Sarah Edwards was reading a text message when her car crossed the centerline of a two-lane road and ran into the rear wheels of a loaded logging truck. She died instantly. Angelina Bandino was walking along a road when an 18-year-old driver struck and killed her because he was typing a text message. Caleb Sorohan was texting a friend as his car veered into the opposite lane and hit a truck head-on.
Four of the Minnesota State Officers traveled to our nation’s capitol for a “teens against distracted driving” youth summit called NOYS (National Organization for Youth Safety.) At this 3 day retreat we experienced a car simulator, listened to wonderful panelist speakers, and came together with other student teams and peer mentors (which included Kaylen Larson, our national president,) to find innovative ways to raise awareness of the “X the Text” campaign.
Most teenagers think they’re pretty good at texting while driving because some don’t even need to look at the keys while they type, but what about reading the responding text message from your friend? If dared to do so by a friend, would you drive down the highway with your eyes closed for a few seconds? Typing or receiving a text message takes your eyes off the road for an average of 5 seconds, and that’s all it takes. To demonstrate this, NOYS participants got to experience the dangers of this in a car simulator. You wear goggles with a screen on them that shows a road that you must drive on. You must also text a message to someone on your phone while staying in your lane, without going off the road, running red lights, hitting a pedestrian, etc. I was asked by the computer to drive into a gas station while I text. I made it to the gas station, but went off the roads several times. It is very realistic to a texting while driving scenario.
Panelist speakers came from all over the United States to share with us statistics, such as, texting while driving impairs your driving ability more than driving while intoxicated. A person driving drunk is still trying to focus on the road whereas if you are texting, you aren’t looking at all. We heard about new laws and/or campaigns to end texting and driving or knew ideas to raise awareness from our speakers, but most importantly, we heard the personal stories from some of them. Wil Craige’s story was featured in “The Last Text” YouTube video. He was declared dead on the scene three times, but pulled through and spoke at the summit. He has come a long way since his accident, and he is one of the sweetest guys anyone could ever meet. He went through tons of physical therapy, and grieved the loss of his friend who had been driving that night, as well as the loss of his ability to have a job, play a sport, or basically, do things on his own. He tells his story to help end car accidents where texting is involved.
During our time at the summit, the four Minnesota officers created a plan to raise awareness in our state. We hope everyone will get involved and be as excited about this campaign as we are. Coming up in November, we will have a patrol officer speak at the “Minnesota Day” during cluster. In March, those attending Legislative Shadow Day will be apart in helping raise awareness at the state capitol. We would like chapters to use their imaginations in February during FCCLA week and do something at your school to help spread the “X the Text” campaign. Everyone should also be looking forward to State Conference where there will be a whole day’s worth of workshops on distracted driving because ALL texting and driving car accidents are preventable.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Monday, September 12, 2011
Check out the Red Jacket swag.....
Red Jacket Swag on You Tube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saBtMlORDAE&feature=share
www.youtube.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saBtMlORDAE&feature=share
www.youtube.com
READY FOR FCCLA THIS FALL!
I hope you have all had a great summer! As school starts to kick off it is also time to start off your new FCCLA year at the chapter and regional level. Get started by holding a meeting with your chapter officers and plan for the year. Set goals you would like to achieve and make plans to meet them. Create a fun activity to bring new members to your chapters, encourage any and all to join. I hope to see you all at November Summit this year, which has been shortened to one day because of cluster meeting that is in Minneapolis this year. Come and represent Minnesota at our cluster meeting after November Summit! Minnesota does not always get the chance to host a cluster meeting so don't miss out. I'm sure we are all excited for region meetings to be starting up as well. Make sure to check with your region officers to find out how your chapter can win the Youth at It's Best Award, which will be given out to one chapter from each region. Submitted by: MN FCCLA Secretary Bryce Weets.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
SUMMER ACTIVITES OF FCCLA
July National Conference by Olivia Wicklund
FCCLA went from Disneyland where the memories begin, to the crazy roller coasters of Knott’s Berry Farm, all the way to the sandy beaches of the Pacific Ocean in Anaheim, California for the 2011 National Conference!
