Future Business Leaders of America
Future Business Leaders of America is the largest business Career and Technical Student Organization in the world. Each year, FBLA helps more than 230,000 members in middle school, high school, and college prepare for careers in business. The concept for Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) was developed in 1937 and the first high school chapter was chartered in Johnson City, Tennessee in 1942. In 1958, the first chapter of Phi Beta Lambda (now FBLA Collegiate) was chartered at the University of Northern Iowa. The FBLA-Middle Level division (now FBLA Middle School) was started in 1994 for students in grades 5-9. The FBLA Network is rooted in the former Alumni & Professional Division, which began in 1979. Hamden L. Forkner founded FBLA in 1937. Professor Forkner developed the concept while at the Teachers College, Columbia University in New York City, and envisioned a national organization that would unite the thousands of business clubs in the nation’s high schools and colleges. In 1940, The National Council for Business Education (now known as the National Business Education Association) sponsored the proposed student organization. Committees were appointed to formulate the organization’s general plans. The name “Future Business Leaders of America” was selected for the organization.
FBLA aspires to:
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Develop competent, aggressive business leadership.
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Strengthen the confidence of students in themselves and their work.
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Create more interest in and understanding of American business enterprise.
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Encourage members in the development of individual projects that contribute to the improvement of home, business, and community.
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Develop character, prepare for useful citizenship, and foster patriotism.
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Encourage and practice efficient money management.
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Encourage scholarship and promote school loyalty.
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Assist students in the establishment of occupational goals.
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Facilitate the transition from school to work.
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Mission Statement FBLA inspires and prepares students to become community-minded business leaders in a global society through relevant career preparation and leadership experiences.
Pledge I solemnly promise to support the mission of Future Business Leaders of America, abide by its Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct, and develop the qualities necessary to become a community-minded business leader.
Code of Ethics Collaborating with a commitment to inclusivity, diversity, equity, care, and respect for the dignity and worth of every individual. Undertaking each task with a clear understanding of my responsibilities, aiming to execute all work to the highest standard. Performing all of my actions and duties ethically with the utmost honesty, accountability, and transparency. Establishing and nurturing relationships based on trust. Being receptive to constructive feedback and seeking opportunities for personal and professional growth. Complying with both the specific guidelines and the overarching principles of my school’s policies and FBLA’s standards. Promoting a culture of respect through my dress, behavior, and communication, positively representing myself, school, and future profession. Contributing to the betterment of my local and global community by engaging in projects and initiatives that bring the greatest good to the greatest number.
Creed I believe: Education is the right of every person. The future depends on mutual understanding and cooperation among business, industry, labor, religious, family, and educational institutions, as well as people around the world. I agree to do my utmost to bring about understanding and cooperation among all of these groups. Every person should prepare for a useful occupation and carry on that occupation in a manner that brings the greatest good to the greatest number. Every person should actively work toward improving social, political, community, and family life. Every person has the right to earn a living at a useful occupation. Every person should take responsibility for carrying out assigned tasks in a manner that brings credit to self, associates, school, and community. I have the responsibility to work efficiently and to think clearly. I promise to use my abilities to make the world a better place for everyone.