It was my honor to represent Louisiana Association of Family and Consumer Sciences at the 100th American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Conference in Knoxville, TN. There were many experiences to reaffirm the theme; Celebrating the Past, Sustaining the Future. Our own member, Lori Myers, in her new role as staff with AAFCS, greeted us at the registration booth. In addition to my registration packet, Lori presented me with pictures for our Louisiana Display. The pictures which represented the Southern University and Louisiana Tech Centennial Celebrations also included pictures from our annual conference and Keeper of the Flame Awards.
My experiences at the AAFCS Conference allowed me many opportunities to meet with other leaders. On Friday morning in the Second General Session, I was invited by the Development Team to share my appreciation for the Gobel Award which helps to defray costs of the annual Leadership Conference. It was a privilege to personally thank Ms. Gobel for her donations. It was also very rewarding to share in my human development and family relations luncheon. The speaker shared stories about the songs of women in India. In an effort to sustain our future, during the luncheon, I sat with representatives from Southern University New Orleans campus and shared information about LAFCS.
Sarah DeRoche, our Student Leader, and I represented LAFCS at the AAFCS Senate Meeting. The senate met, installed officers, and made a resolution in record time. It was especially rewarding to see Sarah’s enthusiasm and optimism for the future of AAFCS. It was equally rewarding to have AAFCS recognize two of our LAFCS members, Mollie Abadie and Freddie Johnson as members with 50 years. Perhaps more important than the national award is the support that our members, Harriette Black, Gloria Wiggins, and Dr. Eva Fields demonstrated by travelling to the awards ceremony with their colleagues.
The Saturday Closing Gala was a beautiful experience. The centennial display included glass fixtures which were given to conference attendees. At the Gala, I had the pleasure of sharing a table with Cassandra August, a 1976 graduate of Northwestern in Monroe, LA. She was advised by Daisy Daniels and had classes with Renee Jackson. Cassandra is sustaining the future of FACS by teaching college classes in Ohio. She represents one of many who expressed an interest in our LAFCS February 2010 Annual Conference.
I look forward to seeing you all on September 18, 2009 at our Fall Leadership Conference at Forest Hill.
It's Nomination Time
Looking for a way to develop or use some of your leadership skills? Each year, LAFCS elects board members who serve as a guide for the organization for the following fiscal year, which runs from June 1 through May 31. Every year, a president-elect and vice-president of annual meeting is elected.
Most terms, except for the vice-president of annual meeting and president-elect, call for a two-year commitment. For logistical reasons, we try to elect a vice-president of annual meeting from the district which will host the annual meeting. The member holding this office is responsible for chairing the committee which plans and hosts the annual meeting. The president-elect makes a three-year commitment to LAFCS. The first year is served as president-elect; the second as president; and the third as past-president. The president-elect has to be a member who has previously served on the board.
In 2010, the organization will also need to elect a Secretary, Treasurer and VP of Membership.
The nominations committee consists of the past-president and the executive director. If you have nominations or an interest in serving as a board member, please contact either Doze’ Butler, Past President, or Jan Zeringue, Executive Director.
2009 LAFCS Annual Meeting - March 5 - 7, 2009
Communications Tactics Dr. Paula Fair offered LAFCS members many suggestions for working with the media to communicate the organization’s message. Through a historical explanation of the development of media options, participants learned of options to seek, situations to avoid and methods for controlling the message. Controlled media includes: paid avertisements, websites without public input, memos, newsletters, flyers and brochures.
In preparing information for controlled media, Dr. Fair suggests that we be specific, know the audience, consider the ultimate outcome and use multiple ways to get the message out. The most persuasive messages are delivered through interpersonal communication. Find opinion leaders who can help get your message to those you want to reach. Keep in touch with media contacts and provide well written press releases.
Toot Your Own Horn A team of three FCS professionals worked together to present "Toot Your Own Horn" a message to encourage members to work toward increasing awareness of what the profession offers to our world.
Bette Howell-Maroney used humor to show where concepts of the profession have been featured in publications. She encourage us to stay strong and to remember that "behind every successful woman is herself."
Amanda Almond Colliette, a graduate of Northwestern State University, gave a presentation of her career as a buyer at JC Penney. She spoke on responsibilities and how her work has progressed in the early years of her professional work.
Connie Jones spoke on the importance of tooting your own horn.
Coming Home Through Culture Change Representatives from the Louisiana Health Care Review, Julie Kueker and Wilma Marler, presented information on changes in housing and care for those in nursing homes. This agency is working with nursing homes to help with public quality scores. Participating agencies are guided through a culture change that makes the facilities appear and function in more home or neighborhood- like ways. This improves the morale of residents, the attention given to clients and the quality of care. Relationships between staff and residents are now being honored, rather than discouraged.
Six principles are implemented through the change process: 1. Seek normalcy in all things. 2. Home is our sanctuary. 3. Home is where we host our visitors. 4. All homes have a front door. 5. All homes have a kitchen. 6. All homes have a recognized dimension of privacy.
The culture change includes greeting everyone as a guest, gracious problem solving, courtesy and tact in communications, anticipating needs, listening with care and enjoying people and their diversity.
Sustainable Gardening From A to Z Dr. Lynn Dix, Northwestern State University, used the alphabet to help members learn of ways that they can be more friendly to the environment and enjoy the benefits of home gardening.
2009 LAFCS Award Recipients
Harriette Black hosted the 2009 LAFCS Awards Programs, featuring a special centennial recognition of members. Some traditional awards were also presented.
Dr. Eva Fields was recognized for 59 years of teaching. Mollie Abadie was recognized for 50 years of AAFCS membership.
Dr. Lori Myers entertained members with a special presentation. In full costume as Ellen Swallow Richards, she gave her "autobiography".
