Will the next year of competitions bring more girls into FIRST?

[Franchesca]

We all know that FIRST is a one-of-a-kind organization that offers many benefits to its participants. The issue of this thread relates to the “participants” bit. Sure, we all see both guys and girls at competitions. But everyone agrees that there could be a greater quantity of involvement from girls.

I’d like to say foremost, that it is phenomenal that organizations such as RCU are working towards recruiting girls and encouraging them to take advantage of FIRST. Their efforts are very much appreciated and they have had very good results which are by all means: GREAT!

However, this thread is based around the fact that we are in the eve of a new year of FIRST Robotics Competitions (2005). And well, it would be nice to discuss how teams and individuals themselves feel about the situation and what ideas they have about making it better. I would like to know the following:

1) How you feel personally about the participation that is offered in your team by girls? Do you think that they are active and involved enough or as much as everyone else? Or perhaps could girls be more involved within your team and in which type of type of activities could they partake?

2) If your team is lacking in the number of female members, what creative and useful ideas could you implement to draw more girls into your team as the new year commences?

I would like to encourage everyone to post their ideas as it should be a topic that all team members and FIRST members should get to discuss. I would like to give thanks in advance for your comments and replies.

*Looking forward to seeing EVERYONE benefit from the wonderful opportunities that FIRST has.*