Hey Illinois FBLA! With the start of a new school year underway many of us FBLA-errs have
started our chapter meetings and have elected our chapter officers. Most of us have
boosting membership as a big goal for both our state and individual chapters. What is the
best way to not only retain current members but also gain new members as well? In my
opinion, the best way is to increase enthusiasm in your chapter!

Many leaders find themselves confused on specific ways to increase the enthusiasm for
their chapter, but I have complied a list of different methods to do so.
1. Set Clear Goals
Start the year by defining clear and achievable goals for your chapter. Involving members in
the goal setting leads to increased excitement. I think that encouraging goal setting
surrounding competitive events is a great way to have all members working towards
something.
2. Create Engaging Meetings
Make your chapter meetings exciting and interactive! Consider incorporating icebreakers,
guest speakers, or engaging activities. Keep meetings concise but direct with the important
information. Encouraging individual members’ input on meeting agendas can also help
them feel more invested in their chapter.
3. Celebrate Achievements
Recognizing accomplishments is a great way to maintain enthusiasm for your chapter!
Celebrating and recognizing members’ successes in completive events and personal
milestones is important for making sure all of the members of your chapter feel
recognized. A suggestion I have is to create a “Member of the Month” program or a
recognition board that highlights contributions and achievements made to your chapter.

4. Foster Leadership Opportunities

Encourage all members to lead their chapter, whether they have a leadership title or not.
This could be to excel and mentor others in their competitive event, helping with chapter
initiatives and events, or running for chapter, area, state, or even national office!
5. Utilize Social Media and Communication
Leverage social media platforms to keep members informed and engaged. Share updates,
event highlights, and inspirational content on your chapter’s Instagram page to keep
members informed and engaged, as well as promote FBLA to non-FBLA members.
Here’s to a fantastic year ahead!
​

 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!

    As we dive into a new academic year filled with challenges, opportunities, and growth, I want to take a moment to address something that’s critical for each of us—balancing academics and mental health. As members of Future Business Leaders of America, we are often driven by a deep sense of ambition and the desire to excel. Whether it’s working hard to achieve high grades, leading extracurricular activities, or taking on leadership positions, the pressure to perform can sometimes feel overwhelming. However, it is important to remember that true success in life is not just about excelling academically or stacking up achievements but also about taking care of your mental and emotional well-being.
    In today's fast-paced and highly competitive world, it can be all too easy to get caught up in the race for success. We often find ourselves juggling numerous responsibilities at once—schoolwork, FBLA projects, part-time jobs, volunteer work, and more. In the process, we may overlook the toll that constant stress and pressure can take on our mental health. Many students experience burnout, anxiety, and even depression due to the relentless demands they face. That’s why striking a balance between academic success and mental health is more important now than ever.
    One of the key lessons I’ve learned as a student and a leader is the importance of effective time management. With so many responsibilities on our plates, it's easy to feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done. But by prioritizing tasks and managing our time wisely, we can prevent that sense of overwhelm from taking over. I personally find that using a planner or a digital calendar is incredibly helpful for staying organized and reducing stress. By planning out my week in advance, I can schedule not only time for studying and working on FBLA projects but also time for myself. Whether it’s spending time with friends, exercising, or just relaxing, making time for self-care is essential for maintaining balance.
    Self-care is another crucial component of maintaining good mental health while navigating the challenges of school and leadership responsibilities. We often hear about the importance of self-care, but it’s easy to overlook its value in our day-to-day lives. Taking time to engage in activities that recharge your energy—whether it’s reading, pursuing a hobby, or simply taking a break to meditate—can make a world of difference. It’s important to remember that self-care isn’t selfish; it’s necessary. Without taking care of yourself, you won’t have the energy or focus needed to perform at your best academically or in other areas of your life.
    In addition to time management and self-care, it’s also important to set realistic goals for yourself. Ambition is a great trait, but it’s essential to be honest about what you can realistically achieve. Setting unattainable expectations can lead to frustration and added stress, which can harm your mental health. Instead, break your larger goals down into smaller, manageable tasks. Celebrate your accomplishments along the way, no matter how small they may seem. This will help you maintain a sense of progress and motivation without overwhelming yourself.
    When things get tough—and they inevitably will at some point—remember that you don’t have to face challenges alone. Sometimes the best thing you can do for your mental health is to reach out for help. Whether it’s talking to a teacher, a mentor, a friend, or even a professional counselor, sharing your struggles with someone else can provide much-needed support and perspective. Schools often have mental health resources available, such as counselors or wellness centers, so don’t hesitate to seek out those services when you need them.
    Another way to maintain balance is to take breaks and disconnect from the constant stream of information that bombards us daily. In an age where we are constantly plugged into social media, it’s important to recognize when it’s time to unplug. Taking breaks from screens, especially after long periods of studying, can help clear your mind and improve your focus. Disconnecting from social media, even for a short time, can also alleviate feelings of anxiety or pressure that arise from comparing yourself to others.
    As your Western Area Vice President, I am committed to supporting not just your academic and leadership growth, but also your personal well-being. You are capable of achieving great things, but remember that success is a marathon, not a sprint. Balancing your academic goals with your mental health is key to sustainable success. Let’s work together to make this year a productive and fulfilling one by taking care of ourselves and each other.
    If you ever need someone to talk to, whether about FBLA or anything else, please feel free to reach out. Together, we can achieve our goals while maintaining the balance necessary for a healthy and successful life. Wishing you all the best this year!

