Thanks for reading

Hey FCCLA'ers!

It's been a fun year publishing this blog. The 2012-2013 National Executive Council and I have enjoyed getting to share so many great things with you through it, and we hope that you have enjoyed reading as well. Huge shout-out goes to all of our followers and viewers - you guys are truly the best. It's been an honor to represent you, and be sure to continue spreading the red into the new year!

                                                                                             In FCCLA Spirit,
                                                                                            Linsey Armstrong
                                                              2012-2013 National Vice-President of Public Relations

Why We're Excited for NLC: 3

"I'm excited for mingling with the members, the invigorating workshops, and the amazing friendships that are going to be made."
                                 -Marquis Johnson, National Vice-President of Parliamentary Law

"I am most excited to hear about all the National Programs at NLC. I really enjoy hearing members discuss their STAR event or Community Service project. It makes me so happy and honored to know that FCCLA is made up of such dedicated and passionate members who are making a difference across the nation."
                               -Magda Hernandez, National Vice-President of Community Service

"I'm excited for the memories, adventure and helping members discover their voice!"
                              -Ashley Labrum, National Vice-President of Programs

"I can't wait to see how big of an impact FCCLA can make in Nashville; whether it be blowing up social media with #FCCLANLC, raising tons of money for Share Our Strength, collecting a large amount of supplies for the LP Pencil Box or seeing a sea of red take over the Gaylord Opryland."
                             -Linsey Armstrong, National Vice-President of Public Relations

Why We're Excited for NLC: 2

"To see the leadership development every member will go through during our time in Nashville."
                                -Chandler Classen, National Vice-President of Development

"I can't wait to see all the members Discover their Voices! With so many opportunities from Competitive Events to general sessions, I hope everyone leaves Nashville with new passions and ideas!"
                                 -Ashley Faulkner, National Vice-President of Finance

"I'm excited to mingle with members of FCCLA and to have them truly discover the Ultimate Leadership Experience."
                                 -Skylar Borchardt, National Vice-President of Competitive Events

Why We're Excited for NLC: 1

This starts a series of posts with reasons why the 2012-2013 National Executive Council is excited for the National Leadership Conference!

"There are obviously a million reasons to be stoked for NLC but I'm excited about meeting members! FCCLA members are the most diverse, fun, interesting group of people I've ever been around. Meeting my peers from across the nation who share a love of FCCLA? That's pretty awesome!"                         
                                                       -Caleb Hearon, Vice-President of Membership

"I'm excited to watch FCCLA members Discover Their Voice throughout the conference by participating in exhibits, running in the Run4Red 5K and networking with FCCLA members from all over the country."
                                                         -Justin Hess, First Vice President

"I'm excited for FCCLA members to experience the best leadership conference! I'm excited to see people leave and want more."                               
                                                         -Elliot Johnson, President

Share Our Strength 3

Check and see how our last three remaining officers participated in Share Our Strength throughout the school year!

One way Chillicothe FCCLA promoted Share Our Strength was by utilizing FCCLA Week. We encouraged everybody to wear orange and learn about the organization. Through increasing awareness about SOS, we got students at CHS excited about making a difference! Ending child hunger in America by 2015 is the goal and CHS FCCLA is working hard to make it happen!

                                                                -Caleb Hearon, Vice-President of Membership

The Nashville Junior High School FCCLA chapter held a Share Our Strength bake sale for each holiday with the help of National Officer, Marquis Johnson. They raised over $2,150.

                                                                -Marquis Johnson, Vice-President of Parliamentary Law

The Lichtfield chapter volunteered with a food distribution at Zion Lutheran Church for families that don’t always know where their next meal is coming from. They also took part in “Hunger 101,” an educational workshop which gives examples of real world hunger situations in Meeker County.

                                                                -Skylar Borchardt, Vice-President of Competitive Events

National Outreach Annual Onsite Opportunity

Hey FCCLA'ers! 

With only a little over a month left until the National Leadership Conference, we are all super excited. What a better time to give back than when FCCLA members across the nation are all together? This year's national onsite partner will be the PENCIL Foundation. It is a free school supply store for educators that provides learning materials for impoverished students in metropolitan Nashville Public Schools. They are able to provide educational and art supplies through the support of local businesses, organizations and individuals throughout the year.

