HISTORY OF GAFCCLA

Over 75 years ago, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), formally known as Future Homemakers of America, was founded at a convention in Chicago, Illinois when 29 Home Economic leaders came together with the idea of creating one national student organization aimed at preparing today’s students to be tomorrow’s leaders in the home and workplace. On June 11, 2020, FCCLA celebrated its 75th anniversary and legacy of making a difference in families, careers, and communities across America.

The state office maintains the official history files of the association. If any former FCCLA members have interesting history facts to share with the state association, please contact the state office.

  • 1917

    President Woodrow Wilson signed the first national vocational education act into law.

  • 1920

    High school home economics students formed home economics clubs.

  • 1943

    Committee was formed to study the home economics clubs and to make recommendations to improve and strengthen the clubs.

  • 1945

    Future Homemakers of America was founded in Chicago, IL
    First issue of "Teen Times" (national magazine for FHA) was published.
    FHA is co-sponsored by American Home Economics Association (AHEA) and US Office (now US Department) of Education.
    Georgia second state to be chartered and first to have a full time State Adviser (first State Adviser was Mrs. Janet Barber)
    First State President and Georgia's first National officer was Pat Randolph (Mrs. Richard B. Russell III)

  • 1948

    The first national Future Homemakers of America meeting was held in Kansas City, when the national constitution was ratified

  • 1965

    New Homemakers of America - similar organization in predominantly Black schools - merged with FHA; this merger made the Georgia Association of FHA the 4th largest in the USA.

  • 1970

    Occupational home economics was included with Home Economics Related Occupations (HERO)

  • 1971

    HERO chapters were established to meet the needs of occupational students

  • 1978

    FHA emblem was changed to an eight sided emblem. FHA and HERO were situated in the center of the emblem with rays extending to the edge representing FHA/HERO's outreach to the community.

  • 1982

    National Meeting was held in Georgia for the first time.

  • 1983

    FHA national headquarters and leadership center in Reston, VA was dedicated.

  • 1990

    State Executive Council was reduced to 12 state officers.

  • 1995

    Family and consumer sciences becomes the new name of the home economics profession

    50th anniversary of Future Homemakers of America

  • 1999

    Future Homemakers of America was changed to Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America at the National Convention in Boston, MA. Our futuristic oval logo was voted on by FCCLA members. This futuristic logo may not hold the traditions of the past logo, but it shows that FCCLA is a dynamic, active organization bound for the future. The dominant collegiate lettering articulates a focus on education and student leadership. The logo is red, the color of the rose as a sign of strength. The swooping arrow arch is a common motif in today's designs and definitely embodies an active organization that moves toward new arenas. With its space-like feel, this logo is sure to last through the next fifty years, but will always be linked to the time when FHA at the turn of the century changed to FCCLA.

  • 2003

    "The Ultimate Leadership Experience" tagline was adopted.

  • 2009

    FCCLA/Life Smarts Knowledge Bowl was introduced as a new competitive event.

  • 2011

    FCCLA Leadership Academy was launched to provide national opportunities and recognition to any FCCLA member seeking leadership development.

    Technology-based, online STAR Events and a new type of competitive event, called Skill Demonstration Events, were included in the newly named Competitive Events Guide.

  • 2015

    FCCLA hosted a "70 Years Strong" anniversary rally on Capitol Hill, drawing thousands of FCCLA members to advocate for strong Family and Consumer Sciences education in schools.

  • 2020

    Georgia FCCLA Region Officer leadership program transitioned to Region Officer Teams, allowing up to three members per region to represent Georgia FCCLA on the region level.