Running for State Office
by Bradley Marks, State President
Deciding What To Run For
Before doing any campaign prep work, you must decide what you want to run for, and why you want to run. Lots of candidates choose what they think is most winnable, but voters will see right through that. Run For the position that you think you will serve IL FBLA best as. Just because you have run for a similar, or even the same position before, and lost, keep trying. I ran for Southern Area President, put in all the campaign work, and lost. Of course, I was upset, but I learned from my epic failure and won the office of State President just months later.
Selecting Your Campaign Team
In the midst of talking to members at your campaign booth, rehearsing your speech in your head, and trying not to have a panic attack, you’ll need lots of support from your local chapter. Your team should consist of not only your friends but also those you know will be dedicated to helping you win. With lots of preparation ahead of SLC, you must engage as many members as possible to help you prepare for the big day. Your campaign team can help by handing material out at your booth, talking to their friends from other schools, all while rallying behind you at the opening session. Another key component is to use those you meet throughout the day from unfamiliar regions. The more members you get to know on a personal note, the more enthusiastic they will be to spread your message to their peers from across the state.
Campaign Booths
The number one place you will come into contact with members throughout the day is at your campaign booth. This serves as your campaign headquarters, so make it appear that way. Invest in a tri-fold poster board with your platform in easy to read bulleted points, as well as pictures of your past FBLA experiences. It is also smart to have a custom logo that can be put on signs, merchandise, and anything else that will help your name and logo stick in the minds of voters. Be sure to have basic giveaways like candy, pins, and stickers, but also invest in low-cost business cards with links to your social media for members to learn more about you. Though it can be tempting to sit down, or even grab lunch, be sure to remain at your booth the entire time allowed, as you do not want to miss anyone! It will be worth it, in the end, to stay there when you become victorious.
Giving Your Speech
Walking into glaring lights in front of over 1,000 members, no matter how much you prepared, will be intimidating. The best way to be as confident in your speech as possible is to not even be thinking about your speech by the time you walk on stage. The words and message you wish to speak should be second nature, while your main focus is enthusiasm. Of course, you want to memorize key points in your speech, and must stay on track according to rules, if you slip up, keep going. Literally, the only person in the world that knows you say the wrong phrase or word, is you. Though it might seem like you crushed your one chance to give your perfect speech you have been working on for weeks, adapt to the situation, and remain confident. Enthusiasm and confidence are much more appealing to the crowd than repetitive platform points, and the crowd has much influence on the voting delegates.
Q&A Session
In my personal experience, the Q&A was where I felt I did best, and I did not prepare for it at all. There is no possible way to truly prepare for this part of your campaign, as voting delegates are permitted to ask virtually anything. The best thing you can do is to not think about possible questions, with the exception of having your favorite quote memorized, in which I did after hearing a Secretary candidate asked this question. This is when you must appeal to only the voting delegates, which are members who truly care about FBLA. While your speech is very important, it is not a bad idea to briefly cover your platform in front of the crowd, and save specifics to the voting delegates. While you might be intimidated by your opponents, the worst thing you can do is try to be like them. Distance your answers as far as possible as theirs, not meaning shy away from your platform, but answer in your own unique way. Make sure your responses stick with voters when it’s decision time Saturday morning.
by Bradley Marks, State President
Deciding What To Run For
Before doing any campaign prep work, you must decide what you want to run for, and why you want to run. Lots of candidates choose what they think is most winnable, but voters will see right through that. Run For the position that you think you will serve IL FBLA best as. Just because you have run for a similar, or even the same position before, and lost, keep trying. I ran for Southern Area President, put in all the campaign work, and lost. Of course, I was upset, but I learned from my epic failure and won the office of State President just months later.
Selecting Your Campaign Team
In the midst of talking to members at your campaign booth, rehearsing your speech in your head, and trying not to have a panic attack, you’ll need lots of support from your local chapter. Your team should consist of not only your friends but also those you know will be dedicated to helping you win. With lots of preparation ahead of SLC, you must engage as many members as possible to help you prepare for the big day. Your campaign team can help by handing material out at your booth, talking to their friends from other schools, all while rallying behind you at the opening session. Another key component is to use those you meet throughout the day from unfamiliar regions. The more members you get to know on a personal note, the more enthusiastic they will be to spread your message to their peers from across the state.
