www.aafcs.org
Fall 2013
THE FACS CONNECTING PROFESSIONALS.TOUCHING LIVES.
A M E R I C A N
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family & Consumer Sciences
Embracing and Managing Change: Race for Relevance In Race for Relevance, authors Mary Byers and Harrison Coerver provide a no-nonsense look at today’s realities Peggy Wild, CFCS, about how associations operate President and what they need to do to remain relevant into the future. Based on more than 40 years of combined experience working with more than 1,000 organizations, the authors examine five key areas where the traditional approach that organizations have taken in the past needs to be altered: focusing the organization’s governance on policy and goals, empowering the CEO and staff to implement those goals, defining the member market, focusing on targeted programs and services, and creating a fully-functioning technology framework. These principles were the kick off to thought-provoking discussions that led to conceptualizing the Academy of Family & Consumer Sciences (the Academy), which we continue to explore. The Academy model would be a significant new organizational structure and approach to partnering with multiple family and consumer sciences organizations in ways that reflect the realities of today’s market and workplace, advances in technology, and
individuals’ contemporary expectations for engagement in professional associations. The Academy model would create a structure that allows us to collaborate more effectively and produce maximum positive impact for the field of family and consumer sciences. Winning the race for relevance, for our association and for our profession, now and into the future, calls for higher levels of collaboration that could be achieved through the new Academy structure. Organizations, including Family & Consumer Sciences Alliance members, could become Academy partners. Every partner organization would have a seat on the Academy Council of Advisors. An elected Board of Directors would be responsible for governance of the Academy. Every member (individual or institution) of every partner organization in the Academy would automatically be a member of the Academy by virtue of their membership in the partner organization. Those who so choose would be able to join the Academy directly.
Thus, individuals and institutions not in one of the partnering organizations and those who want to provide direct support could contribute to strengthening the Academy’s “voice.” Based on the number of members of our FCS Alliance organizations, the Academy of Family & Consumer Sciences has the potential to represent more than 250,000 student and professional members and other individuals, all committed to a unified source and voice for family and consumer sciences. The Academy is a concept being collaboratively and collectively developed over the course of the coming year. We hope you will continue to provide input and help us shape this opportunity. To stay up-to-date on the Academy, visit www.aafcs.org/FCSAcademy.
Featured Items in this Issue WSJ Article Launches FCS Debate AAFCS 2014 Election Candidates Maximize Success with Pre-PAC Guide to Using the Policy Policy Tool Kit Announcements Nominate Peers for 2015 Election Ballot
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Wall Street Journal Article Launches Family & Consumer Sciences Debate By Gwynn Mason Director of Communications On October 1, 2013, Christine GrossLoh sparked a national debate about whether or not family and consumer sciences (FCS) should be taught in schools with her Wall Street Journal article, “Who Says Home-Ec Isn’t a Core Subject?” In her article, Ms. Gross-Loh discusses the great results that Japan has seen with requiring FCS classes from fifth grade through high school. She states, “The Japanese—along with other countries such as Finland and South Korea where children are excelling in math, science, and language arts—understand that in addition to teaching children math, reading and science, they also need to teach home economics and other practical life skills.” Gross-Loh also points out that “Japan has the lowest rates of child obesity in the industrialized world (tied with South Korea).” Her last sentence lends strong support to teaching FCS in schools, “Like Japan, we needn’t fear that time allocated to home economics will get in the way of a sound education. We need to embrace the idea that it is essential to one.” The day after the Wall Street Journal article was published, Dan Abrams led a discussion during “Jury’s Out” on Good Morning America about teaching family and consumer sciences in schools. Mr. Abrams’ opinion was that it is the responsibility of parents to teach the skills learned in family and consumer sciences. 2
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News anchor Robin Roberts and others on the panel disagreed with him. They felt that FCS knowledge and skills should be taught in the home and at school because many parents are working outside the home and don’t have the time to teach these skills or lack the skills themselves. After the segment aired on Good Morning America, AAFCS initiated a campaign using social media and email to encourage professionals, students, and supporters to contact Good Morning America. Additionally, AAFCS President Peggy Wild and Executive Director Carolyn Jackson emailed a letter to Dan Abrams and Robin Roberts with more information about the FCS field and a request to do a follow-up piece. The overwhelming response Good Morning America received to their FCS debate prompted Liz Sintay, one of their producers, to contact AAFCS on October 8. She asked us to find her an FCS classroom near New York City the next day where Dan Abrams could get hands-on FCS experience. Immediately, AAFCS reached out to our leaders and contacts in the area, as well as FCS Alliance organizations. Through Patricia DiGiola Laird with FCCLA, AAFCS found Jay Worster, an FCS teacher in Belleville, New Jersey, who was thrilled to work with her principal and make the special arrangements needed that night to host Dan Abrams the following day!