Sherri Hogg, of Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana, was named 2009 LAFCS Friend of the Family, for her work in serving as a strong voice for children and families while working on the prevention of child abuse.
Dr. Betty Robertson, McNeese State University, was given the 2009 LAFCS Wiley-Berger Volunteer Service Award for her work with Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana.
Dr. Sharon Pate, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, was named the 2009 LAFCS Leader.
In keeping with the AAFCS centennial celebration, an LAFCS Keeper of the Flame Award was created to recognize those who have demonstrated leadership in promoting the FCS profession: Northern District - Harriette Black Central District - Pat Pierson Southeast District - Pecola Scott Southwest District - Mollie Abadie and Dr. Barbara Coatney.
Keepers of the Flame, Left to Right: Pat Pierson, Harriette Black, Mollie Abadie and Dr. Barbara Coatney.
2009 Annual Business Meeting
Many topics were covered during the annual business meeting of the Lousiana Association of Family & Consumer Sciences: Nomination Committee Chair, Rena’ Jackson, reported the election results: Gail McMillon, President-Elect; Lori Myers, VP of Annual Meeting; and Sharon Pate, VP of Public Relations.
Sharon Pate, VP of Public Relations, reported that she has been working with the UL staff to support FACS Education Majors. She has offered to mentor them. In addition, she will be seeking connections with FCCLA to reach potential members.
Webmaster, Bette Howell-Maroney, asked that members check the AAFCS website to verify that their information is correct. Photos and information for publication on the website should be submitted to her.
Two committees were appointed to revamp the awards and scholarship programs. One will focus on awards and the other on scholarships. The goal of the scholarship committee will be to increase the potential for students to apply. Students asked for better means of communicating information about the scholarships and application procedures. The committee will also focus on increasing contributions the funds so that amounts can be increased. Those focusing on awards will work to update them to increase interest in the process so that members can be appropriately recognized for contributions to the family and consumer sciences profession. President, Doze’ Butler, appointed members to each committee, including representatives from each district and university.
LAFCS Members Involved at AAFCS 100th Annual Conference & Expo by Sharon Pate The AAFCS conference in Knoxville, TN was a very exciting time to be a part of the organization. Reaching the 100 year milestone was quite an accomplishment for a national organization that began with a few people and an idea to improve the lives of individuals, families and communities. With this as a continued goal, the Conference theme of Celebrating the Past and Sustaining the Future was evident in the Speakers Presentations and Research Sessions.
Our Louisiana members were active at the conference from the time we received our registration packets from Lori Myers (formerly professor of Louisiana Tech) now on the AAFCS staff as Pre-Professional Assessments and Certifications. Our President Vicki Smith showed great leadership by being involved in the national senate sessions, Affiliate Presidents’ meetings, executive committee meetings and the poster session, The Affiliates Celebrate AAFCS 100. Sharon Pate, University of Louisiana at Lafayette also served on the national membership committee welcoming new members to the organization and developing plans for future membership activities.
Several members gave research presentations: Gail McMillion, Southeastern Louisiana University Teaching Inspired by Others, Engaging Generation Y in Apparel Design and Construction; Kathleen Heiden, Louisiana Tech presented research regarding, Sustaining Individuals, Families, Communities and the FCS Profession in a "Flat" World; Sharon Pate, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, poster session presentations, The Impact of Technology Labeling as an Environmentally Conscious Solution to a Global Retailing Problem, and Family and Consumer Sciences Students’ Perception of Faculty Dress.Kathleen Heiden from Louisiana Tech worked closely with Melinda Adams the Community Chair of the Apparel, Textiles and Design to create an extraordinary showcase this year with the largest attendance ever. Kathleen also created a design entitled, Recycled Rock and Roll. Dr. Doze Butler, Southern University Louisiana participated by making quilt squares for the Apparel, Textiles and Design Community Raffle, giving the sustainable quilt of cotton and bamboo fabric with natural dyes, a definite Louisiana flare.
We also had a special recognition of our 50 year member Mollie Abadie. Mollie has been active in the Louisiana association for many years and was recognized for her accomplishments and dedication to the profession.
The Keynote speaker address by Doris Christopher, Founder and Chairperson of The Pampered Chef provided inspiration for establishing Family Resilience Programs and direct selling opportunities, while emphasizing the importance of the Family dinner table.
As an exhibitor for many years the Soap and Detergent Association, Seventh Generation, Inc. and Dial Consumer Information Center allowed us to rethink sustainability at the Third General Session. This panel session of these experts in the field of suitability provided information that can be used in the classroom and our daily lives.
This Conference celebrating our history inspired the attendees to continue their excellent efforts of improving lives of individuals, families and communities at the affiliate and local community level.
LAFCS Board Uses New Technology In June 2009, under the leadership of LAFCS President, Vickie Smith, the LAFCS Board of Directors met through its first teleconference. Members present included Harriette Black, Doze Butler, Debbie Johnson, Betty Howell Maroney, Gail McMillon, Lori Myers, Sharon Pate, Betty Robertson, Miranda Smith, Vickie Smith, and Jan Zeringue. Prior to the meeting, members were emailed instructions for calling in to the meeting.
Using tools such as this helps LAFCS members align with one of the AAFCS goals of sustaining resources. Besides the savings of travel time and fuel, the board experienced efficiency since several members had access to files and computers where information was easily accessed as needed.
The purpose of the first board meeting of the fiscal year was to report on updates from committees appointed during the annual business meeting: scholarships, awards, 2009 annual meeting plans and to discuss preparations for LAFCS member activities at the AAFCS annual meeting in Knoxville, TN.
Keepers of the Flame, Left to Right: Pat Pierson, Harriette Black, Mollie Abadie and Dr. Barbara Coatney.