Campaign Booths
The number one place you will come into contact with members throughout the day is at your campaign booth. This serves as your campaign headquarters, so make it appear that way. Invest in a tri-fold poster board with your platform in easy to read bulleted points, as well as pictures of your past FBLA experiences. It is also smart to have a custom logo that can be put on signs, merchandise, and anything else that will help your name and logo stick in the minds of voters. Be sure to have basic giveaways like candy, pins, and stickers, but also invest in low-cost business cards with links to your social media for members to learn more about you. Though it can be tempting to sit down, or even grab lunch, be sure to remain at your booth the entire time allowed, as you do not want to miss anyone! It will be worth it, in the end, to stay there when you become victorious.
Giving Your Speech
Walking into glaring lights in front of over 1,000 members, no matter how much you prepared, will be intimidating. The best way to be as confident in your speech as possible is to not even be thinking about your speech by the time you walk on stage. The words and message you wish to speak should be second nature, while your main focus is enthusiasm. Of course, you want to memorize key points in your speech, and must stay on track according to rules, if you slip up, keep going. Literally, the only person in the world that knows you say the wrong phrase or word, is you. Though it might seem like you crushed your one chance to give your perfect speech you have been working on for weeks, adapt to the situation, and remain confident. Enthusiasm and confidence are much more appealing to the crowd than repetitive platform points, and the crowd has much influence on the voting delegates.
Q&A Session
In my personal experience, the Q&A was where I felt I did best, and I did not prepare for it at all. There is no possible way to truly prepare for this part of your campaign, as voting delegates are permitted to ask virtually anything. The best thing you can do is to not think about possible questions, with the exception of having your favorite quote memorized, in which I did after hearing a Secretary candidate asked this question. This is when you must appeal to only the voting delegates, which are members who truly care about FBLA. While your speech is very important, it is not a bad idea to briefly cover your platform in front of the crowd, and save specifics to the voting delegates. While you might be intimidated by your opponents, the worst thing you can do is try to be like them. Distance your answers as far as possible as theirs, not meaning shy away from your platform, but answer in your own unique way. Make sure your responses stick with voters when it’s decision time Saturday morning.
Improving Your Public Speaking Skills
by Ean Fox, State Vice President, Southwestern Area
As an Illinois FBLA state officer I have had my share of public speaking. From Area Conference, to placing at SLC in Public Speaking 1, or even on stage at SLC, I've learned ways to improve my public speaking skills. Two of the very important, but over looked parts of public speaking are confidence and content.
You can improve your public speaking dramatically by improving your confidence in yourself. Confidence, shows the audience that you are not afraid and also that you believe what you are saying to be true. Confidence can be shown in your voice by speaking clearly, directly, and using tone to your advantage. Confidence can also be shown through your body movements. As shaky knees and frantic movements show fear, standing tall and appropriate hand motions show confidence in your speaking skills and the content of your speech. Having confidence while public speaking will make you more comfortable, which allows audiences to connect and feel comfortable listening to you speak. In my opinion, having confidence is a very key factor that separates good public speakers from great ones.
Trying to give a great speech without a solid content is nearly impossible. Your content as the speaker, should always be on topic and direct. Your audience should not question what point you are trying to convey. When writing a speech, it is an necessity to have another set of eyes look over your speech. Personally I prefer to have up to three different people read through my speeches, before I even finalize them. Having checks and balances like this, makes your speech stronger as a whole. Also, when discussing content, you as the presenter or speaker should be well acquainted with your content. A audience member should not question if you know your content at anytime. To be fully prepared and know your content completely, you should rehearse your speech. Start by practicing your speech in the mirror, using different voice tones and hand movements in different places throughout the speech. While repeating this practice, you will find the proper movements and tones, for the proper places in your speech. The point of practice, is not to fully memorize your speech, but to have a full understanding of it. Content, can make or break even the best speakers speeches, so remember to always be direct, on topic, and to have a complete understanding of your content.
by Ean Fox, State Vice President, Southwestern Area
As an Illinois FBLA state officer I have had my share of public speaking. From Area Conference, to placing at SLC in Public Speaking 1, or even on stage at SLC, I've learned ways to improve my public speaking skills. Two of the very important, but over looked parts of public speaking are confidence and content.