PENCIL Foundation is a partnership between the Nashville business community and the city's public schools. Many students come to school without the supplies they need to learn because their families are struggling financially. Teachers spend their own money each year on classroom supplies. By donating, students further their education.

The onsite outreach opportunity truly allows the organization to make a large impact. However, it's up to each of you to bring items and really encourage others to do the same. Start collecting supplies now, and don't forget to pack them for the National Leadership Conference! Let's show Nashville how much of a difference FCCLA can make!

                                         - Magda Hernandez, VP of Community Service

For more information on what to pack and to see a brief tour of the PENCIL Foundation and what the NEC did when volunteering in January, check out the video below!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pg7B88f1awA

OK Tornadoes: How You Can Help!

At 3:00p.m. on Monday, May 20, 2013 the lives of people in Moore, Oklahoma were changed forever as the place they called home was destroyed by a tornado. Oklahoma FCCLA is collecting monetary donations for the Red Cross. They will make one lump sum donation to the Red Cross on June 10, 2013. Let’s all come together as an organization and help our friends in Oklahoma during their tragic loss. Please make checks payable to Oklahoma FCCLA. Please write “Disaster Relief” in the memo line of the check. Checks can be mailed to Oklahoma FCCLA, 1500 W. Seventh Ave., Stillwater, OK 74074.  Thank you all for your help during this time of need.Here are some safety tips in case a natural disaster was to ever occur in your area.

• Prepare for tornadoes by gathering emergency supplies including food, water, medications, batteries, flashlights, important documents, road maps, and a full tank of gasoline.
• When a tornado approaches, anyone in its path should take shelter indoors—preferably in a basement or an interior first-floor room or hallway.
• Avoid windows and seek additional protection by getting underneath large, solid pieces of furniture.
• Avoid automobiles and mobile homes, which provide almost no protection from tornadoes.
• Those caught outside should lie flat in a depression or on other low ground and wait for the storm to pass.

If you have any questions, or want to know more ways that you can get involved, please contact me at jhess@fcclainc.org.

Staying Involved

If any of you graduating seniors are like me, you’re sad about leaving behind this amazing organization as you move on to the next chapter of your life. While it will be hard to say goodbye to my student membership, I am excited to continue down my path of leadership and put all of the amazing skills that FCCLA has given me into good use. Little tidbits of knowledge such as showing up early to an interview, how to dress professionally, and the mechanics of a proper handshake are just a few of the many things I can thank FCCLA for teaching me. I know the experiences I’ve had, the people I’ve met and the skills I have developed through this organization will follow me into my future endeavors. I am so thankful to have been impacted by FCCLA and want to continue to stay involved with it, even after graduation. If you are still in the same boat with me, don’t worry – there are plenty of opportunities to stay active!

1)      Join Alumni & Associates! Check out http://fcclaalumni.org/ for more information on how to register and become connected to loads of fellow alumni. There are lots of new things with A&A, including an official council, new marketing/membership campaign (Beyond the Red) and more – all for your enjoyment! PS – if you’re a graduating senior, you can use the following discount code when registering for Alumni and Associates – “SNRS-1”

2)      Help out your chapter! Come back and participate in fundraisers, help prepare STAR participants or serve as an interviewer for chapter elections!

3)      Stay active on the state level! Successful conferences greatly depend on the hard work of volunteers. Talk to your state staff about judging STAR events, running the FCCLA store, or helping fill registration packets

4)      Keep up to date with the national organization. Judging STAR events at NLC, presenting workshops at Cluster and NLC, donating money to scholarship funds, and applying to be a part of the Leadership Training Team are just a few of the many ways you can continue to give back to FCCLA!

Again, the above examples are just a couple of ways you can get involved. Talk to your advisers, state staff and check out the national website for more information. Don’t forget to spread the word about these awesome opportunities and help more people stay connected to the Ultimate Leadership Experience!

                                                             -Linsey Armstrong, National Vice-President of Public Relations

It Can Wait

The dangers of texting and driving are a hot topic right now, especially with today’s younger generation. You can join FCCLA and AT&T as they work together to stop distracted driving through the It Can Wait Campaign. The FCCLA It Can Wait panel has lots of great resources available to chapters to get involved. Members, advisers, alumni and more can take the No Text On Board pledge, download the AT&T resources kit, take surveys and participate in new contests where you can win money for your school! For more information, check out the National website: www.fcclainc.org >> Programs >> FACTS – Families Acting for Community Traffic Safety >> It Can Wait Campaign.

