2024-2025 NEC NECA Handbook

Running for National Office

Running for national office is a challenge and a great opportunity to learn and strengthen skills.
Accomplishment regardless of election outcome.
Focus on personal best rather than titles.
Requires time commitment and responsibility to the organization and its 237,000+ members.
FCCLA must be top priority for the year, potentially conflicting with other activities.
Sacrifices are outweighed by benefits according to past officers.
Evaluate commitments for the year, prioritizing FCCLA.
Read election documents on the FCCLA website.
Learn about FCCLA and FCS education using the national website.
Contact past officers and candidates for advice, but note that current officers will not offer advice as they are voting members.
Discuss commitments with school administrators, state adviser, chapter adviser, and parents for support.
Commitment is important because dropping out affects many people.
Elected officers must relinquish local, regional, and state offices in FCCLA and other CTSOs, though they can serve on the State Executive Council as a resource.
Practice answering questions and expressing ideas effectively.
Maintain a neat, professional appearance.
Work with the 2023-2024 National Executive Council, other candidates, the NOC Nominating Committee, and Voting Delegates.
Check emails regularly for schedules, responsibilities, and deadlines.

Qualifications for National Executive Council

Active member in an affiliated chapter for at least one year.
Minimum of one year of Family and Consumer Sciences classes.
Approval of state association.
Cannot be a present or former member of the National Executive Council.
Minimum 3.0 GPA (non-weighted), cumulative for the past three semesters (Fall 2022, Spring 2023, Fall 2023).

Campaigning

Candidates may share their candidacy and qualifications verbally and in writing, including on social media.
Candidates must not make disparaging statements about other candidates.

Distribution of Paraphernalia

Candidates must not purchase, create, or distribute any paraphernalia supporting their candidacy, including business cards and brochures.
Trading state pins at the National Leadership Conference is prohibited until after the election.

Use of Electronic Devices

Candidates are prohibited from using electronic devices during National Officer Candidate election sessions.
Voting Delegates are prohibited from using electronic devices during the Business Session.
This policy aims to prevent unfair advantages through communication or resource sharing.

Campaign Violations

Violations must be reported in writing to leadership@fcclainc.org before the close of the voting process.
A panel of five (Officers of the Board of Directors and immediate past president and VP of Finance) will investigate allegations and allow a hearing if necessary.
Penalties for violations include removal from the election process or disqualification from election at the review panel's discretion.

Election Process

Each state may run two national officer candidates annually.
Candidates take a 50-question multiple-choice test about FCCLA facts.
If there are more than 65 candidates, the test will cut the number to 65 based on test scores.

Phase 1: Nominating Committee

Composed of three representatives from each region, selected on a rotating basis, and chaired by the immediate past National Executive Council President.
Evaluates up to 65 candidates and selects 20 for consideration by the Voting Delegates.
Decision based on rubric scores and discussion of applications, test scores, interviews, and the NOC Fishbowl.
Each candidate delivers a three-minute speech and answers three questions (two situation questions and one FCCLA fact question).
Candidates participate in the NOC Fishbowl, a team activity in groups of approximately 10.
The final 20 candidates will include at least one candidate from each region, unless precluded by a lack of candidates from a region.

Phase 2: Voting Delegates

Evaluate the 20 candidates by reviewing their resumes and essays and evaluating their participation in networking and speech presentation.
Each candidate gives a speech presentation and answers one situation question.
Each Voting Delegate casts a vote for each of 10 candidates of their choice.
The four candidates with the most votes from each region represented will be elected with the remaining positions being filled with the candidates who get the highest number of votes regardless of region.

Post-Election Activities

Getting acquainted and meeting with incoming and outgoing national officers.
Working with new national officers to understand role as a National Executive Council member.
Voting for designated office positions.
Meeting with National Staff.
Participating in photography sessions.
Rehearsing for installation.
Preliminary planning for the August National Executive Council meeting and activities for the year.
Attending the FCCLA After Party together as a council (if party is planned).
After the election, you will want to make your accomplishments known and share your excitement, using material provided by FCCLA.

What's Next for National Officer Candidates?

All candidates and advisers might complete a survey about their experience to improve the process.
Non-elected candidates may be invited to a special session with the Executive Director.

