Nashville, TN. – More than 5,300 nationwide members, advisors, alumni, and guests of FCCLA; Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, gathered in Nashville, Tennessee July 12-16 for the 2009 National Leadership Conference. Chelsea San Miguel, FCCLA Region V President who will be a junior at Blanco High School and Amy Petri, Family & Consumer Sciences Teacher/ FCCLA Advisor, were among them.

This year’s student-devised subject for the annual national meeting was “Beyond the Label,” and throughout the five-day convention, participants examined and discussed several critical issues, including family, school and community violence prevention, physical as well as financial fitness, future career exploration and countless community service projects.

A number of relevant youth issues, such as the changing roles of men and women in the home and workplace, traffic safety, and cancer awareness were also explored at the meeting through presentations, workshops, and youth sessions.

Chelsea will continue to work with other FCCLA members and advisers in Texas to encourage others to discover their strengths, motivate members to target career goals, and initiate a plan to ignite youth leadership in their community.

Family, Career and Community Leaders of America is unique among youth organizations because its programs are planned and run by members.