You can improve your public speaking dramatically by improving your confidence in yourself. Confidence, shows the audience that you are not afraid and also that you believe what you are saying to be true. Confidence can be shown in your voice by speaking clearly, directly, and using tone to your advantage. Confidence can also be shown through your body movements. As shaky knees and frantic movements show fear, standing tall and appropriate hand motions show confidence in your speaking skills and the content of your speech. Having confidence while public speaking will make you more comfortable, which allows audiences to connect and feel comfortable listening to you speak. In my opinion, having confidence is a very key factor that separates good public speakers from great ones.
Trying to give a great speech without a solid content is nearly impossible. Your content as the speaker, should always be on topic and direct. Your audience should not question what point you are trying to convey. When writing a speech, it is an necessity to have another set of eyes look over your speech. Personally I prefer to have up to three different people read through my speeches, before I even finalize them. Having checks and balances like this, makes your speech stronger as a whole. Also, when discussing content, you as the presenter or speaker should be well acquainted with your content. A audience member should not question if you know your content at anytime. To be fully prepared and know your content completely, you should rehearse your speech. Start by practicing your speech in the mirror, using different voice tones and hand movements in different places throughout the speech. While repeating this practice, you will find the proper movements and tones, for the proper places in your speech. The point of practice, is not to fully memorize your speech, but to have a full understanding of it. Content, can make or break even the best speakers speeches, so remember to always be direct, on topic, and to have a complete understanding of your content.
How to be Parli 'Pros': The Benefits of Parliamentary Procedures
by Snehitha Talugula, State Parliamentarian
A strong organization is also an efficient one! Ever been in a meeting where one person dominates the duration of the session? Or ever been in a meeting that doesn’t end when it is supposed to? Ever been marginalized in decision making that doesn’t reflect what the majority of members want? These are all common problems that take place in committee meetings and regular proceedings of clubs that can easily be fixed with the implementation of Parliamentary Procedures.
Here are some quick tips to ensuring that meetings run smoothly, and that everyone has a fair chance in decision making:
by Snehitha Talugula, State Parliamentarian
A strong organization is also an efficient one! Ever been in a meeting where one person dominates the duration of the session? Or ever been in a meeting that doesn’t end when it is supposed to? Ever been marginalized in decision making that doesn’t reflect what the majority of members want? These are all common problems that take place in committee meetings and regular proceedings of clubs that can easily be fixed with the implementation of Parliamentary Procedures.
Here are some quick tips to ensuring that meetings run smoothly, and that everyone has a fair chance in decision making:
- Elect a chairman to preside over the meeting. Before speaking all members should address this individual by his/her title and then get acknowledgement to speak.
- Know that debate, as outlined by Robert’s Rules of Order, is only supposed to be two ten minute speeches on any single question. Also know that those who haven’t spoken yet have privilege over those who have spoken once already.
- Make the motion to “Limit or Extend Debate:” this motion allows constraints to be put on debate so that members aren’t left discussing a single issue for a long time
- Also note that in order for business to pass and for course of action to become final, at least a majority of members must be in favor of it. Without a majority the business can’t be done and the motion fails.
- Make the motion “Fix Time to Which to Adjourn:” This motion, sets a time to adjourn the meeting. This is convenient especially when business is not yet finished at the meeting, but has been going on a for a long time. Business left as unfinished at this meeting can be taken up later.
What is March of Dimes?
by Natalie Seamen, State Vice President, Western Area
The March of Dimes was founded by United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and was originally known as the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis. Their mission was to end polio. After this mission was accomplished, the March of Dimes moved toward stopping infant mortality and preventing birth defects. Since 2003, the March of Dimes has significantly focused on their Prematurity Campaign, which seeks to limit the rising number of premature births.