Final Notes

Discuss potential outcomes with your adviser, emphasizing that being elected isn't everything.
Appreciate accomplishments achieved by becoming a national officer candidate.

Reminders

Submit the Intent to Run Form by April 15 with a headshot in official FCCLA dress with a plain, distraction-free background.
Save a copy of the application.
If a chaperone is needed, attach a letter stating the school or state association will cover expenses; note that FCCLA doesn't guarantee hotel availability for chaperones and discourage candidates unable to travel alone.
Candidates cannot participate as conference presenters or in competitive events.

If Elected to the National Executive Council

Serving on the National Executive Council is a responsibility, with the functions of:
*Planning: Implementing participation in conferences and setting up visits with legislators.
*Program Development: Participating in National Board of Directors committees.
*Public Relations: Representing FCCLA at meetings, meeting legislators, and attending youth and professional organization meetings.
Comprehensive understanding of Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Education, Career and Technical Education (CTE), and FCCLA is imperative.
Each national officer role offers unique opportunities and incorporates specific responsibilities to FCCLA, the officer's school, state, family, and themself.

Composition

The National Executive Council is composed of 10 elected officers: President, First Vice President, Vice President of Community Service, Vice President of Competitive Events, Vice President of Development, Vice President of Finance, Vice President of Membership, Vice President of Parliamentary Law, Vice President of Programs, and Vice President of Public Relations.
The designation of each National Executive Council member’s office shall be determined by the incoming National Executive Council.

General Responsibilities and Conduct

National Executive Council members' responsibilities take priority over other activities, requiring sacrifices.
As visible role models, behavior should be an example for the entire membership.
Dress and act appropriately. Jeans and shorts are not appropriate dress for meetings and workshops. The official uniform should be worn whenever representing the organization.
Communication is crucial for effective teamwork between national, state, and local levels.
National Staff and the National Executive Council do not answer questions concerning STAR Events. Instead, we direct their STAR Events questions to their state adviser.
Instead, direct STAR Events questions to state advisers to ensure consistent information.
Establish schedules and practice good time management.
Meet weekly with chapter adviser and monthly with school administrators to maintain communication.
Behavior reflects positively on FCCLA's image.
The National President and Vice President of Finance act as liaisons between the National Board of Directors and the National Executive Council.
Familiarize themselves with all council members’ responsibilities.
Each National Executive Council member must raise a minimum of $1,000 for the national organization.

National Executive Council Meetings

The National Executive Council meets weekly via Zoom and in person, up to four or five times during the year, depending on the conference schedule and organizational needs.
Meetings usually take place in two National Executive Council planning meetings; at Capitol Leadership (when applicable); at the Fall Leadership Institute; and at the National Leadership Conference.

At these meetings, National Executive Council members shall

Be on time and prepared.
Share and express ideas and provide input during the meeting.
Report results of Board of Directors committee meetings to National Executive Council members.
Be oriented on the organization, its functions, and its projects.
Develop good communication techniques.
Work with appropriate staff to develop membership recruitment/development planning activities.
Set up public relations and legislative visits.
Be involved in meeting planning activities.
Be involved in activities to generate ideas for National FCCLA.
Be involved in teamwork, leadership skill-building, and development activities.

At National Board of Directors Meetings NEC Members Shall

Be appointed to one of the standing committees. The President and Vice President of Finance serve as voting members on the Board of Directors.
Prepare for concerns to be addressed by becoming informed and reading board committee materials prior to the meetings.

Election of Designated Offices

Following the election of officers, the new National Executive Council will meet to elect members for their designated offices.
Candidates for designated offices will participate in hands-on skill practices facilitated by consultant(s).

Designated Officer Positions

The following officer positions are a generalization of the roles and responsibilities you will be fulfilling during your term. Depending upon the year some responsibilities may change or not be applicable.

