Let's Help 1432 (school took $, threw team off campus, won't give back tools)

[Scott Perry]

This really boils my blood. Back in high school, my team was nearly disbanded many times by a petty and shortsighted administration. I gave what I can spare, and just wrote to the district based on the information from this story.

[Cyberphil]

I can honestly say that we have been blessed by our schools support, but to hear a story like this is heartbreaking.

If there is anything we can do, please say so. I will keep updated on this thread and I will let the rest of my team know about this.

Being a veteran team with plenty of resources and many years of experience, it is the next generation of these teams that need our help the most.

Good luck with everything, and PM me if you need anything.

Phil

[andy51488]

Originally Posted by Scott Perry

This really boils my blood. Back in high school, my team was nearly disbanded many times by a petty and shortsighted administration. I gave what I can spare, and just wrote to the district based on the information from this story.

Ditto. It's been a long time since I last logged into chief delphi (though I do still read from time to time), but this calls for action.

[maltz1881]

Something they may want to consider is if the monies were donated to the team were from cooperate sponsors, those sponsors could ask or even threaten to sue for the monies back. The money was donated for the team to use not the football, music or whatever they are going to use it for. The school can't use that money legally if it was sent for something in particular. Those sponsors expected something back for their money.....a robot.

[Dustin Shadbolt]

Just isn't right. That's all I want to add on. I will be getting some fund together to help out.

[JaneYoung]

Never one to be short of opinions, I'd like to share one now.

FRC teams face daunting tasks each year - be they rookies, young veterans, or old war horses. The daunting tasks are not just about building the robot and not just about competing in an awesome event. The daunting tasks have to do with sustainability and setting short term and long term goals to help insure a safety net for sustaining a team and keeping it stable - allowing it to compete at its best level and ability. Without stability, the team can suffer and so can its competitive edge.

Teams must each look at the health of their team, realistically assessing and reassessing its strengths and weaknesses. Much of that has to do with the people involved in running the team. Take time to develop your program so that you have people to fall back on and to step in when it is time to turn over the reins. Take time to do what it takes to develop a booster club or a parent association that will work hard in areas of fundraising, organization, and stability. Take time to really think about forming/obtaining a 501(c)3 status and understanding that process and what it will take. Take time to figure out who the robots/tools/team materials belong to. Make sure that it is understood. If they belong to the school/school district - then deal with it, knowing that up front. If there are shades of gray, explore the shades of gray as best you can so that informed decisions can be made as the team continues to grow and develop or - when there is a serious downturn in budgets and/or space.

Sustainability and stability in FRC teams is the key to FRC's future.

If people are posting and making complaints about how their team is short on funds or that its existence is threatened or has been in the past - take a look at how that has happened and what the safeguards are that the team put in place or could have put in place to prevent or lessen the threat. If the team has done everything it possibly could towards creating a strong, stable, sustainable base then - it has leverage that can be very powerful. If it does nothing to help itself achieve its goals and strengthen those goals with each passing year - the leverage is weakened.

Just some food for thought.
Jane

[oldgrowth]

Just a quick note to let every one know that the S.E. Portland Rotary has stepped up and volunteered to be our 501-C-3 this year while we write our own 501 and get it processed. Our grants are now secured. Many thanks to all for your tireless support and help during these very trying times. Watch the website for further information. There is to be a follow up story in the next Bee. We'll post it when they make it digital.

never give up ..never surrender!

[RoboMom]

Originally Posted by oldgrowth

Just a quick note to let every one know that the S.E. Portland Rotary has stepped up and volunteered to be our 501-C-3 this year while we write our own 501 and get it processed. Our grants are now secured.

This seems like a good solution. The Baltimore Area Alliance FRC teams (10 teams) use a small private foundation to receive donations. The private foundation charges a small administrative fee, but allows the group to receive donations from corporations and private individuals who want to donate to a group of teams (rather than just one), for donations from the state, and for employee matching, such as through Verizon. The BAA also has a business checking account.

The relationship has been ongoing for 5 years and started because the "ask" to a group of potential FIRST champions was for the use of a 501(c)3, not a donation.

[AdamHeard]

Originally Posted by oldgrowth

Just a quick note to let every one know that the S.E. Portland Rotary has stepped up and volunteered to be our 501-C-3 this year while we write our own 501 and get it processed. Our grants are now secured. Many thanks to all for your tireless support and help during these very trying times. Watch the website for further information. There is to be a follow up story in the next Bee. We'll post it when they make it digital.

never give up ..never surrender!

You should try to make this a permanent deal. We've been operating under the Atascadero Education Foundation for years now, it's great having that status!

[1986titans]

I think they are trying to get that permanent status by establishing their own 501.

[rsisk]

Another option is for the team to become a 4-H club. I am just starting to discover the beauty of the combination of FRC and 4-H.