The FFA Whats in FFA for Me The

The FFA

What’s in FFA for Me? • The three parts of Agricultural Education – Classroom/Laboratory – The FFA – Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE)

• Classroom/Laboratory- This is the time we spend in class learning. (Greenhouse or outside practicing our “real world” applications). • FFA- This is the organization of students interested in Agriculture. Through the experiences in FFA you will develop leadership skills, prepare for career success, and experience personal growth. • SAE- This is the “hands-on” agricultural program that you create and carry out. Your SAE can be based on anything agriculturally related. (Ex. Agriscience research, start your own business, or work in wildlife management).

The Motto Learning To Do, Doing To Learn, Earning To Live, Living To Serve.

The FFA Mission FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

FFA Benefits • • Make new friends Become a leader Travel Earn money and awards Be part of a team Have Fun Serve your community Career experience

Benefits Cont’d • Bi-monthly issues of FFA New Horizons magazine • Official FFA Membership card presented by your local chapter • Eligible to participate in any FFA sponsored activity. (CDE’s, Scholarships, Conventions, Awards Programs, and Leadership Positions).

History • The idea for the FFA began after courses in vocational agriculture were established by the Smith-Hughes National Vocational Education Act in 1917. • In the early 1920’s, Virginia formed a Future Farmers club for boys in agriculture classes. • Word of the organization spread across the country and the national organization was established in 1928 in Kansas City,

History • Membership grew and the official colors of National Blue and Corn Gold were adopted. • The official FFA creed, written by E. M. Tiffany was adopted in 1930.

The FFA Creed I believe in the future of agriculture, with a faith born not of words but of deeds – achievements won by the present and past generations of agriculturists; in the promise of better days through better ways, even as the better things we now enjoy have come to us from the struggles of former years.

The FFA Creed cont. I believe that to live and work on a good farm, or to be engaged in other agricultural pursuits, is pleasant as well as challenging; for I know the joys and discomforts of agricultural life and hold an inborn fondness for those associations which, even in hours of discouragement, I cannot deny.

The FFA Creed cont. I believe in leadership from ourselves and respect from others. I believe in my own ability to work efficiently and think clearly, with such knowledge and skill as I can secure, and in the ability of progressive agriculturists to serve our own and the public interest in producing and marketing the product of our toil.

The FFA Creed cont. I believe in less dependence on begging and more power in bargaining; in the life abundant and enough honest wealth to help make it so – for others as well as myself; in less need for charity and more of it when needed; in being happy myself and playing square with those whose happiness depends upon me.

The FFA Creed cont. I believe that American agriculture can and will hold true to the best traditions of our national life and that I can exert an influence in my home and community which will stand solid for my part in that inspiring task.

History • In 1933, the blue corduroy jacket was adopted as the official jacket for the FFA. • In 1939, the FFA purchased 28. 5 acres of land which was once part of George Washington’s estate. • On this site the national FFA center was built. • The National FFA Foundation, Inc. was created in 1944 to provide money from business and industry to support new programs.

History • In 1950, Federal charter was granted by Congress. • The National Future Farmer magazine was first published in 1952. • In 1959, the first National FFA Center was dedicated in Alexandria, Virginia • In 1965, the New Farmers of America, the organization for African-American agricultural students, merged with the FFA. • More new members were admitted in 1969, when delegates voted to allow girls to become

History • In 1971, the National FFA Alumni Organization was founded. • In 1988, delegates at the National Convention voted to change the name from the Future Farmers of America to the National FFA Organization. • In 1989, The National Future Farmer Magazine was changed to FFA New Horizons.

History • In 1998, the National FFA Canter moved from Alexandria, Virginia to Indianapolis, Indiana. • National FFA Convention moved form Kansas City, MO to Louisville, KY in 1999 and then to Indianapolis, IN in 2005. Were it still is today.