FBLA has a long history with the March of Dimes. They are FBLA-PBL’s national service partner, and FBLA has been March of Dimes’ top fundraising partner for 40 years. Each year FBLA members take part in the March of Dimes March for Babies, raise money for the organization, and educate others about the March of Dimes’ mission.
November 17th was World Prematurity Day, so on that day and throughout the month of November, schools across the U.S. were “colored purple” to raise awareness. Even if your chapter missed this day, there are many more opportunities to raise awareness and contribute. Fundraising resources can be found on the FBLA website.
by Natalie Seamen, State Vice President, Western Area
The March of Dimes was founded by United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and was originally known as the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis. Their mission was to end polio. After this mission was accomplished, the March of Dimes moved toward stopping infant mortality and preventing birth defects. Since 2003, the March of Dimes has significantly focused on their Prematurity Campaign, which seeks to limit the rising number of premature births.
FBLA has a long history with the March of Dimes. They are FBLA-PBL’s national service partner, and FBLA has been March of Dimes’ top fundraising partner for 40 years. Each year FBLA members take part in the March of Dimes March for Babies, raise money for the organization, and educate others about the March of Dimes’ mission.
November 17th was World Prematurity Day, so on that day and throughout the month of November, schools across the U.S. were “colored purple” to raise awareness. Even if your chapter missed this day, there are many more opportunities to raise awareness and contribute. Fundraising resources can be found on the FBLA website.
ICCCTSO 2017
by Adam Grimes, State Vice President, Eastern Area
There’s no better way to kick off your FBLA officer responsibilities than heading off to Springfield on a hot humid July morning. ICCCTSO is a great officer seminar to envelop you into your career student organization. ICCCTSO stands for the Illinois Coordinating Council for Career and Technical Student organizations and here officers from each CTSO gather to learn about leadership and what it means to be an officer. Not only do you get to bond with some of your FBLA officers, you also get to socialize with officers from other career and technical student organizations. At this seminar I realized the bigger picture that I was getting myself into, so I was now a representative of something bigger than myself.
This seminar gave me opportunities that I would not have been exposed to, like touring the state capitol building and being able to debate my new friends on the senate floor. I was able to craft relationships with people in places I was not previously accustomed to. To create these new relationships the officers at the seminar were randomly placed in groups by the wonderful Patti Hendrickson, my group was called, “Skosla Scorch”, which was an acronym for the different organizations that the group members were involved in. There was an award for the most energetic and supportive group, and my group was able to get that award. Even though a lot of great things happen to me at ICCCTSO I would have to say that the highlight was learning what a horseshoe was at Boone's Saloon.
by Adam Grimes, State Vice President, Eastern Area
There’s no better way to kick off your FBLA officer responsibilities than heading off to Springfield on a hot humid July morning. ICCCTSO is a great officer seminar to envelop you into your career student organization. ICCCTSO stands for the Illinois Coordinating Council for Career and Technical Student organizations and here officers from each CTSO gather to learn about leadership and what it means to be an officer. Not only do you get to bond with some of your FBLA officers, you also get to socialize with officers from other career and technical student organizations. At this seminar I realized the bigger picture that I was getting myself into, so I was now a representative of something bigger than myself.
This seminar gave me opportunities that I would not have been exposed to, like touring the state capitol building and being able to debate my new friends on the senate floor. I was able to craft relationships with people in places I was not previously accustomed to. To create these new relationships the officers at the seminar were randomly placed in groups by the wonderful Patti Hendrickson, my group was called, “Skosla Scorch”, which was an acronym for the different organizations that the group members were involved in. There was an award for the most energetic and supportive group, and my group was able to get that award. Even though a lot of great things happen to me at ICCCTSO I would have to say that the highlight was learning what a horseshoe was at Boone's Saloon.