Attendance at the National Leadership Conference was at an all-time high with 6,300 members including 3,492 STAR Event participants. Minnesota’s National STAR Event advancers did outstanding, receiving silver and gold medals. Congratulations!
Another congratulations to, Morgan Croft, who served her term as National Vice President of Public Relations. She outdid herself onstage for the NLC Live, performing to the best of her abilities. The Minnesota Delegation is so proud of you!
Minnesota has another member to be proud of. Congratulations to Kaylen Larson, the new 2011-2012 National President! We are so excited to see what the new FCCLA year brings, and to watch Kaylen through her ultimate leadership experience of being a National Officer.
The National Conference was filled with so many different opportunities for its’ members. The exhibit hall was filled with career resources, fundraising ideas, including Otis Spunkmeyer, plus many educational and training materials. Workshops were in full swing throughout the entire conference varying from exploring leadership, envisioning FCCLA’s future, and gaining membership. Also featured were Nutrition/Health, fashion construction, and networking workshops. Members had a chance to learn of upcoming events like the Capitol Leadership Training in Washington, D.C. in October, and the Minneapolis Cluster Meeting in November.
Keynote speaker, Chef Jeff Henderson, inspired members as he shared with us the story of his childhood, where he grew up in the “hood,” knowing what it felt like to be hungry. His life was a constant struggle. In his teen and early adulthood years Chef Jeff spent nearly ten years in prison for a drug conviction. One of his punishments was to cook in the prison kitchen. There Mr. Henderson discovered his passion for cooking that led him to the top of the restaurant industry and to the Food Network Channel. As a motivational speaker Chef Jeff shares his story to inspire others to not only dream, but to reach their absolute full potential in life.
From the closing session, to the gala, members experienced a night of fun with an “Imagination in Action” red carpet walk, and met actors such as “Jack Sparrow” and “Will Turner,” along with “Steven Tyler.” There was food and dancing. It was a night nobody will ever forget! From the hotel to the airport, members soaked up their last bit of California sun and headed home after a successful 2011 National Conference.
FCCLA went from Disneyland where the memories begin, to the crazy roller coasters of Knott’s Berry Farm, all the way to the sandy beaches of the Pacific Ocean in Anaheim, California for the 2011 National Conference!
Attendance at the National Leadership Conference was at an all-time high with 6,300 members including 3,492 STAR Event participants. Minnesota’s National STAR Event advancers did outstanding, receiving silver and gold medals. Congratulations!
Another congratulations to, Morgan Croft, who served her term as National Vice President of Public Relations. She outdid herself onstage for the NLC Live, performing to the best of her abilities. The Minnesota Delegation is so proud of you!
Minnesota has another member to be proud of. Congratulations to Kaylen Larson, the new 2011-2012 National President! We are so excited to see what the new FCCLA year brings, and to watch Kaylen through her ultimate leadership experience of being a National Officer.
The National Conference was filled with so many different opportunities for its’ members. The exhibit hall was filled with career resources, fundraising ideas, including Otis Spunkmeyer, plus many educational and training materials. Workshops were in full swing throughout the entire conference varying from exploring leadership, envisioning FCCLA’s future, and gaining membership. Also featured were Nutrition/Health, fashion construction, and networking workshops. Members had a chance to learn of upcoming events like the Capitol Leadership Training in Washington, D.C. in October, and the Minneapolis Cluster Meeting in November.
Keynote speaker, Chef Jeff Henderson, inspired members as he shared with us the story of his childhood, where he grew up in the “hood,” knowing what it felt like to be hungry. His life was a constant struggle. In his teen and early adulthood years Chef Jeff spent nearly ten years in prison for a drug conviction. One of his punishments was to cook in the prison kitchen. There Mr. Henderson discovered his passion for cooking that led him to the top of the restaurant industry and to the Food Network Channel. As a motivational speaker Chef Jeff shares his story to inspire others to not only dream, but to reach their absolute full potential in life.