​

One item that keeps FBLA Chapters running is fundraising. Fundraising can come from chapter events, social media posts, but what I have found most efficient is the gathering of sponsorships.
One way to begin your sponsorship search is creating a spreadsheet of past sponsors and distributing the responsibilities of who will ask who. This way, FBLA members won’t be asking the same potential sponsors, and in-turn, will make the process easier and quicker. Another essential to the process is creating a sponsorship packet that details what sponsors will be putting their money towards and who they can contact if they have any questions.
When approaching potential sponsors, be clear about what you are asking for. Explain the benefits of sponsoring your FBLA chapter, such as the recognition they will get and the positive impact on the community.
Make sure to publicly recognize your sponsors in various ways. This can include mentioning them in social media posts, displaying their logos on event materials, and giving them shout-outs during events.
Always send a personalized thank-you note to your sponsors, expressing your gratitude for their support. Highlight the difference their contribution has made and let them know how it has helped your chapter.
By following these steps, you can ensure that you will build a strong relationship with local businesses, ensuring that your Chapter is supported continuously.
​

​​Being in FBLA’s competitive events is a thrilling and fulfilling experience for participants all
around the nation. Among these events are the Chapter Events. These four different chapter
events are American Enterprise Project, Community Service Project, Local Annual Chapter
Business Report, and Partnership with Business Project. They are all very involved and highly
competitive events, with a prejudged report and a presentation to judges. My team and I placed
10th in the Community Service Project at NLC 2024 and my experience has given me valuable
insight into what it takes to succeed and what you need to feel well-prepared. I will share five
strategies that I have learned from my experience that will help you to succeed in FBLA Chapter
Events.

1. Start Early
My first piece of advice is to start early. Chapter Events are some of the most involved events in
FBLA. They require you to show that you have made an impact in your community through
volunteering events, chapter participation, and social media. It took my team and I nearly ten
months to perfect our project and over 300 hours of planning, volunteering, and educating
leaders in our district. Taking on a Chapter Event is no small feat, but with time and effort, you
will be able to achieve whatever you set out to do. Make sure that you start as soon as you can to
allow yourself time to research, plan, and execute your project to have the greatest amount of
success at the state and national leadership conferences.

