I Kept Quiet for far too long. This. Is. WAR!!!

[Wayne C.]

Originally Posted by Libby K

I wasn't going to step in, and I still won't involve myself with any of Dan's statements, because I'm unaware of any details, BUT...

After working as an understudy to the Boston VC last year (I'll be a co-VC in '10), I just would like to say that not all VCs treat their volunteers as commodities. One very unfortunate isolated incident doesn't mean that ALL volunteers are treated as such, or that all VCs are the same. I happen to have a wonderful appreciation of the time our volunteers put in to the regional- I've been a volunteer -for FLL, FTC, FRC, FIRSTPlace, you name it- for many years myself, so I understand the commitment.

I'm sorry this happened, but I certainly hope that this doesn't scare people away from volunteering. Volunteers are the only reason FIRST events run at all. One bad apple -if that's what this is- shouldn't have to spoil the bunch.

I'm glad you were treated well. All volunteers deserve that. Apparently not all have been and some have complaints. This isn't the only instance where I know of volunteers who were omitted or "black balled" for lack of cause.

FIRST IS a corporation that makes many of its decisions like a corporation with little input from the bulk of the teams. However it expects a broad base of volunteers to make the events run. Volunteer organizations run based on member councils and voting on major issues. Apparently FIRST doesn't consider itself such an organization. I hope that clarifies my statement.

I think the FIRST community at large expects way too much from the NH office- and vice versa.