02/27/2020
On February 19th, Lancaster FCCLA member Rachel Schmiedeberg participated in the 2020 FCCLA Shadow Day at the State Capital! Rachel had the pleasure of shadowing Representative Ami Waslawik, a member of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party. Rep Waslawik represents District 38B in the northeastern Twin Cities metropolitan area. During their time together, Rachel was able to sit in on a meeting with Rep.Waslawik and several firefighters from her home district. Although we were not able to get a picture of Rachel & Rep Waslawik we were able to grab a picture with her Legislative Assistant Spencer Crose. Spencer was very gracious in answering several questions about his role, daily duties, etc (even while he sat and ate his lunch.):) The State Capital is a BUSY place! Great job Rachel! You represented Lancaster School VERY WELL!
Picture below is Rachel with a few fellow FCCLA members from Greenbush- Middle River FCCLA Chapter, Pre-Capital training at the MN Dept of Eductation, Rachel with LA Spencer Crose, FCCLA Shadow Day participants & Rep Ami Waslawik. It was a busy, fun and informative day!
FCCLA Official Press Release on Shadow Day 2020: Minnesota Makes Shadow Day Part of Their Story in St. Paul, MN St. Paul, MN, February 19th, 2020
Forty youth officers and members from Minnesota communities attended the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) 2020 Shadow Day at the State Capitol in St. Paul. On this day, members had the opportunity to “shadow” a legislator and attend meetings with them. The event is designed to help students understand careers and roles of public officials and to experience the Career Connection National FCCLA Program.
To prepare, the members attended a leadership training session hosted by Wendy Ambrose, Executive Director, and the State Executive Council at the Department of Education. Before the meeting with their legislator, members were asked to research their legislator, the bills they have signed or sponsored, what committees they serve on, and what their career background is. Throughout the day, attendees heard from the state officers about how to interact with their legislators. They also participated in role playing scenarios. The pairings were focused on asking for senate and house members on committees related to education, so as to display to them the importance of Family and Consumer Sciences. In addition, FCCLA attendees took time to talk about FCCLA and FCS with their legislator in a one on one setting. It was the members’ goal to talk about their own experiences, opportunities, and what the organization has done for them.
MN FCCLA youth participants said: “In observing the legislators, they need to be a good listener, participate in public speaking, organizational skills, time management and teamwork.” Some of the youth commented that their favorite part of the day was: “Listening to bills being presented”, “Learning about what goes on day today”, and “Being able to experience a wide variety of meetings.”
About FCCLA Family, Career and Community Leaders of America: (FCCLA) is a dynamic and effective national student organization that helps young men and women become leaders and address important personal, family, work, and societal issues through Family and Consumer Sciences education. FCCLA has over 175,000 members and more than 5,300 chapters from 50 state associations, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. FCCLA: The Ultimate Leadership Experience is unique among youth organizations because its programs are planned and run by members, and it’s the only career and technical in-school student organization with a central focus on careers that support families. Participation in national FCCLA programs and chapter activities helps members become strong leaders in their families, careers, and communities. # # #