                                                                            -Marquis Johnson, National FCCLA Vice-President of Parliamentary Law and It Can Wait Youth Panel member

GYTSM

FCCLA members! Did you know that on average 47 teens every summer weekend die due to distracted driving related crashes? It's officially May which means it is Global Youth Traffic Safety Month. Our partner, the National Organizations for Youth Safety, have done a great job educating our nation about this epidemic. But there is still more that needs to be done! We need YOUR help spreading awareness about GYTSM and the issue of distracted driving. So join help us make some NOYS noise and promote Global Youth Traffic Safety Month this month on social media and by word of mouth! Together we can spark a change and save lives.
                                                                   -Elliot Johnson, National President

SLC Recaps

Elliot Johnson, President

Iowa, Oklahoma, South Dakota

Although I was plagued by the flu from attending Georgia's SLC and stopped by winter weather from going to Ohio's and Minnesota's SLC, I was honored to attend Iowa's and Oklahoma's State Conferences! The conferences were filled with eager leaders who were doing amazing things in their states. Being able to witness the hard work the members put together for their communities was a true testament to why FCCLA is the ultimate leadership experience! I am attending the conference of my home state in South Dakota this weekend and can't wait to see all the members this summer in Nashville, Tennessee!

Elliot speaking at a general session.

Justin Hess, First Vice President

Virginia

I had the honor of assisting the 2012-2013 Virginia FCCLA State Executive Council and state staff plan an Extraordinary State Leadership and Recognition Conference held in the beautiful city of Virginia Beach. The 2013 SLRC had over 1, 300 members, advisers and special guest getting a Reality Check. The state officers conducted entertaining general sessions as they created a Virginia FCCLA reality show.

Justin and the VA State Executive Council.

Magda Hernandez, Vice-President of Community Service

Texas

The Texas State Leadership conference had over 4,000 attendees. Many were excited to participate in competitive events, LEOs, and different member mixers. Through great speakers, participants were able to discover that they too can be leaders.

Skylar Borchardt, Vice-President of Competitive Events

Minnesota

The Minnesota State Conference was a memorable one with being blasted with over 8 inches of snow!  The over 1,000 attendees made this conference worthwhile.  Minnesota had a teen bulking prevention summit with Craig Scott of Rachel's Challenge as a featured speaker.  Craig shared is inspiring and motivating message to all which attracted press from around the state at legislators! The new state officer team was also elected, good luck to them!

Members of the 2013-2014 MN State Executive Council.

Skylar and the 2013-2014 MN State President, Ethan Dressen.

Chandler Classen, Vice-President of Development

Delaware, Nebraska, Minnesota

On March 25th I was able to fly to Delaware for their State Conference in Dover. Throughout the conference I was able to present workshops on topics ranging from, promoting FCCLA to the 4 Keys of Confidence, and running for office. I was also able to present a keynote address on the importance of following your passion and not taking “no” for an answer.  I was able to meet with many students and talk about the impact of FCCLA and the importance of CTE and CTSO’s.

At the Nebraska State Leadership Conference, I spoke at general sessions, presented a workshop on the 4 Keys of Confidence and assisted with the FCCLA Knowledge Bowl.

On April 11th and 12th I was able to attend the Minnesota FCCLA State Leadership Conference. Throughout my time there I presented a workshop on promoting FCCLA and how to develop leadership skills. I was also able to conduct a networking session and met with hundreds of members throughout the state. In Minnesota I was also a part of the opening general session and skit.

Throughout all of the state conferences I attended I was able to meet hundreds of members, and encourage some of them to do take the next step in FCCLA and Discover their Voice.

