Yeah, I do not for a second believe that this is INTENDED to make things difficult for disadvantaged kids. In fact, I’d recommend contacting FIRST and pointing this out, suggesting that THEY suggest things like meetings in libraries, since not everyone will think of that (I sure hadn’t).
--
Phil Smith III
Coach, The Capital Girls (retired)
Team 1900 (2002)
Team 2497 (2003)
Team 2355 (2004)
Team 1945 (2005)
From: First Lego League in Virginia and DC [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of B Bergenstock
Sent: Wednesday, August 13, 2014 8:30 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [VADCFLL-L] Registration is incredibly convoluted and ridiculous
Heather,
I respectfully disagree. I see new standards as trying to keep our kids safe and believe it's worth it even when it requires more paperwork. Every recreational sporting team in my area requires in person sign ups from all participants, and all coaches go through background checks every year. I see FLL as not creating new standards, but finally keeping pace up with the times.
I certainly understand (first hand) working with disadvantaged team members, but just like in FLL missions, we need to search for creative solutions to our obstacles. Maybe your next FLL meeting could in a public library and have everyone meet near the computers so they can register online as a team. Borrow one of the meeting rooms, have 2 or 3 team building sessions and talk about your meeting schedules. If the libraries are further away then some of your families can get easily on the bus route, tell your situation to the school principal and see if the school library can't be opened for 30 minutes on a Saturday or open for for 30 minutes one evening during a meeting. Or meet where is convenient for you and try to bring a laptop. If that isn't possible, is it possible to meet at any member's home who has internet and then allow each parent in time to register one by one? I'm not saying this is the easiest thing in the world, but FLL's new requirements are not out of line with other national team, scouting or youth group organization. Boys and Girls clubs of America will not allow you to drop off your unregistered child with a random volunteer, and now neither will FLL. There are a number of options around the technical challenge your team faces. I hope you explore what works best for your team, and then be able to refocus your energies on the good you do by bringing STEM knowledge to kids who clearly would not have that advantage without you!
Sincerely,
Brandy B.
Coach of the Electrical Invaders
On Tue, Aug 12, 2014 at 9:04 PM, Heather Quintero <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
I have purchased houses that required less paperwork than this new system.
The worst part of this system is the part where parents have to
receive an online invitation and respond to that invite in order to
place a child on the team. Could FLL make it any clearer that they do
not want children from disadvantaged homes to participate? I am
coaching this year as I have for the past four years, but I am
saddened by this and will look for other programs where the organizers
work to make participation more accessible, not less. FLL has been a
great program, but looks to be changing dramatically.
If you are concerned about these changes, please join me in contacting
FIRST to voice your opinion.
Heather Quintero
Coach of Technical Difficulties
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