Vision, Mission, Core Values

Our Mission

AAFCS elevates the profession by inspiring research, leadership, and service to empower individuals, families and communities.

Our Vision

Individuals, families, and communities are achieving optimal quality of life assisted by competent, caring professionals whose expertise is continually updated through AAFCS.

Our Brand Story

Read the AAFCS Brand Story, which provides a brief overview of the Association’s history, purpose, programs, and members. AAFCS is a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization.

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Our Core Values

Association members:
  • Believe in the family as a fundamental unit of society.
  • Embrace diversity and value all people.
  • Support life-long learning and diverse scholarship.
  • Exemplify integrity and ethical behavior.
  • Seek new ideas and initiatives and embrace change.
  • Promote an integrative and holistic approach, aligned with the FCS body of knowledge, to support professionals who work with individuals, families, and communities.

Our Diversity & Inclusion Statement

The AAFCS celebrates, embraces, and respects the value of every person. We denounce all expressions hate, racism, injustice, and discrimination. Our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice is demonstrated through our work to improve the well-being and quality of life for individuals, families, and communities.

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Ellen Richards

Our Founder

In 1909, Ellen H. Richards, first female graduate and professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, founded the American Home Economics Association (now AAFCS). Ms. Richards was an activist for consumer education, nutrition, child protection, industrial safety, public health, career education, women's rights; purity of air, food, and water, and the application of scientific and management principles to the family. Her professional experience and foresight led to the formalization of the family and consumer sciences profession.

In 1926, the American Home Economics Association adopted the Betty Lamp as a symbol for the association. The lamp derived its name from the German words "besser" or "bete," meaning "to make better." The Betty Lamp produced comparatively good light for its time and was used widely by early American colonists. Mildred Chamberlain of Chicago submitted the design stating, "The lamp in colonial days provided light for all household industries." Similarly, the American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) provides enlightenment through leadership in thought and action for family and consumer sciences professionals. The current logo for AAFCS still pays tribute to the Betty Lamp, but in a more contemporary way and includes a person to represent the individuals, families, and communities served by FCS professionals.