Ashley Faulkner, Vice-President of Finance

Florida, Pennsylvania, West Virginia

I had an amazing time attending State Conferences and meeting tons of members! I got to attend the Florida State Leadership Conference in sunny Orlando, Florida! Alongside the amazing weather, I got to discover FCCLA: The Best Kept Secret!  I was so excited to give the welcome amongst their 800 awesome attendees. Their keynote speaker, Scott Backovich literally made me laugh until I cried. In the Snowy Mountains of Seven Springs with Pennsylvania FCCLA I got a #realitycheck at Leadercon!  They had 500 attendees who all discovered their super power! I presented a workshop on running for office and had the pleasure of introducing the state officers! Kent Julian, the keynote speaker, was the master of Simon Says. In my home state of West Virginia, our State Meeting was held at Cedar Lakes, the FCCLA FFA camp where we found our Incredible Leadership! I presented two workshops, one on National Outreach Projects and one on paying it forward. It was great being in the place that my journey started! Thank you to Florida, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia's state officers and members for making me feel like a part of their family!

Ashley giving the welcome in Florida.

Ashley and two new FL State Officers.

Ashley with two new PA State Officers and State President.

Ashley and the WV State Council.

Caleb Hearon, Vice-President of Membership

Indiana, Missouri

In March I was privileged enough to attend the Indiana State Conference in Indianapolis! We strolled down the red carpet of leadership and it was lights, camera, action the whole weekend! The conference was very impressive which is no surprise based on the quality of state officers and staff that I met. The passion for FCCLA and Family and Consumer Sciences is definitely alive and well in Indiana to say the least!

At the 2013 Missouri FCCLA SLC the Mission was Possible! Close to 2,000 MO FCCLA members gathered to celebrate leadership and have some fun. The state officers put on a wonderful show as usual and the state staff/advisers gave 110% to make this conference incredible! I loved being at my last Missouri conference and my incredible state association did not disappoint!

Marquis Johnson, Vice-President of Parliamentary Law

Arkansas, Kentucky

I had a great time at my home state, the Arkansas State Leadership Conference. The State Executive Council was awesome to work with. The theme was Explore your Horizons with Arkansas FCCLA.

The other conference I attended was in Kentucky. It was also amazing the Kentucky delegation. They were so hospitable they treated me as their own. There were about 900 or so members were in attendance. Their theme was Adventures in Kentucky Leaderland.

Ashley Labrum, Vice-President of Programs

Wyoming, Colorado, Utah

Wyoming: SURVIVOR! Members had a blast as they competed in a “quiz FCCLA bowl” test the state officers had put together. All members got together outside as we made the BIGGEST assembly line known to man to help with the on-site serve. As the night was late to the old ones, but young to the kids we had a blast at the “Fun Night!” We played on blow up toys, minute to win it games, ate food, and then, we all watch the doogle ball game! It cost $1 to play and the money is going to March of Dimes.

Everyone did an outstanding in there STAR Events and the workshops were well attend. Plus, who doesn’t love WY? It’s cowboys and cowgirls!

Colorado: Lights! Camera! Action! What a conference.

•             Did your chapter do a National Program? If they did, join us at the V.I.P party!

•             Need a great keynote speaker? We had one! Scott Bachovich.

•             Need a change of heart? Go to any of the many workshops prepared just for you!

•             Don’t forget the dance- WOOOT!

•             State Officers all have Ipads on stage with their lines on them? High tech right here in Colorado.

                                                                                

Utah: Pack your Bag!

Members came ready to pack their bag to the future as they learned new leadership skills with the activities the State Officers had planned for the two days. Members were able to attend workshops, sing and dance their heart out, and watch very funny skits! Utah had an outstanding number of applications for State Officers this year.

Everyone had a blast and did really well in there STAR Events! I had a ton of fun at all the conferences and I would come back any day!

Ashley with her State Adviser and a member sporting FCCLA gear.

Linsey Armstrong, Vice-President of Public Relations

Nebraska, Washington

I attended the Nebraska State Leadership Conference on April 7-9^th. I had a great time bonding with the state council, as well as meeting the new group of officers. I served as Lead Honorary Conference Assistant, spoke at general sessions, and presented a workshop on Spread the Red. About 1,500 members were in attendance, with over 600 STAR event participants. “Lights, Camera, Take Action” was a great theme for the fun conference!

On April 10-12^th, I flew to Wenatchee, Washington, for their state conference. I had an amazing time in the Apple Capital of the World! I enjoyed bonding with their amazing State Executive Council, keynoting at their second general session, and presenting the Spread the Red session. Other fun things included the mixer, dance and STAR awards banquet! Over 600 members got to experience “#realitycheck – Check Yourself into Leadership!”

