Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is an international organization for the purpose of enhancing students’ business knowledge inside and outside of the classroom through workshops, seminars, leadership development programs, and by allowing students the opportunity to work with business professionals. There are regional, state, and national competitions in business subject areas that allow students to compete against other FBLA members throughout the world and to be recognized for excellence in their studies.
About FBLA-PBL
The Future Business Leaders of America is headquartered in Reston, Virginia. FBLA is organized on the local, state, and national levels. Business teachers, advisers, and advisory councils (including school officials, business people, and community representatives) guide local chapters. State advisers and committee members coordinate chapter activities for the national organization.
The FBLA concept was developed in 1937 by Dr. Hamden L. Forkner of Columbia University. The first high school chapter was chartered in Johnson City, Tennessee, on February 3, 1942. In 1958, the first PBL collegiate chapter was chartered in Iowa. The professional division, originally the Alumni Division, began in 1979. The FBLA-Middle Level for students in grades five through nine joined FBLA-PBL in 1994.
FBLA is a co-curricular organization, which means FBLA activities are integrated into all business courses offered at Broad Run. Business students will learn about the FBLA organization and are strongly encouraged to actively participate as a member of the local chapter.
In order to participate at the regional, state, and national levels, students must submit a membership form and annual membership dues by the established due date. Dues are $20.00 per year. Membership dues pay for registration at the regional, state, and national level, for official FBLA publications (see below), and for general chapter expenses related to activities inside and outside of school.
Students that are interested in becoming an active member but who cannot afford the dues should meet with one of the advisers as soon as possible. Alternate arrangements, such as participating in a club fundraiser to "earn" dues, can be made.
ANY student at Broad Run can become a registered member of FBLA, regardless of whether he or she is currently enrolled in a business class. FBLA offers many opportunities for active participation and involvement. Those students who are interested in business but are not enrolled in a business class are strongly encouraged to join FBLA as an extracurricular activity. Complete and return your membership application, along with your dues, to Mrs. Good (room 4) or Mrs. Somers (room 6).
Please note that only active (paid) members are eligible to attend conferences and most other field trips sponsored by FBLA.
Publications
Tomorrow's Business Leader is the exclusive magazine for FBLA, and it is published four times a year for FBLA students and advisers. All active (paid) members will receive a copy through their local FBLA chapter.
Broad Run FBLA - Chapter Meetings
Meetings are held once a month. All meetings take place from 8:30 - 8:50 a.m. It is important to attend meetings each month in order to receive information about upcoming field trips, guest speakers, community service projects, fundraisers, competitive events, and conferences. If you cannot attend a meeting, please contact a Leadership Team officer or chapter adviser as soon as possible.
Light refreshments are provided at each meeting. In addition to general announcements and updates, each chapter meeting features a brief "Business Time" segment that focuses on topics including, but not limited to, proper business attire, e-mail etiquette, resume tips, job interviews, etc. Also, be sure to sign-in in order to be eligible to win a door prize!
Communication
It is very important that every FBLA member maintains an active email account that they check on a regular basis. Most announcements, reminders, updates, forms, and other information are distributed via email.
Members can also opt to receive announcements and reminders online via Twitter. Contact a member of the Leadership Team if you have any questions.