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!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

National Program Award Applications

It’s that time of month again…NATIONAL PROGRAMS! You know that’s right! Only this time, instead of learning what to do for a national program (because we know you already have them in the works) we want to give you a few tips on filling out the application and making sure you get it in on time.

First things first: fill out the application. You can find all national programs applications on the national FCCLA website! (www.FCCLAinc.org) Tip: you have to have a chapter code (Good thing you have an advisers right? They have the code for you. Ask them to help!!!).  2^nd tip: get to the point in your application. Sometimes we enjoy talking and talking, however, the judges don’t have time to read all of that. Short, sweet, to the point, with a few details…perfect!!!

Next step: Write all your answers down in a word document. You can’t save national application on your desktop and come back later, it doesn’t work like that. However, if you have everything you want to say in a word document and you run out of time to fill out the application its okay, you still have all your answers.

3^rd step: Turn it in ON TIME. Being on time is key. If you miss the deadline there is no “Okay, we will still let you turn it in.” Nope, we can’t do that. Therefore the deadline is the deadline.

The last step: Have fun! I’m sure your national program was a lot of fun to be a part of, and filling out the application should be the same. Tell us what you did, and why you have the best project.

If you have any questions don’t be scared to ask. That is why I am here. That is why all of the national officers are here!!

Ashley Labrum

Vice-President of Programs

(703) 831-7126 Mobile

alabrum@fcclainc.org

Why YOU Should Join FCCLA

The National Executive Council all shared some great reasons why you should join FCCLA and become a part of the Ultimate Leadership Experience!

• FCCLA gives you the opportunity to serve your community.
• This organization focuses on the family – a connection we all share.
• FCCLA helps you develop dynamic leadership skills!
• It prepares you for any kind of career because of the skills you learn through speaking, service, and leadership!
• You can network with youth and adults from all around your state and country.
• Attend leadership workshops and conferences.
• Improve your speaking skills.
• FCCLA is truly the Ultimate Leadership Experience, being a member can help you become a better you!
• FCCLA gives you the opportunity for scholarships through our organization and looks great on applications for anything college/work related.
• FCCLA provides 21^st century skills to prepare you for your future.
• It gives students connections that they can utilize when they go to college or begin their career.
• FCCLA allows students to better understand what career they want to pursue.
• You can meet amazing people and develop great friendships.
• Get free food and miss school.
• Break out of your shell and become the best version of yourself.
• You can pick something you love and do something with it!
• Learn new things and develop skills for your future life – learn how to manage finances, balance family and career, and be successful in anything that you do!

CTE Month

Hello FCCLA! Did you know that February is National Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month? Here are some ways that your chapter can get involved and raise awareness for Career and Technical Education.

Reaching out to businesses:

• Host a career fair featuring local business partners and the programs they support.
• Make a video profiling successful CTE alumni and where they work.

Reaching out to elected officials:

• Encourage your elected representatives (mayors, city managers, county executives and state governors) to designate February as CTE Month in your state or community.
• Hold a proclamation signing with the other Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs)

Reaching out to media:

• Contact local television reporters and radio stations. Ask them to air stories in February and beyond about Career and Technical Education. Invite them to cover any events such as proclamation signings, press conferences or career fairs.
• Write articles to your local newspapers letting them know what your school is doing during National CTE Month.

For more ideas on how to make this February the best Career and Technical Education month yet, please visit the National FCCLA website www.fcclainc.org or the Association for Career and Technical Education website http://www.acteonline.org/ctemonth.aspx. Your 2012-2013 National Executive Council is excited to see all of the outstanding projects that your chapters and schools put together for this exciting month.

 

                                                                                                                Justin Hess

                                                                                                     National First Vice President