From the closing session, to the gala, members experienced a night of fun with an “Imagination in Action” red carpet walk, and met actors such as “Jack Sparrow” and “Will Turner,” along with “Steven Tyler.” There was food and dancing. It was a night nobody will ever forget! From the hotel to the airport, members soaked up their last bit of California sun and headed home after a successful 2011 National Conference.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
MN FCCLA Candidate is new National FCCLA President!
Minnesota candidate for national office was selected National FCCLA President by the 6300 delegates at the National FCCLA conference in Anaheim. Kaylen Larson was a state officer in 2010-2011 and was representing MN FCCLA as our candidate for national FCCLA office. She gained this position by taking a written test, interview with the election committee, doing a speech and surviving a couple of steps with voting delegates who made the selections on July 13. Kaylen will be in office until July 2012 with the other 9 officers chosen.
Minnesota FCCLA successes at National Conference in Anaheim!
Minnesota FCCLA members had much to cheer about as Morgan Croft completed her year as National Vice President of Public Relations, STAR Event participants earned medals and national candidate Kaylen Larson was elected the new National FCCLA President. MN FCCLA was well represented by the 178 delegates and chaperones. Congratulations everyone! Well done!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
SERVICE FOCUS WITH GLOBAL YOUTH SERVICE DAY
Semester of Service
Everyone knows that Martin Luther King Jr. Day takes place on the third Monday in January. Martin Luther King Jr. Day also marks the kickoff for Youth Service America’s Semester of Service. Minnesota FCCLA has been involved for many years with Youth Service America’s program Global Youth Service Day, but this year we are expanding our involvement to cover the entire Semester of Service. But what is a Semester of Service? Like Global Youth Service Day, Semester of Service is a time for service learning projects, except Semester of Service starts on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and continues through Global Youth Service Day on April 17th. This is a great time to get your chapter involved in service projects and learn while doing it. The Executive Council recently began our own Semester of Service with our projects on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We took part in the rallies at St Paul Central High School and Concordia College and also the March between the two locations. After the rallies, we proceeded to Second Harvest Heartland, a hunger relief organization. There we packaged food to be sent to food shelves and those in need. We were also lucky enough to take part in the Hunger 101 course that is offered by Second Harvest Heartland. This 90-minute workshop was an eye opening experience that showed us how tough it can be to find healthy and affordable food on a tight budget. Our day was filled with service learning and fun, but it is just the beginning to Semester of Service. With over two months to work, we will be able to achieve great things. So start a service-learning project with your chapter and help make a difference.
Lucas Koch – Vice President of Resource and Development
Everyone knows that Martin Luther King Jr. Day takes place on the third Monday in January. Martin Luther King Jr. Day also marks the kickoff for Youth Service America’s Semester of Service. Minnesota FCCLA has been involved for many years with Youth Service America’s program Global Youth Service Day, but this year we are expanding our involvement to cover the entire Semester of Service. But what is a Semester of Service? Like Global Youth Service Day, Semester of Service is a time for service learning projects, except Semester of Service starts on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and continues through Global Youth Service Day on April 17th. This is a great time to get your chapter involved in service projects and learn while doing it. The Executive Council recently began our own Semester of Service with our projects on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We took part in the rallies at St Paul Central High School and Concordia College and also the March between the two locations. After the rallies, we proceeded to Second Harvest Heartland, a hunger relief organization. There we packaged food to be sent to food shelves and those in need. We were also lucky enough to take part in the Hunger 101 course that is offered by Second Harvest Heartland. This 90-minute workshop was an eye opening experience that showed us how tough it can be to find healthy and affordable food on a tight budget. Our day was filled with service learning and fun, but it is just the beginning to Semester of Service. With over two months to work, we will be able to achieve great things. So start a service-learning project with your chapter and help make a difference.
Lucas Koch – Vice President of Resource and Development
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