Hello NY FIRST Teams!
We have three very important NY FIRST Advocacy events coming up that we need your help with.
NY Advocacy Conference: Tuesday, December 12th 4:30PM to 8:00PM, held via video conference.
The NY Advocacy Conference (NYAC) is how we will be providing training to teams to get them ready to advocate for FIRST in NY. We cover government and advocacy basics, how to conduct your meetings with representatives, and what are the important legislative topics that should be discussed during your meetings. Training information will be provided by very experienced Student Association for STEM Advocacy (SASA) staff. We will also have Assemblymember Jen Lunsford presenting on how the NY government works, what the important legislative topics are for FIRST in NY and provide examples of how to effectively meet with your representatives.
Individuals and teams can register for the conference using the link below.
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_UUTCKPE4RVODPMIrgphh_w
Training for SASA Members is free, to take advantage of your member discount please contact SASA at [email protected]
There is a fee for this training for non-SASA members. That fee is $25 per person. Alternatively, FIRST Teams can join SASA for $200.
SASA member teams also receive benefits as outlined on the SASA website here. https://mysasa.org/join-now
NY FIRST STEAM Virtual Lobby Day: Friday, January 26th:
The NY FIRST STEAM Virtual Lobby Day is an opportunity for teams to meet with their representatives and talk to their representatives and advocate for FIRST. This is a fantastic opportunity to inform your representative about FIRST and what legislation can support FIRST teams. The event is being held end of January to coincide with the budget process and make it more likely for FIRST funding to be successful.
Assemblymember Jen Lunsford’s office will coordinate with your team to setup appointments during that day. We strongly encourage teams to attend the NYAC to receive the training and legislative talking points to make the meeting successful. If your team is not able to attend the training and still wants to participate in the online lobby day, we will work with your team prior to the lobby day to provide training.
Please sign up for this event using the form below.
https://forms.gle/YXCZcguf86tnQXQN6
STEAM Day Demonstration in Albany: Tuesday, May 7th 10:00AM to 3:00PM
We are excited to invite FIRST teams back to the capital again this year to attend the STEAM Day in Albany event. We are looking to get as many FIRST teams as we can to bring their robots to Albany and demonstrate FIRST to all the representatives.
Even if your team cannot bring your robot, it will be beneficial to have your team in attendance.
If your team is interested in attending, but needs help with transportation, we may have suggestions on how your team can still attend. Just indicate that you would like suggestions on the form.
If your team would like to attend, please register using the link below.
https://forms.gle/mrs3VAAspvM4Hn7F8
We make a bigger impact and are more likely to be successful in getting support for FIRST teams across NY if we all work together. Please consider signing up for as many of these events as you can so we can help support and grow FIRST in NY.