Introduction to the National FFA Organization

1. Introduction to the National FFA Organization

2. History • Organized nationally in 1928 in Kansas City, Missouri • Father of the FFA-Henry C. Groseclose • Chartered in Florida in 1929 (31st state chartered) • Sneads FFA chartered in 1934 • Admitted girls into the FFA in 1969

3. Conventions • First National Convention held in Kansas City, Missouri, during the time of the American Royal Livestock Show • National Convention held annually in Louisville, Kentucky • Florida’s FFA State Convention held each year at Greenlefe in June

4. Membership • 482,611 members in 8,500 chapters throughout the 50 states and Puerto Rico • Nearly 15,000 members in 290 Florida chapters

5. Officials • State Advisor- Belinda Chason • Executive Secretary- Teresa Wells

6. Florida Districts • Twelve FFA districts in Florida • State FFA leadership training center– 200 acres north of Lakeland

7. Official Song “Hail the FFA”

8. Official FFA Colors National Blue and Corn Gold

9. The FFA Motto Learning to do, Doing to learn Earning to live, Living to serve

10. FFA Creed The creed was written by E. M. Tiffany and adopted at the Third National Convention of the FFA. It was revised at the 38th and 63rd Conventions.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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 won and public interest in producing and marketing the product of our toil.

14. 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 on me.

15. 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.

16. Symbols of the FFA Emblem • Owl– Symbolic of wisdom and knowledge • Plow– Symbolic of labor and tillage of the soil • Rising Sun– Symbolic of a new day (era) in agriculture • Cross-section of the ear of corn– Symbolic of common agricultural interests • American Eagle– Symbolic of the national scope of the organization

17. Requirements for FFA Membership • Must be 14-21 years of age • Must be enrolled in vocational agriculture • Must be in good standing with local chapter • Any local requirements (pay dues of $15)

18. Types of Membership • Active • Honorary • Alumni • Collegiate

19. Degrees of Active Membership • Greenhand • Chapter FFA • State FFA • American FFA

20. Offices of Local Chapters • President– Presides over all meetings • Vice-president– Assists president and directs all committee work • Secretary– Keeps minutes of all meetings • Treasurer– Keeps financial records • Reporter– Reports chapter news • Advisor– Advises FFA members on all matters relating to the chapter

21. Offices Continued • Sentinel– Assists president in maintaining order • Historian—Keeps chapter scrapbook • Chaplain– Takes charge of religious exercises during meetings, banquets, or other occasions • Parliamentarian– Informs the members on correct parliamentary procedure

22. State Officers • President— • Secretary— • Region I vice-president— • Region II vice-president— • Region III vice-president— • Region IV vice-president— • Region V vice-president— • Advisor- Belinda Chason

23. Symbols of Officers’ Stations • Rising sun– President • Plow– Vice-president • Ear of corn– Secretary • Bust of Washington– Treasurer • American flag– Reporter • Shield of friendship– Sentinel • Owl– Advisor • Eagle– Parliamentarian • Holy Bible– Chaplain • Scrolls-- Historian

24. Symbols of Officers’ Stations

25. Essentials of a good chapter • Knowledgeability concerning FFA on the part of every member • Capable officers and leaders • A sharing of responsibilities by all members in chapter activities • A challenging program of activities

26. Essentials of a good chapter • Adequate financing for all chapter activities • Proper paraphernalia, equipment, and records • Well-planned, regularly held chapter meetings • Support by school officials and community leaders

27. Primary Aim To promote premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education

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

29. Specific Purposes • To develop competent and aggressive rural and agricultural leadership • To create and nurture a love of country life • To strengthen the confidence of students of vocational agriculture in themselves and their work • To create and nurture a love of country life

30. Specific Purposes • To encourage members to improve farm homes and surroundings • To encourage members in the development of individual farming programs and in the establishment of agricultural careers • To participate in worthy undertakings for the improvement of agriculture • To develop character, train for useful citizenship, and foster patriotism

31. Specific Purposes • To encourage participation in cooperative effort • To encourage the practice of thrift • To encourage improvement in scholarship • To provide and encourage the development of organized rural activities

32. Dues • National $ • State $ • District $ • Local $

33. Opening Ceremony • Taps gavel 3 times • Group rises • President states: “FFA members, why are we here?” • Members reply: “To practice brotherhood, honor agricultural opportunities and responsibilities, and develop those qualities of leadership which an FFA member should possess.”

34. What the FFA Can Do For You The FFA can do much for you, provided you put something into it. It will help you to: • Develop your leadership qualities through experiences leading • Work with other people • Develop qualities that make for character • Serve other people in your community • Learn to practice thrift

35. What the FFA Can Do For You • Desire to make good grades • Have experiences in recreational activities • Learn the values of patriotism • Obtain experiences in expressing yourself to groups and individuals • Develop self-confidence, citizenship, and patriotism

36. What You Can Do For the FFA • Attend all meetings and take an active interest in the activities. • Carry out assigned responsibilities. • Take the initiative to become familiar with the FFA. • Support and cooperate with chapter leaders • If chosen as an officer, consider it a responsibility, not merely an honor. • Plan and carry out committee responsibilities toward achievement of goals that improve the chapter. • At times, function as a desirable chapter representative.

37. What the FFA Does • Educational tours and contests • Tour members’ farms • Teaches thrift • Judging contests • Attend leadership training meetings • Parliamentary Procedure training

38. What the FFA Does • Honor and recognize outstanding members, parents, and friends • Hold parent-member banquet • Attend the State FFA Convention • Sponsor worthwhile events • Barnwarming and parties • Cooperate in community activities