<![CDATA[THE RAINBOW STEM ALLIANCE - Blog]]>Mon, 29 Jun 2026 04:55:57 -0400Weebly<![CDATA[Day of Belonging - April 17th]]>Wed, 09 Apr 2025 16:13:16 GMThttps://www.therainbowstemalliance.org/blog/day-of-belonging-april-17th The Day of Belonging at the FIRST Championship celebrates diversity, inclusion, and community in the world of STEM. Created by the Rainbow STEM Alliance, Community Driven.

We believe in creating a world where everyone feels seen, valued, and celebrated. We are proud to announce that Thursday, April 17th, will be the Day of Belonging — an event during the FIRST Championship dedicated to fostering a deep sense of inclusion and belonging for all. This day is about creating a space where everyone belongs.

That starts with celebrating what makes you unique. By expressing our individuality, we can help create a collective sense of belonging where everyone feels seen and celebrated. We invite everyone at the FIRST Championship to express themselves in a way that represents who they are. This celebration of self-expression helps build a vibrant, inclusive community within the FIRST Championship. 

Creating a sense of belonging also requires community. By connecting with others around you, we help create a stronger community where everyone feels supported and valued. We encourage teams to connect and network at the FIRST Championship and celebrate the spirit of collaboration that makes our STEM community thrive.

If you or your team would like to show support for the LGBTQ+ community, the Rainbow STEM Alliance encourages teams to wear the pride-branded versions of their team shirts on Thursday, April 17th.

We invite all participants, mentors, and attendees to join us in fostering a sense of community, respect, and belonging where everyone can thrive and feel empowered to contribute to the future of STEM through the entire event, not just this one day.

Author

Rae S. (they/them/theirs) President - The Rainbow STEM Alliance

]]><![CDATA[Support LGBTQ+ Youth at the FIRST Championship]]>Wed, 09 Apr 2025 16:05:21 GMThttps://www.therainbowstemalliance.org/blog/support-lgbtq-youth-at-the-first-championshipFIRST is partnering with Tony's Place, a Houston-based organization. The mission of Tony’s Place is to support and empower local LGBTQ+ youth. We are asking our FIRST community to help their mission by donating new supplies. The items needed can be packed along with you on your way to Houston! 

The necessities requested are:
    Slides/Sandals/Flip-flops – All sizes
    Undergarments – New and in original packaging
        Masculine style – Trunks, Boxer Briefs, and Boxers in all sizes
        Feminine style – All undergarments in all sizes
    Protective hair coverings – New and in original packaging
        Durag style
        Silk hair bonnets

We are so excited to have this opportunity to support youth in Houston! You can drop off your donated supplies in Room 350 C onsite at the George R. Brown Convention Center on Wednesday, April 16th from 9am-5pm CT and Thursday, April 17th from 9am-2pm CT.

Check out this link for more information. Thank you for your support!
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