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#31
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Re: Barriers to Entry: Why schools DON'T join FIRST
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#1 Batteries are allowed. Some power source is required for their buggy lights. ( and secret cell phones, tvs, freezers,etc) #2 Pnuematic tires are not allowed. Not a problem here either. #3 Electricity cannot be provided by the grid. There is no prohibition against providing it with a generator powered by kerosene or solar/wind power. The only reason you will not see many Amish teams is because most of the Amish drop out after age 16 and are privately schooled. They are fully capable to participate and most have a mechanical knack to pull off winning teams. To all CD posters and readers, please refrain from your comments on the basis of religious beliefs, color, creed, etc. You are only highlighting your own arrogance and prejudices. Amish men and women are not required to accept thier faith until age 18 if memory serves me correct. Don't write off a viable group before it's time. They are no different than anybody else.Thier blood still runs red. Only thier beliefs may seem off from the main stream. |
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#32
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Re: Barriers to Entry: Why schools DON'T join FIRST
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Your post frames the problems of many communities perfectly. It frames the issues of changing the culture of a community that is 'downtrodden' and does not wish to change. Change is scary for a lot of people because it takes them out of their comfort zone. Many will refuse to change even when they know that what they are currently doing isn't working. Free market economics is basically economic Darwinism where it's not "survival of the fittest" but instead "those that can most adapt to change". Most success stories are not about giant leaps but instead many, many baby steps ... each baby step (victory) being 1 step towards the goal. And it's difficult to get people to start those baby steps because it's hard work and long hours for what seems like little gain (each baby step). |
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#33
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Re: Barriers to Entry: Why schools DON'T join FIRST
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Our school wants the robotics program and has provided a very good meeting room and shop and a teacher mentor for us but they are unable to provide money. Seeking a new corporate sponsor is difficult because as soon as we say we are not a 501(c)(3) charity the business people loose interest. FIRST wants to add new teams (an admirable goal), but they should also think about giving corporations the option to take over teams that have been abandoned by past corporate sponsors. We have a great set-up, a willing school administration, a teacher, etc. but if we don't get major funding and engineering mentors, our outlook is at best bleak. |
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#34
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Re: Barriers to Entry: Why schools DON'T join FIRST
But FIRST is 501(c)(3). You can set it up for the business to deposit directly to FIRST in your account.
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#35
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Re: Barriers to Entry: Why schools DON'T join FIRST
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Most Schools are by nature 501 C 3s. They are tax-exempt. Check with your schools bookeeper, they may have the information you need to submit to corporations. Your other option is to become an after school 4-H or Girl Scout club, both of those have 501 C 3 status as well. |
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#36
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Re: Barriers to Entry: Why schools DON'T join FIRST
Quick question here before I start a new thread on the topic:
Who would be willing to pay a vollenteered admission fee for Regional Competitions if you KNEW it was going to the creation of a brand new rookee team next year? Think about it. 40+ teams X 25+ members X $5 = $5,000+. Thats a brand new kit folks for a new regional team that can't start due to costs. I know how huge the dedication is to the people here, especially to their team. But how much do you think people would be interested in steping up, to see the good of the collective whole? $5 is less than your food or movie ticket, yet together its enough power to really kick off some good. Partially I ask because I am prepared (due largely to personal reason) to spend a few thousand dollars per year towards new teams if knew it would be enough to get them going. That and I think the most successful program to date was the NASA grant with the hundreds of new teams involved there. Yes, I'm crazy... but am I the only one? |
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#37
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Re: Barriers to Entry: Why schools DON'T join FIRST
The largest barrier that I see is teacher buy in.
Most programs start with teachers in the respective schools. Most wont want to do it, even in our own school. Without knowing the full potential "experience" that FIRST can bring, its a hard sell when you find out the cost, time, experience and support that you need. We can present all day long about why FIRST is important in changing the culture of the type of students that we have today. But, as long as other programs are available, there are other options. I think people that do FIRST have a special interest in doing it that certainly outweighs the barriers. |
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