Join AAFCS as we Feature FCS on Fridays! Highlighting programs, services, members, conferences, and much more through social media and on the AAFCS website! Click on a graphic to download and share on your social media platforms!ย 

November

Help students discover their future with "Engaging FCS Career Exploration: Free Resources to Use Tomorrow"! ๐ŸŒŸ

During this virtual professional development on the THINK FCS platform, tackle the challenge of keeping students connected during critical identity-building years. Learn how to integrate hands-on activities, soft skills, and career clusters into your classroom.
โœ… Access free curricula and assets you can use immediately
โœ… Discover strategies for soft skill instruction
โœ… Explore ways to connect career exploration to CTE competitive events

๐ŸŽ“ Free for Members | Fee for Non-Members
๐Ÿ‘‰ Watch Now Here

๐ŸŽฏ November is National Career Development Month!

Whether you're just starting out or looking to elevate your impact, AAFCS is here to support your journey in Family & Consumer Sciences.

From professional development and networking to research opportunities and national recognition, AAFCS helps you grow, connect, and lead in your field!

๐Ÿ’ผ Ready to invest in your future? Explore how AAFCS can empower your career here.ย 

๐ŸŽƒ๐Ÿ‘ป Happy Halloween from the AAFCS!

Wishing you a day filled with treats, creativity, and a little spooky fun! Whether you're dressing up, decorating, or just enjoying the season, we hope your Halloween is full of joy and community spirit. ๐Ÿงก๐Ÿ•ธ๏ธ

๐ŸŒพ๐ŸŽ Feature Friday: National Food Day!

Today is all about celebrating nutritious food, sustainable farming, and safe food production! ๐Ÿ’š From farm to table, FCS professionals empower communities to eat well and live better.

Letโ€™s honor the strides weโ€™ve made toward healthier lives and responsible food systems! ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿฅ—

๐Ÿ Itโ€™s National Pasta Day!

Weโ€™re serving up more than just noodlesโ€”weโ€™re serving knowledge. In FCS, we explore the art and science of food, and pasta is the perfect dish to celebrate both! ๐Ÿง ๐Ÿฝ๏ธ

Thanks to our friends at King Arthur, weโ€™ve got a delicious pasta recipe to share ๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿณโœจ

๐Ÿ”— Letโ€™s get cooking, learning, and loving every bite here

๐ŸŒณ๐Ÿšถโ€โ™€๏ธ Need a breath of fresh air?

Celebrate National Walk to a Park Day by stepping outside and soaking up the beauty of your local green spaces! Whether itโ€™s a solo stroll, a family outing, or a moment to reset between classesโ€”parks offer the perfect pause. ๐ŸŒž ๐Ÿƒ

๐Ÿ”งโœจ Celebrating National Techies Day!

Today we honor the innovators, problem-solvers, and digital trailblazers shaping the future โ€” including those in FCS! ๐Ÿ’ป๐Ÿ’ก

From smart textiles to AI-powered work, technology is transforming how we live, learn, and lead. Thatโ€™s why AAFCS is proud to offer our AI Academy, equipping FCS professionals with the tools to harness artificial intelligence for real-world impact.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Learn More About the AI Academy: https://www.pathlms.com/aafcs/courses/83105

September

๐ŸŽ‰ Weโ€™re thrilled to feature the official release of the Family and Consumer Sciences Economic Impact Study! ๐Ÿ“Š

Did you know FCS contributes $753 billion annually to the U.S. economy? This study reveals the powerful role FCS plays across education, retail, health management, human services, and more!

๐Ÿ’ฅ Visit our website to read the full study, explore key findings, and download shareable resources to help promote FCS in your community.

๐Ÿ”— Start Now: https://www.aafcs.org/resources/fcs-wow

๐Ÿฑ National Love Your Lunch Day

Lunch is more than just a mealโ€”itโ€™s a reflection of culture, family, and identity.ย #loveyourlunchdayย is about raising awareness of lunch shaming and encouraging conversations that promote respect and inclusion in school lunchrooms.