Linsey with her two successors for the position of NE State President.

Chandler and Linsey with newly elected NE State Officer, Alicia Hamling.

Linsey and members of the WA State Executive Council.

                                                   

Linsey and Garrhett Petrea, 2013-2014 WA State President.

                                                     

Alumni Spotlight - Lane Swedberg

Hey everyone! My name is Lane Swedberg and FCCLA has had a huge impact on my life! I know it sounds cliché, but that statement could not be any truer. First, I better start by introducing myself.

As I said, my name is Lane and I am from a small town in southwest Nebraska known as Wallace. I grew up on my family’s farm just north of town with my four brothers, sister, and my parents. I graduated in May of 2011 in a small class of just eighteen students, and now I currently attend Chadron State College in Chadron, Nebraska. I am a Secondary Math Education major with a minor in Music. Here at Chadron, I work as a Student Ambassador giving tours to prospective students and as a math tutor for the college helping other students with their College Algebra homework. I am also a Resident Advisor in my residence hall where I put on programs throughout the semester to get students out of their dorm rooms and involved on campus. On top of that, I am involved in EVERYTHING, including student government, numerous clubs, and the CSC Campus Activities Board. My involvement in all of these extra programs is all thanks to the leadership skills that I have gained through FCCLA.

When I was a freshman in high school, I was looking for ways to get involved to build up my résumé. I signed up for FCCLA because my siblings had been involved and it looked like a fun organization. Little did I know that this “fun organization” would grab my life and turn me into the leader that I am today. My first year involved, I was elected as the Wallace FCCLA Chapter Treasurer. Being elected to a leadership position my first year was a thrilling experience. I was so determined to complete my duties to the best of my ability. I began to think of ways to build our chapter leadership and get our chapter more involved. I competed in STAR all four years on high school and was fortunate to win two gold medals at nationals in Parliamentary Procedure my freshman and sophomore year. This ambition only grew when I became the District 13 Vice-President and then the Vice-President of Career Student Organizations for the Nebraska FCCLA State Association in 2010.

As a state association, we strived not only to increase the number of FCCLA members but also to build a firm foundation of positive leaders with the members we already had. During my term, I headed the first ever Go Green project and the Nebraska FCCLA Knowledge Bowl. All of this has led up to me being selected to work at FCCLA national headquarters in Reston, Virginia this summer as the Competitive Events Intern. I am extremely excited to see where this adventure takes me. FCCLA has given me so much and I can’t wait to give back in anyway possible. I have been very blessed to have had success in this organization and there are many people to thank that helped me along the way, including my chapter, district, and state advisors, state officer team, friends, family, and most importantly God.

So as you can see, FCCLA has been always been a major part of my life. When I graduated, it was a tough realization that I wouldn’t be able to be as involved in FCCLA, but I had no intention of completely ridding FCCLA from my life. I try to help out in anyway that I can whether it is phone calls with my chapter Parliamentary Procedure team or speaking to students about my experiences in FCCLA. In college, I am using skills that I learned from FCCLA every day when I am organizing my schedule or talking with students. FCCLA has helped me in my character development, creative and critical thinking, interpersonal communications, practical knowledge, and most importantly in my career preparation. Competing in STAR helped me develop public speaking skills and the courage to stand up and take part in a student government meeting by making a motion. The program Student Body has helped me make right decisions when it comes to personal health by eating right and staying fit. The benefits go on and on and all of this was through FCCLA.

Now, to you, the readers. What can you take from my life experiences? 

Students – I encourage you to get involved with an organization whether it be FCCLA or another Career and Technical Student Organization. Do not just sit back and let others lead – step up and do your part! Take on a community service project in your school or run for a chapter office. Don’t let it stop there! Continue on and reach out to large groups of students and encourage them to get involved, run for a state office! The sky is the limit when you become a part of FCCLA!

            Alumni – Stay involved in organizations. Just because you are not in high school anymore does not mean there are not any opportunities out there for you to be a leader. Instead of being a part of a club as a “resume stuffer,” get involved and see where you end up. You would be surprised the joy and satisfaction you receive from seeing other students succeed because of your hard work and dedication. Make a difference by helping out clubs like FCCLA by evaluating STAR projects or being a member of the Alumni and Associates.

