President's Corner

AUG 2012 | SEPT 2012| JAN 2013

President

Bradley Blackman

Presidents Corner

January-February 2013

Happy New Year, FCCLA members! As you all know, the time of year has come for us to dust off our STAR event binders and brush up on our FCCLA skills for this year’s State Conference. As we enter into the New Year, we are a mere four months away from taking your creations to competition. But, don’t dive into that project just yet … take a moment to review all the events being offered through Colorado FCCLA to ensure you’re taking on a challenge you will be excited to conquer! Of the 35 competitive events presented through both the National FCCLA and Colorado FCCLA, we’re confident there‘ll be a topic that sparks some inspiration in your FCCLA journey!

Before you examine specific events, make certain you understand your own interests and how they correlate to what Family and Consumer Science has to offer. Are you that ‘Design Diva’ with a passion for fashion? Or, maybe you’re that management-ready go-getter who has fervor for the culinary world? Whatever your interests, be sure to include that aspect of ‘you’ when choosing your STAR event this year!

Now that you have your project, or foundation, it’s time to begin the floor plans for the creation ahead. Make sure to take advantage of the many FCCLA resources to assist you in your planning. And, speaking of planning … be sure to grab a copy of the ‘FCCLA Planning Process’ to ensure that everything you might experience along the way has already been resolved. Don’t be blindsided mid-way through the year when you will hit that annoying snag; be prepared for whatever may come by considering every component of the project before you even begin to sharpen those pencils!

Look at that … planned and ready! Now, it’s time to begin the creation process, so go out and make a difference! Take what your project has given you and have a great time with it! Remember, we’re all here to learn and grow, but we’re also encouraged to have a little fun during the process. This is a great time to explore the many avenues of what Family and Consumer Sciences has to offer us, now and in the future. The time has come for you to go out there with those plans in hand and take that project in full force! This will be a busy four months for many of you, but always have a good time during the project! If you have fun and develop a passion for the work you have accomplished, it will be sure to shine through with the judges when the time comes!

Students … pack up those blueprints and head down to our State Officer Roundtables to get a first hand glimpse into your leadership potential! Start designing your future through our interactive workshops that are centered around you! The State Officer Team has designed these round tables not only to assist in leadership potential, but also to inform our members about the array of plans we have for the state this year. From “How to Build a Resume” to “How to Run for Office,” students will have the opportunity to choose between the topics presented by the officer team and attend several of the active, informative, and all-around fun roundtables.

Now that Colorado FCCLA is back in the swing of things, we plan to hit the ground running! One of the roundtables presented at our 'Take AIM' conference will focus its time on our nationwide charity, "Share Our Strength, No Kid Hungry.' As Colorado plans for the future, we have designed a state that actively participates throughout the year for this cause; so join us on October 12, 2012, for our State Wide Service Project! Join your fellow FCCLA members in promoting this cause in each and every community! Hold a bake sale within your school and donate all proceeds to the 'Share Our Strength Organization.' Volunteer your time at your local soup kitchen to help the community as well as promote this valuable cause. Even simply informing local students, parents, and community members will help move the organization towards its goal of no kid hungry by 2015 leaps and bounds! As a state, we have set aside this day of the year for all chapters to work towards a common goal, and create an even larger community awareness, but don't let it stop there! Continue your efforts throughout the year as an FCCLA chapter by hosting various activities in both your school and community.

FCCLA, the time is now to step through the looking glass and join us, your Colorado FCCLA State Officers, for an experience not to miss! Our design plan is to help you, the eager member, become the best leader that you can possibly be ... but it's your job first to draw yourself into this leadership opportunity! We look forwarding to meeting all of you down in Colorado Springs, September 24th and 25th, for two days sculpted for fun!

September 2012

Take AIM!

Okay, FCCLA members, put down those paint brushes ... it's time to add another work of art to our collection! 'Take AIM!'

Now I know some of you may be asking yourselves, “Why would I want to add 'Take AIM' to my collection of masterpieces?” The true question is, why wouldn't you? 'Take AIM' is one of the states more hands-on and personalized conferences throughout the year! Now is the time to stand up, close that design book, and jump into the action for yourself! Colorado FCCLA is proud to present to our members a drawn-to-perfection leadership experience. At 'Take AIM,' members will not only be able to interact directly with the State Officer Team, fellow members, and advisors, but they will also be able to improve leadership skills, gain a better understanding of FCCLA, as well as ultimately grow as individuals!

