "You can be a driver or on pit crew unless you demonstrate consistency in taking care of the small tasks like cleaning."

To add, I also know of a couple teams who SAY they have that rule, but then have chosen a driver or pit crew member strictly because they were a good driver or programmer. I have seen how detrimental this can be. So, if you say that is a team rule, then follow through on it!


This is a good thread! Thanks for starting it.