Letโ€™s teach kids to celebrate food diversity and support their peersโ€”no matter whatโ€™s in their lunchbox. ๐Ÿ’›

๐Ÿ“ฃ Parents and educators: Take a moment to talk with kids about kindness, empathy, and how to spot lunch shaming.

๐ŸŒŸ National Day of Encouragement ๐ŸŒŸ

Today, we celebrate the power of a kind word, a supportive gesture, and the impact of lifting others up. Whether it's a student, colleague, or loved one, your encouragement can make all the difference. ๐Ÿ’ญ๐Ÿ’›

Let's keep inspiring one another, today and every day!

๐ŸŒฟโœจ Feature Friday: Celebrating Self-Care Awareness Month! โœจ๐ŸŒฟ

September is National Self-Care Awareness Month, and weโ€™re here to remind you: taking care of yourself isnโ€™t a luxury, itโ€™s a necessity. ๐Ÿ’›

Whether itโ€™s a quiet moment with your favorite book, a walk outside, or simply saying โ€œnoโ€ to one more task, self-care helps us show up strongerโ€”for our communities, our families, and ourselves.

This month, we encourage you to:ย 

๐Ÿง˜โ€โ™€๏ธ Pause with purpose
๐Ÿ“š Nourish your mind
๐Ÿ’ฌ Connect with your community
๐Ÿ’ค Prioritize rest

Letโ€™s lead by example and make self-care part of our professional practice. You deserve it. ๐Ÿ’ช

๐ŸŽ“ Celebrating National College Colors Day! ๐ŸŽ‰

Today weโ€™re repping our alma maters loud and proud! Whether you're a Wildcat, Cardinal, Boilermaker, or any other proud grad โ€” show off your college colors and celebrate the spirit that shaped your journey. ๐Ÿ’™โค๏ธ๐Ÿ’›๐Ÿ’š

Drop a pic in the comments of you rocking your college gear! Letโ€™s see which school shows up the strongest ๐Ÿ’ช

๐ŸŒŸ National Be an Angel Day ๐ŸŒŸ

Today we celebrate the everyday angels among us โ€” the kind souls who lift others up through compassion, generosity, and simple acts of kindness. Whether it's a smile, a helping hand, or a heartfelt message, your kindness matters. Small acts are the building blocks of resilient, connected communities! ๐Ÿ’›

Letโ€™s honor this day by being someoneโ€™s angel. Tag someone whoโ€™s made your day brighter! ๐Ÿ’ญโœจ

Todayโ€™s reminder: you deserve a moment to unwind! Whether itโ€™s a deep breath between classes or a quiet walk after work, small pauses can make a big difference. ๐ŸŒฟ
ย 
๐Ÿ‘‰ Whatโ€™s your favorite way to relax during a stressful day? We want to hear from you!
ย 
Drop your go-to relaxation ritual in the commentsโ€”your tip might be just what someone else needs today. ๐Ÿ’ฌ๐Ÿ’™

๐Ÿ‘๏ธโœจ See Success Clearly! โœจ๐Ÿ‘๏ธ

August is National Eye Exam Month, and with the back-to-school season in full swing, thereโ€™s no better time to prioritize vision health! ๐Ÿ“š๐ŸšŒ

Whether you're a student gearing up for a new school year or a professional preparing for a busy fall, clear vision is key to staying focused, confident, and ready to learn. Regular eye exams can catch issues early and help you perform your bestโ€”in and out of the classroom.

โœ… Schedule that eye exam
โœ… Update your prescription if needed
โœ… Start the school year with a fresh perspective!

Letโ€™s make this school year one to see clearly and succeed boldly! ๐Ÿ‘“๐Ÿ’ก

Celebrating National Back to School Month! ๐Ÿ“šโœ๏ธ

August is here, and that means itโ€™s time to gear up for a fresh academic year! National Back to School Month is all about helping families, students, and educators transition smoothly into school routines, gather essential supplies, and embrace a positive mindset for learning and growth.

To support you during this exciting season, weโ€™re bringing back Tuesday Tips - your weekly dose of tips, tricks, and resources designed to make your back-to-school season a success! Whether you're a teacher prepping your classroom, a parent organizing supplies, or a student setting goals, weโ€™ve got something for you.

