NCM Wrap-Up
2013 National Cluster Meetings Challenge FCCLA Members and Advisers to Exceed Expectations
M
ore than 5,200 FCCLA members and their advisers exceeded expectations in November by attending the 2013 FCCLA National Cluster Meetings in Spokane, WA;
Omaha, NE; and Charlotte, NC. In addition to special guests and high voltage keynote speakers, they came together for inspiration and fun while expanding their leadership skills, sharpening their talents, and exploring career pathways. The schedule for the two-day events—aptly themed “Exceeding Expectations”—was packed with Skill Demonstration and Competitive Events, Leadership Academy offerings for members and state officers, adviser professional learning sessions, and National Network Trainings. By sharing their life stories, keynote speakers Ashley Rhodes-Courter and Johan Khalilian provided powerful insights into how young people can create a purposedriven life—filled with promise and endless possibilities
• Snap2Live, which promotes traffic safety through a
—for themselves and others. Ms. Rhodes-Courter, a New
fashion accessory belt resembling a seat belt. Road
York Times best-selling author of Three Little Words:
safety champion Ernesto Arguello, a philanthropist
Turning Pain Into Power, is an international child welfare
and entrepreneur, formally kicked off the partnership
advocate. Mr. Khalilian, who was told from an early age
between FCCLA and his safety awareness initiative.
that he would never amount to anything, defied his tough
Snap-2-Live donates $5 to FCCLA for every belt
upbringing by becoming a successful speaker who inspires
sold through the organization, in support of its
young people to be “crazy enough” to make a difference.
FACTS (Families Acting for Community Traffic
During the opening session, the National Executive Council (NEC) urged FCCLA members to get involved in three initiatives that promote traffic safety: • AT&T’s It Can Wait campaign. Members were thanked
Safety) program. Expectations also were exceeded during “Miracle Minutes”, which were held during the opening and closing general sessions. More than $10,000 was raised
for taking an online pledge, which helped FCCLA earn
over the course of the National Cluster Meetings for
a $95,000 donation from AT&T to support its work
FCCLA’s National Outreach Project, benefitting Share Our
against texting while driving.
Strength, a nonprofit organization whose No Kid Hungry
• The Century Council’s IKnowEverything program, which offers chapters an opportunity to win a free
campaign aims to end childhood hunger in America. To generate interest in this worthy cause, NEC members
assembly that helps gauge how prepared teenagers are
wore orange ties and ascots to honor Share Our Strength.
to make safe driving decisions.
Puzzle pieces also were hidden throughout the convention center ballroom during the closing session. Members who
8 Teen Times www.fcclainc.org • January/February 2014