Chapters

What do chapters do?

Chapters set up programs of work modified to best meet the needs of their memberships, schools, and communities. At the beginning of the school year the Chapter Management Handbook is mailed, and it provides information on current programs, special activities, and deadlines to help chapters develop their programs of work, which can include:

Professional activities that enhance student skills or knowledge of the business world. Project examples include inviting local business people as guest speakers, trips to local businesses, and preparing for competitive events.
Service activities that help people in need. In addition to national partnerships with the March of Dimes and other charities, chapters can get involved in local community projects and activities.
Civic activities that promote civic pride and good citizenship. Chapters work with local chambers of commerce, business people, and business organizations.
Fundraising activities that finance chapter projects and conference trips. Chapters can take part in national fundraising programs or develop local fundraisers of their own.

How do I start a chapter?

Contact the state office (360-753-5666) to make sure they are aware that you are becoming a new chapter. This will insure that you’ll be receiving state-level information during the chartering process.
Go to the National website: www.fbla-pbl.org and complete the form to receive a Chapter Organization Packet.
A chapter adviser must be identified.
If necessary, submit a proposal to your school administrator for establishing an FBLA chapter.
Hold an orientation meeting.
Elect officers.
Create and vote on chapter bylaws.
Collect dues.
After receiving the application from the National Office, complete it, and send it along with your payment to the National Office as instructed.
Develop a program of work outlining proposed chapter activities for the year.
Conduct a new officer installation ceremony upon receipt of your charter.

Request an Information Packet

In order to start/reactivate a chapter, please request an information packet from:

Washington State FBLA
5622 Pacific Avenue SE, Suite 3
Lacey, WA 98503
360.753.5666

Find an Adviser

In order to start a chapter the chapter must have an adviser and a minimum of five members. A business educator is preferred to serve as a chapter adviser, but a school administration-approved faculty adviser from another discipline/administration area may serve as a chapter adviser.

Critical to the chapter’s success will be an adviser who believes in the following:

The goals of FBLA
Career development and leadership development opportunities as tools for future student success
Community service to build school pride and community connections
Competitive events as a vehicle to demonstrate student academic achievement

FBLA-PBL is the premier career and technical student organization preparing students for success in life. The high school division has 2l5,000 members, while the FBLA-Middle Level division has l5,000 members, and the post secondary division reaches over 11,000 college students. Exclusive membership and career recognition programs are designed for each division to provide additional personaI and chapter development opportunities.

In today’s highly competitive business environment it requires business savvy, leadership skills, and technical knowledge to be successful. The driving goal of FBLA-PBL is to train future business leaders to become contributing members of society. Members benefit from leadership and training, contact made through networking, and opportunities for members to apply their knowledge through business-related activities.