About FCCLA
FCCLA is a nonprofit national vocational student organization for young
men and women in family and consumer sciences education in public and
private school through grade 12.
Everyone is part of a family, and Family Career and Community Leaders
of America is the only national career and technical student organization
with the family as its central focus. Since 1945, FCCLA members have
been making a difference in their families, careers and communities
by addressing important personal, work and societal issues through family
and consumer sciences education. Today over 227,000 members in 7,100
chapters are active in a network of associations in 50 states as well
as in the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
Chapter projects focus on a variety of youth concerns, including teen
pregnancy, parenting, family relationships, substance abuse, peer pressure,
environment, nutrition and fitness, teen violence and career exploration.
Involvement in FCCLA offers members the opportunity to expand their
leadership potential and develop skills for life -- planning, goal setting,
problem solving, decision making and interpersonal communication --
necessary in the home and workplace.
Mission
To promote personal growth and leadership development through family
and consumer sciences education. Focusing on the multiple roles of family
member, wage earner and community leader, members develop skills for
life through--
character development
creative and critical thinking
interpersonal communication
practical knowledge and
vocational preparation
Purposes
to provide opportunities for personal development and preparation for
adult life
to strengthen the function of the family as a unit of society
to encourage democracy through cooperative action in the home and community
to encourage individual and group involvement in helping achieve global
cooperation and harmony
to promote greater understanding between youth and adults
to provide opportunities for making decisions and for assuming responsibilities.
to prepare for the multiple roles of men and women in today's society
to promote family and consumer sciences and related occupations
Program Emphasis
FCCLA--is the only in-school student organization with the family as
its central focus
is a vocational student organization that functions as an integral part
of the family and consumer sciences education curriculum and operates
within the school system
provides opportunities for active student participation at local, state,
and national levels
Membership
FCCLA has a national membership of nearly 222,000 young men and women
in nearly 8,000 local chapters. There are 53 state associations including
the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
Since its founding in 1945, FCCLA has involved more than nine million
youth. Former members are eligible to become members of Alumni &
Associates.
Governance
Ten national officers (students) are elected by the voting delegates
at the annual National Leadership Meeting and together make up the National
Executive Council.
The National Board of Directors is composed of adult representatives
from education and business and four youth representatives.
State associations and local chapters elect their own youth officers.
State programs come under the direction of family and consumer sciences
education staff. Chapter advisers are family and consumer sciences teachers.