While looking at a recent forum about inventory for rookie teams, I thought it would be a good idea to gather up all the future coaches and mentors for the 2018 season and start a communication channel between everyone.
I am starting a team and have quite a bit of knowledge of FIRST, as I have been involved since 2006. BUT, you don’t realize as a student what goes on behind the scenes. There is a lot of stuff that I do not have experience in that others can probably help me with, and vice versa. So join the slack channel! Let’s make this process as easy as possible.
EDIT: For those who aren’t rookie coaches, we probably could use your input as well!
Rookie mentors, consider joining NEMO (Non-Engineering Mentor Organization) - it’s free and we have a private forum on Chief Delphi for mentors to exchange information about non-technical topics like team organization, fundraising ideas, travel planning, community outreach, etc. www.firstnemo.org
If you will be at FIRST Champs in St. Louis this week by any chance, we are holding a meeting on Friday, April 28, 2017 in Room 132 in America’s Center, from 10-noon (come and go as your schedule allows).
I would also recommend rookie mentors reach out to FIRST to maybe put you in touch with other teams - and other rookies - in your area. When we started, I was put on an email list with several other rookie teams in the Ontario area. Certain things, like local school or legal policies, or what local suppliers to buy from, work better when you can be region specific.
Unfortunately, no, we do not live-stream the NEMO meetings. We were unsuccessful in finding a facilitator for a NEMO meeting in Houston, but hope to have one at both Championships next year.