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Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), is a nonprofit national career and technical student organization^[1] for young men and women in Family and Consumer Sciences education in public and private school through grade 12. FCCLA is the only national career and technical student organization with the family as its central focus. Since 1945,^[2][3] FCCLA members have been making a difference in their families, careers, and communities by addressing important personal, work, and societal issues through Family and Consumer Sciences education.

Today over 164,000 members in more than 5,300 chapters are active in a network of associations in 49 states, in addition to the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Chapter projects focus on a variety of youth concerns, including teen pregnancy, parenting, family relationships, substance abuse, peer pressure, environment, nutrition and fitness, teen violence, and career exploration. Involvement in FCCLA offers members the opportunity to expand their leadership potential and develop skills for life—planning, goal setting, problem solving, decision making, and interpersonal communication—necessary in the home and workplace.

Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS)^[4] teachers support individual school chapters and are known as Advisers.

The organization was once known as the Future Homemakers of America (FHA).

Mission

To promote personal growth and leadership development through Family and Consumer Sciences education. Focusing on the multiple roles of family member, wage earner and community leader, members develop skills for life through: character development, creative and critical thinking, interpersonal communication, practical knowledge, and career preparation.

Conferences^[5]

There are four annual conferences for FCCLA members: National Leadership Conference (NLC), two National Cluster Meetings (NCM) and the Capital Leadership conference.

The largest FCCLA meeting is the National Leadership Conference (NLC). Members can participate in competitive events, general sessions, exhibits expo & college fair, and many other leadership development opportunities. Advisers will have access to professional development sessions, networking and volunteer opportunities.

There are two National Cluster Meetings (NCM) which are scheduled in the late Fall and are held in different regions each year. Students and advisers convene to share ideas, learn about exciting programs leadership skills, and compete in various skill demonstration events.

The Capital Leadership Conference allows members to travel to Washington, DC, to meet with their specific US Senate and Congressional representatives. Members discuss issues supporting FCCLA's Mission.

Contributions

Members routinely contribute to the surrounding community by raising money for community programs like homeless aid and youth abuse prevention.^[6]

Competitions

STAR Events

STAR Events (Students Taking Action with Recognition) recognize members for proficiency and achievement in chapter and individual projects, leadership skills, and career preparation. STAR Events offer individual skill development and application of learning through the following activities-

• Cooperative – teams work to accomplish specific goals


• Individualized – members work alone to accomplish specific goals


• Competitive – individual or team performance measured by an established set of criteria

Students compete in local or regional competitions^[7][8] and winners continue to compete at their State Leadership Conference.^[9] The culmination of Star Events is at the National Leadership Conference.

Safe Rides Save Lives PSA

Safe Rides – Save Lives PSA^[10][11] contest is an opportunity for FCCLA members to engage in creating teen-friendly safety messaging through a video Public Service Announcement (PSA).

Community Service^[12]

National Outreach Project

Each year Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, Inc (FCCLA) establishes a National Outreach Project with a partner organization to reach to the community and help work towards a cause. National Executive Council (NEC) members and other FCCLA staff members discuss and present ways FCCLA and another organization can work together on a National Outreach Project.

FCCLA's National Outreach Project is a national community service activity that gives our state delegations/members the opportunity to make a united impact concerning a need that the National Executive Council decides to address. Participation from FCCLA members is optional. When state delegations/members choose to participate, each state/member works with their local chapters and members to fundraise and collect items from schools and communities through service. The goal of this project is to have each student get actively involved in making a difference by uniting together with the National Outreach Project. FCCLA wants members to see and know first hand that even a small effort made by many can have a huge and positive impact on others.

FCCLA started the National Outreach Project at the 1997 National Leadership Meeting in San Diego, California where 38 states participated in donating over 6,000 various items to shelters/agencies in San Diego. FCCLA continued the project at the 1998 National Leadership Meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana where 46 states donated almost 10,000 items. The focus of the project changed in 2000 to giving to a national charity instead of collecting items to donate.

The success continues year to year and today FCCLA is still working toward donating money. Listed below are National Outreach Projects and their total amounts raised from past years.

1996–1997: 6,000 items donated to various shelters/agencies in San Diego, CA

1997–1998: 10,000 items donated to various shelters/agencies in New Orleans, LA

1998–1999: 10,000 items donated to various shelters/agencies in Boston, MA

1999–2000: Destination Outreach: donated items to 7 various shelters/agencies in Orlando, FL

2000–2001: Make A Wish Foundation $12,000.00

2001–2002: American Red Cross and AT&T: 167,577 minutes worth of phone cards to U.S. Military Service

2002–2003: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia: $14,843.01

2003–2004: BUILD: Broader Urban Involvement and Leadership Development: $11,653.93

2004–2005: Do Something – Quarters from Kids (Tsunami Relief): $64,964.27

2005–2007: American Cancer Society: $652,466.85

2007–2009: Feed The Children: $435,277.14

2009–2011: Children's Miracle Network Hospitals: $508,815.25

2011–2015: Share Our Strength: $285,825.48

Structure

The organisation is governed by a board of directors consisting of business and industry, Family and Consumer Sciences, and youth representatives. The organization annually elects 10 students to serve on the National Executive Council. The National Director serves as the Chief Administrative Officer.

State Associations elect state officers and have state advisers.

References