FBLA Middle Level Newsletter - 2009/2010 Newsletter Issue 1

Table of Contents

FBLA Middle Level Newsletter By Rachel Arnold, State Secretary

FBLA middle level is one of the newest additions to FBLA-PBL in Illinois. In the 2008-2009 school year, Marion High School chartered the first FBLA middle level chapter in the state of Illinois at the Marion Junior High. Over the past two years, Marion High has created many opportunities for Marion Junior High students to learn skills that are needed in everyday life and prepare for professional experiences. The middle level experience allows middle school students to learn about the business world before high school. As seen in chartering senior high chapters, there are many challenges and steps involved in creating a middle level chapter.

The first acts in creating a middle level chapter are contacting a principal and locating a teacher interested in advising FBLA. It is important to find a dedicated advisor for the middle level FBLA, so that it may prosper in the same aspect as high school chapters. After introducing the FBLA Membership Handbook to the new adviser, members must be recruited. The advantage of chartering a local middle level chapter is that many high school students have siblings in the junior high, allowing word of mouth to be the most valuable form of advertisement. Additional forms of advertisement include poster boards and informational booths before and after school. Also, setting up an informational booth at student registration allows the parents to understand the organization and pay their child's membership dues in advance. Over 50 members were recruited for the Marion Junior High chapter in its first year.

After membership is established, students may carry out many of the same activities that high school FBLA members enjoy. The senior high may offer to help students elect officers and conduct meetings. The middle school level officers may learn how to make an agenda and create social events. Middle level FBLA has the option to compete nationally, as well. At the Marion Junior High, the high school FBLA will conduct mock competitive events for the students, which will be similar to an area conference. This will include a mixer, lessons in leadership, and tests in events such as business communications and business math. Other events that benefit the middle level chapters are career fairs, parties, tours of businesses, and guest speakers.

Although it is a challenge, creating an FBLA middle level chapter is beneficial for the middle school as well as the high school chapters. The senior high students learn to conduct meetings and network with students and teachers beyond their comfort level, just as middle school students are learning skills such as speaking in public and being organized. For middle school students, FBLA is an excellent opportunity to learn about leadership and prepare to become area, state, and national officers in high school. For the senior high, helping the middle school students teaches high school students values and the responsibilities of being role models. Middle level students are learning about being leaders and living in the business world, which is available because senior high students take the time to teach and build relationships with younger individuals. FBLA middle level has potential to prosper in strength and numbers in the coming years. For more information about starting a Middle level chapter go to www.fbla-pbl.org and choose the Middle level link.