Running for State Office
by Evelyn Elledge, State Secretary
From standing in front of thousands of people giving a speech, to answering questions from previous state officers, or even just networking with your fellow peers. This is just what part of what the running for a state officer looks like. If you want to REALLY make a difference and make your voice heard loud and clear in FBLA, here is where to start.
Campaigning is one of the most crucial parts in running for a state office. Although it just seems like networking with your fellow peers, you are making your first impression on the many faces you will see in your term if you win. You make your platform known and make your first, and hopefully lasting impression on your future co-leaders and voting delegates. You make a poster and a handout to give to the people walking up to you. Personally, I gave out pencils with a pun on them. To leave a lasting impression but something they could use to remember me by.
Another part of running for state office is having the time and dedication. I cannot tell you how many hours were spent planning and executing the many duties of running for state office such as making a poster, preparing a speech, and campaigning. You have to seriously think about what is going to leave a lasting impression on everyone. If you take your time, seriously dedicate yourself and your time to running for a state office, you just might become one of our next state officers.
Community Service Ideas
by Audrey Zednick, State Vice President, Central Northern Area
In your local FBLA chapter it is extremely important to get involved in the community. There are a multitude of ways that you can get involved. First, your local chapter can get involved in food drives. Food drives are a great way to serve your community and get involved. By holding a food drive, you are helping locals get the food they need, but also your chapter gets closer in such events. By going door to door or holding one in your school, your chapter builds teamwork by organizing food and getting donations. Contact your local food bank today to find out when the best time to hold a food drive is. Most food banks get a lot of donations during the holiday season but fall short during the rest of the year. Donating during times where they are short on food is most impactful but donations during anytime of the year are always welcomed anywhere!
Secondly, a great way to serve your community is to hold a local blood drive. My local chapter holds one annually due to desperate need of blood in my local area. Most hospitals are always looking for donations, so the ability of your local FBLA chapter to hold a blood drive and give is imperative to your community. We also get the whole school involved by offering community service hours to students to donate and we give out free t-shirts. To educate the community it’s best to hang flyers around local businesses. Giving flyers out to neighborhoods also proved to be beneficial to bringing more people in to donate. Holding the bloodrive right after school also allowed more students to come since it was convenient. Many sports and clubs also encouraged their students to participate after talking to the coaches and sponsors. Messaging a local newspaper about the blood drive is also beneficial and proved to help bring more people in to the drive. During the drive it is also a great opportunity to talk to community members and let them know what FBLA is. There are a multitude of way to serve your community. These two ways proved to be most beneficial to our community; however, there are a ton of other ways to get involved in the community. It’s best to find out what your community needs and plan a service project around it!
IL FBLA Social Media
by Neha Arun, State Reporter
In the digital age, communication has moved from paper to posting. Illinois FBLA is taking advantage of social media to spread our message of service, education, and progress. We are active on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and even Snapchat! Our current goal is to increase the visibility of our accounts to retain existing members and recruit new members. Each social media platform requires a different type of promotion based on the audience, and we make sure to utilize these platform insights to showcase all the benefits our organization has to offer!
Twitter is the kingdom of hashtags. With every post, we make sure to include #ilfbla, #fblapbl, and #fbla. This way, we can encourage our members to use these hashtags and increase the visibility of our organization. Our twitter posts are usually short and sweet, with a few pictures and a catchy caption. It is also important to connect with other state FBLA chapters, so we make sure to like and retweet other FBLA posts.
The State Officer team this year is taking more pictures than ever, and Instagram is the best place to showcase them. From the debut of our new Illinois banner, to attending a PBL conference, we make sure that members know how our state officer team is. We still use the same hashtags as twitter, but we have the additional hashtag of #spotlightsunday. Spotlight Sunday is an ongoing social media campaign on Instagram, in which we showcase different Illinois FBLA members and chapters every Sunday. It is a great way to make chapters feel proud of their accomplishments and get involved in serving our organization! Spotlight Sunday submissions can be sent through DM or emailed to [email protected].
Though not as many teenagers are on Facebook, it is a great platform to connect with advisers and business professionals, and present our organization in a professional manner. However, we use Snapchat to communicate with teenagers the most. During conferences, our Snapchat story is regularly updated with conference events and reminders. We are hoping to raise awareness of our Snapchat account, as it is a valuable and interactive tool for members to use at conferences.
