A term that we've coined over the last few years is "Robot Season". Most people in the country get a funny look on their face and laugh when they hear this because FIRST is still the best-kept secret in education and workforce development. 

With social distancing we simply have not been able to be as visible this year - a truth that affects the entire future-facing global FIRST community. Keeping the fires of inspiration lit and bright is still one of the most important things we can do right now. Renaissance supporters and teams alike can help keep the community thinking about FIRST and the future are fundraising and virtual volunteering. 

Fundraising helps companies and individuals become aware of FIRST and Renaissance Jax/CFL supported programs and will help your team last and play hard for years into the future. As you refine your pitch and make your calls to raise funds, suggest that one of your donors reach out to us to become an event volunteer so they can see what our programs do for students. Make sure that you are showing the true value of FIRST by contrasting the skills learned on your team with what can be learned from other after-school programs. All companies need students to gain skills and individuals who support youth development love to hear about student outcomes. 

Consider making a donation to us or signing up to be a virtual volunteer at our upcoming events. Your support directly impacts our 2,000 students across 28 counties not only for this Robot Season, but their future. 

 

When I think Robot Season, I know that from the time school starts all the way until March and April, FIRST teams and volunteers are out in the community, highly visible as they promote their work through presentations, fundraising, outreach events, mentoring other FIRST teams, and generally being a vibrant and new opportunity in our Northeast and Central Florida communities. 

For those teams still having a Robot Season this year, I thank you - it is so important to keep growing, playing, learning, skilling up, and building a better future together. Make sure to help your friends who didn't get a chance to participate this year by working to get them on teams for the Off-Season that will have events later in the spring. 

Looking forward to seeing all the robots runs and video submissions for this season and hearing stories of amazing fundraising ideas and those times when the ideas just clicked and worked better than anyone thought.

With a hopeful eye for the future - catch you all soon. 

Mark McCombs