FIRST® Core values and FIRST® Tech Challenge
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Discovery: We explore new skills and ideas.
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Innovation: We use creativity and persistence to solve problems.
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Impact: We apply what we learn to improve our world.
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Inclusion: We respect each other and embrace our differences.
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Teamwork: We are stronger when we work together.
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Fun: We enjoy and celebrate what we do!
Gracious Professionalism®
FIRST® Tech Challenge
The term was coined by Dr. Woodie Flowers, (1943 - 2019) Executive Advisory Board Chair Emeritus & Distinguished Advisor.
Gracious Professionalism is part of the ethos of FIRST. It's a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work,
emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community.
Through Gracious Professionalism, fierce competition and mutual gain coexist. Participants compete intensely while treating each other with respect and empathy. There is no trash talking, nor disingenuous platitudes. Knowledge, competition, and empathy are comfortably blended.
Through Gracious Professionalism, the teams and individuals should:
- Learn to become strong opponents while still treat others with kindness and respect
- Avoid making people doubt your ability and become a burden for the team
Coopertition®
Coopertition fosters innovation by promoting unqualified kindness and respect in the face of intense competition.
At FIRST, Coopertition means that teams help and cooperate with each other, even as they compete. It's about
learning from teammates, teaching others, collaborating with mentors, managing and being managed. Coopertition
embodies the spirit of competing while assisting and enabling others whenever possible.
