Blogs

Adventure Awaits: Summer Adventures with Family & Friends

By AAFCS Team posted 21 days ago
Summer is a season of exploration, connection, and renewal. Whether you're planning a weekend road trip or a full family vacation, summer adventures offer a chance to create lasting memories and strengthen relationships. At AAFCS, we recognize the importance of shared experiences in enhancing the well-being of individuals, families, and communities—core principles of Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS). 🌞 🧭 Why Summer Adventures Matter Quality time with loved ones contributes to emotional health, resilience, and lifelong learning. Travel and exploration can: Foster family bonding through shared experiences Encourage cultural appreciation ...

Council for Accreditation (CFA) in Family and Consumer Sciences Strengthens Higher Education Programs

By AAFCS Team posted 05-22-2025
The Council for Accreditation in Family and Consumer Sciences (CFA), a n accrediting body of the American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (AAFCS), has been recognized for its excellence in higher education programs since 1971 . Given our long-standing history and dedication to ensuring high quality programs, the Council appreciates the federal commitment to enhancing transparency, accountability, innovation, and student-centered outcomes in higher education—a vision that aligns closely with the mission and practices of our specialized accreditation program. For over a century, AAFCS has been committed ...

💚 May – Mental Health and Self-Care: Nurturing Your Well-Being

By AAFCS Team posted 05-12-2025
May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to shine a light on the importance of emotional well-being, not just for individuals, but for families as a whole. In the midst of busy schedules, school runs, work deadlines, and household responsibilities, it’s easy to overlook the mental and emotional needs of ourselves and our loved ones. This month, let’s take a collective breath and focus on nurturing mental health within the family. By fostering supportive environments and practicing self-care together, we can build stronger, more resilient homes. 🏡 Why Family Mental Health Matters Mental health isn’t just a personal journey—it’s a shared ...

April is Financial Literacy Month: Take Control of Your Future

By AAFCS Team posted 04-24-2025
April is Financial Literacy Month, a perfect time to take control of your financial future. At the American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (AAFCS), we are committed to providing you with the resources and knowledge you need to enhance your financial knowledge. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your financial strategies, here are some essential tips on budgeting, investing, and saving smartly for the future. Budgeting Tips: Your Roadmap to Financial Success Track Your Spending : The first step to effective budgeting is understanding where your money goes. Use apps or a simple spreadsheet to track your expenses for a ...

Announcing the 2025 Ruth O’Brien Project Grant Funding

By AAFCS Team posted 04-09-2025
Alexandria, VA . – April 9, 2025 - The American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2025 Ruth O’Brien Project Grant. The American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) Ruth O’Brien Project Grant was established in 1972 through a bequest from Ruth O’Brien, who served as assistant chief of the Bureau of Human Nutrition and Home Economics in the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Ruth O’Brien Project Grant supports research and development in family and consumer sciences (FCS) to assist members of the FCS profession to develop and use their full potential ...

Announcing the 2025 Chalkley Fenn Public Policy Scholar Grant

By AAFCS Team posted 03-26-2025
Alexandria, VA . – March 26, 2025 - The American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2025 Chalkley-Fenn Public Policy Scholar Grant. The Chalkley ‐ Fenn Public Policy Scholar Grant was established in 1990 to honor Gladys Branegan Chalkley, president and treasurer of AAFCS from 1940 ‐ 1942. Dr. Chalkley founded the Montana Affiliate of AAFCS, as well as the state’s dietetic association and its chapter of the American Association of University Women. The grant is also funded by a gift from the estate of Geraldine G. Fenn, a South Dakota native ...

Spring into Wellness: Revitalize Your Health this Season

By AAFCS Team posted 03-25-2025
Spring is a time of renewal and rejuvenation, making it the perfect season to focus on your health and wellness. As the days grow longer and the weather warms up, it's an ideal opportunity to embrace new habits and refresh your routine. Here are some tips to help you revitalize your health this spring: 1. Get Moving Outdoors With the arrival of spring, take advantage of the pleasant weather by engaging in outdoor activities. Whether it's a brisk walk, a bike ride, or a hike, spending time in nature can boost your mood and improve your physical health. 2. Eat Seasonal and Fresh Spring brings a bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Incorporate seasonal ...

Spring into Healthy Habits with a Home Garden

By AAFCS Team posted 03-07-2025
As the days get longer and the weather warms up, it's the perfect time to start your own home garden. Gardening not only provides fresh, nutritious produce but also offers numerous wellness benefits. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get started: Start Small Begin with a few easy-to-grow plants like tomatoes, herbs, or lettuce. These plants are perfect for beginners and can thrive in small spaces. Companion Planting Pair plants that benefit each other. For example, basil and tomatoes grow well together and can enhance each other's flavor. Use Organic Soil Opt for organic soil to ensure your plants get the best nutrients without harmful ...

Strengthen Your Bonds: Tips for Building Strong Relationships

By AAFCS Team posted 02-20-2025
February is the perfect month to focus on building healthy relationships. Strong relationships are the foundation of a happy and fulfilling life. Whether it's with your partner, children, friends, or extended family, nurturing these bonds is essential. Here are some tips to help you build and maintain strong relationships. 1. Prioritize Communication Effective communication is the cornerstone of any healthy relationship. Here are some tips to improve your communication skills: Listen Actively : Pay attention to what the other person is saying without interrupting. Show that you value their thoughts and feelings. Express Yourself Clearly : Be honest ...

Announcing the 2025 AAFCS Board of Directors Election Results

By AAFCS Team posted 02-04-2025
The American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) is pleased to announce the results of the 2025 Board of Directors Elections. This year the AAFCS Leadership Council has elected two individuals to serve as Directors-at-Large and one individual to serve as our 2025-2026 President-Elect. All elected individuals will begin their terms in June following the closing ceremonies of the AAFCS Annual Conference. Please join us in congratulating our incoming board members. The AAFCS Leadership Council has elected Gayla Randel to serve as the AAFCS Board President Elect. Gayla has 20 years as a classroom Family ...