President shall

Preside over all business meetings of the organization and of the National Executive Council; be a member of the National Board of Directors; appoint, after consultation with the chair of the National Board of Directors and Executive Director, the chairperson and members of all executive council committees; and be a member ex officio of all National Executive Council committees;
Serve as a member of the National Board of Directors for a two-year term, the Executive Committee, and other board committees by appointment. In addition to the full Board of Directors meetings, the President will participate in Executive Committee meetings bi-monthly as needed;
Work with the First Vice President to provide reports on work of the council to the Executive Committee, as requested;
Report results of Board of Directors meetings to National Executive Council members as allowable;
Meet with Executive Director in the late-summer/early fall to discuss plans for the year; participate virtually in department meetings throughout the year as available;
Preside at all general sessions during the National Leadership Conference and the Fall Leadership Institute;
Preside at the installation at the National Leadership Conference;
Deliver address at installation at the National Leadership Conference;
Participate in national advocacy efforts throughout the year;
Prepare content for social media and other correspondence upon request;
Attend meetings with partners upon request;
Manage the Nominating Committee activities at NLC following their term;
Raise a minimum of $1,000 financial support for the national organization.

First Vice President shall

Assume responsibility in the absence of the President and keep the minutes of all national meetings and meetings of the National Executive Council;
Meet with the Leadership and Programs Department in the late- summer/early fall to discuss plans for the year; participate virtually in department meetings throughout the year as available;
Call the meeting to order in the absence of the President and serve as the temporary chair;
Review minutes of the previous meeting and call President’s attention to any unfinished business;
Read correspondence directed to the council;
Submit minutes to National Staff within 2 days of the meeting;
Track NEC Program of Work progress and provide reports monthly and as requested;
Prepare reports of the National Executive Council activities for board meetings;
Have the following items on hand for business meetings: (1) minutes of previous meeting, (2) list of committees previously appointed, (3) National Executive Council/Adviser Handbook;
Participate in national advocacy efforts throughout the year;
Attend meetings with partners upon request;
Prepare content for social media and other correspondence upon request;
Raise a minimum of $1,000 financial support for the national organization.

Vice President of Community Service shall

Provide leadership in planning and implementing the organization's community service programs;
Meet with the Leadership and Programs Department in the late- summer/early fall to discuss plans for the year; participate virtually in department meetings throughout the year as available;
Provide input in the current National Outreach Project;
Research and promote the National Outreach Project as decided by the National Executive Council;
Report on the National Executive Council members’ service hours;
Participate in national advocacy efforts throughout the year;
Attend meetings with partners upon request;
Prepare content for social media and other correspondence upon request;
Raise a minimum of $1,000 financial support for the national organization.

Vice President of Competitive Events shall

Provide leadership in planning and implementing the organization's competitive events; meet with the Adviser and Competitive Events Manager in the late-summer/early fall to discuss plans for the year; participate virtually in department meetings throughout the year as available; read and understand the 2024-2025 Competitive Events Guide;
Serve a two-year term on the national Competitive Events Advisory Team;
Actively participate in Competitive Events Advisory Team (CEAT) meetings and conference calls;
Preside at the 2024 STAR Events Recognition Sessions, as available;
Preside at the 2024 STAR Events Scholarship Reception if one is being hosted;
Participate in national advocacy efforts throughout the year;
Attend meetings with partners upon request;
Prepare content for social media and other correspondence upon request;
Raise a minimum of $1,000 financial support for the national organization.

Vice President of Development shall

Provide leadership in planning and implementing the organization's fundraising and financial development;
Meet with the Senior Partnership Manager in the late-summer/early fall to discuss plans the year; participate virtually in department meetings throughout the year as available;
Seek potential leads for corporate sponsorships and partnership;
Work with National Executive Council members to include partnerships in their communications;
Write thank you notes to FCCLA partners on behalf of the National Executive Council;
Participate in national advocacy efforts throughout the year;
Attend meetings with partners upon request;
Prepare content for social media and other correspondence upon request;
Raise a minimum of $1,000 financial support for the national organization.

Vice President of Finance shall

Provide leadership by serving as a two-year member of the National Board of Directors and the Finance Committee;
Attend National Board of Directors committee meetings;
Be knowledgeable about the finances of the national organization, including how dues are spent and why;
Become acquainted with the national organization's budget for the current year; meet with the Senior Director overseeing the organizations finances in the late- summer/early fall for an explanation of the budget; participate virtually in department meetings throughout the year as available;
Review financial records as presented to the Finance Committee;
Make a financial report to the delegates assembled at the National Leadership Conference business session;
Participate in national advocacy efforts throughout the year;
Participate as the lead for the Ultimate Leadership Fund – Chapter and Individual Grant applications;
Attend meetings with partners upon request;
Prepare content for social media and other correspondence upon request;
Raise a minimum of $1,000 financial support for the national organization.

