Listen to the episode: [musicsingle file=”https://www.thevillargroup.com/ftcteam6024/wp-content/uploads/captains-log-4-crystal-catastrophe.mp3″]
Tip #1 is that outreach is just as important as any other aspect of FIRST, if not more so! You need to put a lot of time into it. It’s a good idea to have at least one person in charge of outreach coordination!
Tip #2 is to have a large variety of different types of outreach, not just to pigeonhole yourself with one project. You should not only reach out to the public, but to the engineering community and even other teams. Start with, look up engineering events happening in your area or talk to engineers that you or your friends know. For example, I joined SWE, or the Society of Women Engineers, and also periodically attend National Defense Industry Association, or NDIA conferences. Going to these events and talking to engineers could help you get a great mentor, some funding, or get more volunteers involved in FIRST. You’d be surprised what engineers know– they could not only give you design tips for your robot, but help you organize your team and maximize your work output. Get the word out there, guys, and along the way you’re gonna meet some talented and experienced people who can help you better your team. Remember not to just talk to engineers though. Reaching out to the general public and raising awareness about robotics is equally important. Our team mainly does this through robotics camps and this radio show! However, in December a couple of team members are traveling to India and doing outreach at a children’s home!
Tip #3 This also ties into fundraising, as we raise money through the camps and by contacting potential sponsors. There are plenty of other ways to reach out to the community too, including FTC’s Promote Video! And in previous years, my team has held everything from bakesales to concerts- so get creative, and mix up fundraising, talking to the community, and having a good time!
Tip #4 Don’t forget to reach out to other teams within the FIRST community. Networking is important in both FIRST and in real world engineering. Go to scrimmages and hook up with other teams to practice! Or have your own radio show!
Tip #5 You can also mentor an FLL or Jr. FLL team, as Jamie does, or try to help people get their own FTC team started. It’s a good teaching experience and spreads the “FIRST fever”!
To Summarize
Tip 1 is to realize outreach is very important and to put plenty of time into it.
Tip 2 is to partake in a variety of different outreach. This includes the engineering community, the public, and other FIRST teams.You can attend engineering events or join groups, hold bake sales, camps, or email people, or even mentor or start your own team! Get creative! And don’t forget to incorporate your theme into it and document everything in your engineering journal.
Tip #3 is to fundraise
Tip #4 Reach out to the community
Tip #5 Mentoring other teams is a good teaching experience and spreads FIRST.
For more tips & tricks, listen to our radio show, Captain’s Log, every other Sunday at 7:00 PM.
http://mixlr.com/captains-log–2/