Team Leaders, hopefully, youre moving down the varied paths of the 2021 FRC Season Challenges. Remember if you need help on any of them, please ask. There are team and mentors within the state that can help. Youll see the note below about setting up a mailing list for all mentors, please pass this information along to your team mentors.
Chairman’s Roundtable sessions
FUM is seeking FRC teams that would like to host a Chairman’s roundtable meeting. This will be a virtual version of the Chairman’s roundtable sessions that are held at our regional events where FRC teams obtain feedback on their Chairman’s award submission and/or presentation. Your team will run the session, but FUM will provide infrastructure support (setting up a virtual platform and any other online resources) and get the word out to the FUM community about your session. If you are interested in hosting a session, please contact yoji.shimizu@firstuppermidwest.org.
Mentor Mailing List
To increase the span of regional communications, FUM is building an email list of teams mentors. Currently, the only people receiving regular emails are the Main and Alternate contacts as listed in the FIRST TIMS registration system. The FUM list will only be used for relevant FRC activities and is strictly Opt-in with unsubscribe capabilities. Please pass this link to your mentors (not students) so they can sign up:
FEI FI FO FUM Grants Jan 26th deadline
The FIRST Equity & Inclusion Financing Initiative for FIRST in Upper Midwest (FEI FI FO FUM) Grant will provide FUM FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) teams with funds to implement a project that will make changes to culture and increase the participation and success of underserved, underrepresented and/or vulnerable populations (https://www.firstinspires.org/about/diversityinclusion) in FIRST Robotics in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. Grants will be available between $100 and $1000. Further information is available at https://firstuppermidwest.org/first-in-upper-midwest/diversity-and-inclusion/fum-equity-and-inclusion-grant-december-2020/ and teams can apply at http://bit.ly/fumdeigrant. The application deadline is January 26, 2021
Remote Mentoring Training and Mentor Network
Remote Mentoring with FIRST is a brief simulation training that explores the fundamentals of remote meetings for mentors and coaches. Were all learning new ways to connect and collaborate. The Remote Mentoring with FIRST training helps mentors and coaches adapt to new meeting styles by providing helpful refreshers, resources for further support through remote communications, and an opportunity to learn or practice skills around building a sense of community and providing safe and inclusive environments. The 10-minute training simulation is designed for use by all FIRST Programs. Complete the complimentary training at https://www.firstinspires.org/remote-mentoring-with-first/story.html
If your team is meeting remotely this season, complete the complimentary Remote Mentoring with FIRST training. The 10-minute training simulation is designed for use by all FIRST Programs. Through the Remote Mentoring with FIRST training coaches and mentors can:
· Get tips and tricks to practice skills.
· Explore strategies for practicing Youth Protection guidelines online.
· Use training examples to help you provide better accessibility for your team.
· Develop strategies for your team meetings that best meet your needs and goal.
And dont forget the FIRST Mentor Network and the resources available through that program: https://info.firstinspires.org/mentor-network
SWE Career Panel
Join the Society of Women Engineers at Boston Scientific (SWE@BSC) for a virtual careers panel. Hear from engineers in Design Assurance, Process Development, and Manufacturing about what it is like to be an engineer in the medical device industry. Be sure to bring questions!
Date: January 26, 2021 3:30-4:30pm
Register here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7VQ5SWM
Questions: SWE@bsci.com
Laura Irvine joins FIRST in Upper Midwest Board of Directors
Please join everyone at FUM in welcoming Laura Irvine to our Board of Directors. We’re excited to bring Laura’s perspective as a team alum and multi-program volunteer to the board. Here’s more on her background.
Laura joined FIRST in 2012 on FRC Team 2175, The Fighting Calculators. She then founded FTC Team 8438, with Washington County 4-H in 2014. Laura went on to be a Dean’s List Winner in 2015, and in college was a member of the University of Minnesota Robotics student group where she participated in Ri3D and NASA RMC. A majority of her FIRST volunteering is with FTC where she is a Head Referee, however she also has volunteered at several off season FRC events and is looking forward to volunteering with FRC more in the future! Laura has a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the U of MN and is Process Engineer at Boston Scientific. Laura can be reached at laura.irvine@firstuppermidwest.org.
The Board still has open positions that need to be filled with people from outside the metro area. If you are interested, contact Jane.Peterson@firstuppermidwest.org.
Regards, Mark Lawrence
Chairman, MN FIRST Regional Planning Committee