โœ… Stay tuned every Tuesday for helpful insights and inspiration! Letโ€™s make this school year the best one yet! ๐ŸŽ’๐ŸŽ

๐ŸŒณ Love Parks Week Starts Now! ๐ŸŒฟ

This week is all about celebrating the green spaces that bring our communities to life. Whether itโ€™s a morning walk, a picnic with friends, or simply soaking in the sunshineโ€”your local park is waiting for you!

๐Ÿ’š Getting outside isnโ€™t just good for your healthโ€”itโ€™s great for the planet too. Choosing parks over cars, screens, and indoor spaces helps reduce emissions and reconnects us with nature.

๐ŸŒŽ Letโ€™s show some love to our parks and commit to a more sustainable futureโ€”one step, one tree, one visit at a time.

Celebrating Insurance Nerd Day! โœจ๐Ÿ”

Did you know one of the smartest perks of being an AAFCS member is access to exclusive insurance plans? ๐Ÿ’ผ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Through our partnership with Forrest T. Jones, members can take advantage of special discounts!

Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned professional, we've got you coveredโ€”literally. ๐Ÿ˜‰

๐Ÿ”— Learn more about your benefits here!

๐Ÿฆ๐ŸŒฟ This July, weโ€™re celebrating the incredible creatures that share our planet! ๐ŸŒโœจ

From the tiniest pollinators to the mightiest predators, every species plays a role in the balance of our ecosystems, and conservation helps ensure they thrive for generations to come. ๐Ÿ’š๐Ÿพ

๐ŸŽ‰ 2025 AAFCS Annual Conference ๐ŸŽ‰

Weโ€™re still riding the wave of inspiration from the 2025 AAFCS Annual Conferenceโ€”a powerful gathering of FCS professionals, educators, students, and leaders from across the country! ๐ŸŒŸ

From energizing keynotes and innovative breakout sessions to the launch of new credentialing programs and meaningful networking moments, this yearโ€™s conference was a true celebration of the impact and future of Family and Consumer Sciences.

๐Ÿ’ฌ What was your favorite takeaway or memory from the conference? Drop it in the commentsโ€”weโ€™d love to hear!

Summer officially begins today โ€” and with the longest day of the year, thereโ€™s no better time to lean into adventure! ๐ŸŒž๐ŸŒ

At AAFCS, weโ€™re not just celebrating the season โ€” weโ€™re gearing up for our biggest adventure yet: Annual Conference 2025! ๐ŸŽ‰ Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned attendee, this year's journey promises connection, inspiration, and bold new ideas.

Let todayโ€™s extra sunlight be a reminder: the best adventures are just ahead! ๐ŸŒ„โœจ

๐Ÿพ๐ŸŒŠ National Zoo and Aquarium Month ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿฆ

June is a time to celebrate the incredible work of zoos and aquariums โ€” not just as fun destinations, but as powerful forces for conservation, education, and connection.

From protecting endangered species to restoring ecosystems, these institutions remind us that adventure and togetherness go hand in hand when we explore the natural world. Letโ€™s honor the wild wonders that inspire us to care, learn, and grow โ€” together. ๐ŸŒฟ๐Ÿ’™

๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Food Safety Week: June 2โ€“8, 2025

Did you know? Food Safety Week is all about raising awareness of food-borne illnesses and how to prevent them. ๐Ÿฆ ๐Ÿšซ

FCS empowers students and communities with essential food safety skillsโ€”from proper handwashing and safe cooking temperatures to smart food storage practices. ๐Ÿงผ๐ŸŒก๏ธ๐Ÿฅถ

Letโ€™s celebrate the role FCS plays in keeping our kitchens safe and our families healthy! ๐Ÿ’ชโค๏ธ

๐ŸŽจโœจ Feature Friday: Celebrating National Creativity Day! โœจ๐ŸŽจ

Creativity is at the heart of Family and Consumer Sciencesโ€”from designing nutritious meals ๐ŸŽ to crafting sustainable fashion ๐Ÿ‘—, building strong families ๐Ÿ’ฌ, and innovating in education ๐Ÿ“š.

Today, we celebrate the imagination, problem-solving, and passion that FCS professionals bring to every aspect of life. Letโ€™s keep inspiring creativity in our communities and classrooms!

