It hurts to exclude people from the team, but...

Whatever you do, make sure you go out and talk to him. Having been that kid who's outcasted, nothing hurts more than walking away because you weren't accepted, and having no one stop you from leaving. So whatever you do, include him in any way possible, like maybe ask him for ideas on things you're working on for the team. If he can't be officially on the team, bring him in in any way you can find. And good job for being the one with guts enough to include those that don't always agree.

[JamesBrown]

If any one on your team thinks that a team of "Over achievers" or "Nerds" is what the team needs to be or even should be then they are certainly mistaken. While FIRST has its fair share of nerds I can't see a team of just nerds being any where near the best solution. Some one with hands on experience, a desire to try something, and a willingness to learn is more valuable to a team than any "nerd" that the team will find. Last year team 1568 graduated Many students in the top 10% of the class, however we also graduated students right in the middle, and even a student in the bottom 10%. I regularly worked with people I would never have talked to if it wasn't for robotics. Whoever your captain is really needs to step in and work things out.

Also talk to the mentors, I am sure they can make an exception for the application deadline for this case. If the students who had a problem with the new member can manage to learn how to work side by side with some one who doesn't "fit in" with them then they will have learned a lesson this year that is infinitely more valuable than any thing they will learn about science, engineering or robotics. Never in the real world will you work in a team where every one is just like you, unless the members of your team learn that now, they will quickly be passed by more open minded peers.

FIRST is not about building robots, it is about building people, the robots are just a good way to get the people there.

[Jimmy Cao]

Ya, that is a problem. I myself am guilty of not welcoming everyone on the team. Especially because I'm part of a rather large team, it becomes a rather large problem. I guess it's a great skill to have to be able to accept and work with everyone, but unfortunately most people don't have it. I myself am a hard person to work with, and i am being very hypocritical when i reject others. Unfortunately it's a part of human nature, which is imperfect.

I think it would be a good idea for you to try to talk to all the students individually, and ask them to try to respect and work with students that don't seem to fit in. I don't know how much it will do, because teenagers tend to be very impatient with others.

It's unfortunate, but I don't know how much can be done about it. It would be a wonderful issue to fix, but it's difficult...

[Cuog]

Your team sounds like they need a strong talking to about what FIRST and Gracious Professionalism are all about. Every team should be open to accepting as many people as possible and is of course important to prepare everyone possible for future careers. In addition to being a preparation, its also intended to inspire kids into fields of science and technology, I don't think that shunning someone from FIRST is the best way to inspire them with Science and Technology.

[efoote868]

here here, cuog.

I would like to say that we had a kid on our team last year who some people disliked, and most people flat out couldn't stand him. Because we based our team so much around GP, we all kept our mouths shut, and were polite to him. The mentor finally kicked him off the team for other various reasons... but I would like to note that he didn't leave because we were disrespectful/mean to him.

These situations do prove to be very difficult, but everyone needs to act like adults, use GP, and be accommodating to anyone.

[KathieK]

Your teambuilding exercises should include "ice breakers" where you learn about each other - almost everyone has SOMETHING in common with each other member on a team - sometimes you just have to take the time to find it.

[Cody Carey]

With my team being as small as it is... The seniors tend to have quite a bit of influence. Since we are all pretty level-headed, and have all been on the recieving end of stereo-types,We try to put a stop to it. usually this can be done by simply asking the offender to stop, but If that doesn't work, there is always the option of him/her cutting us some 2" round steel blanks...

with a hacksaw.


This is one advantage of a small, closely-knitted team.

[Jeremiah Johnson]

Okay... here it goes... a personal example.

My team has a history of exclusivity post 2003 era. And I'll admit, as much as I am against this stuff now, I was part of it when I was in high school. We had a team member join last year, name to remain anonymous, that was outcast from the beginning and maybe rightfully so. He was very disruptive and immature. None of the parents, mentors, or other students appreciated what he brought to the team.
However, he kept with the team and we lived with his flaws as a person, per se. Now that he is in his second year, he was voted last year as the Most Improved Student and is now nominated as Student Team Leader. He's more mature now than most other students are that have been on the team for 3 or more years.

I have come to a rather disturbing conclusion that, with the absence of key members of the team that graduated in 2003 and the last of that era graduating in 2005, me being one of them, there has been an influx of negativity within the team. Those key members brought fun and excitement to the team. Now there is no team building excercises and the members are clique-ish. It makes me mad and no matter what I do, no one wants to do any team building excersizes.

I don't know if that's going to help any, I have a problem ranting like that... sorry.

[EricH]

Something for your fellow team members (and everyone on a team) to think about:

1. You are (supposed to be) a TEAM. This includes EVERYBODY. It does not include just the members of one stereotype or clique. It doesn't matter if someone is the worst guy with a screwdriver in the history of mankind or the best artist with a waterjet machine. He is still a member of the team and should be treated as one.

2. FIRST is not just for the technical types. English lovers can write the essays for Chairman's or WFA. Athletes can train for human player. People who couldn't care less what the robot looks like but can build a good website belong on the website team. Everyone has a niche they can help fill, regardless of technical ability. If nothing else, scouting and fundraising always need doing.

Can I be any more clear?