McKenna Murray, 2011-12 FBLA National Secretary

Preparing a program of work or plan of action can be a daunting task. It is often difficult to know what areas to focus on and what would help the chapter grow and develop the most. Luckily there are a few things that can make writing a program of work easier.

The most important thing is to be organized and detailed. The more detailed the program of work is, the easier it is to carry out the goals. Write down every step, even the steps that seem obvious or too simple to write down. It may take longer to be this detailed and precise, but less time will be spent in the long run because the goals are more thoroughly laid out.

One important area to focus on is recruitment. It always important to keep attracting new members and it is important to outline ways to do this in the program of work. Brainstorm ideas that would help get the word out about FBLA. For example, your chapter could make posters that attract attention and get people excited about FBLA.

In the program of work you would list all the steps that would be necessary to complete this recruitment idea. For example:

• Brainstorm ideas for posters and decide how many to make
• Create an outline of each poster
• Scout out areas that would attract the most attention
• Have a sign up list for people willing to help make posters
• Decide on a date, place, and time to make the posters
• Obtain the materials (paper, paint, etc.)
• Make the posters
• Hang them up at the locations already picked out

Another area that is important to focus on is community service and/or the March of Dimes. Brainstorm ideas for projects that would be fun and that would benefit the March of Dimes or the community. For example, your chapter could plan a barbeque with all the proceeds going to either the March of Dimes or the community.

It is also important to factor state and national programs into your chapter’s program of work. When you are making your program of work make sure to have read both the state and national programs of work before you start, and to have them both accessible. By doing this, you have a great example and your can more easily factor in goals that will help both the state and national level.

Overall, when preparing a program of work make sure to set goals that are achievable and that will help your chapter grow the most.