I’ve decided to start a Facebook page for your Spouses (and kids if you want)
so that we can get some support from each other to get us through the wonderful 6 weeks of build season
check it out … pass it along to your family
facebook search FRC Widows
http://www.facebook.com/pages/FRC-Widows/221367911276219
Thanks,
Susan in Austin
Nice idea, i have passed the link on to some others
This is what I posted in the Facebook group:
"Susan, I’m a mentor on FRC 418, LASA Robotics, in Austin, TX. I’m also one involved in the Central Texas Robotics Alliance which is an alliance of the teams who work together to strengthen our area. There is also a group called, N.E.M.O. It is a FIRST recognized organization for non-engineering mentors: the mentors who work in all the non-technical areas of the team.
Your concerns do not really touch into theses groups but, at the same time - the groups could be utilized to help you find a purpose and positive way to vent your frustrations. Since you are interested in networking and forming a meeting place for others to network - perhaps you could brainstorm ideas that would support the program(s) that your spouses are a part of. There are all sorts of opportunities to be creative, helpful, and supportive - rather than lonely and frustrated.
Since I live in Austin, too, perhaps we could meet for lunch and talk about some ideas. If you like any of them, you could post them here in your group.
I realize that this is a very real problem among the family members who feel left behind during the build/competition seasons. I also think there are positive solutions to the problem.
Jane Young"
–
I feel very strongly about creating positive solutions to difficult problems. By reaching out and networking, it creates opportunities to find those positive solutions and generate energy for strengthening community and team building among those who see themselves outside the community. This could become a ‘team’ of supporters who help strengthen the program on a local level and on an international level by helping each other.
Families of service men and women have provided support at home and abroad - for years. They have channeled their loneliness and frustration into helping each other and others - sometimes, in surprising ways and with amazing results.
Please - let me know how I can help you.
Jane
EDIT: Just a comment. The original post that I have copied here has been deleted several times. It may be a glitch in the system. Apparently the 4 posts can be seen - I just can’t see them. I’ve deleted all but 3 of them. (They were the same post.) *sigh, Jane, Jane, Jane… *
I get your point and wonder about it. But - the fact is, there are plenty of people who would love to help ease the frustration, anger, and loneliness that can come with intense build seasons in FRC. It is also an area that could be developed into a fantastic support program that does good things. If it is just a troll, it is savvy and it is trolling in the wrong FRC community.
Jane
This sounds legit to me. Prior to Christmas I half jokingly asked in a post what I could buy for the “Robotics Widows” in my life. I figure there are many out there. My wife, who I have introduced to Jenny Beatty, and is doing NEMO activities on the RoboBees, thought that the Facebook page was a great idea. If, for some reason, this isn’t legit, my wife - through the RoboBees, and in conjunction with NEMO, would be happy to set something like this up. I agree that this could be a great support program.
Steve
I’ve been thinking that it could be in conjunction with NEMO. I’ve also been thinking that the robotics alliances in the various regions could do things in the off-season to help support families through the build/competition season. Maybe your wife could contact this group and offer to help/work with them. We have the NEMO forum here in CD that would be of benefit in brainstorming and it is definitely legit.
That said/offered, it seems to me that there is a fine line here that should be looked at very closely: the people who are the widows/widowers/orphans - are the people who are key to this. Their voice is very important and they should be given the opportunity to express themselves and to navigate their way towards creative solutions with the support of the NEMO and FRC community.
Jane
Jane ,
not sure why those post didn’t post. i’m going to look to see if there are posting restrictions on FB page. weird
Yes, I like what your saying about being positive and helpful rather than frustrated. I try to control my frustration, but it is hard sometimes. Unfortunately, my husband, the teacher, is the only school staff member on the team and works 7 days a week for the entire build season and each night until well after 9pm … Can’t help but be worried about his health & stress level.