2. Read the Rubric
A lot of what a chapter event is is planning and making sure your topic and your activities meet
the requirements on the rubric to secure the most points. Most of the chapter event rubrics are
things like planning, completing research, gaining a certain percentage of chapter participation,

and showing your project's effects on the community through different publications like
newspapers and social media. Going into the project you need to be aware of what specific
things you need to implement into your schedule and chapter activities.

3. Communication is Key
There are so many amazing teachers, business owners, district officials, parents, and students that
would be willing to help you with your project. By reaching out, you will have so many doors
open to you and people who can give you valuable insight into your topic or the business world
in general. Reach out to these people early and give them time to respond to get all the guidance
they have to offer.

4. Take Pictures
For your report you will need to prove that you did all that you said. Taking photos is a great way
to provide this proof. It also helps when you want to post on social media or when you create
news articles on your project. Anytime that you present or write about your project, photos will
make it more engaging for the audience because they will get to see you making a difference in
your community.

5. Report is Important
Writing your report will likely be the hardest but most important part of your project. No matter
how amazing you are at presenting, the report can make or break your project. It accounts for
50% of your score and will be a huge factor in determining whether or not you will go to
Anaheim California for NLC. Instead of waiting until a few weeks before it is due to start, you

should write your report as you go. Even if you only write down the date, a few important things
about the event, and insert a few photos, it will make compiling the report so much easier. This
way, you won’t forget any important pieces of information and will not have to spend hours
trying to recall dates, times, and hours.

Succeeding in a chapter event requires you to plan, collaborate with community members, and
continuously document your progress. Understand the rubric and start early to have the best
success possible. Read the rubric and reach out for help when you need it. The most important
thing to remember is you are making a difference. It might seem small and insignificant, but you
are doing what others won’t, enacting real change in the world. Continuing working hard, and
you will be amazingly successful at the State and National Leadership Conferences.

Taking the first steps and joining FBLA can seem daunting for any person. There may be
many questions running through your mind as you embark on your FBLA journey. Not to worry,
these feelings are completely normal and we are here to help. Here is what you need to know to
be successful in FBLA.
Firstly, what is FBLA? FBLA stands for the Future Business Leaders of America, and is an
organization with over 230,000 members ranging in its middle level, high school level, collegiate
level, and professional division. At any age level or stage of life, there is an FBLA level that can
suit your needs. FBLA is a lifelong organization and resource for you!
Secondly, who joins FBLA? Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to be necessarily
interested in the corporate world to become a member. There are a variety of careers that are
encompassed within FBLA, including computer science, engineering, healthcare, and so many
more. FBLA is valuable in teaching students the necessary communication and confidence
skills.
This is done through regional, state, and even national competitions. These competitions
are not necessary, but are great spaces to explore professional spaces in an academically
challenging yet safe environment. Competitions come in four categories: a 60 question multiple
choice test which is given in a 50 minute time frame, an online presentation in the format of the
competitor’s choosing, a roleplay scenario with an expert judge, a case study in which
competitors are given preparation and presentation time on a real life case scenario in their
respective events, or a combination of these formats. There are also events that can be
competed in group and chapter levels such as community project service events. It is important
to note that on the state level, competitors must place in the top four of their event to qualify for
the national level competition and that the location of the national level competition changes
annually. Due to the scope of competitions, competitors are given the opportunity to broaden
their horizons by traveling to new places and meeting people from areas different from their
own.
Finally, what other activities do FBLA members engage in? While this differs from chapter to
chapter, there are many events on the Illinois State level that occur annually. From the Summer
Leadership Workshop, Illinois Fall Retreat, and local Area Conferences, there are many events
that help students meet adults in the corporate world to gain experience. Additionally, there are
many fundraisers for the Alzheimer’s Association which seeks to fight against Alzheimer’s
because this organization is a national charity partner. On a local level, there are fun activities
done at chapter meetings to build membership bonding and engagement.
If you are looking to delve deeper into FBLA, one way to do so is running for an officer position.
This can be done on a local level in your own chapter, on a regional level in your area, or on a
state or national level. Although intensive, the process is extremely rewarding as you get to
advocate on behalf of students statewide and plan FBLA functions like conferences. To get
involved, speak with your FBLA adviser to see if this is a viable option for you!

