How can I persuade my school to change the name of our robotics club to a robotics team?
To provide some background, I’m a senior at a high school in Louisiana, and I’m currently leading our VRC competitive team. While we rank among the top teams in the state, we’re the only group in our parish that isn’t classified as a “team.”
As a result, the only significant limitation my coach has set is a steep entrance fee. This means that any high school or even middle school student can join if they can afford it.
I firmly believe in making robotics accessible to younger students, but it’s frustrating to see talented members leave and be replaced by new students who might not prioritize robotics. Here are some key issues with our current robotics “club”:
– Overcrowding
Our club has become too large. We initially used our cafeteria as a workspace for building robots, but we’ve since been moved to a cramped 30×18 foot classroom to accommodate the powerlifting team. With an average of five people per team, it’s nearly impossible to get work done during robotics class. Ironically, the only reason it’s manageable is that only about six members consistently attend practices. This trend highlights that many of the 30-plus members lack a genuine interest in robotics.
– Parts Shortages
For those unfamiliar with VEX, our robots are fully student-built, requiring significant effort and resources. It’s no surprise that parts originally intended for two teams in our first competitive year are now stretched thin across six teams. Additionally, most of our funding comes from our two coaches, who often have to fund necessary items like pneumatic kits ($300 each) out of their own pockets.
– Funding
Building and managing teams is a complex task, with each team needing about $1,000 or more. The fees paid by students barely cover team entry costs for events—especially since my team is traveling to Auburn, Alabama, which costs around $600. Currently, we receive some funding through grants from select sponsors who appreciate our work in robotics. However, having our club recognized as a team would make accessing fundraising opportunities within the school much easier, alleviating some financial burden from our coaches, who volunteer extra time without pay to support the dedicated teams.
I’m not suggesting that the school or fundraising should solely bear the costs—sport coaches don’t have that luxury either. Instead, I’m advocating for a system that provides both students and teachers more reliable funding opportunities.
If my proposal to reclassify the robotics club is successful, we would be able to hold tryouts to ensure that only committed students remain, helping us identify those who genuinely want to compete at a high level. This change would not only address overcrowding but also ensure that connected teams get adequate funding to maximize their potential.
Now, I seek your advice on how to approach this proposal. I haven’t discussed it with my coaches yet, so I would appreciate any tips, critiques, or suggestions on how to navigate this process. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts!
It sounds like you have a strong case for advocating for a name change from “robotics club” to “robotics team,” and your passion for improving the program is evident. Here are some steps and strategies to help you effectively propose this change to your school administration:
1. Gather Support: Start by discussing your idea with your team members and other interested students. Get their perspectives on the proposed change and encourage them to express their support. Consider creating a petition to show the administration that there is a collective desire for the change.
2. Present Clear Benefits: When proposing the name change, clearly outline the benefits. For instance:
– Enhanced Commitment: Describe how the term “team” reflects a more committed and serious approach to robotics, encouraging dedicated students to join.
– Improved Funding Opportunities: Emphasize how being classified as a team could lead to increased access to funding and resources provided by the school, which would reduce the financial burden on coaches.
– Structured Competition: Explain how establishing tryouts can create an environment where motivated students can thrive, fostering a healthier competitive spirit.
3. Address Concerns: Be prepared to address potential concerns from your coaches or administration. For example:
– Inclusivity: Reassure them that your plan does not exclude anyone from participating—students who want to join can still try out.
– Resource Management: Discuss how the new structure would actually help manage resources more effectively, alleviating the issues of overcrowding and parts shortages.
4. Create a Formal Proposal: Write a formal proposal to present to your coaches and the administration. Include:
– An introduction outlining the current situation.
– A summary of your experiences and observations.
– A detailed rationale for the name change.
– Possible solutions and strategies to implement the changes needed for the new team structure.
5. Set Up a Meeting: Request a meeting with your coaches and school administrators to present your proposal in person. Be respectful and open to feedback during this meeting. Listen to their concerns and be ready to adapt your ideas based on their input.
6. Highlight Success Stories: Provide examples from other schools where transitioning from a club to a team has resulted in better performance, funding, and student engagement. This could strengthen your argument by showing that you’re building on proven models.
7. Be Persistent, Yet Patient: Change takes time, and it may require multiple discussions to bring your vision to fruition. Stay dedicated to your cause and continue to seek feedback and support throughout the process.
8. Foster a Positive Culture: As ongoing efforts take place, promote a culture of teamwork, collaboration, and innovation within your current club structure. This atmosphere can build momentum for the proposed changes and showcase the benefits of being a qualified “team.”
By taking these steps, you will create a compelling case for renaming your robotics club to a robotics team, improving both the experience for current members and the future of the program as a whole. Good luck!