๐Ÿ’ก How do YOU use creativity in your FCS work? Share with us below! ๐Ÿ‘‡

โ˜€๏ธ๐Ÿ”ฅ National Don't Fry Day is here! Kick off summer safely by protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. Whether you're hitting the beach or just out for a stroll, remember:
๐Ÿงด Wear sunscreen
๐Ÿงข Rock a hat
๐Ÿ˜Ž Grab those shades
๐ŸŒณ Seek the shade

๐ŸŒŸ Kindness starts next door! ๐ŸŒŸ

Today is National Do Something Good for Your Neighbor Day โ€” the perfect excuse to lend a hand, share a smile, or surprise someone with a small act of kindness. ๐Ÿ’๐Ÿ› ๏ธ๐Ÿช

Letโ€™s build stronger communities, one good deed at a time. ๐Ÿ’›

๐ŸŒŸ Happy National Provider Appreciation Day! ๐ŸŒŸ

Today, we celebrate the amazing child care providers, teachers, and educators of young children who nurture and inspire the next generation. Your dedication, patience, and love shape the future and make a lasting impact on countless lives. Thank you for all that you do! ๐Ÿ’–ย 

๐ŸŒŸ May is Mental Health Awareness Month! ๐ŸŒŸ

Let's take this time to prioritize our mental well-being and support those around us. Remember, it's okay to not be okay. Reach out, talk about it, and seek help when needed. Together, we can break the stigma and create a world where mental health is valued and supported. ๐Ÿ’š

Celebrate Financial Literacy Month with AAFCS! Visit the AAFCS Advocacy website for resources and information supporting personal & family finance education! ๐ŸŽ‰๐Ÿ’ต๐Ÿ“˜

Together let's elevate FCS and share our knowledge and expertise with policy makers! ๐ŸŒŸ

๐Ÿ”— Learn More Here

AAFCS featured by partner Jump$tart in their publication "Financial Fridays" ๐Ÿ’ธ๐ŸŽ‰

Read the article as AAFCS shares more about its advocacy program, efforts to move financial literacy forward, and financial certifications. โžก๏ธโญ

๐Ÿ”— Read now here

April is Financial Literacy Month! Enhance your financial literacy skills with AAFCS! Check out the Pre-Professional and Professional Certifications that AAFCS has to offer! โœ๏ธ๐Ÿ’ธ๐Ÿ’ซ

๐Ÿ”— Learn more about Pre-PAC here!

๐Ÿ”— Learn more about Professional Certifications here!

๐Ÿ’กย April is Financial Literacy Month!ย ๐Ÿ’ก

Take control of your finances and build a brighter future. ๐Ÿ“ˆ๐Ÿ’ฐ Whether you're budgeting, investing, or planning for retirement, now's the perfect time to boost your financial knowledge. Theย AAFCS, offers a wealth of resources to support your financial literacy journey.ย Let's make smart money moves together! ๐Ÿ’ช

๐Ÿ“ข Happy Virtual Advocacy Day!

We're excited to celebrate a day dedicated to empowering change and making a difference. Explore our comprehensive advocacy resources on our website and learn how you can be a voice for positive change in the community. Together, we can bring visibility to emerging challenges and the critical role that Family and Consumer Sciences plays in supporting individuals, building strong communities, and establishing frameworks for success in communities around the United States. ๐Ÿ’ช

๐Ÿ”— Visit our advocacy website here for more information and resources!

๐ŸŒ Happy World Home Economics Day 2025! ๐ŸŒ

The International Federation for Home Economics 2025 theme is Tackling Overconsumption!

Our current consumption habits are unsustainable, leading to health issues, financial problems, climate change, and pollution. It's time for a change! Home economics can guide us to live sustainably and improve our quality of life. Tackling overconsumption isn't about sacrifice โ€“ it's about creating a better future for everyone! ๐ŸŒฑโœจ

Learn More Here!

๐Ÿฅง Happy Pi Day! ๐Ÿฅง
Celebrate the magic of 3.14 with AAFCS! From baking the perfect pie to understanding the science behind nutrition, Pi Day is a reminder of the endless possibilities in FCS. Let's honor the beauty of mathematics and its connection to our everyday lives.

