WHAT IS FFA?

A guide to the organization that can help you succeed!

FFA Formerly known as The Future Farmers

of America, the FFA changed it’s name to the National FFA Organization in 1988

As of 2008, there are 507,763 FFA members, aged 12-21 in 7,439 chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands

Motto

Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.

WOW! The FFA is the largest student-led

organization in the US. Through Career Development Events

(CDEs) and Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs) student have the opportunity to win awards and $$$$

History

In 1928 during the National Livestock Judging Contests, 33 students from 18 states establish the FFA to provide leadership training for high school students of vocational agriculture (now known as Career and Technical Education).

More History

In 1929 the official colors-national blue and corn gold-are adopted. They are still used today!

In 1935 New Farmers of America (NFA), an organization for African-American boys interested in agriculture, is formed and eventually includes 13 states

Merging 1965- The New Farmers of America

(NFA), merges with the FFA, adding 50,000 members.

1969- Women are allowed national membership, which made it possible for them to hold office and participate in competitive events at the regional and national level.

Name change

1988- National FFA convention change "Future Farmers of America" to the "National FFA Organization" to recognize the growth of agriculture and agricultural education to encompass the more than 300 careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture.

Same year (‘88)

Delegates also opened FFA membership to middle school students.

I was two years old at the time…

Activity time!

Get together with 1 partner and discuss what you remember (or wrote down) about FFA history. Try to get it in chronological order!

FFA Officers

The PresidentThe president presides over the chapter like

in any other organization. They follow parliamentary procedure and keep business flowing. They are the head hancho!

Appo FFA President- Sarah Cannon

Symbol

The Rising SunThe rising sun is the token of a new era in

agriculture.

FFA Officers

The Vice PresidentThe vice president assists the president and

can substitute in the president’s absence. The vice president is usually in charge of committees.

Appo FFA Vice President- Jessica Voshell

Symbol

The PlowThe plow is the symbol of labor and tillage of

the soil. Without labor, neither knowledge nor wisdom can accomplish much.

FFA Officers

The SecretaryThe secretary keeps record of all meetings

and disseminates information to members and other chapters.

Appo FFA Secretary- Kacie SchmeckMr. S as his high school Secretary

Symbol

The Ear of CornThe ear of corn represents the passing of

information across the country, as it is a crop that is found across the US.

FFA Officers

The TreasurerThe treasurer is the money manager. They

keep a record of all transactions and maintain the chapter’s finances.

Appo FFA Treasurer- Andrea Mack

Symbol

Emblem of WashingtonGeorge Washington represents thriftiness.

He kept accurate records of all receipts and transactions, thus he is a model for the treasurer to follow.

FFA Officers

The ReporterThe reporter serves as the photographer as

well as the Public Relations person. They send out information to the local media to gain support for the chapter.

Appo FFA Reporter- Jamie Betts

Symbol

The American Flag"As the flag covers the United States of

America, so I strive to inform the people in order that every man, woman and child may know that the FFA is a national organization that reaches from the state of Alaska to Puerto Rico and from the state of Maine to Hawaii."

FFA Officers

The SentinelThe sentinel creates the atmosphere

amongst members and officers in meetings. The sentinel is essentially the host; keeping everything in order and providing a safe, fun, and enjoyable environment.

Appo FFA Sentinel- Courtney Masterson

Symbol

The DoorEveryone comes through the door, where

the sentinel is stationed to welcome all who pass. This sets the stage for a personable experience.

FFA Officers

The AdvisorThe advisor assists the group whenever

they request it. The FFA is student-led, thus a student advisor may be appointed to give additional insight.

Appo Student Advisor- D.J. Greener

Symbol

The OwlThe owl represents wisdom. An advisor is

said to possess great wisdom that can aide the chapter whenever called upon. The advisor is ever watchful, like an owl, as well.

Appo FFA Advisors Mr. S and Ms. W

FFA Officers

ParliamentarianThe parliamentarian aides the chapter when

it come to their meeting style. They must know proper “Parley Pro” or Parliamentary Procedure.

Appo FFA Parliamentarian- William Sweetman

FFA Officers

HistorianThe historian is in charge of maintaining the

records of the chapter. In the past, this was done through a record book. Today, technology helps greatly. The historian works with the Reporter in making the scrapbook and publishing a website.

Appo FFA Historian- Chad Collier

FFA Officers

ChaplainA side office created for the sole purpose of

maintaining thanks and reflection for the bountiful opportunities awarded to all. The position commonly leads prayers– be it religious or otherwise.

HOLD UP!

Where are the symbols for the parliamentarian, historian, and the chaplain?

In all honesty, they don’t get one! Historically these positions didn’t hold as

much weight as the main ones, so they didn’t warrant a separate symbol or opening procedure.

Team up time!

In groups of 3-4, get together and decide what office you think you would enjoy/be best at. Write down why you think so and present to class. Back up your reasoning, because someone might think they are better suited for that position!