The Structure of the FFA • The National FFA Structure/Levels – You! – Local Chapter (chapter officers, advisory committee, school administration) – State Association (chapter delegates, state officers, state advisor and state department of education) – National FFA Organization (state delegates, national officers, national advisor, national board of directors, US department of education)

Types of Membership • There are 4 types of membership • Active: members are middle or high school students enrolled in an agriculture course and have paid their membership dues. (this is you!) • Collegiate: members are in FFA chapters at a 2 or 4 year college and are enrolled in agriculture courses. • Alumni: membership is open to anyone who wishes to support and promote Ag. Education on a local, state, or national level • Honorary: membership is given to individuals who have provided outstanding service to FFA and agricultural education. These individuals are “honored” by receiving the honorary chapter, state, and/or American degrees.

The Structure of the FFA • The National FFA Organization is led by a board of directors and 6 student national officers. • Together, they act on recommendations from the national delegates and set policy for the FFA. • The national officers represent the members and actively guide the organization.

The Structure of the FFA • State associations function within the constitution of the national organization, but also may create individual leadership, award and contest programs. • Chapters are chartered through the state associations. • As on the national level, state delegates elect state officers.

The Structure of the FFA • FFA chapters may be chartered in any public school with an agricultural education program. • Leadership is provided by student officers elected each year and the agriculture instructor who serves as and advisor to guide the chapter. • Officers include a president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, reporter, and sentinel.

Pop Quiz (Write the questions) 1) What is the 3 rd line of the FFA Motto? 2) What are the 3 parts to Ag. Education and draw the diagram. 3) What happened in 1930, 1999, 1959, and 1965? 4) What are the first two words of every paragraph of the FFA Creed? 5) What it the FFA Mission? 6) What are the 4 types of FFA Membership? 7) When was the FFA Creed adopted? 8) Who were the two senators that wrote the National Vocational Education Act? 9) List 3 benefits of joining the FFA.

Officers should have the following symbols placed at their stations Sentinel- Emblem Of Friendship President- Rising Sun Vice-President. Plow Treasurer- Emblem Of George Washington Reporter- American Flag Secretary- Ear of Corn Advisor- Owl

Officers should have the following symbols placed at their stations Chaplin- Bible Historian- FFA Scrapbook Parliamentarian. Robert’s Rules of Order

Officer’s Duties • President – Preside over meetings according to accepted rules of parliamentary procedure. – Appoint committees and serve on them as an ex-officio, nonvoting member. – Coordinate activities of the chapter.

Officer’s Duties • Vice-President – Assume all duties of the president if necessary. – Develop the Program of Activities and serve on the POA committee. – Coordinate all committee work. – Work closely with the President and advisor to meet chapter goals.

Officer’s Duties • Secretary – Prepare and post the agenda for each chapter meeting. – Prepare and present the minutes of each chapter meeting. – Be responsible for chapter correspondence. – Maintain member attendance, activity records, and issue membership cards.

Officer’s Duties • Treasurer – Receive, record, and deposit FFA funds and issue receipts. – Present monthly treasurer reports at chapter meetings. – Prepare and submit the membership roster and dues to the National FFA Organization through the State FFA Organization, in cooperation with the secretary.

Officer’s Duties • Reporter – Release news and information to local and regional news media. – Prepare and maintain a chapter scrapbook. – Serve as the chapter photographer. – Send articles and photographs to FFA New Horizons and other national and regional publications.

Officer’s Duties • Sentinel – Assist the president in maintaining order – Keep the meeting room, chapter equipment and supplies in proper condition – Welcome guests and visitors – Keep the meeting room comfortable – Assist with special features and refreshments

Officer’s Duties • Chaplin – Present the invocation at banquets and other functions. – Coordinate FFA participation at local area churches during National FFA Week. – Conduct reflections services at summer camps and conferences.

Officer’s Duties • Historian – Develop and maintain a scrapbook of memorabilia in which to record the chapter's history – Research and prepare items of significance of the chapter's history. – Prepare displays of chapter activities and submit stories of former members to the media. – Assist the reporter in providing photography for chapter needs.

Officer’s Duties • Parliamentarian – Be proficient with parliamentary procedure. – Rule on all questions of parliamentary conduct at chapter meetings. – Serve as a participant or an exofficio member of the parliamentary procedure team. – Conduct parliamentary procedure workshops at the chapter level. – Chair or serve as ex-officio member on the conduct of meetings committee.

