Discovering Your Voice at Nashville

By: Donna Corder, National Consultant Team

In 18 days, the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America National Leadership Conference will start in Nashville, TN.  There are many opportunities awaiting delegates, competitors, officers, and ADVISERS. 

Advisers may earn up to 1.5 CEU credits for participating in activities at the National Leadership Conference. A non-refundable administrative fee of $20 is charged for this service.  If you did not register for this opportunity, you may pay an extra $20 to receive a  verification form to complete and gain credit.  You must do this early, however, as this opportunity will fade away after 3:00 pm on Monday, July 8. 

Advisers may earn Professional Development Units (PDUs) through the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS).  All participating individuals certified in Family and Consumer Sciences are responsible for complying with AAFCS requirements regarding annual reporting.

In addition to the student activities, there are several opportunities planned specifically for the advisers.  Kicking off the week is the networking round table event.  Local advisers from all over the nation will be sharing their expertise in several different areas like STAR Events, chapter management and fundraising.  Come join the fun as you network with others and learn how to create a stronger and harmonious chapter.

On Monday and Tuesday, there will be several different Adviser Professional Learning (APL) sessions led by the National Consultant Team so plan to attend one of the following:

·        FCCLA 101

·        Three Part Harmony

·        Money, Money, Money

·        Batter Up!  Creating a Successful STAR Event Team

·        Optional to Essential

Great compositions need a strong ending and we will be completing ours with the Adviser Recognition Session on Wednesday, July 10. Students need to be recognized for their successes and so do advisers.   Bringing to a close this fabulous event will be our special guest speaker, Dr. Lindsey Shirley, teacher educator from Utah State.

The National FCCLA Leadership Conference holds many opportunities, not only for the student members, but also for the advisers.  Come join the symphony of opportunities and “Discover Your Voice” along the way.

“Wear a pedometer” and Other Things to Expect at NLC

By Allison Kreifels, NCT, 12-13 NECA

Whether this is your first or fiftieth FCCLA National Leadership Conference, you have an exciting time ahead of you in Nashville, Tennessee, July 5-11.  The National Executive Council, National Consultant Team, and National Staff have been working hard to ensure that this conference will truly be an event in one of the neatest venues available.

When I decided to write this blog, all I could think of was how my first NLC in Nashville went.  When my luggage handle broke halfway through the first of the three atriums I had to travel through, I quickly realized the Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Convention Center was unlike any other.  So, hopefully, this entry will give you some information of what to expect with not only the venue but the many events going on at the 2013 FCCLA National Leadership Conference.

Dress Code

The dress code for all sessions has been published in the original conference mailings and is also available on the website.  This dress code which was established by the Board of Directors allows for a professional appearance by all members and markets our organization positively. 

Different main sessions

If you have been to NLC before, this one might throw you for a loop.  This year, there will actually be 2 opening sessions and your attendance will depend on which region you belong to.  Opening and Closing Sessions will be split but the Business Session will remain as one session. 

Walking a long distance

Walking a lot just comes with NLC but at this venue, it’s down to a science!  The beautiful Gaylord Opryland Hotel features gardens that any master gardener would envy and great walking paths.  Learn the short-cuts through the hotel and study the map carefully to make sure you know where you are to go.

STAR Event registration and events

Advisers need to be sure to pick up their students’ STAR Event registration packets and all remind all participants to attend their Orientation on Sunday, July 7 from 6:00-7:00 PM.  It is imperative that students attend this meeting so they can get all of their points for their event as well as have any questions answered.

I personally cannot wait to see all of you at NLC in July!  It’s a great time of year to catch up with old friends and see the amazing things that students are doing all around the nation.  Have a great rest of your year and I will see you all in Nashville as we Discover Our Voice together!