What is NFLC?
by Trisha Nair, State Vice President, Southern Area
What is NFLC? Why should I go? And how can it benefit me? These may be some questions that your chapter has about the FBLA National Fall Leadership Conference. My chapter’s first time attending this conference was the 2016 conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Though we are not a new chapter, we have just simply never attended. But I can guarantee you that every year after this, my chapter will definitely be in attendance to all future NFLC’s. This is for many reasons.
So what exactly is this conference? NFLC is a non competitive function that has various workshops and speakers all students can experience. These workshops can vary from how FBLA can help you in the future, to college preparatory workshops. It targets students from all different backgrounds who all have different goals. It truly shines a light on how FBLA can help you in all future endeavors no matter what the future holds for a member,
The environment of this conference is unlike any other. In other FBLA Conferences, the attitude can be more competitive than collaborative. But here at the National Fall Leadership Conference, when competition is not a factor, true bonding and life long connections can be forged. It gives students the opportunity to meet other like minded peers from across the nation, not just their respective state.
The National Fall Leadership COnference is one of my chapter’s favorite conferences for these reasons and more. Experiencing a new city with your friends, creating strong bonds with students across the nation, and learning more about yourself as a leader and as a person are all things that can be achieved by attending the National Fall Leadership Conference. For more information please visit the national FBLA website.
by Trisha Nair, State Vice President, Southern Area
What is NFLC? Why should I go? And how can it benefit me? These may be some questions that your chapter has about the FBLA National Fall Leadership Conference. My chapter’s first time attending this conference was the 2016 conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Though we are not a new chapter, we have just simply never attended. But I can guarantee you that every year after this, my chapter will definitely be in attendance to all future NFLC’s. This is for many reasons.
So what exactly is this conference? NFLC is a non competitive function that has various workshops and speakers all students can experience. These workshops can vary from how FBLA can help you in the future, to college preparatory workshops. It targets students from all different backgrounds who all have different goals. It truly shines a light on how FBLA can help you in all future endeavors no matter what the future holds for a member,
The environment of this conference is unlike any other. In other FBLA Conferences, the attitude can be more competitive than collaborative. But here at the National Fall Leadership Conference, when competition is not a factor, true bonding and life long connections can be forged. It gives students the opportunity to meet other like minded peers from across the nation, not just their respective state.
The National Fall Leadership COnference is one of my chapter’s favorite conferences for these reasons and more. Experiencing a new city with your friends, creating strong bonds with students across the nation, and learning more about yourself as a leader and as a person are all things that can be achieved by attending the National Fall Leadership Conference. For more information please visit the national FBLA website.
Chapter Challenges
by Liliana Wang, State Vice President, Central Area
This year I highly encourage chapters to be the best they can be! Chapters can do so by completing the Chapter Challenge. Consisting of three parts, this program is a way to encourage recruitment, retention, and member involvement. Completion of this challenge results in esteemed recognition that I would love for our state chapters to have.
The first part is called Super Sweeps. Running from August 1 to October 20, chapters must complete at least four out of six activities that are dedicated to recruiting and retaining members for the new year. Upon completion, chapters will be recognized at conferences, on social media, and on the FBLA-PBL website.
The second portion goes from November 1 to December 10 and is titled Non-Stop November. Chapters are required to complete at least two required tasks and three optional ones that prioritize member engagement. Doing so, chapters will be honored at state conferences.
Lastly is FBLA Action Awareness which goes from January 1 through March 1. Chapters are encouraged to complete tasks that focus on FBLA Programs such as FBLA-PBL Week or CTE Month. Completing this final portion results in recognition at the National Leadership Conference and recognition on the FBLA-PBL website and social media pages.
Again, I want to stress the importance of the Chapter Challenge. Completion of this amazing program is a great way to bring your FBLA-PBL chapter to the next level and give your members the recognition they deserve. I hope you participate, and good luck with your challenge!
by Liliana Wang, State Vice President, Central Area
This year I highly encourage chapters to be the best they can be! Chapters can do so by completing the Chapter Challenge. Consisting of three parts, this program is a way to encourage recruitment, retention, and member involvement. Completion of this challenge results in esteemed recognition that I would love for our state chapters to have.