Officer’s Duties • Advisor – Supervise chapter activities yearround – Inform prospective students and parents about the FFA – Instruct students in leadership and development – Build school and community support for the program – Encourage involvement of all chapter members in activities – Prepare students for involvement in career development events and leadership programs

[] Chaplin President []Historia n ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ Advisor [] ____ ____ Secretary [] Treasurer Parliamentarian Reporter [] [] [] Correct Room Arrangement For A FFA Meeting ____ ____ Vice President [] Jr. President [] Sentinel- Stationed at the door

Program of Activities • A chapter’s Program of Activities (POA) is it’s “road map” for the year. These are our chapter’s goals for the year. • The POA is divided into 3 divisions – Student Development – Chapter Development – Community Development

POA • Student Development: concentrates on members as individuals. (ie. SAE, personal growth, team leadership) • Chapter Development: focuses on strengthening the chapter team. (ie. Recruitment, public relations) • Community Development: builds member involvement in the school and community. (ie. Local projects, agricultural awareness)

Code of Ethics • Adopted in 1952 at the National FFA Convention and outlines general guidelines for all occasions and functions, not just FFA activities. • These are the rules in which all FFA members should follow to be good representatives of our organization in our chapter, school and community. • There are 11 rules—look on pg. 32 to find them!

Chapter Meetings • Every chapter meeting should be an informative and enjoyable experience. • Besides conducting chapter business, good meetings should include entertainment, guest speakers, recreation and refreshments. • Official opening and closing ceremonies are to be used at all meetings.

The Emblem • The national FFA emblem, consisting of five symbols, is representative of the history, goals, and future of the organization. • As a whole, the emblem covers the broad spectrum of FFA and agriculture. • Each element within the emblem has unique significance.

Parts of the Emblem Cross-section of the ear of corn provides the foundation of the emblem, just as corn has historically served as the foundation crop of American agriculture. It is also a symbol of unity, as corn is grown in every state of the nation.

Parts of the Emblem The rising sun signifies the progress and holds a promise that tomorrow will bring a new day glowing with opportunity.

Parts of the Emblem The plow signifies labor and tillage of the soil, the backbone of agriculture, and the historic foundation of our country’s strength.

Parts of the Emblem The eagle is a national symbol which serves as a reminder of our freedom and ability to explore new horizons for the future of agriculture.

Parts of the Emblem The owl, long recognized for its wisdom, symbolizes the knowledge required to be successful in the industry of agriculture.

Parts of the Emblem The words “Agricultural Education” and “FFA” are emblazoned in the center to signify the combination of learning and leadership necessary for progressive agriculture.

Emblem Assignment • Draw your emblem element on your paper. • Make sure to put your name on the back. • Include the names of the elements and its meaning on your paper. • Your drawing should be large enough to see from the wall.

The Salute The Pledge of Allegiance is the official salute of the FFA organization. To properly conduct the salute, face the United States flag, place the right hand over the left part of the chest, and holding it there, repeat the pledge.

Official Dress The “uniform” worn by FFA members at local, state and national functions is called official dress. It provides identity and gives a distinctive and recognizable image to the organization.

Official Dress Female members are to wear a black skirt, white blouse with official FFA blue scarf, black shoes and official jacket zipped to the top. Black slacks may be worn for traveling and outdoor activities such as judging contests and camping.

Official Dress Male members are to wear black slacks, white button down dress shirt with official FFA tie, black shoes and socks with your official FFA jacket zipped to the top.

Proper Use of the FFA Jacket The FFA jacket is the most recognizable symbol of the organization. As a member, one of your responsibilities is to ensure its proper use. Specific guidelines are as follows.

Proper Use of the FFA Jacket 1. The jacket is to be worn only by members. 2. The jacket should be kept neat and clean. 3. The back of the jacket includes only: a large official FFA emblem, the name of the state association, and the name of the local chapter, district, or area

Proper Use of the FFA Jacket 3. The front of the jacket includes only: a small official FFA emblem, the name of the individual, one office or honor, and the year of that office or honor. 4. The jacket should be worn on official occasions with the zipper fastened to the top. The collar should be turned down and the cuffs buttoned.

Proper Use of the FFA Jacket 5. The jacket should be worn by members and officers on all official FFA occasions where the chapter or state association is represented. It may be worn to school and appropriate places. 6. The jacket should be worn to places that are appropriate for members to visit.

