what are your opinions?

[Kristen Kelso]

Originally, one of the RCU’s goals was to turn the negative into the positive. (Example: Giving the word “Chick” a positive meaning). We also had an open forum on Yahoo!Groups. (This was great when we only had 20 members)

However when we grew, some members started sending out silly things, like chain letters---we lost 10-20 members DAILY—then, to top it off our website was taken over by porn.

In the summer of 2002, we shut down the RCU forum. In November of 2002, we created a new panel of moderators and re-opened the forum for a monthly “newsletter”. We also bought a new domain ( www.robotchicksunion.org ). Thanks to the Beach City Robotics Team,a new design will be up soon!

Since November, we have…
*re-introduced RCU Illuminaries (January 2003)
*hosted a workshop at the Novi Kick-off. The results of this workshop will end up launching a study on how we can get more girls involved in FIRST.
*In March, we created an official partnership with Girls, Inc. of NH ( www.girlsinc.org ) They are a non-profit organization that will serve as our fiscal agent.
*to start bringing the RCU back into the FIRST Community, we will be starting “RCU Projects” (examples: “Girls Connect” and starting a pen-pal program between Robot Chicks and girls that participate in FLL)

Yes, it is taking some time to re-organize. Remember, success doesn’t just develop while you are sleeping…it is the result of your dedication, determination and hard work. We have been working wicked hard to pull things back together.

Thank you to Katie, Abi and Giselle who have stood by the RCU no matter what! Each of these girls embodies the true FIRST Spirit. It is the people with such a spirit that change our world. (note: They NEVER give up!)

So that is where we stand…feel free to contact me: Kristenkjk@attbi.com ,AIM: Angel1kjk or the e-mail the moderators: RobotChicks@hotmail.com

Thanks