Have you missed me? It's been a whole week since my last post and I've missed being here. This was the longest I've gone without publishing a post since I began. I've written a couple in my head over the course of the week but they never made it to the keyboard.I have been a little sick (just a cold, will everyone please stop asking if I've got swine flu?!) and I've been busy with Adopt-A-Family business and preparing for an event related to AAF.
On Friday, I had the opportunity to be one of three presenters of non-profit organizations to be featured at the FBLA State Leadership Conference which was attended by chapters from all over Rhode Island.
Over 150 high school students attended the event held at Johnson & Wales Inn in Seekonk. Future Business Leaders of America is a association of students preparing for careers in business and business-related fields. Their mission is to bring business and education together in a positive working relationship through innovative leadership and career development programs.
Our granddaughter Katie, a senior, has been involved with her school's FBLA chapter since she started high school. Katie called me last Monday to ask whether I would be able to put together a booth about AAF at their leadership conference. She apologized for the late notice but said she had only found out the day before that she was expected to bring in three non-profit organizations for the Friday conference.
A little concerned about the short notice, I was honestly thrilled that Katie had asked and said I would be there. Over the course of the week, I exchanged several emails with Katie and her advisor. I was so impressed with her communication and leadership skills. It was a wonderful opportunity to see Katie in this light.
With help from Pam, Katie's mom, my stepdaughter and fellow blogger at Pam's Perspectives, I think we put together quite a nice presentation. We had photos, letters from past recipients and lots of handouts for the kids to take back to their chapters. Pam is also a longtime donor and volunteer so she knows as much about the program as I do.
We met with groups of students over the course of the morning to introduce them to our program. Always looking for new ways to increase their community service, the FBLA students were interested in learning how they can become involved as donors, volunteers and fundraisers. The students were eager to learn about AAF, and this was a great opportunity to introduce the program to a new generation of citizens to help us continue fulfilling our mission.
The morning presentations were followed by a luncheon and the induction of state leadership of FBLA including our own Katie who was sworn in as Vice President. It was a wonderful day and I was so glad to part of it for both Katie and AAF.
