Virtual Professional Development (VPD) Program
Introduction to the Virtual Professional Development (VPD) Program
The American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) is proud to announce the Virtual Professional Development Program. AAFCS is known as a well-respected association and leader within the FCS field. For the past 100 years we have offered an on-site annual conference that includes numerous content-rich sessions and networking opportunities for FCS professionals. As we march ahead into the New Century for FCS, we have identified a need for further professional development opportunities within the industry.
In today's tough economic times we realize the importance of offering learning opportunities that do not require the expense and logistical commitments that are necessary with in-person meetings. A web-based approach offers individuals the chance to spread out their professional development activities throughout the year, attending multiple events that are tailored to their specific area of interest. By utilizing a technologically advanced online platform, we will offer learning programs in multiple content areas that can assist educators and other FCS professionals in honing their skills and advancing their career potential. Sessions will be presented by members and industry experts that speak to the specific challenges the FCS profession is facing today.
The VPD program will initially focus on two main areas:
- NEXT (New EXperiences in Training) Webcasts, which will include a wide scope of training activities from research and best practices in FCS content areas to career development and leadership training
- AIM (Association Involvement and More) Sessions, which will be focused on association initiatives, governance, and education on various AAFCS programs
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Benefits of the VPD Program
The benefits of this program are many and include:
- Professional Development will now be offered by AAFCS on a continual basis, not just once a year.
- Individuals who are not able to attend in-person professional development activities will now have another venue from which to learn. Online events are cost effective and entail a shorter time commitment when compared with onsite events.
- Virtual events are a great way to publicize and follow up on popular annual conference topics. Our NEXT Webcasts will be able to provide specific in-depth training on highly popular areas.
- One of the important priorities within FCS is efficient management of consumer resources. The iLinc platform has a patented Green Meter that records the Carbon and Dollar amounts that are saved by attending events virtually vs. in-person.
- The wide use of webinars within the FCS industry and other peripheral business sectors indicates that this tool is an effective and popular way to share information, learn new skills, network with peers and professionals, and communicate about important and emerging issues..
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Upcoming Webcasts
Topic areas are in the works and a full line-up
of VPD events will be available later this summer.
If you have a specific topic you’d like to see offered
in the lineup, or if you would be interested in presenting
a topic, please contact Daila Boufford at 703-706-4600 or
dboufford@aafcs.org.
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Archived Webinars
We invite you to view our archived webinars to learn more about AAFCS programs, FCS best practices, and other relevant topics. We plan to add to our archive on a regular basis, so please check back often to access updated content.
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