Category Archives: FBLA Southern Region Vice President, Tony Jones

Great opportunities through the March of Dimes

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Tony Jones, 2011-2012 FBLA Southern Region Vice President

For the past 40 years a strong relationship has been kindled between the March of Dimes and FBLA-PBL.  Together we have raised more than $500,000 a year to help put an end to the number of premature births.  This effort is something we should all be proud of and use to look optimistically toward the future.  Due to the hard work of both organizations, we can proudly say we made a great impact on such a great problem facing our society.

For a while my own conception of what the March of Dimes did was misconstrued.  I thought their sole purpose was to put an end to premature births.  While this is a big part of what they work toward, another big item the organization fights for is health awareness for all. They don’t just wish to eradicate premature births but also unhealthy living.

In their efforts to reach out, the March of Dimes’ Team Youth division has special opportunities available to benefit FBLA-PBL members.  One opportunity is the Teen2Teen Health Education Series.  Through these innovative discussions members can take part in an experience that is more centered toward them.  This series is a great tool to utilize during chapter meetings.  The items discussed allow members to learn more about the March of Dimes while learning how to better their lives as well as the lives of others.

The relationship between the March of Dimes and FBLA-PBL has allowed for a great deal of growth and development on both sides.  Through various opportunities like Teen2Teen and other community service activities, we are making this world a better place one person at a time.  There is no doubt in my mind that the March of Dimes and FBLA-PBL will be going strong for another 40 years!

Tips for a successful year

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Tony Jones, FBLA Southern Region Vice President

As we enter another year, the main question in many chapter advisers’ and officers’ minds is, how do I get others to join the organization?  While there are countless techniques that can be used, it really depends on the make-up of your school.  When trying to recruit members, think back to the interests of the students and then demonstrate how FBLA will guide them in that area (and also much more). Keep in mind, once recruited, it is important to continue empowering your members with new skills.

Tips for successful recruiting include:

Just have fun! When first trying to attract new members, draw them in with fun activities.  Do something that the typical school clubs are not doing.  Make sure that the students can see what the organization has to give them.  Things like giving out cool material, having a chocolate social, and then making sure you are getting the word out.  Through incentives like these, those new and incoming members, as well as those who are already a part of FBLA, will feel as though they belong.

Keep it going!  Just don’t do those neat things at the beginning of the year, but enwrap members in meaningful experiences throughout the whole year.  Let members develop more skills through reaching out to community leaders to come and speak at meetings.  Give members the chance to earn points and then those with a certain number will be able to go on a field trip to a business headquarters. Offer help sessions for competitive events.  Members want to see how something can change their lives, and with steps like these, it can happen.

Make the best meetings! Once you get the membership base that you are happy with, don’t stop there. Strive to make the meeting more than just something that causes people to get up early or go home late. Your members know what it’s like to sit in class be and be spoken to, so let them do the talking.  Officers develop an agenda that will appeal to the members, so they get something out of their time! Make the meeting informal and plan exciting activities. Having snacks and other treats available is also a useful tool.

As we enter the new Gateway to Greatness know that as future business leaders, we should show others why we stand out.  So be the stand-out leaders of your school, and others will follow.  Let FBLA be more than just letters.  Show the students of your school that with motivation and dedication, you can make a difference.  Members and advisers go out and show your school and community why we are the Future Business Leaders of America.