Transcript How to Start an SPO

How to Start a CTSO
Career & Technical Student Organization
By
Kit Alvarez, CRYROP
CTSO Background
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Many CTSOs are in their 70th year
They provide opportunities beyond the
classroom and enhance curricula
Each CTSO has its own requirements related to
one or a sequence of courses
Most are co-curricular, i.e. materials and
resources enhance core curriculum
Most have Web-based registration and
information
They utilize business & industry ties to stay
current and relevant for student activities and
advisors
CTSOs Recognized by US
Department of Education
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DECA – Distributive
Education Clubs of
America
FBLA – Future Business
Leaders of America
FFA – Future Farmers of
America
FHA – Future
Homemakers of America
HERO – Home
Economics Related
Occupations
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TSA – Technology
Student Association
HOSA – Health
Occupations Students of
America
VICA – Vocational
Industrial Clubs of
America
BPA – Business
Professionals of America
NYFEA – National Young
Farmers Educational
Association
Gain Administrative Approval
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Administrative support is crucial to success
Obtain appointment with administrator to present
proposal
Written proposal includes:
 Supporting
Literature
 Outline of purpose
 Philosophy and mission statement
 Benefits to students and school
 Relationship to curriculum
 Cites success chapters in other districts
Contact State CTSO
Representative for Pathway
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Resources to locate representative
 Local
chapter advisor in your area
 National Association
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Obtain handbook and official guidelines
 State/Nations
constitutions
 Template for school site constitution
 Sample program activities & leadership materials
 Forms & supply catalogs
 Information on Activities, contests, & awards
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All materials available are relevant
Characteristics of a Successful
Chapter
Capable officers
 Challenging program
 Adequate financing
 Shared responsibilities
 Appropriated equipment and supplies
 Complete records
 Cooperative administration, faculty and
student involvement
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Generate Student Interest
Motivate membership
 Facilitate a positive attitude
 Effective promotion
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 Highlight
opportunities
 Guest speakers from local chapters
 Engaging initial activities to involve students
 Opportunity for student interface
 Provide time for discussion, Q & A
Communicate with Parents
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Letters, fliers, handouts, brochures
Parent night for discussion
Invite parents to attend a meeting
Generate visibility and community support
Focus on benefits
 Occupational
experience
 Class performance and conduct
 Citizenship and scholastic achievement
 Time management & personal development
 Employment opportunity & increased earnings
Conduct Meetings
Reference State materials & guidelines
 Discuss leadership qualities
 Develop an agenda
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 Purpose
of Organization
 Relationship to growth of future members
 Organizational structure
 Duties and responsibilities
 Positions within organization
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Teach how to conduct a business meeting
Student Orientation
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Promote organization
 In
classes
 Individual contacts
Integrate CTSO activities into curriculum
daily
 Demonstrate relevancy of activity to students
 Solicit student involvement
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Develop Constitution & By-laws
Reference handbook for State and
National constitution & by-laws
 Constitution addresses long-range
principles and fundamental laws
 By-laws address operational procedures
and can be revised
 Establish sub-committee for development
 Obtain administrative approval
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Develop Constitution & By-laws
cont’
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Local chapter issues
 Duties
of officers
 Election procedures
 Meeting schedule
 Financing for chapter activities
 Member responsibilities
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Cross reference with
 School
policy & Ed. Code
 State & national organizations
Affiliate with State & National
Students should vote on & pass motion to
affiliate with State & national organizations
 File application for chapter representative with
appropriate State & National officers
 Obtain Certificate of Charter
 Participate in sponsored State and local area
events
 Display charter is appropriate location
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References and Examples
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VICA Vocational Industrial Clubs of America
DECA Distributive Education Clubs of America
HOSA Health Occupations Students of America
SkillsUSA
FFA Future Farmers of America
FBLA Future Business Leaders of America
FCCLA Family Community, and Career Leaders
of America
NVTHS National Vo-Tech Honor Society