So what does GP mean to you?

[ngreen]

Originally Posted by Mark Pettit

You know, this thing about teams sharing their spare/extra parts is one of the main point GP was founded on. Teams used to be able to approach each other and ask for a part or parts they needed. If we had a part to offer them, then we'd gladly give it to them. We, likewise, received parts from teams by asking them for things we needed. The giving team in each circumstance wasn't bragging or touting that they were Gracious and Professional by giving their parts away. It was just an act of kindness.
Not to knock any specific team, but when you go out of your way to appear gracious and professional by becoming the middle-man in this process, I can see how it would make some other teams resent you.
Part of being GP is not getting any credit for it other than inner satisfaction. Bragging/Touting your own Gracious Professionalism goes against the very nature of GP. I agree that it has become just another contest in FIRST for teams to go out of their way to show the judges how gracious and professional they can be.
I've got a whole lot more to say about my feelings on GP and I will be back.

Oh don't worry about my team. I doubt anyone resent us except for maybe not having enough parts to give everyone and standing and cheering for our matches.

We never took on the role of middle man. We gave our own parts and refered people to other teams we knew had certain parts.

Next year we hope to expand with the program by having a seperate booth where teams can bring spare parts they aren't using to have available to loan or give to teams. We hope to set a schedule were we involve other teams in running this booth. It could possibly be near the spare parts table and would be able to help provide some parts that they don't have and possibly tools (??). Maybe we would get a list from some mentors that know a lot about a certain topic who could help teams in need. I can help with pneumatics.

This is just a small part of a larger idea. We've got to figure out how to implement some other parts of the programs ideals.

This is just some ideas I been throwing around in my head. But I'll let you know more later. We don't expect recognition for anything we do but honestly it is human nature. People like recognition. Look up Maslow's needs. I already posted about them. I do it because I think it will help teams and I enjoy the program and problem solving. That is enough of a reason for me.