Vice President of Membership shall

Provide leadership in planning and implementing programs for membership promotion and development;
Provide input on FCCLA Alumni & Associates;
Provide input in updating and modifying the organization’s membership campaign;
Meet with membership staff in the late-summer/early fall to discuss plans for the year; participate virtually in department meetings throughout the year as available; participate in national advocacy efforts throughout the year;
Attend meetings with partners upon request;
Prepare content for social media and other correspondence upon request;
Raise a minimum of $1,000 financial support for the national organization.

Vice President of Parliamentary Law shall

Provide leadership in assuring that the business sessions for the national organization and meetings of the National Executive Council are conducted in accordance with acceptable parliamentary law;
Have the following items on hand for business meetings: (1) current Bylaws, (2) Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised, and (3) motion cards;
Meet with assigned staff in the late-summer/early fall to discuss plans for the year; participate virtually in department meetings throughout the year as available;
Attend National Association of Parliamentarians meeting upon request;
Participate in national advocacy efforts throughout the year;
Attend meetings with partners upon request;
Prepare content for social media and other correspondence upon request;
Raise a minimum of $1,000 financial support for the national organization.

Vice President of Programs shall

Provide leadership in planning and implementing programs for the organization's members;
Provide input in updating and modifying the national programs when necessary;
Meet with Leadership and Programs Department staff in the late-summer/early fall to discuss plans for the year; participate virtually in department meetings throughout the year as available; review program award and scholarship applications;
Participate in national advocacy efforts throughout the year;
Attend meetings with partners upon request;
Prepare content for social media and other correspondence upon request;
Raise a minimum of $1,000 financial support for the national organization.

Vice President of Public Relations shall

Provide leadership in planning and implementing the organizations and National Executive Councils public relations efforts;
Prepare a schedule for the NEC social media Instagram account;
Provide input in the organization’s publicity efforts;
Provide input in updating and modifying The FCCLA Branding Guide as requested;
Provide input in the organization’s social media efforts;
Oversee the National Executive Council’s Instagram account
Review social media accounts of the National Executive Council to ensure accounts are clean and responsibilities are met;
Meet with Communications Department staff in the late-summer/early fall to discuss plans for the year; participate virtually in department meetings throughout the year as available;
Participate in national advocacy efforts throughout the year;
Attend meetings with partners upon request;
Prepare content for social media and other correspondence upon request;
Raise a minimum of $1,000 financial support for the national organization.

Term of Office

Officers serve for one year on the National Executive Council or until their successors are elected.
The President and Vice President of Finance will each serve a two-year term on the Board of Directors.
The Vice President of Competitive Events will serve a two-year term on the Competitive Events Advisory Team.

Vacancies

If the office of President becomes vacant, the First Vice President assumes the office.
For other vacancies before half the term is completed, the President, in consultation with the Executive Director, may make appointments.
If a vacancy occurs after half the term, the other council members assume responsibilities, with assignments made by the President and Executive Director.

Code of Conduct/National Officer Agreement

All national officers must sign and abide by the FCCLA Code of Conduct/National Officer Agreement.
Signing indicates understanding and willingness to abide by the 2024-2025 National Executive Council/Adviser Handbook.