The first part is called Super Sweeps. Running from August 1 to October 20, chapters must complete at least four out of six activities that are dedicated to recruiting and retaining members for the new year. Upon completion, chapters will be recognized at conferences, on social media, and on the FBLA-PBL website.
The second portion goes from November 1 to December 10 and is titled Non-Stop November. Chapters are required to complete at least two required tasks and three optional ones that prioritize member engagement. Doing so, chapters will be honored at state conferences.
Lastly is FBLA Action Awareness which goes from January 1 through March 1. Chapters are encouraged to complete tasks that focus on FBLA Programs such as FBLA-PBL Week or CTE Month. Completing this final portion results in recognition at the National Leadership Conference and recognition on the FBLA-PBL website and social media pages.
Again, I want to stress the importance of the Chapter Challenge. Completion of this amazing program is a great way to bring your FBLA-PBL chapter to the next level and give your members the recognition they deserve. I hope you participate, and good luck with your challenge!
Share your FBLA Stories with Social Media
by Zayyan Faizal, State Reporter
FBLA chapters across the state participate in so many great activities and make a great contribution to service, education, and progress. Though, many times our efforts go unrecognized and people simply pass off FBLA as simply a business organization. After all, members participate in events and activities for the benefit of themselves or their chapter, right? Why should it matter if I am not 'recognized'? The reason is because we must share the mission of FBLA with others and show them how they can benefit from our organization. By publicizing events through press releases and social media, other students may be attracted to join or even school administrators may reach out to support your local FBLA chapter. If people understand what FBLA can do for them or their community, our effectiveness as an organization can increase. Allowing others to see what FBLA does can help increase Perkins funding as well, which can lead to increased resources for state and local chapters, higher award winnings, and even discounted trips to state and national competitions. By publicizing your FBLA efforts, the future of FBLA can grow and expand! Be sure to send me any of your chapter activities by tagging us on Twitter and Instagram @IllinoisFBLA with #illinoisFBLA and emailing [email protected]!
by Zayyan Faizal, State Reporter
FBLA chapters across the state participate in so many great activities and make a great contribution to service, education, and progress. Though, many times our efforts go unrecognized and people simply pass off FBLA as simply a business organization. After all, members participate in events and activities for the benefit of themselves or their chapter, right? Why should it matter if I am not 'recognized'? The reason is because we must share the mission of FBLA with others and show them how they can benefit from our organization. By publicizing events through press releases and social media, other students may be attracted to join or even school administrators may reach out to support your local FBLA chapter. If people understand what FBLA can do for them or their community, our effectiveness as an organization can increase. Allowing others to see what FBLA does can help increase Perkins funding as well, which can lead to increased resources for state and local chapters, higher award winnings, and even discounted trips to state and national competitions. By publicizing your FBLA efforts, the future of FBLA can grow and expand! Be sure to send me any of your chapter activities by tagging us on Twitter and Instagram @IllinoisFBLA with #illinoisFBLA and emailing [email protected]!
Strengthen Your Chapter Through Social Events
by Thomas O'Brien, State Vice President, Northern Area
When people think of FBLA, they often focus on the professional development and competitive aspects of our organization. However, FBLA can be fun and social, as well, and it is often beneficial for you and your chapter to relax and have some fun by planning social events! Social events provide your chapter’s members with the opportunity to spend valuable time with each other without worrying about other things, and they can be great bonding experiences for everyone involved.
With the holiday season approaching, one way you can connect the members of your chapter is by holding a chapter gift exchange. By giving gifts to one another, chapter members can learn more about each other, and they can form friendships with classmates they may have never known. In addition, events such as this give underclassmen the opportunity to meet and make connections with chapter officers and other upperclassmen who can help them succeed in both high school and FBLA.
Social events can also be a valuable recruitment tool for your chapter, as they show prospective members the fun experiences and meaningful relationships they can gain through FBLA. Social events can make FBLA seem less intimidating to underclassmen, and they can entice members to join. For example, events with food incentives (like ice cream socials and pizza parties) often have large turnouts, and once students attend, they can learn more about FBLA and will be more likely to join.
