Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), is a nationwide organization where family is the central focus. It is discussed in each of the Family and Consumer Science classes. Students see a slideshow and have an assignment they must complete, but need help seeing the deeper meaning of what we do within the club. FCCLA has proven to be underrated because of the way we are perceived, interference with other clubs, and the decrease in home economics interest.
Central Hardin’s FCCLA has been trying to recruit more members for the last couple of years. There are many reasons why students don’t see it as a great opportunity. Students see a club for the so-called, “try-hards” or “nerds.” They see our red blazers and sophisticated black slacks and think it looks cultish or intimidating. With many students, the lack of interest comes down to seeing an organization filled with meetings and having to pay attention. Yes, I agree, students don’t want to have to exercise discipline in this way. Nonetheless, it is a fun way to transition from a naive, immature, teenager into a successful, mature young adult.
“We focus on family as the majority of the club, leadership, and striving to make better role models of people…and many people find that uninteresting,” FCCLA officer Savannah Singleton explained.
FCCLA has a reputation for looking boring and too “businessy.” However, the organization is not as serious as it seems. The drives in the school van to “Star events”, and the stopping for ice cream afterward make these trips the best memories. Club sponsor Jo Million took us to Dave & Busters in Alabama after nationals. Even staying up late in our hotel rooms playing games makes me never want to stop going on these trips.
FCCLA can be overlooked based on the area we live in. Based on evidence from the Central Times’ August survey, more students were aware of FFA than FCCLA. This is because we live in a rural area. Another interesting fact from the survey is that 165 students were aware of FCCLA, but only 24 were interested in joining. FBLA is another co-curricular organization that has a bigger audience than FCCLA does. We are a similar organization in the sense that we compete and go to conferences.
Another reason why this club is underrated is due to home economics or Family and Consumer Science classes have had a decrease in classes in high schools and colleges. As someone who wants to major in Family and Consumer Sciences and Journalism, it’s difficult to find a school that offers both. My grandparents always had home economics classes and my parents were familiar with them as well. These classes used to be required but now that their not, students don’t have a clue what they are or what they do.
“Student enrollment in the full category of Family and Consumer Sciences courses declined by nearly 40 percent between 2003 and 2012,” according to the New York Times.
Many of our members have explained that this organization has helped build them as well-rounded individuals. They have founded their careers, developed skills, and become leaders of the community. Nevertheless, if FCS classes were required, FCCLA would be more popular and students would have more organizational and leadership skills.
I’ve explained why we are an underrated club and organization, but why are we not appreciated? Our chapter is always working hard to make a change in families’ lives at Central and the community. The things we do behind the scenes include working the hospitality room at sporting events, selling socks for WeHelpTwo, and spending many nights promoting FCS at family nights. The extra hours we put into our club continue to go unnoticed by not all, but a lot of people. In the past school year, our chapter went on trips, and in Infinite Campus the reason for the excused absences would be “FBLA” or “FFA”. This would rub me the wrong way because we are different and we should be recognized as FCCLA. Not that FBLA or FFA aren’t great organizations, but we are three separate organizations and I’m sure they wouldn’t want to be mistaken for someone else.
With Club registration deadlines coming up on September six, I hope students see the impact and importance FCCLA has on society and not just an excuse to get out of class. As the Regional Vice President of Individual Programs, I have noticed that FCCLA has had a significant influence on my life. I’ve become a leader in my school and community to hopefully make a difference. The club has allowed me to live up to my potential. The skills you can learn can go beyond a high school classroom.
In conclusion, Family and Consumer Sciences is an organization that I hope will be on the rise within the next decade. FCCLA is more than a club, we strive to make the community a better place and that is not underrated!
If you would like to get involved in FCCLA, please contact Jo Million, Jeanice Charlton, and Leslie Lewis for more information. Club dues are $20 and that includes a t-shirt.
Important Terms-
Star Events: competitive events in which members compete at the regional, state, and national levels.
Star events according to FCCLA