In all of this, I hope that my story has impacted you in some way to become a better leader. I am looking forward to being involved in FCCLA again this summer and who knows? I might run into some of you at National Leadership Conference in Nashville, TN this upcoming July!

Lane Swedberg

Photo by Bubblegum Pop Photography

Global Youth Service Day

Serve it up!

Do you want to make a difference in your community?  Do you have a passion for serving others?  Do you want to participate in the largest service event in the world?  If you answered “yes” to any of these you need to create a project for Global Youth Service Day presented by FCCLA’s partner Youth Service America (YSA.)  Global Youth Service Day (GYSD) takes place on April 26-28, 2013 and engages youth from over 100 countries from all walks of life to serve one common goal, to better their community.  You can get involved by creating a service project and registering it on GYSD.org.  This same website has ideas for projects, resources, a project locator, and an interactive map!  Start planning your project today and register quickly so that you can be a part of the largest service event in the world!  As always, feel free to email me at sborchardt@fcclainc.org if you have any questions or check out gysd.org ysa.org or follow @youthservice and #GYSD on twitter!

In the spirit of service,

Skylar Borchardt

National VP of Competitive Events

New Contests/Things Before NLC

FCCLA Members – there are some great opportunities for you to get involved in different ways before and at the 2013 National Leadership Conference!

First off, there’s the It Can Wait contest. You can spread the word about the dangers of texting and driving to your family, school, and community, and enter for your chance to win great prizes for your hard work! This is a four-part contest and each step is worth 25 points, for a total of 100 possible points. Contest forms will be evaluated by the FCCLA/AT&T It Can Wait Youth Panel members. The top three entries will receive cash prizes of $1,000, $500, and $250, respectively, and recognition during one of the general sessions at the 2013 National Leadership Conference. Forms due May 15! https://s.zoomerang.com/s/ItCanWaitContest

Registration for the 2013-2014 Leadership Academy is officially open! This year, it’s bigger and better than ever – with over 20 brand new courses to choose from. Check out the website to see a flow chart and a full listing of available courses.  http://www.fcclainc.org/content/leadership-academy/

Do you have a good voice? Showcase your talent by sending in an audition video of you singing by May 15. More information at: http://www.fcclainc.org/content/2013-national-leadership-conference/

These are just a few opportunities available to FCCLA members – be sure to take advantage of them.

Fundraising Ideas

Hey guys! Congratulations to everyone who has completed their State Leadership Conference and good luck to all those who are still preparing! With The National Leadership Conference only 91 days away, it’s time to start thinking about fundraising. Now I know what you’re thinking, fundraising is hard and asking people for money is awkward. BUT you can definitely put the FUN back In FUNdraising with these ideas! Get creative with your ideas, you never know what will draw people in. For fundraisers in your school, you could try…

1.       Duct Tape The Principal (or anyone): For a dollar, students or faculty could put one piece of tape onto the volunteer. You could also raise extra money by letting them place guesses as to how long the person will stay stuck on the wall once you are finished.

  

2.       BYOS Tie Dye: Bring your own shirt tie dye, set up a booth on a nice day and supply the students all the necessary equipment for them to dye their own shirts. By having your members bring in supplies like buckets and bottles, the start up cost would be very little.

3.       School dance: Host a school dance with a cool theme like luau or rodeo (in honor of NLC being in Nashville). Get food donated and have the art department help make decorations. Members could take shifts working the ticket and food counter so that they could enjoy the dance too!

Also don’t forget to send fundraising letters and present to local businesses or groups such as Rotary and Lions Club. They love to support youth leadership activities! Usually, they will want you to come back and tell them about what you experienced. I hope that these ideas have gotten your brain buzzing with lots of cool and original possibilities that will put the fun back in FUNdraising! If you would like more ideas or more information on any of these fundraisers, email me at afaulkner@fcclainc.org! 

                                                                       -Ashley Faulkner, VP of Finance

Membership Update

Hey there FCCLA members! I hope you are hard at work on STAR Events and other preparations for your state conferences or the National Leadership Conference. While you are working hard to better yourself, your schools, and your communities, FCCLA is working hard to recruit more members. As of January, we have 171,234 members affiliated! Wow! You’re hard work with recruiting is really paying off but I know we can do better. As you all know, National FCCLA is striving to reach 213,000 members in 2013. Don’t forget to check out the iRecruit membership campaign at www.fcclainc.org/irecruit and see what YOU can win by recruiting friends to FCCLA: The Ultimate Leadership Experience!

