Future Business Leaders Of America (FBLA)

1. Future Business Leaders Of America (FBLA) By: Jillian

2. What is FBLA? • Future Business Leaders of America is an organization dedicated to helping students explore and experience the American enterprise system. • FBLA Chapters offer numerous program opportunities for hands-on business experience and interaction with national and local business leaders.

3. What is the Purpose of FBLA? • The Purpose of Future Business Leaders of America is to bring business and education together in a positive working relationship through innovative leadership development programs.

4. What are the Goals? • FBLA has many goals, but there are nine major goals the chapter strives to achieve: • 1. Develop competent, aggressive business leadership. • 2. Strengthen the confidence of students in themselves and their work. • 3. Create more interest in and understanding of American business enterprise. • 4. Encourage members in the development of individual projects which contribute to the improvement of home, business and community. • 5. Develop character, prepare for useful citizenship and foster patriotism. • 6. Encourage and practice efficient money management. • 7. Encourage scholarship and promote school loyalty. • 8. Assist in the establishment of occupational goals. • 9. Facilitate the transition from school to work.

5. FBLA Membership • Initial membership is open to students, grades 7 through 12, enrolled in business or business related fields who accept the purpose of FBLA, subscribe to its creed and possess qualities for employment. • You must be a member of a local chapter to be a member of FBLA.

6. Role of Local Chapter • Success of FBLA depends on the effective operations of each local chapter. Participation begins at this level, where the value of individual membership is realized. The operation of the chapter is most important to the entire association and its members. • Participation in FBLA can have a direct impact on the success of a member’s career. Thousands of students have learned about the world of business and what is expected of them in the workplace. • By taking an active role in activities, members meet business representatives before beginning the challenge of job hunting and discover the secret of talking with confidence. FBLA activities challenge members to develop marketable business skills and test them in local, state and national competitions.

7. Reactivating a Chapter • If a chapter of FBLA has not been active (not reported dues for one year or more), the chapter is eligible for reactivation. • To reactivate, a chapter should request a Chapter Organization Packet from the state or national office. The packet contain basic membership promotion ideas and organization information needed by new and reactivating chapter. • The step for reactivating are the same as for chartering a new chapter.

8. Getting Started • The early stages of chapter development are critical to the success of an FBLA chapter, setting the tone for future activities and the active participation of business within the chapter. • The first step for schools interested in reactivating a chapter at their school is to request a Chapter Organization Packet.

9. Chapter Organization Packet Contents • The packet will contain information on the following topics: • Membership recruitment • Being an advisor • Organizing a chapter • Officer roles • Selection of committees • Program of work • Installation ceremony • Application and bylaws

10. Incentive for Starting Your Chapter • FBLA will give students interested in business, the hands on training that they need to succeed in their future and career. • It will prepare them for college through a wide range of competitions and conferences. • The organization can open up the door to many opportunities that may have before been unreachable. • FBLA can give a student the step to the next level in creating a broad horizon of incredible options.