Hello NY FIRST Teams!
We have some very important NY FIRST Advocacy events coming up that we need your help with.
NY Advocacy Conference: Thursday, January 23rd 5:30PM 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 a video from Assemblymember Jen Lunsford 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.
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.
NY FIRST STEAM Virtual Lobby Day: Wednesday, January 29th:
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 at the end of January to coincide with the budget process and make it more likely for FIRST funding to be successful.
We will provide information on how to schedule your meetings once you sign up. We ask 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.
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.