Overall, the idea of joining FBLA is not as overwhelming as once thought. We on a state level
are so proud of you as you pursue your unique FBLA path. For more information or questions,
feel free to reach out to any state officer or check out the Illinois FBLA website!
Benefits of Joining FBLA
As members of this organization, FBLA has many resources to benefit its members. Often,
members do not take full advantage of these benefits. In order to fully maximize your FBLA
capabilities, you deserve to be aware of every opportunity on local, regional, and state levels. To
help you, here are a list of some key benefits below.
Key Benefits:
● On a local level, joining your FBLA chapter allows you to make friends and connections.
This is done through attending chapter outings and regular meetings. When you make
your presence known, you allow yourself to find people who have similar interests as
yourself and bond with them. FBLA can help you network and make connections!
● FBLA can also build essential life skills like public speaking, confidence, and
communication in group settings. There are many more skills that are helped as well, but
the goal of FBLA is to help you in any endeavor you engage in during or after your active
membership.
● FBLA allows you to explore career benefits in an academically safe environment.
Although FBLA does offer business focused events to compete in such as financial
events and business management events, there are many more career focused events
extending beyond the corporate world. For example, there are events in computer
science, engineering, healthcare, public policy, and more. It is so important to explore
these events when younger to determine if these are potential future career paths!
● There are also many financial events and scholarships that come with FBLA. Examples
of FBLA scholarships include the Distinguished Business Leader Scholarship, Dress to
Impress Scholarship, and the National Leadership Conference Scholarship. These
scholarships help recipients pay for travel expenses to the National Leadership
Conference, pay for business attire, and further their FBLA and academic experience. To
find scholarships, look on the Illinois FBLA website and ask your adviser for more
information. It is important to watch out for deadlines and provide any requested
information to ensure the proper submission of your application.
● Joining FBLA also has benefits on your resume. By choosing to make an impact on
fellow FBLA members, students can emphasize positive qualities to colleges and
employers to help them stand out against other applicants. Some students choose to do
this by running for elected positions and advocating on behalf of the students they
represent, while others choose to demonstrate academic interest by placing highly in the
regional, state, and national level competitions. These boosts to a resume are
unparalleled and extremely effective in boosting a member’s chance of real world
success.

● Being a member of this organization will give you a sense of fulfillment and purpose.
This can be done through participating in FBLA’s many fundraisers donating to the
Alzheimer's Association which seeks to combat Alzheimer’s . Being a member of FBLA
will help you give to a good cause and feel better about the impact you are making on
the world.
All in all, FBLA has many benefits to members who join! The benefits on the lists are just some
of the many advantages that participants have. To learn about more advantages, be sure to
check out the Illinois State website or ask your local adviser. FBLA is an organization that is
there to help you!