Illinois FBLA is always ready to promote our local chapters on social media. We are constantly liking, retweeting, and commenting on our members posts (tagged with #ilfbla, of course!) and working towards bringing our state chapter closer together. Our handle is @illinoisfbla on Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat, and you can find us under “Illinois FBLA” on Facebook. Follow us to get involved with your state chapter, and to receive national FBLA calendar updates!
Running for Area Office
by Parker Honegger, State Vice President, Central Area
Running for office is a great way to become an active member in FBLA and use the leadership skills
taught throughout our conferences. Once you have figured out how to apply, it is essential to choose
the position that best suits you. Using your qualifications, experiences, and passion, a specific position
will call your name. Throughout this process, I have a list of tips for you to consider:
1. Develop a platform of goals
2. Share your passion, tell your story
3. Be honest and candid
4. Be Prepared
5. network, Network, NETWORK
The way you brand yourself is important to the way people perceive you and the organization you
stand for. FBLA is proud to have people step up and use the skills you have learned. We are excited for
the upcoming Area Conferences and for our members to campaign and compete!
Fundraising Ideas
by Priyamsa Mikkilineni, State Treasurer
Fundraising is a great way to either raise money for your own chapter or for our national partner, March of Dimes. Below are many different ideas that could be used to benefit our organization:
March of Dimes. What is it?
by Daniel Song, State Vice President, Southern Area
Many of you may be wondering “What is March of Dimes?”. March of Dimes is a national nonprofit organization that improves the health of mothers and babies and tries to give each baby the best possible start to their lives. It was founded on January 13, 1938 by Franklin D. Roosevelt. They work to prevent birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. They pioneer research to solve the most significant health threats to moms and babies, while supporting mothers throughout their pregnancies at all stages. November is prematurity month and March of Dimes continually brings awareness to the issue and garners in support for these unfortunate mothers and babies. They impact so many lives including the half a million babies born premature or with birth defects in the United States each year. They have had FBLA’s full support in this amazing cause.
March of Dimes is FBLA-PBL’s national service partner. As an organization we have raised over $15 million dollars and counting. Not only do we raise money for the organization, but we also bring awareness to March of Dimes and premature babies. Many schools in Illinois wear purple to raise awareness on World Prematurity Day, which is November 17. We also hold various school fundraisers and raise money at our area conferences. We continue to raise money and awareness as a state chapter at our State Leadership Conference. March of Dimes is an amazing organization that is making a change in the lives of many individuals in the United States and FBLA will continue to stand by their side and fight for this amazing cause.
Parliamentary Procedure
by Darsh Gupta, State Parliamentarian
Ok, so you’ve decided you’re going to compete in parliamentary procedures, now what? We should start with understanding what it is and how it plays a role in our organization, FBLA. Parliamentary procedures is a set of rules and an approach as to how to handle a matter that is brought up before a body of people. This is necessary in FBLA because, as a legitimate organization, many topics are needed to be dealt with at times; in order to efficiently and effectively achieve that, we must implement and abide by the rules set forth by Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised 11th edition.
To help build a simple foundation of an understanding of what parliamentary procedures is, it is advised to read Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised In Brief. This short book will cover all the essential topics without going too much in depth with certain topics. It will introduce you to enough information to the point where you be able to conduct a simple meeting.
However, once you dive into an organization as big as FBLA, you need to read Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised 11th edition. Reading this will give exposure to all topics and areas in detail. Also note that this book is nearly 700 pages long so it would probably be in the best interest of one if they had a spaced out reading schedule. I can tell you from experience, reading 700 pages in two days is not a pleasant read.
There is a test and presentation aspect to when it comes to this competitive event. It would be beneficial to take practice tests to gain insight into what you’ll be asked of. Practice can go a long way and that applies to the presentation round as well. Practicing your presentation with different prompts under a timed setting is the best way to prepare. Studying hard and practicing often is the underlying key to success when it comes to parliamentary procedures. I wish you the best in you parli. pro. endeavors!
ICCCTSO Seminar 2018
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. 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. ICCCTSO really puts our student organizations in perspective. Organizations like FBLA are a great way to develop and improve on abilities that you will use for the rest of your life.
