Promoting Diversity and Inclusion in FIRST Robotics
Fostering diversity and inclusion is integral to empowering all individuals to contribute meaningfully in addressing global challenges and shaping a brighter future. Embracing diverse perspectives leads to better decisions, enhanced performance, and increased opportunities for growth and innovation in the realm of robotics and beyond.
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Presentation Transcript
Mentoring for Diversity and Inclusion in FIRST Andy Baker Chris Fultz 20 year FIRST mentor President of AndyMark, Inc. FRC Team 3940 2003 Championship Woodie Flowers Award winner 16 year FIRST mentor Program Director, Rolls-Royce FRC Team 234 2010 Championship Woodie Flowers Award winner
FIRST Strategic Pillar: Increase Diversity We need kids of all backgrounds, capabilities and social circumstances to contribute and participate in addressing the world s toughest challenges and making the world a better place for future generations. We need input and participation from everyone, and we need to nurture every kid s potential to be a leader and innovator. - Don Bossi, FIRST President
Total Students Total Students FIRST FIRST Students Students Male Male Female Female Jobs in Computer Tech. Jobs in Computer Tech. Jobs in Engineering Jobs in Engineering Male Male Female Female - Courtesy of FIRST
Not Just an Issue in FIRST McKinsey & Co data
Why is Diversity Important? O The right thing to do O Makes for a better and stronger team O More input, better decisions, better performance O Growth and Opportunity for all O Developing and learning behaviors for a modern workforce
Take it to a High Level O Diversity is Inviting Me to the Table, Inclusion is Listening to What I Have to Say
Focus: Gender Equality O Privilege is invisible for those who have it O Equality: It s fair, it s right, it s just O It s good for us: O Highest gender-equal countries have happiest members O Highest gender-equal companies have the happiest workforces O More equal a marriage is, the happier the members are O Men are happier when their relationship with women is equal O Children are happier when both parents share their childcare - Dr. Michael Kimmel, TED talk
Focus: Gender Equality O Gender equality is not a zero sum game for men, but rather a win-win O We cannot fully empower women and girls unless we engage men and boys - Dr. Michael Kimmel, TED talk
Current Causes of Gender Discrimination O Chivalry disguised as sexism O Propagation of gender stereotypes O Example: Holding open the door O Risk-adverse females O They may think FIRST is a new, risky undertaking O Lack of encouragement for minorities from family, teachers, counselors, society O Imposter Syndrome O A feeling of phoniness in people who believe that they are not intelligent, capable or creative despite evidence of high achievement
What We See and Hear O I need you two to be the inspection managers O LRI to two female AndyMark employees who signed up to be robot inspectors. All male volunteers were assigned as robot inspectors. O No, really, what is your role on the team? O Very famous FIRST supporter to an FRC girl who said she was the Lead Mechanical Student. O Let me ____ that for you. O Many male mentors or students, wishing to help a female teammate. O Sally or Lisa, take notes O During a large meeting, Sally and Lisa are the only females in the room. O Two of you guys get the robot, make this part, work on this O Think of other common examples you have seen
What We See and Hear O Encouragement toward girls to be focused on business, marketing, project leadership roles O Encouragement toward boys to be focused on fabrication, design, and programming roles O Boys refuse roles they don t want O Girls reluctantly accept roles teammates won t do O Girls are bullied by males AND females O Lack of female mentors and role models in FIRST
What Can You Do? O Create a Diversity Plan and Plan of Action (example)
What Can You Do? O Acknowledge people have different interests and goals O Work to assure they feel enabled and empowered to achieve O Set Goals Today, 1 Year, 3 Years O What are key changes to accomplish O Example goals O 50-50 Male / Female O 50-50 Captains / Sub-Team Leads / etc. O Representation on All Sub-Teams O Match School Demographic Data next page
What Can You Do? O Re-Think Your Recruiting / Advertising O At Open House, Recruitment Night, Demos O Who is Driving the Robot, Who is Showing of CAD, Who is Passing Out Buttons O Diversity Focused Event O Specific events designed to reach out to other groups in the school O Look at Your Mentors What do you look like? O Be Intentional
What Can You Do? O Be an Ally O Acknowledge stereotypes and Discuss them O Open, Honest, Trusting Dialog O Be aware of your unintentional bias O Realize obstacles students may face and support efforts to overcome them O Create opportunities for growth and development O Encourage risk taking and take a risk
What Can You Do? O Don t Allow Easy Outs O I will just let them do it O I don t know how to do that / I m not good at that O Think About Subtle Jokes / Comments O Examples? O Create a Catch Phrase O Ouch O Always Model the behavior you want for your team O What you do screams at me so loudly, I cannot hear anything you say
What Can You Do? O Look for examples and guidance O Corporate Programs O FIRST Mentoring Videos (coming soon) O TED Talks O Franchesca Ramsey s video blog
Closing O andy@andymark.com O chrisfultz@att.net