                                                -Caleb Hearon, National Vice-President of Membership

Leadership Academy

The Leadership Academy is the newest addition to leadership development for all members of FCCLA. It is a four track program for every member of Family, Career and Community, Leaders of America. One component of the program is especially for State Officers entitled the Master State Officer, but please do not let that turn you off from signing up for the program and taking the classes. Anyone can participate! This program will not only build your leadership skills but it will also prepare you for your future and for everyday life. There will be Leadership Academy courses available at the National Leadership Conference.

FCCLA 201: Program Network i

FCCLA 202: Competitive Events Network i

FCCLA 203: Connection Network i

FCCLA 204: Membership Network i

FCCLA 205: Finance Network i

FCCLA 206: State Presidents Network i

FCCLA 326: Competitive Events Practicum

FCCLA 350: Voting Delegate Practicum

FCCLA 402: Becoming an Active Alumnus

FCCLA 450: National Elections Practicum

LEAD 101: Communication

LEAD 102: Goal Setting

LEAD 103: Professionalism

LEAD 104: Networking

OFCR 202: State Officer Training i

OFCR 302: State Officer Training ii

SLC 201: Model the Way

SLC 202: inspire a Shared Vision

SLC 203: Challenge the Process

SLC 204: Enable Others to Act

SLC 205: Encourage the Heart

For more information on the courses offered at the conference and to register for the Leadership Academy, check out the Leadership Academy Course Catalog at

http://bit.ly/FCCLALA.

Running For Office

Elections are just around the corner! Your National Executive Council brainstormed a great list of tips and advice when running for office – on any level!

General

·         Pick a professional outfit that makes you feel confident and shows your personality.

·         Always wear a smile, it's your best accessory.

·         Calm down. Nothing is worse than a sweaty candidate.

·         BE CONFIDENT! No matter what happens, do your best and own the moments you're given.

·         Have fun! That's always the most important aspect in anything you do in life. Make it fun and memorable!

·         Let your nerves be motivation. We often assume being nervous means we are scared. Don't let nerves dictate your outcome! Let nervousness be motivation to want to succeed.

·         Decide in advance who will be with you for letter drops. You'll need a support system regardless of the outcome.

·         Practice meeting new people. If you’re at a restaurant, just walk up to people and start a conversation. Afterwards, you can let them know that you are just learning to be more comfortable with starting conversations with strangers.

·         Really understand why you want to run for office. Being an officer is a lot of work and you have to know why you want to keep working.

Test

·         Be as knowledgeable as possible! Study, study, study.

·         Study anything and everything about the organization, it's not about passing a test, it's about becoming an FCCLA expert.

·         Don’t just use flashcards or study sheets – get creative. Have a friend or family member randomly quiz you throughout the day. Answer a question on a randomly placed post-it note every morning as you get ready for school, or in between class periods!

Speech

·         Have a good speech! Your speech is an opportunity to show off your personality so make it fun and make sure it addresses the topic.

·         Practice your speech as if you were presenting it in front of hundreds or thousands of people, make every time you say it beneficial!

·         Practice your speech in front of a mirror.

·         Start memorizing your speech very early. You can never have enough practiced it enough.

·         Always practice your speech slowly and clearly, don't rush - even if you're nervous.

Interview

·         Be yourself. The voting delegates want the best representatives to work as a team, if that's you, then you will be fine!

·         Before your interview always give yourself time to relax and clear your head.

·         Don’t be nervous – everyone (including your interviewer) wants you to succeed!

March of Dimes

  FCCLA has partnered with March of Dimes as the educational opportunity for the national outreach project. From sharing healthy lifestyle information with peers, to spreading the word that premature birth is serious through Prematurity Awareness Month and World Prematurity Day, FCCLA members across the country have become engaged in hands-on service and education to help all babies have a healthy start with the March of Dimes. The mission of March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. FCCLA members accross the U.S. can continue to become involved with such a powerful organization!

