The French Convention exists to promote the study and enjoyment of the French language and culture and to cultivate unity among French students of Alabama. For over 70 years*, the French Convention has afforded French Clubs the opportunity annually to gather in one location, share their creations, and be inspired by seeing hundreds of students who also study French. The diverse (and entertaining!) nature of the group skits and individual presentations has been a distinguishing feature of the French Convention. That said, there is truly something for everyone: choral events, conversational speaking, presentational reading, artwork, and the ever-popular team scholar’s bowl — and all done in a spirit of healthy competition.

Prior to March 1, 2025, the entity responsible for organizing the French Convention was the Alabama Federation of French Clubs (AFFC). Pursuant to an affirmative vote by the membership of the AFFC in December of 2024, the AFFC was dissolved, and the French Convention since falls under the purview of the Alabama Chapter of the American Association of Teachers of French (AATF). L’union fait la force!

*The first Convention was held in February, 1951, at Sydney Lanier High School, in Montgomery.