Both AAFCS Executive Director Carolyn Jackson and I traveled to Belleville High School Wednesday
morning to provide media training to Jay and her students, as well as work with the media on-site. On Wednesday afternoon, Jay and her fifteen students were ready to welcome their new student, Dan Abrams, when he arrived.
Mr. Abrams sat with the students as they reviewed knife skills, safety, and sanitation. The class was using potatoes to practice their knife skills so the lesson also included nutrtional information about potatoes. The plan was to make potato soup with the chopped potatoes.
During the shoot, Mr. Abrams interviewed Jay Worster, FCS teacher; Diana Campos, FCCLA chapter president and student; Carlos Ruales, student; and Carolyn Jackson, AAFCS executive director. Everyone did an amazing job!
After class, Jay made Dan Abrams an honorary member of the field by pinning him with an FCS pin. (continued on page 7)
Measure Success & Maximize Results with Pre-PAC By Lori Myers, CFCS Director of Pre-PAC The 2013-14 Pre-PAC testing year is well underway! Programs wishing to administer Pre-PAC assessments this year are encouraged to complete the AAFCS Test Site Approval process (available online in the Pre-PAC Management System). Once approved, test sites will receive a test site approval code and further instructions for assessment purchase, registration, and administration. Use and recognition of the program is growing nationwide! The Pre-Professional Assessments and Certifications (Pre-PAC) can be used to: • Document achievement in rigorous secondary and postsecondary programs. • Promote data-driven program improvement, professional development, and instructional resource acquisition. • Meet accountability mandates, such as those required by Perkins IV legislation. • Facilitate seamless articulation, placement, and creditby exam within post-secondary institutions. • Demonstrate competence of pre-professionals involved in Extension and communitybased programs. • Validate competencies required for employment at the pre-professional and/or paraprofessional level, therefore improving employability. • Provide industry-recognized pre-professional certifications. 4
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If you would like more information or resources about Pre-PAC, visit the website at www.aafcs.org/ CredentialingCenter/PrePAC.asp or contact me at lmyers@aafcs.org or 703-706-4602. Gain the Pre-PAC Advantage!
AAFCS Public Policy Awards Recognize Social Capital By Julene Swenson, CFCS, and Ida Marie Snorteland, CFCS Public Policy Committee Members “Social capital consists of the stock of active connections among people: the trust, mutual understanding, and shared values and behaviors that bind the members of human networks and communities and make cooperative action possible.”* The AAFCS Public Policy Committee encourages civic engagement and the development of policies that improve the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities through a variety of projects including two awards: 21st Century Community Champion Award and Friend of the Family Award. Applications for these 2014 awards are due January 14, 2014. Established in 2001, the AAFCS 21st Century Community Champion Award recognizes groups, organizations, and companies that promote the connection between strong families and strong communities by creating viable projects and activities that build communities in which families are valued,
supported, and strengthened. In 2013, The Jacob Wetterling Resource Center, Minneapolis, MN was recognized. The Jacob Wetterling Resource Center, a program of the National Child Protection Training Center, was founded in 1990 by Patty and Jerry Wetterling to promote awareness and educate communities about WHO takes children, HOW they do it, and WHAT each of us can do to stop it. Established in 1984, the AAFCS Friend of the Family Award recognizes national or international individuals or organizations whose work has significantly and positively shaped policies that affect the family. Coats & Clarks was recognized with the AAFCS 2013 Friend of the Family Award for their dedication to high quality products, sustainability efforts, and worldwide community outreach to help improve the lives of individuals and families. The Public Policy Committee knows that you or your affiliate know people that deserve to be recipients of these awards. Please nominate them. Check out the AAFCS website at www.aafcs.org/ Advocacy/Awards.asp. “Social capital makes an organization, like AAFCS, more than a collection of individuals intent on achieving their own private purposes. Social capital bridges the space between people. This kind of connection supports collaboration, commitment, ready access to knowledge and talent, and coherent organizational behavior.”* *In Good Company: How Social Capital Makes Organizations Work, Don Cohen and Laurence Prusak
Guide to Using the Public Policy Tool Kit: Part 3 By Linda Traynor, Public Policy Committee Member
with the media. Any information that appears in the media that increases people’s awareness and understanding of the family and consumer sciences field is beneficial. For example, placing an announcement about a community service award you received can
In the third article in our series on the Public Policy Tool Kit, let’s discover what valuable “Resources and Tools” are available and tips for “Communicating with Congress & Media.” If you come across a public policy term you are unfamiliar with, the Tool Kit has a very complete dictionary you can reference. It also has a section with “Helpful Links,” including links to the Department of Education, National Center for Policy Analysis, and the Center for Law and Social Policy. “Communicating with Congress & Media” is divided into two sections: one for Congress and one for the media. In “Communicate with Congress,” you will find a list of the committees and their contact people, including a list of all the members of each committee. Learn how the committee system works to get an issue to the point of becoming a bill and eventually a law, as well as how funds are appropriated and how the budgeting system works. You can also learn how to obtain copies of legislation and read sample letters to congress. To help track appointments pertaining to your issue, print and use the worksheet provided. In “Communicate with the Media,” find out how to prepare communications for and interactions
ment successes and evaluate the effectiveness of media effort. In addition, remember to share your results with AAFCS headquarters to help staff monitor media efforts made across the country. Lastly, if you’d like to facilitate a public policy workshop for your local chapter or affiliate, download the handy presenter’s guide with nine handouts that range from an analysis tool to the action plan. To access the Tool Kit, log into the members-only section of the website at www.aafcs.org.