General Guidelines

Behavior at all times should reflect credit to you, your family, your school, your state, and the national organization.
Officers are expected to exhibit trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship.
National Executive Council members' conduct is the responsibility of the local chapter adviser. Officers shall keep their adviser informed of their activities and whereabouts at all times.
Smoking or use of any form of tobacco, including vaping, is not allowed.
If an officer is found responsible for stealing or vandalism, the officer and his/her parents or guardian will be expected to pay all damages.
Any accidents, injuries, or illnesses should be reported to the local adviser and the Leadership and Programs Manager immediately.
Officers who take a trip to include both personal and official business must submit a release of liability form prior to FCCLA booking travel arrangements.
Inappropriate physical contact is not acceptable.
National Executive Council members must have their dues paid to National Headquarters by November 1.
Officers will sign a Social Media Contract guiding their online presence and adhere to its specifications while in office. Any violation of Rules 1 through 10 will subject an officer to probation or letter of reprimand. The disciplinary process will be followed.
If a National Executive Council member chooses to not communicate or abstains from the betterment of the team for an extended period of time, discipline including, but not limited to: revoking attendance to meetings, not publishing articles, taking away assigned responsibilities, etc., will be established as determined by the FCCLA Leadership and Programs Manager.
All National Executive Council members will observe the conference curfew. Staff may set an earlier curfew as needed.
Officers are not allowed in hotel sleeping rooms with other members, officers, or visitors unless they are a designated roommate.
National Executive Council members may not purchase, possess, consume, or be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs at any time. Drinking mock cocktails is prohibited. A violation of Rules 11 through 14 may subject an officer to immediate suspension*; therefore, the officer may be sent home from the event. Transportation home will be arranged at the officer’s expense. The disciplinary process will be followed at a later time. *Suspension – shall be interpreted to mean a warning to the individual and may eliminate the officer from participating in state or national activities or events for a determined period.
National Executive Council members are required to attend the entirety of all assigned meetings, including, but not limited to, the August and February National Executive Council Meetings, Fall Leadership Institute, and the National Leadership Conference. A violation of Rule 15 may subject an officer to review of his/her duties and may result in removal from office. Removal: The FCCLA Executive Director, in consultation with the National President, reserves the right to relieve a national officer of responsibilities or dismiss him/her from office at the executive director’s discretion.

Disciplinary Process Defined:

The officer who has committed the offense will be notified immediately and then in written form via email within 10 working days following the verbal notification. This information also will be sent to the officer’s parent/guardian, local adviser, state adviser, and local principal.
National headquarters may then
a. send a letter of reprimand to the officer and place the letter into the officer’s file
b. suspend the officer
c. remove the officer from office
The national officer, local adviser, state adviser, principal, and parent/guardian shall be notified via email within 10 working days of the decision.
Note: All written correspondence will be sent by email.

Relationships

Supportive and respectful interactions with council members are crucial.
Being a National Officer means being a team member.
Effective teamwork requires constant effort, flexibility, and a positive attitude.
Be on time and prepared for all meetings.
Check email daily and respond promptly to fellow officers.
Communication is key to good teamwork.
During the August Planning Meeting, officers will review and sign a Code of Professionalism agreement which outlines communication expectations and timeliness.

National Executive Council Adviser

Maintain regular communication with adviser, informing them of schedule and activities.
The NECA will:
*Receive the National Executive Council/Adviser Handbook;
*Be certified in Family and Consumer Sciences education;
*Serve as a mentor in assigned officer responsibilities;
*Provide support at the National Leadership Conference;
*Support assignments and activities, maintaining open communication within the state;
*Keep teachers and administrators informed about activities;
*Monitor officer's behavior and academic progress.
State or chapter advisers accompanying council members to meetings shall serve as consultants to the National Executive Council.

State Executive Council and State Adviser

You represent the national organization within your state and region by:
*acting as liaison between the state executive council and the national organization;
*reporting your national participation and updating your state association with national happenings on a regular basis;
*working with state officers in a supporting role to help to plan state activities, such as state and district meetings, workshops, conferences, and leadership trainings;
*keeping your state adviser informed of your participation in Family, Career and Community Leaders of America activities at all times;
*consulting with your chapter and state adviser when you have received an invitation to participate in meetings held within your own state or another state.
National Executive Council members should not be asked to or expected to take on the same responsibilities and workload as State Officers and may not be available for state meetings or state activities during nationally sponsored events.

School Administrators

Inform administrators of your accomplishment, explaining the educational benefits and responsibilities of your office.
Discuss experiences that will strengthen academic skills.
Discuss the possibility of earning school credit for national officer experience.
Keep administrators informed about your activities, sharing articles and social media posts.
Share meeting timelines.
Investigate school's absentee policy to resolve conflicts.