Join the fun and share your favorite Pi Day recipes or activities! ๐Ÿ“๐Ÿฐ

๐ŸŒฟ Spring into Healthy Habits with a Home Garden! ๐ŸŒฟ

Start your own garden and enjoy fresh, nutritious produce while boosting your wellness! ๐ŸŒฑ๐Ÿ… What do you grow in your garden?

๐Ÿ”— Read More for Tips and Tricks Here!

February

๐ŸŒธ๐ŸŒž Spring into healthy habits this National Play Outside Day! ๐ŸŒž๐ŸŒธ

Tomorrow is the perfect day to embrace the great outdoors and enjoy the fresh air, no matter the weather! Whether it's a hike, a bike ride, a walk in the park, or even building a snowman, let's celebrate by making the most of nature and boosting our well-being! ๐ŸŒณ๐Ÿšดโ€โ™‚๏ธ๐Ÿƒโ€โ™€๏ธโ›„

๐Ÿ–คโœจ February is Black History Month! This year's theme from ASALH is "African Americans and Labor," highlighting and celebrating the profound impact of Black labor throughout history.

๐Ÿ”— Learn more and access resources here!

Thank you for joining AAFCS in celebrating FCS Educator Day on Feb 12!! ๐ŸŒŸ We highlighted the wonderful impact of FCS Educators and the important work they do to shape futures, launch dreams, and guide students to new heights! ๐Ÿš€ ๐ŸŒ 

๐Ÿ”— Learn More Here!

Exciting news!! ๐ŸŽ‰ Weโ€™re thrilled to announce a fun new way to connect with fellow FCS professionals and members: Letter Links! โœจ

This exciting pen pal program is designed to build connections, foster collaboration, and create a sense of community among our members. Whether you're looking to share ideas, experiences, or simply build meaningful relationships, Letter Links is the perfect opportunity to do so!

How it works:
1๏ธโƒฃ Sign up to be paired with a fellow FCS member.
2๏ธโƒฃ Receive your pen pal's info and get writing!
3๏ธโƒฃ Share your insights, advice, or just get to know one another through handwritten or digital letters.

Letโ€™s build stronger bonds and create a supportive network where we can learn and grow together. ๐Ÿ’Œโœจ Ready to join? Sign up now and letโ€™s get the letters rolling!

Sign Up Here!

January

๐ŸŒŸย Happy National Preschool Health and Fitness Day!ย ๐ŸŒŸ

Today, we're celebrating the importance of keeping preschoolers active and healthy! ๐Ÿƒโ€โ™‚๏ธ๐ŸŽ From fun exercises and activities to nutritious snacks, let's inspire our preschoolers to embrace a healthy lifestyle. ๐Ÿ’ชโœจ

๐Ÿ“š Happy International Day of Education! ๐ŸŒ

Today, we celebrate the power of education to transform lives and build a brighter future for all! Education is the key to unlocking potential, fostering innovation, and creating opportunities.

Let's honor the educators, students, and lifelong learners who inspire us every day. Join us in celebrating the impact of education on our world! ๐ŸŽ“โœจ

Start the New Year Strong! โœจ

Kick off 2025 with a solid financial plan using the Consumer Budget Planner worksheet from our partner AFSA. ๐Ÿ“Š๐Ÿ’ก

Whether you're setting new goals or refining your budget, this tool is perfect for making smart financial decisions. Let's make this year your best one yet! ๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿ’ฐ

Download Here!

Join us for the January Powering the Profession: Your Expertise, Our Standards, Safer Outcomes!

Explore the critical role of ULSE and AAFCS in enhancing community awareness of safety standards for everyday products. Learn how to elevate safety awareness in your communities!

๐Ÿ—“๏ธ January 29, 2025
๐Ÿ•› 12 PM EST
๐Ÿ”— Register: here

National Write to Congress Day!ย 

Today is the perfect opportunity to make your voice heard and advocate for Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS). Your support can make a difference in shaping policies that impact our communities.

Visit our advocacy website here to learn how you can reach out to your representatives and support FCS initiatives!