contribute to increased awareness of types of activities in which AAFCS members are involved. Are you unsure if your story has news value? The Tool Kit has criteria you can use to determine if an item is newsworthy. If your item has news value, issuing a press release can relay your story to the media in a format that is quick and easy for them to use. Many smaller and local papers will extract information from well-written press releases with minimal editing. The media will also use releases as starting points for news or feature stories written by their own reporters. One successful outcome of a press release or other media contact is a request for an interview. The Tool Kit provides a few tactics to help prepare you for an interview. Getting an interview is only part of the process; you also need to monitor the results. This can include sending a note to the reporter and obtaining clippings and recordings, which will help docu-
Make a Tool Kit Presentation in Your State! Members of the Public Policy Committee led a workshop at the 2013 Annual Conference called “Public Policy and Practice: Using the Public Policy Tool Kit to Promote Legislation that Enhances the Lives of Families and Consumers.” This was an interactive session where participants learned how to use the Public Policy Tool Kit to address an issue. Missed our session? We’ll bring the presentation to you! If your state is hosting a conference and would like to use this workshop, our committee will make it available and may be able to present it in-person, via Skype, or other electronic means. If you are interested in using this presentation, please email Ida Marie Snorteland at snorteland@blackhills.com.
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Announcements
Congratulations, Newly Certified Professionals!
DISMANTLE Friday, December 6: 4PM - 10PM Saturday, December 7: 9AM - 1PM
July 1, 2013 – August 31, 2013
Community of History and Archives News The Community of History and Archives supports AAFCS affiliates in locating their records in a permanent location. It is important for affiliates to select a permanent location before a natural disaster destroys their records. If you have recently selected a location or need information on what to archive, please contact Roma Jean Bradburn, Community of History and Archives leader, at rbradburn43@gmail.com. If you are currently involved in historical research in FCS, the Community encourages you to present this information at national conferences and to publish it in the Journal of Family & Consumer Sciences. Also, there are fellowships available for researching FCS. Check out the Cornell University Dean’s Fellowship in the History of Home Economics, which provides $6,000 in support. Applications are due in March and more details can be found at www.human. cornell.edu/fellowship/.
AAFCS Announces 2014 Awards, Grants, Fellowships, and Scholarships! Visit the Awards section of the AAFCS website, www.aafcs.org/ Awards, to see what is being offered in 2014. Read the guidelines to decide if you qualify and to start preparing nomination and application materials. The online submission system will open later this fall, so stay tuned for updates!
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Mary Barnhart, CFCS Carrie Behrens, CFCS Jared Cappers, CFCS Michelle Collins, CFCS, CPFFE Adan Cortez III, CFCS Kimberly DeLapp, CFCS-HDFS Valerie Dickson, CFCS Francis Falcon, CFCS-HNFS Gloria Frazier, CFCS John Garcia, CPFFE Abigail Grass, CFCS Jessica Hill, CFCS Sarah Holup, CFCS Amanpreet Kaur, CFCS Debra Kelly, CFCS Amber Kuhn, CFCS-HDFS Letica Montemayor, CFCS Tami Richards, CFCS Linda Simpson, CFCS, CPFFE Kathy King Smith, CFCS Junko Stanley, CFCS Jane Vaughn, CFCS Kristina Wuergler, CFCS
Call for ACTE Volunteers Are you attending CareerTech VISION 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada, Dec. 5 - 6, 2013? If so, AAFCS can use your help! We are looking for members who can volunteer to set up the Association’s booth, manage it during exhibit hours, and/or tear it down. Ideally, we would like to have two volunteers at the booth at all times. The exhibit hours are as follows: SET-UP Tuesday, December 3: 12PM - 6PM Wednesday, December 4: 8AM – 6PM EXHIBIT HOURS Thursday, December 5: 10AM - 4PM Friday, December 6: 9:30AM - 4PM
If you think you can help, please let us know. It is with the assistance of our members that AAFCS can continue to have representation at our industry partners’ events and they in turn support ours. Please contact Roxana Marissa Ayona at RAyona@aafcs.org or 703-706-4608.