​

Fundraising is a crucial part of any organization, so I’m gonna give you some helpful tricks that can make
your local fundraiser more successful!
Tip#1: Get Effective Fundraising Ideas:
It is important to make sure that your fundraiser is engaging for your audience. Here are some ideas from
other chapters:
Car Wash- Wash people from your community’s cars, charge for entry.
Candy Grams- Sell candy that people can send to others with a message.
Concessions- Partner with your school’s concessions stand and receive commision.
Dodgeball or Volleyball Tournament- Allow teams to enter and pay, also charge spectators.
Duck Drop- Sell ducks that will be dropped onto a bullseye at a football game or another event. Whoever
gets closest to the bullseye wins a part of the money raised.
Drive in Movie- Host this in your school parking lot or football field, charge for entry.
Haunted House/Hallways- Create a haunted house in your school gym or hallway, charge for entry.
Snap Raise- FBLA members put in emails and phone numbers, then the platform will send out texts and
emails to the people asking them to donate.
Princess Spay Day- Host this for little kids. You can have a face painting station, nail station, hair station,
and more. Charge for entry.
Tip#2: Get the Word Out:
Marketing your fundraiser is key to making it work. It's important to create a standard flier that will be the
base for all of your posts. Make sure this flier includes the type of fundraiser you're hosting along with a
small blurb explaining what it is, where the money is going to, the dates, and a link for the viewer. Every
flier or post needs a call to action AKA what the viewer should do after seeing the information. Providing
a link or QR code makes this call to action very simple, make sure you draw attention to it in your flier or
post. After creating your fliers and posts, put them up in population dense areas and post on social media
during the prime user activity times.
Tip#3: Set Goals for your Members:
Now that you have chosen a fundraiser and advertised it, you need to make sure you know what your
objective is. Set a goal for how much money you want to raise in the end and periodically. If it's a
fundraiser like the duck drop make sure you either require your members to sell a certain amount of ducks
or provide phone numbers for you to do the selling. Having your members involved by giving them
specific tasks helps the fundraiser run smoothly.
Tip#4: Assess How your Fundraiser is Doing and Decide What to Do From There:
Finally, after completing all the previous steps, check to see if you are actually hitting your goals. If you
aren’t looking for the reason why, then create a new strategy on how to hit your goal next time.
Fundraising isn’t always linear, many times it takes a lot of trial and error, but hopefully this newsletter
will help eliminate some of those mistakes. Good luck Fundraising!
Also, here is the link to the National FBLA fundraising guide, if you want to learn a little bit more!
https://www.fbla.org/media/2024/06/FBLA-Fundraiser-Guide.pdf

By Kavin Ramasamy, Illinois FBLA State Secretary

As FBLA members, we put many hours into leading, networking, and serving our communities. At times, doing these activities may be challenging, as we don’t have an immediate reward or recognition we can get from it. But what if I told you that there are awards that recognize member effort? What if I told you that you didn’t have to be a competitive event finalist at the State or National Level to be acknowledged for your commitment to FBLA? Enter FBLA Awards, a unique offering from FBLA that allows members, advisers, and chapters to be recognized for their contributions to the organization. 


Middle-Level Division:
LEAD Award:
The LEAD Award is an individual achievement program open to all active, paid FBLA Middle School members. Participating students can enhance their leadership skills, expand their business knowledge, contribute to their local communities, and earn recognition by immersing themselves in their schools and communities.
Young Leader Award:
The Young Leader Award recognizes members with extraordinary leadership and community service commitment. Members must have achieved at least the LEAD Explore Award to be eligible for this award. 


More information regarding FBLA Middle-Level Awards can be found at these links: 
https://www.fbla.org/divisions/fbla-middle-level/education-programs/
https://www.fbla.org/mlawards-recognition/




High School Divison:
Who’s Who: 
This award honors exemplary FBLA members who have made outstanding contributions to FBLA. This award recognizes the members with the most years of participation in FBLA activities, extensive involvement in state and area conferences, and contributions to local, state, and national projects.




Business Achievement Awards: 
Participating students have the opportunity to enhance their leadership skills, expand their business knowledge, contribute to their local communities, and earn recognition by immersing themselves in their schools and communities. There are currently 4 levels of BAAs members can be awarded:
Contributor Award (Level One) 
Leader Award (Level Two) 
Advocate Award (Level Three) 
Capstone Award (Level Four)




More information regarding FBLA High School Awards can be found at these links:
https://www.fbla.org/divisions/fbla/fbla-awards-recognition/#tab-2c77d3846b4cf2860b7 
https://www.fbla.org/divisions/fbla/fbla-education/








Adviser Awards: 
Mary E. Webb Award 
The Mary E. Webb Award is given each year to an outstanding Illinois FBLA adviser. To be eligible, an adviser must have served as a local adviser for five or more years; must have had an area, state, regional, or national officer; and must have attended one or more area, state, regional, and/or national conferences. To nominate an adviser, complete the application form on the state registration website and prepare a one-page resume for the adviser being nominated, be sure to include FBLA participation at the local, area, state, regional, and national levels. An adviser awarded the Webb Award will be nominated by the State to be recognized at the National Leadership Conference for the Outstanding Adviser Award.




