FBLA chapter involvement: How to boost engagement and participation

Alistair Clodi, Southern Area Vice President

 Increasing the participation of your FBLA chapter in community, school, and chapter events is crucial for the growth of both individual members and the chapter as a whole. It's not just about accruing community service hours; it's about discovering a sense of purpose, developing leadership abilities, and establishing valuable connections. Members gain practical experience, refine their communication and teamwork skills, and explore potential career paths through interactions with professionals. Simultaneously, the entire chapter benefits from heightened visibility, stronger community connections, and a reputation for making a positive impact. Through active engagement with the school and community, FBLA chapters demonstrate their dedication to creating a better future, both for their members and the broader world.
    I will share several initiatives you can take to boost involvement in your chapter and reach a higher level of engagement.

1. Mentorship within your chapter: 
 Pair experienced FBLA members with students unfamiliar with the organization to help guide them through the various ins and outs of FBLA. At first glance, FBLA will seem overwhelming or complicated to new members. We have all been that new face or “Freddy Freshman” sitting in our first FBLA meeting, excited to hit the ground running and get involved, but unaware to start. The purpose of mentorship is to guide these new members and help them through their first semester, or even year of FBLA. With an experienced member to rely on, this will ensure new members can make the most of their first year in FBLA. 
 
2. Collaboration with other organizations at your school:
Collaboration with other organizations at your school is an excellent way to promote FBLA-specific activities and opportunities. At my school, our FBLA chapter combines forces with our FFA chapter for an annual community service initiative. Not only do both organizations combine forces to achieve a common goal, but simultaneously expose the other organization’s members to your organization and its goals. This exposure will reach students who may not already be a member of your FBLA chapter and will help to raise interest in FBLA and its activities. As for personal growth, joint events can allow members to expand their network beyond FBLA. 
 
3. Volunteering in your community:
Partner with local organizations like food banks, animal shelters, or homeless shelters. This provides valuable experience in teamwork, problem-solving, and community service. Your chapter could also volunteer at local events such as festivals, marathons, or charity walks. This shows your chapter's commitment to the community and allows members to engage with the public. This will help to raise your FBLA chapter’s notoriety as an organization committed to community betterment and will catch the attention of business leaders in your community who could be interested in partnering with your chapter to provide valuable leadership and business insights.
 
4. Social events:
At FBLA’s core, it is supposed to be an enjoyable experience for its members. While focusing on community service and professionalism is of extreme significance and aligns with FBLA’s mission, you want your FBLA chapter to be a haven for camaraderie and enjoyable to be a member of. Beyond meetings, plan social events to help build friendships and a family dynamic within your chapter where each member feels they belong. Social events could include movie nights, game nights, chapter dinners, or even an outing to your local bowling alley.

5. Delegate responsibilities:
Oftentimes, chapter officers dial into their jobs and single-handedly knock their responsibilities out of the park on their own, which is fantastic! However, a key factor to increasing involvement in your chapter is to get members in on the leadership action by delegating chapter officers’ duties. In my chapter, we assemble specific committees chaired by chapter officers that rely on members’ joint leadership efforts and participation. There are a myriad of methods to reveal leadership opportunities to members. Getting members involved in chapter leadership helps make members feel integral to the function of the chapter as a whole and continue to stay involved members dedicated to the chapter. In addition to the benefit this has on the chapter overall, this also hones members’ individual leadership qualities and could potentially help to replace graduating chapter officers at the end of the year with experienced and committed members.

Additional tips:
Don't be afraid to think outside the box and find unique ways to engage your chapter.  Perhaps a "Shark Tank" style competition for student business ideas or a "Dress for Success" event where members practice professional attire and interview skills could turn into highly acclaimed events within your FBLA chapter and turn into insightful and entertaining events that chapter members will look forward to each year.
Use social media, flyers, announcements, and even school newsletters to promote your events and encourage members to spread the word within their social circles. Also, keep members engaged with regular communication. Use email, social media, or group chats to share updates, announcements, and opportunities.
     Show appreciation for members' contributions. Give out awards for outstanding achievements, volunteer hours, or leadership roles. Who doesn’t love being appreciated and accredited for their dedication and efforts?

I hope you found my tips, tricks, and initiatives to effectively elevate involvement within your chapter’s events and activities insightful. If you have any questions or would like more information on this topic, feel free to reach out and contact me! Here’s to a successful year, Illinois FBLA!