This seminar gave me opportunities that I would not have been able to experience, 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, “Suh Duh Buh Kuh Duh Buh”, which had no actual meaning, but was instead chosen, because of how fun it was to pronounce . I am glad I could attend again for my second term and eat another delicious horseshoe once again at Boone’s Salon.
Membership Recruitment and Retention
by Gatlin Miller, State President
Being a member of FBLA means attending leadership workshops from across the nation, competing in competitive events with amazing rewards, and networking with fellow members and making new friends. If you highlight these benefits of being an active member of FBLA, recruiting new members should be easy!
First and foremost, I would recommend publicizing your next meeting through the creation of creative posters, flyers, and announcements that state the date and time of your meeting. This first step will help spread awareness of your meeting so that more members can attend!
In preparation for this meeting, you want to make sure the meeting will involve your membership. A few examples include having free food (such as an ice cream sundae bar or pizza) or interactive activities (such as a scavenger hunt or guest speaker). This will make the meeting more memorable, which will lead them to attending meetings in the future.
To maintain and expand membership, your chapter members must play an active role in recruiting and retaining members. Reach out to your student body by personally inviting them to the next meeting or send a letter to past members encouraging them to get involved again this year.
These simple tips will not only allow your membership to grow, but it will also provide opportunities for your chapter to get involved! I can’t wait to see how your membership grows this year.
Business Achievement Awards
by Matthew Droessler, State Vice President, Northern Area
The Business Achievement Awards are 4 levels of awards that Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) members can earn by completing various activities. The 4 levels are Future, Business, Leader, and America. Future, Business and Leader need to be submitted by March 1. America needs to be submitted by April 25.
Future: This award focuses on basic business skills, introduction to community service, and FBLA involvement at the local level. There are 10 total activities members need to complete. Pins will be sent to the local chapter adviser for presentation at a local awards ceremony or local FBLA event.
Business: This award focuses on local and district/regional and state involvement; intermediate business skills; and leadership in the community. There are 12 total activities members need to complete. Pins will be sent to the local chapter adviser for presentation at a local awards ceremony or local FBLA
Leader: This award focuses on local, district/regional, state, and national involvement; advanced business skills; and community leadership. There are 14 total activities members need to complete. Names of qualifying students and pins will be sent to the state chair/adviser to be presented at the state leadership conference, if desired.
America: This award focuses on total association leadership, business skills, and involvement in community. There are 15 total activities members need to complete. Students qualifying for this award will receive pins at the National Leadership Conference.
FBLA-PBL Week
by Brayden Riley, State Vice President, Southwestern Area
FBLA-PBL week is February 3-9, 2019.
FBLA-PBL is during the second week of February each year. Chapters that participate get a chance to help membership, show off what FBLA-PBL means, and to get ready for their activities later in the spring. Every Wednesday during this week is recognized as Adviser Appreciation Day. Members often show great appreciation towards their advisers.
Chapters that participate will have activities set up for each of the days during the week. Many in which including dress up days for all of the participation members. They use this week often to boost their membership and to show off what FBLA-PBL really means.
Here are just a few examples of what local areas choose to do for their dress up days.
Pictured are Professional Dress Day, Superhero/Villain Day, and Neon Day.
by Evelyn Elledge, State Secretary
From standing in front of thousands of people giving a speech, to answering questions from previous state officers, or even just networking with your fellow peers. This is just what part of what the running for a state officer looks like. If you want to REALLY make a difference and make your voice heard loud and clear in FBLA, here is where to start.
Campaigning is one of the most crucial parts in running for a state office. Although it just seems like networking with your fellow peers, you are making your first impression on the many faces you will see in your term if you win. You make your platform known and make your first, and hopefully lasting impression on your future co-leaders and voting delegates. You make a poster and a handout to give to the people walking up to you. Personally, I gave out pencils with a pun on them. To leave a lasting impression but something they could use to remember me by.
Another part of running for state office is having the time and dedication. I cannot tell you how many hours were spent planning and executing the many duties of running for state office such as making a poster, preparing a speech, and campaigning. You have to seriously think about what is going to leave a lasting impression on everyone. If you take your time, seriously dedicate yourself and your time to running for a state office, you just might become one of our next state officers.
