8 Purposes of FCCLA   |   FCCLA Mission Statement  |   The History of FCCLA   |   The FCCLA Planning Process

8 Purposes of FCCLA

1.  To provide opportunities for personal development and preparation for adult life. 2.  To strengthen the function of the family as a basic unit of society. 3.  To encourage democracy through cooperative action in the home and community. 4.  To encourage individual and group involvement in helping achieve global cooperation and harmony. 5.  To promote greater understanding between youth and adults. 6.  To provide opportunities for making decisions and for assuming responsibilities. 7.  To prepare for the multiple roles of men and women in today’s society. 8.  To promote family and consumer sciences education and related occupations.

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FCCLA Mission Statement

The FCCLA Mission is to promote personal growth and leadership development through family and consumer sciences education. Focusing on the multiple roles of family member, wage earner and community leader, members develop skills for life through: character development; creative and critical thinking; interpersonal communication; practical knowledge; and vocational preparation.

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The History of FCCLA

In February 1917, President Woodrow Wilson signed the first national vocational education act into law This act created federally supported, state-run programs of vocational education that included home economics (known today as family and consumer sciences education). The establishment of vocational home economics education laid the foundation for the development of Future Homemakers of America as an integral part of the program. As early as 1920, high school home economics students belonged to home economics clubs. The clubs were sponsored by adult groups interested in home economics education, such as home economics education, supervisory staffs of state departments of education, the American Home Economics Association and home economics departments in colleges and universities. The clubs had many different names and structures, and there was no organized cooperation between state groups. Only those clubs who worked under the sponsorship of the American Home Economics Association had any affiliation with a national group. Interest in one overall program for high school home economics students grew.  In 1943, the American Home Economics Association, in cooperation with the Home Economics Branch of the U.S. Office of Education, Division of Vocational and Technical Education, appointed a committee to study high school home economics club programs. The committee concluded that all existing programs could be strengthened by a united effort. In March 1944, home economics leaders from 29 states met in Chicago, Ill., and discussed plans for developing one national organization. In June 1944, an interim committee, selected from participants at the March meeting and student and adult adviser, representatives of home economics clubs, started plans for the development of a national organization. In Chicago, on June 11, 1945, a group of national officer candidates from several sub-regions and a group of advisers drew up a temporary constitution. They also selected the name for the proposed national youth organization for students of home economics education: Future Homemakers of America.   The American Home Economics Association (now the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences) and U.S. Office (now Department) of Education, under the direction of its home economics staff in the Division of Vocational and Technical Education, became cosponsors of the organization. The National Education Association, through its department of home economics, and the American Vocational Association, through its home economics division, became cooperating groups. Edna P. Amidon is considered one of the most influential leaders in the founding of Future Homemakers of America.  She was a futuristic educator and strong promoter of junior and senior high school home economics education for more than 50 years. She served as chief of the Home Economics Education Service, Division of Vocational Education in the U.S. Office of Education and as the organization's first board chair.   Dr. Hazel Frost was the first national adviser for both Future Homemakers of America and New Homemakers of America.  FCCLA started with 42 affiliated state associations, 2,487 chapters, 92,516 members and a $7,200 loan from AHEA. Within the first year the loan was repaid, and Future Homemakers of America was incorporated in the District of Columbia as a self -supporting, private, nonprofit organization. Operating funds came from the national dues of 10 cents per member per year.

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The FCCLA Planning Process

The FCCLA Five Step Planning Process is the chapter management tool that helps members select and carry out projects to fit their needs and concerns. It is also a great tool for advisors too! Use it to identify steps to starting a new chapter! Identify Concerns:   Brainstorm concerns, evaluate listed concerns, and narrow to one workable ideas. Set a Goal:   Get a clear mental picture of what you want to accomplish. Write it down and evaluate it. Form a Plan:   Figure out the who, what, when, where and how of your plan. Act:   Carry out the project and keep a record of your progress. Follow Up:   Evaluate the project, thank people involved and recognize participants.

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