1086bluecheese

Over the last year and a half, since our team began using Slack as its primary method of online team communications, Blue Cheese has experienced some grate improvements! Using Slack, we encourage team-wide collaboration and discussion that was previously impossible. We have created channels for different subject and specialty areas, others for student leadership and mentors, and more for general discussion and announcements. The format also makes it easy to direct message individual members of the team when required, without looking up email addresses. We can discuss topics relating to specific matters or open discussions to the whole team. We even use it at competitions to get information out to all team members regardless of their location, using their mobile app.

Slack has additional utility as a file sharing platform. We post forms, videos, graphics files, and more. We are able to take quick polls to see who plans to attend an event. During a recent social media contest, the app automatically reminded everyone once every 24 hours to go vote for our team's submission. Events from our Google Calendar are posted to Slack as well.

Slack not only accommodates professional conversation, but also gives us a way to communicate with team members in things not related to robotics at all. Fun off-topic channels keep the team engaged and forge connections between teammates. This casual conversation improves our synergy as a team and provides a great medium for sharing our love of FIRST!

We have also found that Slack is a Gouda way to keep our alumni engaged with the team. They can keep up with our activities, offer suggestions, share their news, and just stay connected with their friends.

If you are a nonprofit or an educational organization, you may be eligible for special pricing. We are able to use it for free so the value has just been amazing for us.