Chapter Awards 
Gold Seal Chapter Award
Illinois Gold Seal Chapter of Merit
Chapters Completing 10/12 of the following tasks are eligible to become a Gold Seal Chapter of merit. The first task is required for all chapters. 
● Submitted ISBE form by December 1st
● Paid and National Dues by October 20th ( 10 students)
● Participated in State Alzheimer's Association Program
● Participated in Business Achievement Awards Program ( 5 students
- Min. complete level 1)
● Invited businesses or other professionals to become involved in
chapter activities explain/evidence (Picture and Paragraph)
● Conducted a community service project (Involve non-profit
organization evidence/explain (Picture and Paragraph)
● Participated in FBLA week. Evidence of participation (Picture and
Paragraph)
● Planned and conducted at least one visit to business and industry
evidence of participation (Picture and Paragraph)
● Recruited 10% more members than previous year
● Earned a minimum of 2000 points in the Champion Chapter
program
● Recruited judges for state conference (3-5)
● Participated in American Enterprise Day Evidence of participation
Outstanding Chapter Award:
Robert T. Stickler Award 
The Robert T. Stickler Award recognizes chapters that demonstrate the most commitment through participation in conferences, the State Leadership Conference and the National Leadership Conference, involvement in Officer positions at the Area, State, and National levels, and participation in competitive events. The State will choose a chapter that has received the award to represent Illinois for the Outstanding Chapter Award. 








You can find more information about Adviser and Chapter Awards at https://www.fbla.org/divisions/fbla/fbla-awards-recognition/. 




To conclude, FBLA offers various awards and recognition to members, advisers, and chapters that go above and beyond in their commitment to FBLA! Reach out to your chapter adviser or one of us to learn more about awards and how to apply! 

By Katie Bach, Illinois FBLA State Vice President, Southern Area
​
“The comfort zone is a behavioral state within which a person operates in an anxiety-neutral condition, using a limited set of behaviors to deliver a steady level of performance, usually without a sense of risk.”

When leaving the comfort zone, fear doesn’t always equate to being in the panic zone. Fear can be a necessary step en route to the learning and growth zones. It takes courage to step from the comfort zone into the fear zone. Without a clear roadmap, there’s no way to build on previous experiences. This can be anxiety provoking. Yet persevere long enough, and you enter the learning zone, where you gain new skills and deal with challenges resourcefully. While occupying the comfort zone, it’s tempting to feel safe, in control, and that the environment is on an even keel. It’s smooth sailing.

Aside from pushing yourself and personal growth, there are benefits to leaving the comfort zone:

• Self Actualization
• Development of a Growth Mindset
• Resilience
• Antifragility
• Greater self-efficacy

These benefit your personal growth, mindset, and social development. By pushing yourself to be uncomfortable in your surroundings you push yourself to the beginning of a new experience of growth.

​

By Advait Rajmane, Illinois FBLA State Reporter

Networking is a crucial skill in today's business world. By definition, it involves building relationships with people who can help you achieve your professional goals. Whether those be to find new job opportunities, learn about industry trends, or to simply establish valuable connections. However, networking is not solely about collecting business cards or growing your LinkedIn connections, it should be approached strategically and with genuine interest in building relationships. Below are a few simple steps so that you can begin your networking journey!

1.    Know Your Goals

Before you start networking, it's important to know what you want to achieve. Do you want to expand your professional circle? Find a mentor? Land a new job? Once you have identified your goals, you can focus your networking efforts on meeting the right people and building relationships that will help you achieve those goals.

