The FBLA Club! FBLA stands for Future Business Leaders of America. The club started four years ago. The club is about many things. It’s about leadership, entrepreneurship, business, and work-force preparedness- as well as fundraising and service to the local community. What I think members really enjoy is friendship, mentorship, togetherness, safety, and impartiality. Students from diverse backgrounds, religious beliefs, grade levels, interests and skill sets gather for meetings. Many students wait for hours after their school day has already ended to meet with one another. The start time after 10th period enables the new freshmen members an opportunity to participate.
As mentioned before, community service, fundraising and career readiness are the activities that students practice at FBLA. What they achieve are some measurable experiences and others that are immeasurable. The program has conducted fundraising events that allow them to maintain the club “unassisted” (basically meaning, they finance our own ventures, club t-shirts, trips etc.). Members participate in the March of Dimes Walk-A-Thon annually, they have volunteered at a senior center, and they maintain a parliamentary structure having a President and Vice President, secretary, and officers. They even keep meeting notes.
FBLA does offer trips. However, they try not to put too much emphasis on them, since it tends to attract attention on that basis only. When they do attend trips it usually is for information and fun at the same time. If you are interested in joining, please make sure you are willing to commit to attend. This way you can fully benefit from the total experience. Ms. Agard says it best, “Like I tell all of my students, if not this club, join something! Even though I may be biased, I’m really trying hard not to be. I sincerely believe that some of the nicest, most caring and considerate kids are a part of this club. I think I’ve bragged enough, but I mean every word.” So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and apply for the club in room 246 or 119.