AAFCS Now Accepts American Express! If you’re an American Express cardholder, you’ll be pleased to know AAFCS now accepts the credit card for all of its offerings! As it will take some time for all of our online payment forms and hard copy materials to be updated, please call AAFCS Member Services at 800-424-8080 to use AMEX immediately. Please email membership@aafcs. org with any questions. Did you know? American Express started out in 1850 as a freight and valuables delivery service for the rapidly expanding United States.
Have You Shopped the New AAFCS Online Store? www.cafepress.com/ AAFCSstore Be sure to check out the new AAFCS Online Store, powered by CafePress.com. You’ll find lots of great ways to show your AAFCS and FCS pride! We’ve got everything you need for your home, classroom, and office—from clothing to mugs to jewelry to wall art.
(continued from page 2) When asked by the high school’s communications students if he had changed his mind about teaching FCS in schools, Dan Abrams said that he was going to reveal his opinion on the show, but that his experience that day had positively affected his views. While we still don’t a have a firm air date from Good Morning America, we are proud of everyone who worked to make this opportunity possible. And the story really hasn’t stopped here--there have been numerous news stories this month, including one by Ruth Graham in the Boston Globe, that are continuing the conversation about FCS education and whether or not it should be a required course. Please watch our social media sites for news articles and updates and be ready to take action! Make your voice heard by commenting on articles online, writing and submitting your own op-ed to local media, or writing a blog post with your perspective and personal experiences.
1RPLQDWH \RXU 3HHUV IRU (OHFWLRQ %DOORW The AAFCS Nominating Committee is actively seeking members who wish to serve on the Board of Directors or the Nominating Committee The positions for the January 2015 Elections are: BOARD OF DIRECTORS President-Elect 2015-2016 (1 position) Director at-Large 2015-2018 (1 position) NOMINATING COMMITTEE Past Board Member (one position) (2015-2017) At-large Member (two positions) (2015-2017) If you would like to be a candidate or nominate a colleague, please contact the Chair of the Nominating Committee, Jacqueline Holland at adrinka@verizon.net or Roxana Marissa Ayona, sr. manager, awards & governance at RAyona@aafcs.org or 703-706-4608. The candidacy nomination form can be found under “News” in our home page (aafcs.org) 2014 ELECTIONS The 2014 Elections will take place online in January 2014. For members who do not have Internet access but wish to participate, please call Roxana Marissa Ayona (703-706-4608) at headquarters to have a paper ballot mailed to you. You may also write her directly at Roxana Marissa Ayona, AAFCS, 400 N. Columbus St., #202, Alexandria, VA 22314.
Here are links to recent stories: Boston Globe, “Bring Back Home Ec!” - http://tinyurl.com/q9z5w55? Mother Jones, “Why Home Economics Should Be Mandatory” http://tinyurl.com/keh5kcc Take Part, “Let’s Make Home Ec Rad(ical)” http://tinyurl.com/ljeabcd Teen Ink, “Youth Lack Life Skills” http://tinyurl.com/kab5dy8
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CONNECTING PROFESSIONALS.TOUCHING LIVES.
AAFCS Calendar of Events
November 21, 2013
AAFCS Webinar - Dietary Approaches to Diabetes: Resources from the Joslin Diabetes Center Sponsored by ENC
December 5, 2013
AAFCS Webinar - Teacher-Child Interaction: The Art of Teaching with Words
December 16, 2013
Editor Gwynn Mason gmason@aafcs.org 400 N.Columbus Street, Suite 202 Alexandria, VA 22314 Phone 703.706.4600 Fax 703.706.4663 The American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) is the only professional association that provides leadership and support to family and consumer sciences students and professionals from both multiple practice settings and content areas.
Nominations are due for the AAFCS Teacher of the Year Award
To register for our upcoming or archived webinars, visit www.aafcs.org/DevelopmentCenter/webinars.asp.
Address service requested Alexandria, VA 22314
family & Consumer Sciences A S S O C I A T I O N
AAFCS Webinar - Identity Theft: The Latest Scams, Emotional Consequences, and How to Protect Yourself
A M E R I C A N
November 14, 2013
The FACS is the quarterly newsletter for members of AAFCS. Photos and articles from and about members are welcome.
Suite 202
AAFCS Webinar - Career Skillet: Engaging Youth in Career Skills and FCS Career Opportunities
400 N. Columbus St.
November 6, 2013
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