Starting a new team in Rochester NY

[Jay Trzaskos]

Originally Posted by Steve S.

Im trying to get this support...If i cant, i guess there just wont be a new team. I guess im just trying to figure out a way i can actually participate in FRC for my last year as a student, as on the current team i cant as im being left out of communication, its almost clear that they dont want 2 schools involved...so staying there isnt an option, so this is an idea that popped into my head. I currently have 1 teacher that would be willing to help, but administration would have to approve us doing the club and the extra pay for the advisor in order for us to look for sponsors..

Edit- also, if you have any other suggestions/solutions for me, id be glad to hear them

(Hint: Im in a ranting kind of mood..so beware )

Steve, for the entirety of my participation in FIRST, my team consisted of two schools and a 'local' University, each of which was no closer than a 25 minute drive from the next. The area between our three meeting spots was roughly equal to that of Long Island, New York. What I am saying is that you CAN make a team work, and work well, with two high schools and there are some very easy ways to accomplish this seemingly impossible task.

The best answer I can give to you at a time like this is to look to your school to provide a mentor/adviser and a bus to and from meetings two or three nights a week. This is much cheaper than trying to get them to start a new FIRST team and has worked well for other teams in the past. But, before (hopefully) getting your administration to agree to the funding get a group of extremely interested students, take them to some pre-season meetings and get them to say that they are definitely interested in participating. then just move on with the three generally outlined steps and your on your way.

(a) Talk to your school board about participation and transportation! Demo a robot from past years and invite the administration to come watch. Talk to them about how FIRST has positively changed your life and how it has affected your willingness to learn. Presentation is often times a much greater tool than a simple letter in a situation like this so ask the rest of the team to come and perhaps the administration will see how many students it really affects.

(b) Still write a good letter... the follow up is key in this type of situation. Let them know that you really do mean business and that you appreciate their time and their (possible) funding to help with transportation.

(c) Don't become agitated with them. Respect their decision no matter what it is. They may see your level of maturity and remember this if the robotics program is ever brought to their attention again.

[Liz Smith]

I understand that you're in a tough situation, and bring a team to your school seems like a good plan. I think most of us here have had issues with the teams they were on at one time or another. Just remember that starting a team is not as simple as getting the principle to sign a letter. As it's been said, you need a lot of money, mentoring, interested students. I don't know the exact circumstances and troubles you've been having on your team, and those private issues probably shouldn't be discussed here on the forum. I think that starting a whole new team because you personally are having a problem with the current team, is not the right way to go... especially since you said you were the only one at your school interested, and it's your last year on the team. As Jay said, It is possible for people from different schools to be on the same team.

My advice is to try to make your situation on the current team work. If you have something, like time and talents, to offer to the team then they will probably want you there. Rather than start a whole new team, maybe volunteer to be liason for your school and recruit new members to join the existing team. From there you can organize rides and carpools and create a network where everyone knows what is going on. These efforts you're planning on putting in to start a new team may be more successful if they are put towards expanding your school's involvement on the current team.