Values of FIRST
FIRST broadcasts a message of Gracious Professionalism and Coopertition. In both of these values, students are encouraged to cooperate with their team members and rivals. Just because FIRST hosts competitions doesn't mean you should be uncivil or unhelpful to your fellow competitors. Students are encouraged to lend a helping hand wherever they can, to listen and converse respectively with their mentors, and to respect the values of others. Indeed, these values encourage students that "fierce competition and mutual gain are not separate notions," and act "with integrity and sensitivity." No one is a loser.
Gracious Professionalism
"Gracious Professionalism" is a term coined by Woodie Flowers of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Under Gracious Professionalism, teams compete fiercely but are still respectful and kind. "Knowledge, competition, and empathy are comfortably blended" to create a fulfilling and enriching environment for everyone involved. It is simply the fact that you don't have to be rude or arrogant or unhelpful to other competing teams. You can reach the same - indeed, higher - level of satisfaction simply by keeping overwrought competitiveness to a minimum, and instead enjoying the competition for your own sake without insulting others.
Coopertition
Coopertition takes Gracious Professionalism a step further. It certifies that teams can display kindness and helpfulness to their fellows to ensure a positive environment for everyone. Teams "can and should help and cooperate with each other even as they compete."
Learn from teammates.
Teach teammates.
Learn from mentors.
Teach mentors.
Manage.
Be managed.
Compete.
Assist and enable whenever you can.
Teams in the FIRST Robotics Competition are professionals at these values. In part because of the possibility of being allied with floundering teams, and in part because members truly feel the empathy these messages attempt to create, FIRST teams are always willing to lend a helping hand. Teams allow other teams to borrow parts, members, or mentors when facing conflicts; a helping hand is lent whenever it is sought; FIRST members think before they act and consider the feelings and well-being of other teams.
