NORTH CAROLINA FFA ALUMNI

Benefits of a Local FFA Alumni Affiliate North Carolina FFA Alumni Council

Alumni Mission The mission of the North Carolina FFA Alumni Association is to secure the promise of FFA and agricultural education by creating an environment where people and communities can develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success.

Alumni Purposes 1. To support and promote FFA activities and agricultural education on local, state and national levels. 2. To provide a tie to the FFA and to assist FFA and agricultural education personnel to involve former members in worthy activities. 3. To promote greater knowledge of the agricultural industry and support education in agriculture. 4. To promote and maintain an appreciation of the American free enterprise system. 5. To promote the personal development aspect of the FFA for all students.

Alumni Past & Present 1971 - National FFA Alumni Association forms 1972 - North Carolina chartered North Carolina currently has 34 active affiliates with 988 members

NC Alumni Council Eight Regional Representatives Three members at large NCATA Representative Current and Past State FFA Officers Two Teacher Educators

Essentials to a Successful Affiliate Affiliate/charter with state/national organization Recruit new members Collect/pay dues Develop written annual program of activities and budget Coordinate all activities with agriculture teacher and school administration

Essentials to a Successful Affiliate Publicize activities Hold regular membership and executive committee meetings Participate in state and national activities Get every alumni member involved Recognize outstanding achievements annually

Starting a Local Affiliate Have at least 10 members who have paid National FFA Alumni member dues Have a constitution and bylaws in harmony with the National Constitution Have a council of elected officers 4. Complete the Application for Local Charter 5. Submit the above information to your State FFA Alumni Association

National Awards & Recognition Blue Blazer Awards Legion Of Merit Citations Outstanding Achievement Awards Outstanding Affiliate Awards Scrapbook Contest Website Award Pioneer Affiliate Award Newsletter Award

State Awards & Recognition New Affiliate Recognition Largest Membership Growth (number of members) Largest Membership Growth (percentage of members) Outstanding Affiliate Distinguished Service Award

Alumni in Action

Alumni in Action

Alumni in Action

NC Program of Activities Conduct the annual silent auction and use the funds to support North Carolina FFA activities. Conduct a state meeting where affiliates and individuals will be recognized. This will create visibility and serve as a business meeting. Support FFA and promote the Alumni at the North Carolina FFA State Convention by providing funds for the First Session Keynote Speaker Participate in teacher development by offering workshop for teachers during the summer months and at the annual summer conference. Update NC FFA Alumni Communications including the website and all presentations.

NC Program of Activities Present the retiring State FFA Officers with State and National FFA Alumni Lifetime Membership Present one State Degree Recipient with State and National FFA Alumni Lifetime Membership Contribute funds to complete the NC FFA Alumni Endowment for the NC FFA Center Provide funding for one NC FFA Alumni member to attend the National State Leaders Conference Contribute funds to ensure the success of the NC FFA Center Conduct a state basket contest with the winner representing North Carolina at the National FFA Alumni State Basket Contest Conduct a Chapter Grant Program awarding 20 grants valued up to $250 each

Local Ideas Auctions Community Service Cooperative Leadership Activities Public Relations School Board Communications Earnings, Savings And Investments Conduct Meetings

Alumni Support “The FFA Alumni is a vital force in sharing the successes of the local agricultural education program and more specifically, to assist local agricultural education programs and FFA members in their programs and activities.” - State Agricultural Education Leadership

Alumni Support “FFA alumni is an outstanding way for agriculture teachers to establish and maintain community support for their local chapter.” - Agricultural Education Teacher/FFA Advisor

Alumni Support “When I graduated from high school, I knew that I didn’t want to leave the FFA and the wonderful experiences that I have had. Being a member of the NC Alumni was the surest way for me to continue my involvement in FFA and support an organization that has changed my life.” - Former NC FFA Member

Alumni Dues Annual: $10.00 to National and $3 to State per year (plus local dues, if any) National Life Member: one-time $150 to National and $50 one-time to State

Website References North Carolina FFA Alumni http://www.ncffa.org National FFA Alumni http://www.ffa.org/alumni/index.html

Contact Information Joshua Bledsoe State Agricultural Education Leader State FFA Advisor 520 Brickhaven Drive NCSU Box 7654 Raleigh, NC 27695-7654 (919) 515-4206 E-mail: joshua_bledsoe@ncsu.edu

NORTH CAROLINA FFA ALUMNI