Social events can be a great asset for your chapter, and they can strengthen your chapter by helping you increase membership and engage the members already involved. By planning a social event, you can help your chapter be the best it can be while just having fun!
by Thomas O'Brien, State Vice President, Northern Area
When people think of FBLA, they often focus on the professional development and competitive aspects of our organization. However, FBLA can be fun and social, as well, and it is often beneficial for you and your chapter to relax and have some fun by planning social events! Social events provide your chapter’s members with the opportunity to spend valuable time with each other without worrying about other things, and they can be great bonding experiences for everyone involved.
With the holiday season approaching, one way you can connect the members of your chapter is by holding a chapter gift exchange. By giving gifts to one another, chapter members can learn more about each other, and they can form friendships with classmates they may have never known. In addition, events such as this give underclassmen the opportunity to meet and make connections with chapter officers and other upperclassmen who can help them succeed in both high school and FBLA.
Social events can also be a valuable recruitment tool for your chapter, as they show prospective members the fun experiences and meaningful relationships they can gain through FBLA. Social events can make FBLA seem less intimidating to underclassmen, and they can entice members to join. For example, events with food incentives (like ice cream socials and pizza parties) often have large turnouts, and once students attend, they can learn more about FBLA and will be more likely to join.
Social events can be a great asset for your chapter, and they can strengthen your chapter by helping you increase membership and engage the members already involved. By planning a social event, you can help your chapter be the best it can be while just having fun!
Membership Recruitment
by Nick Berta, State Vice President, Central Northern Area
Membership is the cornerstone of any organization. For FBLA, our membership is something that we take pride in at a national level, being the largest student business organization in the world. Consequently it is the members of FBLA that make the experience of conferences so memorable. That being said there are things that current members can do to ensure that the network that FBLA offers today, continues to get larger. Many of these tips you may already use!
On the local level, getting more members in a chapter can be done through fun social events. Through social events prospective members can see what FBLA can offer to them. Many chapters already regularly host socials and by posting information around school promoting the event there is sure to be a quick rise in membership.
Another great way to get more members is by showing how FBLA can be beneficial to their futures. A common misconception about FBLA is that it is strictly business. However, this isn’t true and current members know this. Be sure to explain when recruiting the many career interests other than just business that competitive events cover. It is very important to tell future members about competitive events and all the conferences that are held annually.
Above all, the best way to get new members and improve recruitment is by talking and giving personal experiences. Explain what FBLA has taught you like how to speak in public, how to present, or how to become a stronger leader. There is no better way to spread the message of what FBLA can provide members other than just speaking with friends and classmates about the ways that FBLA has helped and impacted you. Show the future members how FBLA has helped you Elevate Your Future and how it can do the same for them!
by Nick Berta, State Vice President, Central Northern Area
Membership is the cornerstone of any organization. For FBLA, our membership is something that we take pride in at a national level, being the largest student business organization in the world. Consequently it is the members of FBLA that make the experience of conferences so memorable. That being said there are things that current members can do to ensure that the network that FBLA offers today, continues to get larger. Many of these tips you may already use!
On the local level, getting more members in a chapter can be done through fun social events. Through social events prospective members can see what FBLA can offer to them. Many chapters already regularly host socials and by posting information around school promoting the event there is sure to be a quick rise in membership.
Another great way to get more members is by showing how FBLA can be beneficial to their futures. A common misconception about FBLA is that it is strictly business. However, this isn’t true and current members know this. Be sure to explain when recruiting the many career interests other than just business that competitive events cover. It is very important to tell future members about competitive events and all the conferences that are held annually.
Above all, the best way to get new members and improve recruitment is by talking and giving personal experiences. Explain what FBLA has taught you like how to speak in public, how to present, or how to become a stronger leader. There is no better way to spread the message of what FBLA can provide members other than just speaking with friends and classmates about the ways that FBLA has helped and impacted you. Show the future members how FBLA has helped you Elevate Your Future and how it can do the same for them!