Proper Use of the FFA Jacket 7. School letters and insignia of other organizations should not be attached to or worn on the jacket. 8. When the jacket becomes faded and worn, it should be discarded or the emblems and lettering removed.

Proper Use of the FFA Jacket 9. The emblems should and lettering should be removed if the jacket is given or sold to a nonmember. 10. A member should act professionally while wearing the FFA jacket or officially representing the organization.

Proper Use of the FFA Jacket 11. Members should refrain from use of tobacco and alcohol while wearing the FFA jacket or officially representing the organization.

Proper Use of the FFA Jacket 12. All chapter, degree, officer and award medals should be worn beneath the name on the right side of the jacket, with the exception that a single State FFA degree charm or American FFA Degree key should be worn above the name or attached to a standard key chain. No more than three medals should be worn on the jacket. These should represent the highest degree earned, the highest office held and the

Degrees in the FFA • The FFA is structured into a degree program which rewards active FFA members for progress in all phases of leadership, skill and occupational development. • The Greenhand FFA Degree and the Chapter FFA Degree are awarded at the chapter level. • State associations award top members with the State FFA Degree. • The highest degree, the American FFA Degree, is conferred on an elite group of members at the national level.

The FFA Degree Ladder • • American FFA Degree State FFA Degree Chapter FFA Degree Greenhand FFA Degree

Greenhand Degree Requirements • Be enrolled in ag. Course • Have satisfactory SAE program • Demonstrate Knowledge of: – FFA History – FFA Creed – FFA Motto – FFA Salute – Other general FFA information

Chapter FFA Degree • Completed Two Semesters of Ag. • Hold Greenhand Degree • SAE program in operation • Earn & productively invest $150 or 45 hrs. outside class time • Demonstrate 5 procedures in parliamentary law • Lead 15 min. group discussion • Show progress in FFA award program • Satisfactory Scholastic record • Have participated in at least 10 hours of community service activities

State FFA Degree • Awarded By State Association • Hold Chapter FFA Degree • Active FFA Member for at least 24 months • Earn & productively invest $1000 or 300 hrs. outside class • Demonstrate Leadership abilities • Satisfactory Scholastic record • Help plan chapter Program of Activities • Participate in 5 FFA activities above chapter level • Have participated in at least 25 hours within at least two different community service

American FFA Degree • Highest degree • Graduated at least 1 awarded by National year from high FFA Organization school • Hold State FFA • Have in operation Degree and records to substantiate an • Active FFA member outstanding SAE for at least 36 program months • Completed 3 yrs. Ag. • Earned & productively invest at least $7500 OR:

American FFA Degree Cont. • Earn or productively invest at least $1500 and work at least 2, 250 hours out of Ag. Class. • Have a record of outstanding Leadership abilities. • Have a High School Scholastic record of “C” or better. • Have participated in at least 50 hours in at least three different community service activities

Chapter 7 Questions (look up the following questions and write the answers in your notes) What is a star award? • Write down the degree requirements for the degree you can earn this year. • What is a Career Development Event (CDE)? • Write down all 23 CDE’s • What is a proficiency award? • How many proficiency award areas are there?

Scavenger Hunt (Using the FFA Handbook) • How many CDE events are there? • List 5 CDE events • List two requirements for the greenhand chapter degrees. • A proficiency award is awarded based on your what? • What happened in 1917? • What are the 5 degrees you can earn in FFA (list them in order starting with the lowest and going to the highest). • What are the two major types of motions? • A motion to adjourn a meeting is what type of motion? • What does two taps of the gavel mean? • How would you begin a motion using correct parli-pro? • List two different ways to vote in an FFA meeting? • What was important about 1969? • How many paragraphs are in the FFA Creed? • Who wrote the FFA Creed • What does SAE stand for? • What officer is responsible for “maintaining order? • Who is considered the “Father of Agricultural Education? ” (He also started the Future Farmers of Virginia) • What happened in 1959? • What are the two major types of SAE’s? • How many pins can you have on your FFA jacket at one time? What are they? • List 3 conferences you could attend as an FFA member.