Community Service Ideas
by Audrey Zednick, State Vice President, Central Northern Area
In your local FBLA chapter it is extremely important to get involved in the community. There are a multitude of ways that you can get involved. First, your local chapter can get involved in food drives. Food drives are a great way to serve your community and get involved. By holding a food drive, you are helping locals get the food they need, but also your chapter gets closer in such events. By going door to door or holding one in your school, your chapter builds teamwork by organizing food and getting donations. Contact your local food bank today to find out when the best time to hold a food drive is. Most food banks get a lot of donations during the holiday season but fall short during the rest of the year. Donating during times where they are short on food is most impactful but donations during anytime of the year are always welcomed anywhere!
Secondly, a great way to serve your community is to hold a local blood drive. My local chapter holds one annually due to desperate need of blood in my local area. Most hospitals are always looking for donations, so the ability of your local FBLA chapter to hold a blood drive and give is imperative to your community. We also get the whole school involved by offering community service hours to students to donate and we give out free t-shirts. To educate the community it’s best to hang flyers around local businesses. Giving flyers out to neighborhoods also proved to be beneficial to bringing more people in to donate. Holding the bloodrive right after school also allowed more students to come since it was convenient. Many sports and clubs also encouraged their students to participate after talking to the coaches and sponsors. Messaging a local newspaper about the blood drive is also beneficial and proved to help bring more people in to the drive. During the drive it is also a great opportunity to talk to community members and let them know what FBLA is. There are a multitude of way to serve your community. These two ways proved to be most beneficial to our community; however, there are a ton of other ways to get involved in the community. It’s best to find out what your community needs and plan a service project around it!
IL FBLA Social Media
by Neha Arun, State Reporter
In the digital age, communication has moved from paper to posting. Illinois FBLA is taking advantage of social media to spread our message of service, education, and progress. We are active on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and even Snapchat! Our current goal is to increase the visibility of our accounts to retain existing members and recruit new members. Each social media platform requires a different type of promotion based on the audience, and we make sure to utilize these platform insights to showcase all the benefits our organization has to offer!
Twitter is the kingdom of hashtags. With every post, we make sure to include #ilfbla, #fblapbl, and #fbla. This way, we can encourage our members to use these hashtags and increase the visibility of our organization. Our twitter posts are usually short and sweet, with a few pictures and a catchy caption. It is also important to connect with other state FBLA chapters, so we make sure to like and retweet other FBLA posts.
The State Officer team this year is taking more pictures than ever, and Instagram is the best place to showcase them. From the debut of our new Illinois banner, to attending a PBL conference, we make sure that members know how our state officer team is. We still use the same hashtags as twitter, but we have the additional hashtag of #spotlightsunday. Spotlight Sunday is an ongoing social media campaign on Instagram, in which we showcase different Illinois FBLA members and chapters every Sunday. It is a great way to make chapters feel proud of their accomplishments and get involved in serving our organization! Spotlight Sunday submissions can be sent through DM or emailed to [email protected].
Though not as many teenagers are on Facebook, it is a great platform to connect with advisers and business professionals, and present our organization in a professional manner. However, we use Snapchat to communicate with teenagers the most. During conferences, our Snapchat story is regularly updated with conference events and reminders. We are hoping to raise awareness of our Snapchat account, as it is a valuable and interactive tool for members to use at conferences.
Illinois FBLA is always ready to promote our local chapters on social media. We are constantly liking, retweeting, and commenting on our members posts (tagged with #ilfbla, of course!) and working towards bringing our state chapter closer together. Our handle is @illinoisfbla on Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat, and you can find us under “Illinois FBLA” on Facebook. Follow us to get involved with your state chapter, and to receive national FBLA calendar updates!
Running for Area Office
by Parker Honegger, State Vice President, Central Area
Running for office is a great way to become an active member in FBLA and use the leadership skills
taught throughout our conferences. Once you have figured out how to apply, it is essential to choose
the position that best suits you. Using your qualifications, experiences, and passion, a specific position
will call your name. Throughout this process, I have a list of tips for you to consider:
1. Develop a platform of goals
2. Share your passion, tell your story
3. Be honest and candid
4. Be Prepared
5. network, Network, NETWORK
The way you brand yourself is important to the way people perceive you and the organization you
stand for. FBLA is proud to have people step up and use the skills you have learned. We are excited for
the upcoming Area Conferences and for our members to campaign and compete!