                                                            - Magda Hernandez, Vice-President of Community Service

Share Our Strength: 2

Members of your National Executive Council have been working hard to promote our outreach partner, Share Our Strength and their No Kid Hungry campaign - see what some of them have been doing in their chapters and states!

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The University High School chapter is hosting their 2nd annual Hunger Day for Share Our Strength. We sell No Kid Hungry shirts for Share Our Strength, and then everyone wears them on the Hunger Day. This year we are selling the "Ask Me Why I'm Wearing Orange" shirts. On the Hunger Day, we read the No Kid Hungry pledge, pledging to end childhood hunger. Students, faculty, and staff can also participate in an optional fast for the school day in which they don't eat from the time they enter the school until the time they leave. The proceeds go to Share Our Strength. Last year's event was a huge success and we hope for this year’s to be even better! If you have any questions and want to have a Hunger Day at your school, email me at afaulkner@fcclainc.org

                                                                                            -Ashley Faulkner, Vice-President of Finance

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The Logan View Public Schools chapter raised awareness and funds for Share Our Strength during FCCLA week. Students and members could pay $5, in exchange for an orange tie-dyed t-shirt to wear on Orange-Out Day. On Orange-Out Day, there was an explanation of what Share Our Strength is and their No Kid Hungry campaign in the announcements. All throughout the week, members also sold paper hearts in various colors. Each color had a different meaning, and students could purchase one for $.50 and write the name of the person they wished to receive the heart. The hearts were showcased in a large display in the school, for all to see. The recipient could then pay an additional $.50 to see who sent the heart to them. Overall, we raised over $50 dollars and promoted Share Our Strength well!

                                                                           -Linsey Armstrong, Vice-President of Public Relations

                                                                                  Chandler Classen, Vice-President of Development

 

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At the 2013 Virginia State Leadership and Recognition Conference, FCCLA members will have the opportunity to participate in our 1^st annual Cupcake Wars. Each member can pay and decorate a cupcake. The winning cupcake will win a prize, and all proceeds will go towards Share Our Strength.

                                                                                                           -Justin Hess, First Vice President

Advocacy/Scholarships

Advocacy is something that can be so extremely simple. There are a few tips of course that everyone needs to know. Since “Advocacy” is a STAR Event it is especially important to pay attention to issues affecting teens and make sure that you speak up about them. First know your audience, when advocating about FCCLA to students you will want to tell them about the great benefits we have but also include that we do have some fun. When talking to Business and Industry, you will want to speak about the professional leadership development and the opportunities we offer to develop all necessary life skills. Second speak honestly and passionately. Show them that you care about FCCLA and the impact it has had on your life. If asked a question you don’t know, don’t make up an answer -  be truthful. When advocating for certain issues, make sure you provide them with specific ways they can help. One of the most important tools of advocating for an issue is follow-up. After you speak with someone, make sure you write them a letter or send them an email thanking them for their time.  The most important thing to remember is that we each have a voice and we should use it to advocate for issues affecting all of our lives.

                                    -Chandler Classen, National Vice-President of Development

Hey guys! So it is that time of year, scholarship time! With all of the hustle and bustle of prepping for college, you can’t forget to apply for the National FCCLA scholarships. FCCLA offers 9 different scholarships for members of all types. Whether you’re a chapter member, state officer, or past officer: there is a scholarship right for you! With scholarships varying from $400-$2000, they can definitely lessen your college expenses. What makes the scholarships even greater is that you can win more than one! Although the qualifications for each scholarship vary slightly, the scholarship process is super simple. Each application wants to know all about you and your involvement in and out of FCCLA. Be sure to be yourself! Pay attention to the requirements and double check that you have all the needed parts, like letters of recommendation and transcripts. Also VERY IMPORTANT, you MUST be an affiliated member with dues paid. So if you haven’t gotten started on your National FCCLA scholarships, what are you waiting for?!?! You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain. But don’t hesitate; applications must be postmarked by APRIL 1, 2013. For the complete list of scholarships and applications, go to http://fcclainc.org/content/youth-scholarship-applications/ . If you have any questions regarding the National FCCLA scholarship process, feel free to email me at Afaulkner@fcclainc.org or call me at (703) 831-7109.

                                    -Ashley Faulkner, National Vice-President of Finance