Join Us in Kansas City, Missouri at the 2025 AAFCS Annual Conference!

By AAFCS Team posted 01-29-2025
We are thrilled to be hosting the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) 2025 Annual Conference in Kansas City, Missouri! The conference will be taking place June 25-27, 2025. This conference promises to be an enriching and unforgettable experience. Why Attend the 2025 AAFCS Annual Conference? Our conference offers high-quality professional development and numerous opportunities to: Address Issues and Challenges: Engage with experts to discuss and find solutions to the pressing issues impacting individuals, families, and communities. Network and Build Relationships: Participate in critical dialogues and networking sessions ...

Announcing the 2025 Board of Director Ballot

By AAFCS Team posted 01-17-2025
The AAFCS Nominating Committee announces the following candidates for President-Elect and Directors at Large of the 2025 AAFCS Board of Directors. Ballot Deadline: January 31 at 5pm EST. Note: A link to submit your ballot was sent to Leadership Council members on 01/17/2025. Check your email and submit your ballot today! President Elect Landon Calderwood, CFCS-HDFS Gayla Randel, CFCS Directors at Large Angela Gott Carol Erwin, CFCS Gayla Randel, CFCS Valerie Giddings Ballot Deadline: January 31, 2025 at 5:00 pm EST. Landon Calderwood, CFCS-HDFS: Born and ...

Take the FCS Industry Survey Today!

By AAFCS Team posted 12-20-2024
Help Us Shape the Future of Family and Consumer Sciences – Take the FCS Industry Survey Today! The holidays are here, and while you might be busy with festivities and year-end plans, we have an important opportunity for you to help make a lasting impact. We invite you to take part in the FCS Industry Survey , a crucial initiative aimed at strengthening the Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) profession across the country. Your voice is not just important—it’s essential. Why Should You Participate? As advocates and supporters of the FCS profession, we need your insights to understand the trends, challenges, and opportunities that are shaping the field ...

AAFCS Launches Collaborative Network to Enhance Member Connection

By AAFCS Team posted 11-22-2024
Alexandria, VA — 11/22/2024 — The American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) is thrilled to announce the launch of the Collaborative Network , a dedicated platform designed to empower members through valuable resources, tools, and networking opportunities. This initiative aims to facilitate connections among members, enabling them to share best practices and collaborate on impactful projects. The Collaborative Network centralizes essential resources that enhance communication and cooperation among AAFCS members, making it easier than ever to engage with fellow professionals. By bringing together experts and practitioners from diverse fields, ...

Conference Registration Now Open for the AAFCS Annual Conference 2025!

By AAFCS Team posted 11-14-2024
We are thrilled to announce that registration for the AAFCS Annual Conference , taking place this June in the vibrant city of Kansas City, Missouri , is officially open! Get ready to join us for an inspiring and transformative experience that you won't want to miss! This year’s conference promises a fantastic lineup of keynote speakers, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities with fellow professionals who share your passion for family and consumer sciences. Whether you’re a seasoned attendee or joining us for the first time, there's something for everyone! Key Details: Conference Dates: June 25 - 27, 2025 Pre-Conference Events: June ...

Navigating Exclusions: The Fight for Family and Consumer Sciences in Career Education

By AAFCS Team posted 11-06-2024
On October 31, 2024, PBS NewsHour published an article on Family and Consumer Sciences written by Victoria Pasquantonio, an education producer. [1] The article explored the day-to-day activities of one educator, Christina Lloyd, in Center Ridge, Arkansas. Ms. Lloyd is the Family and Consumer Sciences teacher at Nemo Vista High School and shared with Victoria her work with students to develop their leadership, entrepreneurial, and career-ready skills. That focus on leadership and career-ready skills is something woven throughout Family and Consumer Sciences courses and has been since the vocation—now a discipline, occupation, and industry sector—was developed ...

AAFCS Responds to the Publication of a Modernized Career Clusters Framework

By AAFCS Team posted 10-23-2024
AAFCS Responds to the Publication of a Modernized Career Clusters Framework Alexandria, VA . – October 23, 2024- The American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) joins the Alliance for FCS and other associations which support career and technical education to voice their concerns about the recently published Modernized Career Clusters Framework. The Framework was published on October 21, 2024, by Advance CTE, a Maryland based nonprofit. The revised framework is meant to support states as they implement, manage, and oversee career and technical education (CTE) programs and report learner participation data to the federal government ...

AAFCS Board of Directors Nominations Now Open!

By AAFCS Team posted 10-21-2024
The AAFCS Nomination Committee is thrilled to announce that we are now accepting nominations for open positions on our Board of Directors! This is a fantastic opportunity to make a meaningful impact within our community and shape the future of family and consumer sciences. We invite passionate and dedicated individuals to consider joining our leadership team. Board members play a vital role in guiding our organization, driving initiatives, and advocating for the advancement of our profession. The AAFCS Nominating Committee is looking for AAFCS Board candidates who: • Can support the AAFCS as it innovates and modernizes. • Wants to use their leadership ...

Engaging in the AAFCS Leadership Academy

By AAFCS Team posted 10-09-2024
“E ngaging in the AAFCS Leadership Academy is a powerful growth opportunity which has triggered major impacts on the professional trajectories of participants. ” Barbara Stewart, AAFCS President (2024-2025) The American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) , Community for Building Leadership Capacity, will soon launch its 2025 Leadership Academy and has issued a call for applicants to participate in the program . Interested FCS professionals are encouraged to apply soon and join a going list of leaders who got their start using the leadership skills and training they received ...