Official 2020 NLSC Announcement from SkillsUSA Executive Director Chelle Travis
Published: March 15, 2020
Official 2020 NLSC Announcement from SkillsUSA Executive Director Chelle Travis
The current health crisis we’re facing has affected all walks of life, and, consequently, all aspects of SkillsUSA. That includes our National Leadership and Skills Conference.
Over the last several weeks, SkillsUSA has conducted an exhaustive study of all potential options for holding our national event. As the crisis has changed, so have those options, and we have now made our final decision.
Instead of holding our national conference as planned this June, SkillsUSA will be holding virtual state officer training, delegate sessions and national officer elections, along with other recognition programs as yet undetermined. All other elements of our conference — including our SkillsUSA Championships — will be canceled.
There are many reasons that have led to this conclusion, but I’d like to share the two most impactful.
Number one, there is nothing more important to SkillsUSA than the health and wellbeing of our members. With so much yet unknown about this virus and how long it might affect us, we could not in good conscience move forward with an in-person event this June. Your health and safety will always be our main priority.
Number two, our national event is dependent on state participation. As of this video, 27 of our states have canceled their conferences and would not be participating at our national event even if it was held as planned. Others are basing their decisions on whether or not their school systems reconvene this year, which becomes less likely each day.
To be clear, SkillsUSA completely supports the difficult decisions our dedicated state directors have made over the last several weeks, and we commend them for their tireless work. Nevertheless, without robust state participation, holding our full national conference in any format is simply not a viable option.
I know the disappointment this decision will cause so many of you. It’s a disappointment shared by all of us. But we must rise above that disappointment and remember who we are. We are SkillsUSA.
I assure each one of you: SkillsUSA won’t just survive this crisis. We’ll come through it stronger than ever. This setback is temporary, but the legacy, spirit and strength of this organization endures in each one of you.
Look for more specific details on our plans in the days ahead. In the meantime, stay safe, stay healthy and stay skilled.
Chelle Travis
Executive Director
SkillsUSA
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