Teachers

Discuss the possibility of receiving class credit for your experience.
Investigate the possibility of dovetailing schoolwork with national officer experiences.

National Staff

National Staff members keep officers informed about the organization and its programs.
The Executive Director serves as the official adviser to the National Executive Council.
The Leadership and Programs Manager is the primary point of contact.
Other staff members involve officers in departmental work.

Family

Keep family informed of activities and responsibilities.
During the National Leadership Conference, officers may receive complimentary general session passes for immediate family members and grandparents who are not participating in the event otherwise.

Friends

Let friends know what you are doing and try to include them when you can, but be careful not to focus on your activities only.

National Executive Council Meetings

August Planning Meeting

August 2024, Herndon, VA
Expenses provided by the national organization.
Overview of roles and responsibilities, officer training, development training, updates by National Staff, team-building exercises, establishment of goals and Program of Work, input on Fall Leadership Institute, initial planning for the National Leadership Conference, and other items as needed.

Board of Directors Orientation and Meetings

Late July 2024
Virtual orientation meeting for new board members.
All NEC Members will attend a counsel review meeting and participate in Board Committee Meetings virtually, with the exception of the President and VP of Finance who will participate in the full Board Meeting in person.

Fall Leadership Institute

October 2024, Anaheim, CA or Orlando, FL
Partnering with the Disney Imagination Campus for Leadership and Teamwork training led by Disney leaders.

Winter Planning Meeting

February 2025, Herndon, VA
Meetings with potential business and industry partners.
Discussion of responsibilities, identification of challenges, input to strengthen national resources, National Leadership Conference orientation, input and plan for National Leadership Conference, share workshop plans, review and evaluate Program of Work, and plan National Leadership Conference general sessions.

National Leadership Conference

July 5-9, 2025, Orlando, FL (Arrival tentatively July 1, 2025).
Planning and carrying out the focus and content of the National Leadership Conference.
Arriving early to prepare and rehearse.
Participating in all general sessions and other meetings as assigned.
Becoming acquainted with national officer candidates and their qualifications.
Planning and carrying out activities to acquaint new national officers with their responsibilities and roles.
Representing the organization and supporting programs inside and outside of formal sessions.
Serving as a role model for all participants.

National Leadership Conference Tips

Keep an up-to-date list of all your responsibilities.
Arrive at the National Leadership Conference with all responsibilities completed.
Memorize scripts prior to arrival.
Work closely with other council members to divide responsibilities.
Inform adviser of responsibilities, activities, and schedule.
Bring several white shirts and other uniform needs, ensuring uniforms fit well and are clean.
Do your best and enjoy the experience.

National Staff Responsibilities:

Members of the National Staff are employed to manage the meeting and help you carry out your plans. The staff handles actual management of the meeting including:
*pulling together general session plans and helping produce scripts
*contacting speakers, workshop leaders, and program participants
*arranging for the production of audio-visual materials
*developing promotional materials to send to state associations and chapters
*processing registration
*working with the hotel and convention center on room assignments and equipment needs
*contacting national and local media for press coverage

Travel and Expenses

Organization and planning are key to balancing responsibilities and success.

Calendar Year - Overview

Anticipated travel for:
*National Executive Council meetings
*National Board of Directors meetings (President and Vice President of Finance)
*Board Committee meetings
*Fall Leadership Institute
*National Leadership Conference
Representation at other organizations' meetings and events.
Invitations to state, district, and chapter meetings.
Participation depends on time constraints.
Reimbursable travel if requested by national headquarters.
Covered by FCCLA insurance during official business.
Expenses for non-national headquarters events are the responsibility of the inviting group.
Inquire about financial arrangements beforehand.
Keep school administration informed of all travel.

Travel

The Leadership and Programs Manager will communicate travel needs with the national officer.
The officer will research flight options and book travel through Concur website based on schedule and travel costs.
Officers should discuss the option(s) with their NECA and parents to determine which arrangements will work best for them.

Traveling Alone

Relax, and don't hesitate to ask questions.
Contact gate agent or airline customer service desk for rebooking, and contact Leadership and Programs Manager if flight is cancelled or connection missed.
Carry a credit card or enough additional money to pay for a room in case a flight cancellation or delay causes you to spend the night in a hotel. Keep all receipts for purchases so you may be reimbursed.
Check monitors for flight information and ask gate agents for help.
Check in online within 24 hours before the flight.
Proceed to baggage claim and find ground transportation or call an Uber or Lyft.

