Santa Barbara County Chapter
While FLA-SB is the youngest chapter, joining FLA, Inc. in early 2000, it
is the most rapidly growing chapter. FLA-SB has their own
Advisory Board and local Coordinating Committee made up of local leaders
in business, education, youth advocacy, and philanthropy. FLA, Inc., as
the parent organization, is governed by a diverse Board of Trustees, many
of whom reside in Santa Barbara County.
FLA Clubs in Santa Barbara County
FLAers
work with a FLA Regional Coordinator and Director to formalize school-based
FLA clubs. The development of FLA clubs on school campuses works in two
ways; first, it is an avenue where students can practice their leadership
skills by addressing issues affecting their particular schools; and,
secondly it serves as a support system for FLA participants in their
educational endeavors. Students provide guidance to younger students in
terms of college requirements, deadlines for testing, scholarship
opportunities and academic achievement. Students also participate in
statewide leadership training opportunities available to all FLA members
statewide.
High Schools Involved
FLA students are
active at Santa Maria High School, Righetti High School, Santa Barbara
High School, San Marcos High School, Dos Pueblos High School, Carpinteria
High School, Santa Ynez High School, and Lompoc High School. Students
who attend high schools that do not have a formal FLA club, participate by
meeting twice monthly at regional chapter meetings in north and south
county.
Regions Covered
Santa Barbara, Goleta, Carpinteria, Santa Maria, Lompoc,
Orchit, Santa Ynez Valley and Guadalupe
Community Partnerships
After Leadership
Camp, new FLA-SB students work alongside 10th, 11th and 12th grade Future
Leaders to develop and implement monthly projects on issues affecting
their community and schools. Future Leaders receive targeted training on
drug & alcohol issues, AIDS/HIV education, sexuality education,
self-esteem and college preparedness throughout the year. Students partner
this information with their leadership training and collaborate with other
community organizations to address specific community issues. For example,
students organized a one-day conference for the public on the affects of
drug and alcohol on the Latino community. These events range from several
hours monthly to several weeks of preparation and take place during the
school year. These trainings and activities are held at the Santa Maria
Valley Youth & Family Center, Santa Barbara City College, Hancock College,
Westmont College, University of California at Santa Barbara
and La Casa de Maria. These organizations have made in kind contributions
to assist in the mission of Future Leader of America.
 |
FLA-SB Alumni
Many FLA students continue to
participate through college and their professional careers. Two examples
of FLA students are as follows:
-
A 14 year old Latino, described by his 8th grade
principal as "very smart and gets good grades when he tries, but he will
be the next gang leader when he arrives at Santa Maria High School".
This young man lived in the southwest side of Santa Maria in a run-down
neighborhood surrounded by gang members and activities. His father is a
substance abuser and has been verbally and physically abusive with the
mother. The mother is loving and supportive but feels that she "has
lost" her son to the gangs. She has an older daughter that has become
disjointed from the family. This young man now attends Cal Poly State
University. During his 6 years with Future Leaders he served as a
volunteer staff member, including serving as the Co-Director (Intern).
He attributes his success to his affiliation with FLA.
- A 13 year old Latina (8th grade) recently
immigrated from the state of Oaxaca, Mexico. Her extreme shyness and
quietness and her families reluctance to have their eldest daughter be
away from their home required her older brother to attend camp with her.
Living in a cramped apartment with extended family members, she and her
brother nonetheless maintained academic excellence and continued through
affiliation with Future Leaders. Both brother and sister attended our
Washington DC Democracy in America Conference. Now a senior at Santa
Maria High School and current president of the Santa Maria High School
FLAMA club, she is submitting her applications to a variety of public
and private universities throughout California. Her parents have become
our most active parent volunteers attending university visits (along
with their younger siblings) and encouraging academic excellence for ALL
of their children.
If you need more information on local activities in your school or in your community, please contact the following:
Future Leaders of America
Santa Barbara County - North
509 W. Morrison Ave
Santa Maria, CA 93454
office: 805-925-1010
fax: 805-925-1093
SBnorth@latinoleaders.org
Future Leaders of America
Santa Barbara County - South
402 E. Gutierrez Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
office: 805-879-1546
fax: 805-564-7188
SBsouth@latinoleaders.org
|
