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Re: Should sponsors be held the same standards as teams?
Here's a couple of thoughts:
I saw a wonderful trailer this past fall on the University of Texas campus where I work. It belonged to a robotics group and it was plastered with decals from sponsors. I was so impressed with the sponsors that I made a mental note to contact the group and ask about it. The logos belonged to corporations from the technology industry.
If the trailer had been plastered with decals from places that didn't represent futures that I, personally, could encourage young people to look into - then it would not have stopped me in my tracks. I would have kept walking.
If FIRST Robotics competitions were to want to pattern themselves after big events that attract crowds and audiences that aren't necessarily placing education as a priority, then a logo on a robot or banner wouldn't really matter as much. (Rodeos, tractor pulls, wrestling events all have beer sponsors.) That's one way to look at it. Schools draw the line in who can sponsor teams. Some teams, themselves, draw the line in what logos they would like partnered with their team name/reputation.
The teams should be prepared to stand by/stand up for their sponsors. An example: some teams have generous sponsor partnerships with fast food places. When talking about those sponsors to people, they can talk about the importance of keeping the teams fed during build and how generous the sponsor was... easy tie-in. One team talked to me a couple of years back about how a local funeral home was a sponsor. The team was very appreciative and was able to explain why that sponsor was so important to their build/expenses. And, the sponsor was delighted to be able to support students who were interested in science and technology.. in their futures. (Some funeral homes do a lot a business because of gang activity, seeing so many young people's lives wasted.) -
Times are hard and generosity is nothing to sneer at but at the same time, it is wise to look at all the different aspects of obtaining and working with sponsors as partners or potential partners.
Regarding the Gracious Professionalism aspect. It will be impossible to limit the spread of Gracious Professionalism - to contain it or control it. I agree that it is an internal measuring stick but I also think it is more than that. One example: watching the teams on the field and in the pit - is available to the public. The teams who have chosen to understand, implement, and display Gracious Professionalism, set a standard for others to follow. Part of that is sharing the concept with companies, potential sponsors, visiting guests, including politicians and school administrators. If the concept is not shared or displayed, then are the goals of FIRST being met? It isn't loud or showy but it does garner attention. Well deserved attention and also, respect.
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Excellence is contagious. ~ Andy Baker, President, AndyMark, Inc. and Woodie Flowers Award 2003
Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.
~ Helen Keller (1880-1968)
Last edited by JaneYoung : 29-12-2008 at 00:01.
Reason: more info
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