Fundraising Ideas
by Priyamsa Mikkilineni, State Treasurer
Fundraising is a great way to either raise money for your own chapter or for our national partner, March of Dimes. Below are many different ideas that could be used to benefit our organization:
- Purple Out Sports Game
- Dedicate an entire sports game to the March of Dimes. The best games are usually basketball or football. Talk to your school about donating a certain percentage of the profits to the March of Dimes. Have multiple donation boxes going around the crowd to collect change.
- If you want to make a bigger impact dedicate the entire week towards the game and during lunch hours sell raffle tickets for a raffle drawing during halftime or ducks to host a duck drop. You could even host a contest amongst the different grades
- Low cost and medium return – If promoted well, then more return is likely, but some high schools don’t have a high rate of attendance for their games
- Mother Son Dance
- Like a Daddy Daughter Dance but for mothers and sons instead. Host in high school for lowest cost and decorate using a them tailored towards young boys such as superheroes, Star Wars, cars, etc.
- Have an entry fee that is reasonably priced for highest attendance. Send an invitation to all elementary schools in the area
- Low cost and medium return
- Benefit Concert/Battle of the Bands
- Contact all local talent and host a benefit concert in a local venue. Low cost and anyone can come. Only cost should be renting a venue, and some venues are willing to lend their auditorium for free if you are hosting the event for a good cause
- Medium/low cost and high return – Many people like to go to watch concerts especially if their friends and family were the ones performing.
- Penny Drive
- Make it a competition against the different classes or different class hours.
- Set a jar out and ask people to donate change throughout a certain period of time. Whoever has collected the most at the end of the period wins.
- Low Cost and High return – high schoolers love competition so many people will be willing to participate in this fundraiser
- Babysitting
- Give parents a night out by babysitting children in the school. Promote to the elementary schools in your town. Plan different games, possibly a movie, and food.
- Medium cost and medium return – depending on how many activities you plan and how many kids show up the return and cost could vary
- Princess Spa Day
- Invite young girls to get dolled up by doing their hair, makeup, and nails.
- Host a tea party with waiters and a princess movie. You can add more princess themed games to entertain the little girls. Have stations so the girl can make tiaras and jewelry to wear. Send an invitation to all elementary schools in your area
- Medium cost medium return – can be expensive to buy many of the materials needed for event but if attendance is then return will be high
March of Dimes. What is it?
by Daniel Song, State Vice President, Southern Area
Many of you may be wondering “What is March of Dimes?”. March of Dimes is a national nonprofit organization that improves the health of mothers and babies and tries to give each baby the best possible start to their lives. It was founded on January 13, 1938 by Franklin D. Roosevelt. They work to prevent birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. They pioneer research to solve the most significant health threats to moms and babies, while supporting mothers throughout their pregnancies at all stages. November is prematurity month and March of Dimes continually brings awareness to the issue and garners in support for these unfortunate mothers and babies. They impact so many lives including the half a million babies born premature or with birth defects in the United States each year. They have had FBLA’s full support in this amazing cause.
March of Dimes is FBLA-PBL’s national service partner. As an organization we have raised over $15 million dollars and counting. Not only do we raise money for the organization, but we also bring awareness to March of Dimes and premature babies. Many schools in Illinois wear purple to raise awareness on World Prematurity Day, which is November 17. We also hold various school fundraisers and raise money at our area conferences. We continue to raise money and awareness as a state chapter at our State Leadership Conference. March of Dimes is an amazing organization that is making a change in the lives of many individuals in the United States and FBLA will continue to stand by their side and fight for this amazing cause.
Parliamentary Procedure
by Darsh Gupta, State Parliamentarian
Ok, so you’ve decided you’re going to compete in parliamentary procedures, now what? We should start with understanding what it is and how it plays a role in our organization, FBLA. Parliamentary procedures is a set of rules and an approach as to how to handle a matter that is brought up before a body of people. This is necessary in FBLA because, as a legitimate organization, many topics are needed to be dealt with at times; in order to efficiently and effectively achieve that, we must implement and abide by the rules set forth by Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised 11th edition.
