AAFCS Public Policy 

How can we effectively advocate for Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) at the local and state levels? We can effectively advocate for FCS when we can answer this question: “Why are we essential in public education and in society, as a whole?”

Advocacy efforts are vitally important to sustaining secondary and postsecondary FCS programs, increasing the visibility and sustainability of FCS in Texas, and influencing legislation that affects the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities. TX-AAFCS is committed to providing members with useful tools, resources, and leadership that will help them successfully advocate for FCS programs and related policies.

The TX-AAFCS Public Policy Committee will work together to create resources, alert members about policy issues, and provide direction for FCS public policy efforts.

There are also several ways FCS professionals can effectively advocate at the local and state levels:

• Promote the FCS brand to clearly communicate the value of the FCS field, as well as the essence of the field. This branding information can be found at https://www.aafcs.org/allianceforfcs/fcs-alliance-brand.

• Publicize how your FCS makes an impact on individuals, families, and communities in providing an optimal quality of life:

  • • • Share FCS Success Stories – student success and service learning/industry success;

      • Show statistical data on the effectiveness of FCS in secondary education – FCCLA participation, dual college credit participation and completion, work-based learning opportunities, industry certifications, etc.; 

      • Conduct a follow-up of former secondary and postsecondary FCS students and promote where they are today through social media platforms and/or on your FCS website.

      • Develop business-education partnerships by establishing an advisory committee to demonstrate why they should support FCS education programs;

      • Increase dual college credit opportunities between secondary and postsecondary partners to validate the rigorous academic content taught; 

      • Write a letter to your district representative and senator on issues affecting families and education.

If you need help with any of the ideas listed above, please contact us at txaafcs@gmail.com. Also, you may request a letter of support from us by contacting txaafcs@gmail.com. 

Who Represents Me in Texas:

If you are not sure who your House Representative is, please click on this link https://wrm.capitol.texas.gov/home to find out so you can contact the appropriate state legislator. They need to hear from their constituents.

Current Advocacy Projects

Is Your Voter Registration Up To Date?

Past Advocacy Projects

Recognizing San Marcos Colored School Home Economics Building on the National Register of Historic Places (LINK)

AAFCS asks our fellow Family and Consumer Sciences Professionals around the world to support the nomination of  the San Marcos Colored School Home Economics Building for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. Help us celebrate the long history of Family and Consumer Sciences in the United States!  An advocacy action page has been set up with additional information and call for support!

Here's how you can submit your comments in support:

The National Park Service is soliciting electronic comments on the significance of properties for listing or related actions in the National Register of Historic Places. In your comment, share your stories of your work in Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) and the significance of the San Marcos Colored School Home Economics Building. Are you from Texas? Have you been to the building? Maybe you have a family member is FCS, whatever your story, share it it with the National Park Service and ask them to recognize the history and importance of Home Economics (now Family and Consumer Sciences) in supporting communities.

Comments should be submitted electronically by August 27, 2024.

Submit comments electronically to National_Register_Submissions@nps.gov with the subject line “Public Comment on San Marcos Colored School Home Economics Building, (Hays County) Texas.” 

(If you have no access to email, you may send them via U.S. Postal Service and all other carriers to the National Register of Historic Places, National Park Service, 1849 C Street NW, MS 7228, Washington, DC 20240.)

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Sherry A. Frear, Chief, National Register of Historic Places/National Historic Landmarks Program, 1849 C Street NW, MS 7228, Washington, DC 20240, sherry_frear@nps.gov, 202-913-3763.