New (breakaway) team, very nervous...

[synth3tk]

Ok, there\'s a very long background story to it, but right now I\'m pressed for time. Basically, the administration seems like a huge brick wall. We lost thousands in funds (source: anonymous), board and student support is less than desirable, and so much more. So, a few of us are creating a new team. I\'ve been thinking about for months, but never brought it up. It was confirmed during a core student group meeting when a few others said it.

Doing so will enable us to bring in more sponsors (they wouldn\'t let us here, didn\'t give a valid response as to why), recruit students from a neighboring district, private school, and homeschoolers in the area. I\'m just worried we won\'t be able to find good transportation, enough funds/sponsors, or even worse, a place to work in the area.

This isn\'t as much of a we-need-help thread more so than a we-need-morale-support thread. I just want this transition to be smooth.


I\'ll post more later. Sincerily,
David Thomas

[Alalea]

Our team has a lot of 5th-7th graders (myself included) and we're doing okay. If we can manage, I'm sure you can too! *hugs*

By the way, don't recruit 5th graders >.<

[Bob Steele]

Take a deep breath and go ahead.
Sometimes, change is necessary.
Get your local support together and don't burn any bridges.

If there is anything we can do from out here please let us know.

FIRST is worth the work. YOU are worth the work and the effort.

Remember if this were easy....everyone would do it...
That goes for quite a bit more than building the robot...

Building the team is much more difficult...

Good luck and stay in touch with us...

[DeAnnaC]

We are a community based team - we have no school support and we have kids from 6 or 7 different high schools along with a large group of homeschoolers.

I think there are lots of advantages to being a team without a school. Of course filling something into the "school name" in the FIRST paperwork is always interesting

The group of mentors/leaders that started our team created a non-profit, a 501 (c) 3: The River City Robots and under that is The Channel Cats, team 1094 and we've had 21 Lego teams in the last 5 years.

Hang in there - anything is possible!

DeAnna

[Alalea]

I just saw a quote from the top of the page that's perfect for this:

I've learned never to say never when it comes to FIRST teams. - Karthik

[DarkFlame145]

145 does have support from 3 schools, but myself is from a different school. We made a loop hole so kids from other schools can join. We made it so we are The Chenagno County FRC Team 145

[BigWhiteYeti]

The most valuable thing you can get right now are mentors who believe in your team and can help you talk to companies and such for funding. Parents can also really help.

If you have any universities in your general area, you may want to talk to them. They can provide workspace, mentors, and sometimes funds for your teams if they are willing to help. Michigan Tech currently gives us space and has created an enterprise for students who like to mentor. They have been a great help to us.

Also see if there are tech companies in your area that may be willing to sponsor or lend workspace. Try to set up a meeting or presentation with them.

Best of luck!

[SL8]

What your team was experiencing is very similar to our situation. I had thought about creating another team, but I've decided to see how the new admin. will act next year when they have full control over our " student-led" team. Also, we don't want to abandon the cyberwolves tradition. Hopefully it will work out for your team you all are able to be successful. At the very least, you know the people that work through the hard times are really there for the team.

[James1902]

Yeah, transitions are tough. It's never fun to try to redo something that you have built up for years. Don't worry too much though. It's possible to get through it. 1902 started from the same situation and we held up, so you'll do fine. We are constatnly looking for more support and membership, and we still don't have a permenent build space. But if you work hard and keep your ear to the ground you'll find something. Good Luck!!!!
James Austin

P.S. Try talking to the local 4-H, that's how we got alot of our support.

[synth3tk]

Thank you for all the replies! Very, very encouraging. Sorry about the whole apostraphae thing, on dial-up through my online school but I have to use \"alt-methods\" to access CD.

I dont plan on burning any bridges, as they may become useful later, or even starting off. Tomorrow I will start leaving messages for surrounding schools and scout out local businesses/corporations. I\'ll call them during the week. Also, I forgot all about parents (hehe, no offense) since they arent very involved in the current team.

Please PM me more info on the whole becoming-non-profit thing you were talking about.
I have one member working on a presentation for showing to potential sponsors.

I realize this process will not be easy. But the end-result will be so rewarding. Helping these students get the most out of the program.