Involvement
Ambassador Program
The Ambassador Program is an Illinois Phi Beta Lambda program used to help members
decide whether or not they want to run for a state officer position. In order to be
an ambassador, you must attend one of the seminar series (Fall or Winter) and help
at a FBLA area conference. Outside of these two requirements, you will be assigned
to a state officer to help with small tasks such as finding door prizes for the State
Leadership Conference. Please inform an officer if you are interested in becoming
an Ambassador to get additional information and access to an application.
Career Membership Achievement Program (CMAP)
CMAP is a great opportunity to make an addition to your resume without having to win
a competitive event. There are three levels: Director, Executive, and President. Each
level requires you to complete certain tasks through an online program in order to
achieve the award. The levels are relatively easy to complete and don’t take too much
time. Your adviser has to sign you up and approve you online, so remember to ask an
officer for additional guidance if you are interested in this program.
http://www.fbla-pbl.org/ > Phi Beta Lambda > CMAP
Fall Seminar Series (FSS)
At the seminar, members attend the state board meeting, listen to workshops on various
topics from career preparation to Phi Beta Lambda information, and hear a keynote
speaker. FBLA members will be invited, and lunch is also provided.
Institute for Leaders (IFL)
Institute for Leaders precedes the National Leadership Conference. It is a fast pace
leadership seminar where each member chooses a major and a minor listed before the
conference ranging from topics such as Finance Leadership to Entrepreneurship. It
is also a great networking opportunity for members to meet individuals before beginning
the National Leadership Conference. Most attendees are local and state officers, but
all members are welcome.
Local Chapter Meetings
We will meet in PAC 222 at 12pm every other Monday unless it conflicts with the school
schedule or finals (refer to calendar for exact dates). At these meetings, we will
discuss upcoming state and national conferences, present speakers to the organization
about career-related conferences, and decide on local chapter activities. These meetings
are the starting point to becoming an active member in the organization and will give
you the opportunity to see what the state and national organization has to offer you
as a member.
March of Dimes
March of Dimes is the national charity for Phi Beta Lambda. The purpose of the organization
is to raise money to save premature babies. At the State Leadership Conference, chapters
compete to see who can raise the most money throughout the year, therefore McKendree
Phi Beta Lambda will be raising money for this cause throughout the year in addition
to fundraisers for conference attendance. Also, at the National Leadership Conference,
Phi Beta Lambda will host a March of Dimes – Walk for Babies. This is a great opportunity
to get involved and show support for the charity.
National Fall Leadership Conference (NFLC)
Each year three National Fall Leadership Conferences are held across the United States
to help FBLA and PBL members grow as leaders and as individuals. Since distance to
a NFLC is considerable amount, funding will not allow our chapter to take several
students unless the students are willing to pay for the conference. This is the only
national conference that includes high school and college students in the same conference.
National Leadership Conference (NLC)
National Leadership Conference is the ultimate goal for active members in Phi Beta
Lambda. If you earn first or second place (sometimes third) at the State Leadership
Conference in a competitive event, you have the opportunity to compete at the National
Leadership Conference. In addition to competitive events, you have the chance to network
with business students from across the country. Furthermore, there are numerous workshops,
networking sessions, certification opportunities, and keynote speakers for members
to take advantage of while attending the conference. This year, the conference will
be held in Anaheim, California (June 22 - 25, 2013).
State Leadership Conference (SLC)
The State Leadership Conference is held at the Thelma Keller Convention Center in
Effingham, Illinois. This conference gives members the opportunity to compete in competitive
events ranging from performance events to written tests related to business skills
and knowledge (see competitive event list). Also, students can participate in team,
chapter, or individual events. In addition to competitive events, members listen to
workshops, elect the incoming state officers, hear a keynote speaker, participate
in a statewide bowling social event, and attend an award ceremony. This is a two-day
conference and a great opportunity to network with business students from across the
state. This year, the state leadership conference will be held at the Keller convention
Center in Effingham, Illinois from April 6-7, 2013.
State Officer Training
State Officer Training is held directly after the State Leadership Conference. Only
incoming and outgoing state officers attend this session to prepare for the upcoming
year. If you are elected to a state office, the state budget will pay for you to stay
an extra night in the hotel and provide dinner. This year, the state officer training
is April 6-7, 2013 in the Keller Convention Center in Effingham, Illinois.
Winter Seminar Series (WSS)
This is very similar to the Fall Seminar Series, but it has recently been designated
a business casual event. Also, different workshops will be presented at the seminar.
McKendree University members carpool to this event, and it is a one-day seminar.