The National FFA Organization September 2015 Mr. Brown The National FFA Organization

What is the FFA? The National FFA Organization used to be know as Future Farmers of America. When it was originally created in 1928, the FFA existed to prepare students for careers primarily in production agriculture. An organization was needed to prepare students in high school for the rapidly modernizing world of agriculture.

What is the FFA? The National FFA Organization is a dynamic youth organization that changes lives and prepares students for: Premier leadership, Personal growth, and… Career success through agricultural education.

The Three Circle Model An example of what works well in education, FFA is an intracurricular organization that implements the three-circle model of education Classroom instruction Supervised agricultural Experience Hands-on learning Leadership development through FFA programs.

It’s “Intracurricular” The FFA is an intracurricular organization. combines classroom education with hands-on lab experiences and out-of-class activities to best prepare students for the life they want to have after high school. By combining classroom education with real-world experience, you will be best prepared to get into the college of your choice and obtain a fulfilling and rewarding career in a field that interests you. The FFA is not a club! Not just anyone can be an FFA member – you have to be a part of a high school that offers agricultural education.

Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAE’S) Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs) are any experience you might have outside the classroom related to agriculture, science, the environment, business, and technology.

SAE Hour Requirements (we will learn more about this later!) Freshman: 50 hours Sophomores: 200 hours Juniors: 200 hours Seniors: 200 hours

Career Development Events Career Development Events (CDEs) are another FFA competition allow you compete and gain recognition and awards while preparing for a future career. CDE’s are: team-based events in which you compete against other students in competitions related to careers. based on current industry standards, where FFA members can demonstrate the knowledge and skills gained from 1) classroom instruction, 2) their SAE and 3) FFA activities. Source: https://sites.google.com/site/wisconsinffacdepage/

CDE’s Dairy Evaluation Environmental/ Natural Resources Agriculture Mechanics Food Science Milk Quality and Products Farm Business Management Parli Pro Ag Comm Vet Tech Ag Sales Agriscience Fair Aquaculture Quizbowl ** Tractor Driving Job Interview Ag Marketing Floriculture Forestry Nursery- Landscape Poultry Meats Livestock Horse Judging Opening and closing ceremonies ** ** Only for freshman Extemporaneous speaking Prepared Public Speaking Creed Speaking ***

Freshman Only CDE’s Opening and Closing (freshman and sophomores Creed Speaking FFA Knowledge

Introduction to the FFA

The National FFA Organization The National FFA is the largest student-run organization in the United States with our 500,000 members annually in middle school, high school, and college. The FFA was created in 1928. It is a federated system of state associations, located in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam.

Types of FFA Membership Active: enrolled in an agriscience class and has paid their dues Collegiate: enrolled in a two or four year college with an FFA program Alumni: former members Honorary: those who support the FFA

Degrees of Active Membership Greenhand Degree: offered to new members who demonstrate a basic understanding of the ffa and has plans for SAE and career preparation. Chapter Degree State Degree American Degree

How is the FFA governed Each school’s program is called a Chapter. We are the Stamford Regional FFA Chapter FFA Chapters are run by an elected FFA President, an Officer Team, and advisors.

Chapter Officers 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: Report chapter news Sentinel: Assists president in maintaining order

Chapter Officer’s Continued Advisor: Advises FFA members on all matters relating to the chapter Historian: Keeps chapter scrapbook Parliamentarian: Informs the members on correct parliamentary procedure Student Advisor: Assists the advisor and other officers.

Chapter Officer Symbols Rising sun– President Plow– Vice-president Ear of corn– Secretary Bust of Washington– Treasurer American flag– Reporter Shield of friendship– Sentinel Owl– Advisor / Student Advisor Eagle– Parliamentarian Scrolls-- Historian

The FFA Emblem The national ffa emblem contains 5 symbols Symbols represent the history, goals and future of the organization Covers broad spectrum of FFA and Agriculture

Symbols of the FFA Emblem Cross-section of an ear of corn: represents our common agricultural interests native to America grown in every state

Symbols of the Emblem B. The rising sun: It symbolizes progress in agriculture and the confidence that FFA members have in the future.

Symbols of the Emblem C. The plow: It is a symbol of labor and tillage of the soil.

Symbols of the Emblem D. The owl: It symbolizes wisdom and knowledge.

Symbols of the Emblem E. The eagle: This is symbolic of the national scope of the FFA.

Symbols of the Emblem The words “Agricultural Education“ surround the letters “FFA.” This tells us that FFA is an important part of agriculture and agribusiness programs.

FFA Colors The colors of the FFA are: National Blue and Corn Gold Blue reminds us that the FFA is a national organization. Gold reminds us that corn is a native American crop grown in every state.

FFA Motto Learning to do, Doing to learn, Earning to live, Living to serve. *Every student must recite this to meet the requirements of successfully completing the FFA unit.*

FFA Mission FFA Mission Statement: 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. The FFA Salute is the Pledge of Allegiance.

FFA Creed Written by E.M Tiffany Adopted at the 3rd National Convention Five Paragraphs with Six Sentences Each Each paragraph begins with “I Believe” If you choose to memorize the FFA Creed you may participate in the Creed Speaking CDE!

FFA Official Dress Official Dress is the term for the ‘uniform’ of FFA members. Official Dress consists of: A FFA Jacket A white collared shirt or blouse A FFA Tie or Scarf Black dress pants or a black skirt Black socks or nylons Black shoes or heels.

Official Dress Rules The jacket is to be worn only by members The jacket should be kept clean and neat The back of the jacket should have only: A large official emblem The name of the state association (Connecticut) Name of the local chapter (Stamford)

Official Dress Rules It should be worn with zippered fastened to all FFA occasions It should not be worn with apparel bearing the insignia of other organizations It should be worn with no more than three medals beneath the individual’s name

FFA Response During the FFA meeting the President will ask: “FFA Members, why are we here?” The President will then tap the gavel three times. After the third tap you will state “To practice brotherhood, honor agricultural opportunities and responsibilities and develop those qualities of leadership which an FFA member should posses You MUST memorize this and be able to recite it during our FFA meetings

FFA Code of Ethics FFA members conduct themselves at all times to be a credit to their organization, chapter, school, community and family. As an FFA member, I pledge to: - Develop my potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success. - Make a positive difference in the lives of others

FFA Code of Ethics - Dress neatly and appropriately for the occasion - Showing respect for the rights of others and their property - Be courteous, honest and fair with others - Communicate in an appropriate, purposeful and positive manner

FFA Code of Ethics - Demonstrate good sportsmanship by being modest in winning and generous in defeat - Make myself aware of FFA programs and activities and be an active participant - Conduct and value a supervised agricultural experience program

FFA Code of Ethics - Strive to establish and enhance my skills through agricultural education in order to enter a successful career - Appreciate and promote diversity in our organization