Remaining Relevant: Paying Attention to Public Policy

Over the last few weeks we’ve discussed several things advisers can to do increase awareness and develop long lasting relationships to enhance their FCCLA program. These local or state level activities are some of the most important you can do to sustain a successful program. However, this week we are focusing on public policy—something most advisers tell me they don’t have much experience with.

You may have noticed that the national headquarters has begun offering information on policy to advisers through our monthly communications, publications, and even this blog. We want to encourage advisers to use their voice to influence policymakers. For example, last week’s blog was a call to action from the Association of Career and Technical Education (ACTE) asking teachers to sign a petition to increase Perkins funding. These issues are important to maintaining programs that effect all around student success.

When legislators are writing policy they are best influenced by those that have a story to tell. Who better to tell the story of CTE and FACS than FCCLA advisers? Making an impact isn’t difficult, it isn’t time consuming. It only takes a quick phone call, email, or visit and can be done anytime of the year. Without your story, the voice of FCCLA is silent.