'Take AIM' (Active Involved Members) is an interactive FCCLA knowledge and leadership skill development conference. On September 24th and 25th, we welcome you to the Crown Plaza in Colorado Springs for two days of FCCLA excitement. Members will be trained by Rhett Laubach to assist with succeeding as a leader, as well as in FCCLA. Advisers will also participate in training that will include information from the Colorado Legacy Foundation and the Merino High School Wellness Committee. Not only that, advisors will also hear about integrating events in the classroom and fundraising for FCCLA.

Students … pack up those blueprints and head down to our State Officer Roundtables to get a first hand glimpse into your leadership potential! Start designing your future through our interactive workshops that are centered around you! The State Officer Team has designed these round tables not only to assist in leadership potential, but also to inform our members about the array of plans we have for the state this year. From “How to Build a Resume” to “How to Run for Office,” students will have the opportunity to choose between the topics presented by the officer team and attend several of the active, informative, and all-around fun roundtables.

August 2012

Dream, Design and Deliver

When you go through your day-to-day life, do you ever think about all the designs you see along the way? How about that chair that may have looked a little funky, or even that building that you just happened to take a second glance at? All around us design plays a key role in what we do, see, and even how we feel; so next time you’re out and about with your FCCLA chapters, remember to think a little each time you see something that happens to catch your eye.

Hello Colorado FCCLA! My name is Bradley Blackman and it is my honor to be serving as your 2012-2013 State President. I hope that this year to encourage you to take our theme, Design, and our tag line, See What We See...Possibilities, and sketch out some amazing ideas for both your chapter and your district! We really hope to see you Dream, Design, and Deliver with this year’s theme and goals! Speaking of goals…it's time to show you what our State has already been sketching up for our vision this year! Our Program of Work is not only focusing on us as an organization, but also wants to help paint the picture of FCCLA at the community level; so get out your glue, googly eyes, and glitter as we work to show Colorado what FCCLA is all about!

It’s hard to design without having a dream. The first step to any great plan is to have the passion and push behind it! Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams,” and as FCCLA members as well as designers, we know we are challenged to dream big. Our Dream goal is “to dream of membership recruitment and retention.” Inspiration is key when it comes to membership, so as a state let’s grab our pens and paper and branch out to our middle school chapters to encourage their involvement. Also, let’s work together to construct a program of work in our chapters to assist in recruiting and retaining members. Finally, take on the challenge of a Power of One module to encourage goal setting and recognition.

Now that we have a dream for FCCLA, let’s mold that into a design. Designing is all about purpose! As FCCLA members, we plan, process, and work through several ideas each year; now is the time to begin your next plan of action! Our Colorado FCCLA concept this year is to design a public awareness blueprint to be implemented at the local and state levels. As chapters, you can start your vision by building a strong foundation through publicizing FCCLA in your community. Work with your tools to mold a strong public presence by actively participating in state selected public awareness activities. Finally, to complete your vision, put on your thinking caps to create a plan of action to promote the Student Body national program throughout your school. Designs lead to progress, and by taking these small steps, Colorado can produce a kaleidoscope of possibilities.

Finally, as a state we can take our original sketch and put our design into action! Everyone always says that Actions speak louder than words! As FCCLA members, we should sketch out a map of how to impact our communities and members by delivering service and recognition. In order to fulfill this goal, as a state we plan to design a community service project for participation in the statewide Share Our Strength. Also, to recognize chapter members throughout the year for the great shape they’ve made FCCLA into. Let’s get our communities and members to sculpt national programs projects and to complete the form to have an opportunity to experience the Very Important Programs (VIP) Party at State Leadership Conference. Delivering also needs time to focus on what the future holds. Look at the possibilities design careers have to offer throughout the Career Connections Program. Design the kind of future you want to live NOW. Deliver a positive impact to to all whom we’re trying to reach!

Colorado Members and Advisers -Thank you for your help to reach our Dream, Design and Deliver goals!