2.    Attend Networking Events

Networking events are a great way to meet new people in your industry. For example, there are many FBLA conferences throughout the year (SLW, NFLC, Area, SLC, NLC). Utilize these opportunities to garner new interests while exploring current ones. It is also a good idea to research the speakers, attendees, and/or sponsors to identify potential contacts beforehand.

3.    Connect on Social Media

Social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram can help you connect with professionals in your field from anywhere. Join industry groups, follow leaders, and engage with their posts. It is important that you demonstrate interest by sharing your own insights and content to showcase your knowledge and expertise. Do make sure to be mindful of your online presence and ensure that your profile and posts align with your professional goals.

4.    Focus on Building Relationships

Be in the mindset of forming relationships with people. What is vital is that you are in a position to reach out to these people in the future in order to achieve your goals. Also take an interest in the other person's professional goals and seek ways to help them succeed. Focus on developing meaningful connections by being genuine, respectful, and supportive. When you approach networking with a mindset of building relationships, you will find it easier to establish connections that are valuable and long-lasting.

5.    Follow Up

After meeting someone, follow up to thank them for their time and express your interest in staying in touch. There is no benefit if you do not connect with them later. Send a personalized message or email to remind them of your conversation and offer to connect on LinkedIn. Remember to keep the conversation going and find ways to add value to the relationship.

I hope these steps helped you outline your networking approach. Although these steps are more generic, FBLA has all of these resources already in place! I am confident that you are now able to employ these tools to their fullest. :)

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By Yash Sharma, Illinois FBLA President

Hello Illinois FBLA! Today I will be walking you through some of the overlooked steps of how to preside like a pro! This bootcamp will be a summation of the process of how to become a president with a leadership style that reflects your values.

1. Deciding to run
Your decision to run should be based on one primary question: am I running for the right reasons? Running to serve the members is a priority and should be acknowledged as the primary objective of each officer.

2. Set your platform
Make sure that your platform and goals are a reflection of yourself! Your campaign promises should be presented so they are achievable and characteristic of the changes you want the make! There is no singular best practice or improvement.

3. Conference Day
Do not only interact with voting delegates! Spread your efforts to as many members, advisers, and guests as possible. In the long run, your impact will be monumentally more effective if you consider the needs of a more diverse population

4. First Steps
Immediately connect with your membership once elected! Build comfortable spaces in which members can suggest improvements and provide feedback so you are able to continuously learn from as many members as possible

5. Program of Work
Continue to refer back to your program of work as a basis for improvement and goal setting. These objectives that were set on your program of work reflect your promises to your membership and will build a great reputation for your team’s contributions

6. Transition
​Start your transition early! Even though the next president may not take office for months after their elections, start to acclimate them to the practices for a president. This will ensure your legacy and efforts continue past your term.


Feel free to reach out to me ([email protected]) with any questions! More information is also available on the National President’s Executive Council Instagram (@fblapres)

In 2022, the Future Business Leaders of America chapter at O’Fallon Township High School sent 35 competitors to the State Leadership Conference in Springfield, Illinois. Several students placed at SLC, and 15 of these students continued on to compete in Chicago, Illinois for the National Leadership Conference. After having our local chapter president elected into the Illinois FBLA state board, we had our local board reelected with a mix of underclassmen ranging from Freshman-Juniors. 

Preparing for the 2023 school year, our main focus was member retention, so we created an Instagram account, had a booth at the Fall Fair and advertised more at the Freshman campus. Overall, in 2023, OTHS FBLA hosted the Southwestern Area Conference, and ⅘ of the Southwestern Area Board are members from our chapter. 

Outside of competing, OTHS FBLA hosts several collaborative and intellectual meetings, featuring speakers ranging from small business owners to larger corporations like the St. Louis Blues and Disney. This competition season, OTHS FBLA sent a record-breaking 62 members to the Southwestern Area Conference - hosted by our local chapter president and advisers - with 50 members advancing to the State Leadership Conference this April. We’re hopeful that we can send about 25-30 members to the National Leadership Conference hosted in Atlanta, Georgia. 