Additional Tips for National Officer Travel:

Inform school administrators, teachers, and family of plans.
Carry identification, National Staff and headquarters phone numbers, and one copy of the notarized parental consent form and medical card or information in case of an emergency.
Anticipate financial needs and plan accordingly.
Pack wisely.
When traveling on national organization business, the national organization assumes responsibility for your travel arrangements.
When traveling on national organization business, you will have an adult contact. When you arrive at the hotel, contact the adult to announce your arrival. Do not leave the hotel without an adult.
When another group or state association has requested your participation, the group extending the invitation is responsible for your travel arrangements.

Hotel Safety

Officer name tags should be worn when attending meetings. Remove name tags when outside the hotel unless you are participating in a meeting activity.
Never travel outside the hotel alone. An adult should accompany you. Use good judgment when talking to people not connected with FCCLA.
Never give your room number to anyone you don't know and do not discuss your lodging details in public spaces.
Lock and bolt your hotel room doors. Open only when you know who is on the other side. All hotel personnel will be in uniform and have an identification badge. If in doubt, call the hotel operator and ask that security come and verify the employee's identity.
Don't leave valuables or money unlocked in hotel rooms. Keep them in the room safe or a hotel safety deposit box. Such boxes are generally available at the hotel registration desk and/or in your room at no charge.
Note the fire escape exits on your floor. As an added precaution, count the number of doors from your room to the nearest exit in case smoke-filled hallways block your vision.
Be considerate of all hotel guests when using the elevators.
Do not use room service laundry services, pay-per-view, high-speed Internet, etc.
Be considerate of sleeping hours and the privacy of other hotel guests and FCCLA members. Talk in hushed tones in the hallway and do not let your door slam when entering or exiting your room.
Double-check your room prior to departure to make sure all personal items have been removed, otherwise you assume responsibility for costs of shipping items to you.
Males and females cannot be in the same hotel room together at any time for any reason. No other person should be in your room at any time except for your designated roommate.
Keep your room organized and clean.

Travel Reimbursement

Covered expenses include:
*National Executive Council meetings
*Fall Leadership Institute
*National Leadership Conference
*Meetings requested by National Staff.

Payment of expenses

Transportation

By train: a first-class round-trip ticket including an upper berth, if the trip involves night travel; or a round-trip economy ticket if the trip can be made in one day.
By plane: economy-class or lowest available fare, round-trip ticket. Discount/super saver fares must be used whenever possible. National officers will be responsible for additional expenses incurred as a result of scheduling flights too close to departure date or itinerary changes after the ticket has been issued. An exception to this is last-minute or itinerary changes requested by the sponsoring party. National officers are responsible for additional expenses incurred for personal travel attached to nationally sponsored travel.
By bus: a round-trip ticket.
By car: mileage. (The total allowance authorized, including cost of meals and housing, will be limited to the cost of economy-class airfare [baggage fees will not be included to the airfare cost] unless travel by private automobile is determined to be advantageous to the organization and is authorized in advance by national staff. Only one person per car can claim mileage reimbursement. Check with national staff for the current rate per mile allowed. The rate allowable for mileage also applies to car mileage from your home to point of departure and return home if the distance is fifty (50) miles or greater, amounting to one round trip).
o Generally, mileage reimbursement shall be capped at a maximum of $250 per trip or event subject to approval by National FCCLA.
Taxi, Uber/Lyft, or shuttle service: from point of arrival to meeting location. Airport or hotel shuttles/limo service should be used if more economical than taxi services.

Meals

Maximim daily allowance based on U.S. General Services Administration’s current CONUS rates with breakdown of allowances for specific meals provided to help guide decisions.

Lodging

Rooms at rates arranged by the National Staff and lodging while traveling to and from the meeting, if necessary, are reimbursable. Please get approval for lodging to and from meetings from national staff well in advance. In most cases, the national organization will secure accommodations for officers, so that they are not burdened with large personal expenses.