A newsletter for FIRST Chesapeake volunteers
September 2021

Welcome to the
2021-2022 season!
In this issue...
  • Volunteer Town Hall
  • Power of Volunteering
  • FTC Kickoff
  • Volunteer Spotlight and Volunteer Open House Info
  • Conversations for Change
  • Notes from the Field
Save the date for the FIRST Volunteer Town Hall

We are still finalizing event details and dates for the 2021-2022 season.

We invite all FIRST program volunteers to join us for a Virtual FIRST Volunteer Town Hall on Sept 21st at 6:00pm to learn more about event plans and safety protocols.

Leadership from FLL Explore, FLL Challenge, FTC, and FRC will be present.

Do you have specific questions? You can submit queries beforehand- click here to submit. There will also be time for real-time Q&A during the Town Hall.

NOTE: A Virtual Volunteer Open House will also be offered in early October. This Open House will provide details regarding program-specific volunteer opportunities for the upcoming season, as well as an opportunity to ask questions of veteran key volunteers.

"Volunteers are happier, more fulfilled, and have lower rates of depression later in life than people who don't volunteer. Volunteering leads to increased life satisfaction."
-Projecthelping.org

FTC Kickoff

FREIGHT FRENZY is coming- the FIRST Tech Challenge season Kickoff is Saturday, September 18th! The FIRST Chesapeake Virtual Kickoff Show Sponsored by InSource Solutions can be viewed here 12:00pm- 2:00pm. Everyone is encouraged to tune in to the broadcast.

FIRST Chesapeake is also hosting the FTC Kickoff, Game Reveal, and Meet the Field Sponsored by InSource Solutions at 3 limited in-person locations around the District.

Role: Judge Queuer
Do you like interacting with both the teams and the Judges? Are you comfortable navigating in Zoom? This is the role for you!

Judge Queuers are responsible for managing the Zoom interviews; helping students get to the correct breakout rooms and answer questions. Judging takes place on both Saturday and Sundays, shifts available for both or just one day. 
Rohit Narayanan, 2021 Alumni Ambassador
and Judge Queuer

Want to learn more about this role? Be sure to come to the Volunteer Open House on Saturday October 2nd.

FIRST Chesapeake is proud to present a three-part series, sponsored by Qualcomm, that is designed to help deliver a truly inclusive experience to teams and fellow volunteers. The goal of this series is to build happier, healthier, and more innovative teams through strategies that capitalize upon the unique skills and experiences of each individual. 

  • Each virtual session offers interactive and practical learning while also providing tools and resources to address change, support inclusive leadership, disrupt unconscious bias, and develop strategies on how to become an effective ally.
  • All sessions are offered at no charge to current or potential FIRST volunteers in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia, and all mentors and volunteers are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. 

~Two sessions are still available~
  • September 18th, 10:00am-12:00pm - "Conversations for Change: Exploring race in robotics"
  • October 16th, 10:00am-12:00pm - "Conversations for Change: Having PRIDE in robotics"
Welcome back volunteers! 

We are looking forward to another hybrid FIRST Tech Challenge season. What exactly is a hybrid event? In a hybrid event, judging is done remotely via Zoom calls, while teams compete in person at smaller events depending on the current health restrictions in the area. 

Wondering where you fit into this? You can ask all your questions at the Volunteer Town Hall on September 21st. I am also available and love to hear from our volunteers-- feel free to give me a call or send an email.


Director Volunteer and Community Engagement
Assistant Director of Programs
804-380-5165
Please pass this newsletter on to other people who might be interested in volunteering with FIRST Chesapeake. To subscribe to the newsletter, just fill out this form.
FIRST Chesapeake | volunteer@firstchesapeake.org