To help build a simple foundation of an understanding of what parliamentary procedures is, it is advised to read Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised In Brief. This short book will cover all the essential topics without going too much in depth with certain topics. It will introduce you to enough information to the point where you be able to conduct a simple meeting.
However, once you dive into an organization as big as FBLA, you need to read Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised 11th edition. Reading this will give exposure to all topics and areas in detail. Also note that this book is nearly 700 pages long so it would probably be in the best interest of one if they had a spaced out reading schedule. I can tell you from experience, reading 700 pages in two days is not a pleasant read.
There is a test and presentation aspect to when it comes to this competitive event. It would be beneficial to take practice tests to gain insight into what you’ll be asked of. Practice can go a long way and that applies to the presentation round as well. Practicing your presentation with different prompts under a timed setting is the best way to prepare. Studying hard and practicing often is the underlying key to success when it comes to parliamentary procedures. I wish you the best in you parli. pro. endeavors!
ICCCTSO Seminar 2018
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. 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. ICCCTSO really puts our student organizations in perspective. Organizations like FBLA are a great way to develop and improve on abilities that you will use for the rest of your life.
This seminar gave me opportunities that I would not have been able to experience, 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, “Suh Duh Buh Kuh Duh Buh”, which had no actual meaning, but was instead chosen, because of how fun it was to pronounce . I am glad I could attend again for my second term and eat another delicious horseshoe once again at Boone’s Salon.
Membership Recruitment and Retention
by Gatlin Miller, State President
Being a member of FBLA means attending leadership workshops from across the nation, competing in competitive events with amazing rewards, and networking with fellow members and making new friends. If you highlight these benefits of being an active member of FBLA, recruiting new members should be easy!
First and foremost, I would recommend publicizing your next meeting through the creation of creative posters, flyers, and announcements that state the date and time of your meeting. This first step will help spread awareness of your meeting so that more members can attend!
In preparation for this meeting, you want to make sure the meeting will involve your membership. A few examples include having free food (such as an ice cream sundae bar or pizza) or interactive activities (such as a scavenger hunt or guest speaker). This will make the meeting more memorable, which will lead them to attending meetings in the future.
To maintain and expand membership, your chapter members must play an active role in recruiting and retaining members. Reach out to your student body by personally inviting them to the next meeting or send a letter to past members encouraging them to get involved again this year.
These simple tips will not only allow your membership to grow, but it will also provide opportunities for your chapter to get involved! I can’t wait to see how your membership grows this year.
Business Achievement Awards
by Matthew Droessler, State Vice President, Northern Area
The Business Achievement Awards are 4 levels of awards that Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) members can earn by completing various activities. The 4 levels are Future, Business, Leader, and America. Future, Business and Leader need to be submitted by March 1. America needs to be submitted by April 25.
Future: This award focuses on basic business skills, introduction to community service, and FBLA involvement at the local level. There are 10 total activities members need to complete. Pins will be sent to the local chapter adviser for presentation at a local awards ceremony or local FBLA event.
Business: This award focuses on local and district/regional and state involvement; intermediate business skills; and leadership in the community. There are 12 total activities members need to complete. Pins will be sent to the local chapter adviser for presentation at a local awards ceremony or local FBLA
Leader: This award focuses on local, district/regional, state, and national involvement; advanced business skills; and community leadership. There are 14 total activities members need to complete. Names of qualifying students and pins will be sent to the state chair/adviser to be presented at the state leadership conference, if desired.
America: This award focuses on total association leadership, business skills, and involvement in community. There are 15 total activities members need to complete. Students qualifying for this award will receive pins at the National Leadership Conference.
FBLA-PBL Week
by Brayden Riley, State Vice President, Southwestern Area
FBLA-PBL week is February 3-9, 2019.
FBLA-PBL is during the second week of February each year. Chapters that participate get a chance to help membership, show off what FBLA-PBL means, and to get ready for their activities later in the spring. Every Wednesday during this week is recognized as Adviser Appreciation Day. Members often show great appreciation towards their advisers.
Chapters that participate will have activities set up for each of the days during the week. Many in which including dress up days for all of the participation members. They use this week often to boost their membership and to show off what FBLA-PBL really means.
Here are just a few examples of what local areas choose to do for their dress up days.
Pictured are Professional Dress Day, Superhero/Villain Day, and Neon Day.
