Big Plans for 09-10?

[Sammy G]

I am sure that I am not the only one who feels like this is the year to make things happen. Big Things. I am sure that after a few weeks, it will be toned down, but it never hurts to aim high.

Today, we printed out the Sample Team time line from usfirst.org, and we were intimidated by the huge list of activities that we sometimes take for granted or do not dwell on. It feels we get caught up and center the year around build season, that we do not do as much preparation as we should. It is not just preparations that we need to work on though.

FIRST's goal is to have a team in 10% of schools. I am not sure of the goal date, or even the progress. What i do know, is that my team at least, has not been helping attain that goal. Last year, some of us helped run the regional FLL tournament. But other than that, we haven't sponsored or mentored any FLL teams, we haven't started or help start up any FTC teams besides one for us. Although we do receive a grant from our school to help with the costs of maintaining an FRC team, we have not pursued securing funding for other teams (FRC, FTC, and FLL), from local or state legislation. I found out today that our school district has even come to us to find out what it would take to start up a district-wide program or fund.

It seems that is so much more to do after the focus shifts and the realization sets in that FIRST is bigger than one person, team, or even state. While there is nothing wrong with making sure everything goes smoothly for your team, I think that all teams should make some effort to improve the system. While some of us have vision and motivation, it is nothing without help and follow-through. And even though an individual has the desire to make a difference, real change can only be accomplished through cooperation and collaboration. I think that is one of the lessons that Dean tries to teach us through his megalithic projects. No one person or team could make a database of all the FIRST alum. If everyone works together, we can accomplish anything.

But I digress. The intended purpose of this thread was to find out if any other people/teams have big plans this year. If so, what are they and how do you plan to accomplish them.