We’re beyond thankful for our advisers Mrs. Haislar and Ms. Clark for giving us these amazing opportunities, such as guest speakers, fundraisers, and trips like NLC. We hope to break the records we’ve already broken and will continue to work our best not only regionally, but state-wide and nation-wide.

​

By Avani Rai, Illionis FBLA State Vice President, Central Area

Among the vast offerings that involvement with FBLA provides, Conferences often stand out as the highlight of many students' experiences. The opportunity to travel, make new friends, and learn about everything business and beyond is always something to look forward to. While most FBLA students are familiar with competitive conferences (Area, State, and Nationals,) FBLA typically hosts a few additional Conferences throughout the year as well—one of which is the National Fall Leadership Conference (NFLC). However, this year FBLA's NFLCs were farther away than in previous years, and many schools would be unable to take their students to attend. Thus, Illinois FBLA decided to host its own Illinois Fall Retreat!

In early November, 312 Illinois FBLA-ers and advisers from 16 chapters across the state united for a weekend of professional development, networking, and fun at the first-ever Illinois Fall Retreat hosted in Normal, Illinois. Attendees learned from phenomenal speakers, FBLA alum, and Illinois FBLA State Officers to develop a stronger understanding of the business world and get the "Conference experience." Don't let that fool you though—from a private Children's Discovery Museum experience to a late-night trip to Insomnia Cookies, the conference was filled with tons of activities with the purpose of pure fun as well!

So, what if you didn't have the opportunity to attend? Well, I've got some good news: moving forward IFR will become a staple of the Illinois FBLA experience, allowing more Illinois FBLA'ers than ever before to experience Conferences. Plans are to host the Conference around the same time period but shift the location between northern, central, and southern Illinois to ensure every student has an equal opportunity to attend and give our attendees a varied experience each year. Until then, stay involved with FBLA through your upcoming Area Conference so that you have the chance to qualify for the State and National Conferences this year. Also, be on the lookout for the annual Summer Leadership Workshop in late July. Every chapter has the opportunity to send a delegation of students to attend and take part in this great Conference as well!

By Reventh Poondru, Illinois FBLA State Vice President, Central Northern Area

Competing at your area, state, and national level is an incredible experience and provides many future opportunities. This blog post will detail tips and tricks you should always keep in mind as you progress through your competitive events journey because they’ll allow you to succeed at all levels of competition. 

Tip #1: Pick an event that you find enjoyable! 

• Competing in an event that you just picked randomly will end up causing you a lot of trouble in the long run if you're not actually interested in the event. You’ll find it tremendously easier to practice and prepare for the competition if what you’re learning is actually enjoyable and exciting. With over 80 competitive events to choose from, you’re all but guaranteed to find an event that you will enjoy. So use resources from the State officer team and your local chapter to find an event you enjoy and can excel in!
  

Tip #2: Practice! Practice! Practice!

• As with all things in life, practicing beforehand will allow you to showcase your peak performance on the day of the competition. Use resources such as practice tests to practice for the big day! If you have questions, try to contact someone who has competed in the event in the past since they might be able to help you! If you are doing any type of speaking event, practice your speech with people like your family, friends, or even teachers. They can offer you valuable advice and critiques!
  

 Tip #3: Have Fun! 

• As with all things in life, be sure to have fun with competitive events! They’re an amazing way to get involved in FBLA, meet new people, and gain valuable experience. But remember that traveling to conferences, making connections, and other parts of the FBLA experience are all opportunities for your own enjoyment. Ensure that you are making choices that will eventually contribute to your own success and growth! 
  

With these tips, you’ll be ready to succeed in the Competitive Events Series. We’ll see you at your respective area conferences, so be sure to say hello! If you’re not a senior, look into getting more involved with FBLA through board positions! If you are a senior, look for FBLA Collegiate chapters! 

Have fun!

Sincerely,
Revanth Poondru