Flux Core: Dare to Care

A Challenge Presented by the Class of 2011

The 16th of May, 2011

Welcome, inquisitive young member of this FIRST Robotics Team. I congratulate you on discovering this page. You clearly have the incentive that will be necessary to complete my goals.

This past year, Team Flux Core has made huge strides in its fundraising efforts, succeeding in its drive to become self-sufficient. Team organization has been resolved and there was not one over-nighter in this season's attempt to finish the robot. Flux Core is stilll primarily student run and is on its way to being a champion team.

Now I present you with a new challenge: care.

You may be aware that Nottingham High School has few service organizations surviving recent budget cuts; indeed, the only self-proclaimed one is National Honor Society, which only select seniors are invited to join. You may also be aware that FIRST celebrates empathy, grace, and service in the community. Flux Core has held several environment-awareness programs in the attempt to make an impact outside of the school. However, the team has never held events that can be truly characterized as "community service."

So I challenge you to begin annual Flux Core programs involving the team in volunteering. Teach Flux Core how to care. Volunteer at the soup kitchen; show the robot to disadvantaged or disabled children; start a FIRST Lego League Team. There are many causes in this community to attack. Mere blocks from the school are elementary schools that are crumbling in both contruction and education. Down the street is a nursing home housing many (presumably) lonely senior citizens. Scattered throughout the district are people with physical, mental, and emotional difficulties, who need a helping hand. Across the world are counties similar to ours, only where the people are persecuted, starve, or fall to natural disasters. There are many people and places where help is needed. Whatever you choose to do, spread the values of FIRST and make the world a better place.

This will offer members of the team an opportunity to volunteer and appeal more to colleges. It will also shed an even brighter light on Flux Core and Nottingham High School within the community. In respect of this challenge, I expect to find increasing recognition for the team in newspapers across the county, and more caring and empathetic individuals involved on Flux Core.

I dare you to care.

Good luck.

Sincerely,

Code name: Webmaster