Family and Consumer Sciences Education, and its affiliated student organization FCCLA, are integral components in the education system. This national student organization helps young men and women become leaders and address important personal, family, work, and societal issues. More than 2,500 students in Colorado high schools and middle schools are members of FCCLA.
The election process started in January, where Lombardi submitted an application, was interviewed by district FCCLA officers and passed an FCCLA knowledge exam. Those members who completed these steps are invited as a candidate to the State Leadership Conference, which was held March 31 to April 2 at the Renaissance Denver Hotel in Denver.
While at the conference, Lombardi had to give a speech relating their leadership style and personality to a prop or item, meet with representatives from the 120 chapters in attendance, give a three minute speech to the selection panel, and complete a group activity with their fellow candidates. The candidates selected as state officers were slated for office by a panel of their peers from around the state.
“The experience of running as a state officer has been an experience I will never forget,” Lombardi said. “My adviser was the biggest inspiration, and I wouldn’t change anything of this for the world.”
State officer team members are responsible for duties such as planning and conducting workshops, installing district officers and leading chapter officer training. The officer team also plans and presides over state conference, works with members to increase membership and helps to raise awareness of FCCLA in the state.
Throughout the year, FCCLA members tackle issues such as teen violence prevention, traffic safety, family issues, career exploration and health and wellness. FCCLA programs enrich student learning, improve self-esteem and serve students with a range of ability levels, economic situations, and cultural influences.
Colorado FCCLA has more than 2,500 members in 120 school chapters. On a national level, FCCLA has more than 160,000 members and nearly 7,000 chapters from 50 state associations and the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The organization has involved more than 10 million youth since its founding in 1945.
FCCLA is unique among youth organizations because its programs are planned and run by members It is the only career and technical student organization with family as its central focus. Participation in national programs and chapter activities helps members become strong leaders in their families, careers, and communities.
