Info for starting a new team (again, I'm sure)

[archiver]

Posted by Matt Leese.

Other on team #73 from Edison Technical HS and Rochester Institute of Technology.

Posted on 11/9/2000 3:03 PM MST


In Reply to: Info for starting a new team (again, I'm sure) posted by Greg Young on 11/9/2000 1:38 PM MST:



You're running into some of the same problems that I'm having right now (fyi, yes I'm in the process of forming a team). Well, basically, to run a FIRST team you need all kinds of people. You definately need engineers (to help in the construction of the robot). There's also a need for people who know how to do administrative tasks (letter writing, etc.). PR people and travel coordinators are also needed. Students and adults can really fill any of those positions and it all comes down to the skill level and commitment of both. A sponsor can provide a lot of the adult content for a team. Getting a sponsor is one of the hardest parts of FIRST. Generally the tact we've taken is to find some large companies in the area (not necessarily engineering companies but it's best to target them) and call them on the phone. Speak to the operator about what you're trying to do and they can usually direct you to the right person (in my experience, either Human Relations or Public Relations). Another method is to send letters to companies. I prefer the phone call method as it's harder to ignore. ;-) It's also possible to recruit help from parents. Basically, the idea is, get as many people involved and interested as possible. But be prepared to put a lot of work into it because FIRST will take it along with a lot of time. I know that ASME has a guide to starting a FIRST team that seems fairly good. It can be found off the FIRST web site (see below). I wish you the best of luck and feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.

Matt (who's gonna ask if anyone wants to sponsor a reforming former National Champion FIRST Team in Rochester, NY)