History of the FFA The initial idea for forming the organization resulted from Congress passing the Smith-Hughes Act in 1917.

History of the FFA This act was known as the National Vocational Education Act. Established agriculture classes.

Henry Groseclose Known as “the father of FFA” From Blacksburg, Virginia Agriculture teacher at Virginia Tech University.

The National FFA Organization Established on November 20, 1928 at the Hotel Baltimore in Kansas City, Missouri.

The National FFA Organization National dues were 10 cents per member. The 1st national advisor was C.H. Lane. The 1st national president was Leslie Applegate from New Jersey.

The National FFA Organization National blue and corn gold were selected as their official colors. The 1st Star Farmer of America, Carlton Patton from Arkansas, was named in 1929.

The National FFA Organization By 1934, all states except Rhode Island has FFA Chapters.

The National FFA Organization A national convention was held every year in Kansas City, Missouri for over 70 years. In 1999, the convention was held in Louisville, Kentucky. Moved to Indianapolis Indiana in 2006.

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

Organization and Structure 3 Levels of structure Local State National

Organization and Structure Some states may also have districts and sections. (ex. Alabama) Each level has student officer teams, an advisor, and a group of members whom they represent.

ALABAMA Lee Co.

Four Types of Membership Active – Those enrolled in agricultural classes and have paid dues. Alumni – open to former active members, collegiate, and honorary members, and other individuals who support FFA.

Four Types of Membership Collegiate – belong to FFA chapters at 2 or 4 year post secondary institutions and are enrolled in agricultural courses. Honorary – given to individuals who have provided outstanding service to the FFA and/or agricultural education.

Colors of the FFA The FFA chose national blue and corn gold as its official colors in 1929 National blue represents the blue field of our flag. It signifies that the organization is national in scope. Corn gold represents a crop grown in every state in the U.S. A sign of success

FFA Motto Made up of 12 words. Learning to Do Doing to Learn Earning to Live Living to Serve

The 5 symbols of the FFA emblem

Corn Cross section of an ear of corn Signifies common agricultural interest. Cross section of an ear of corn

Rising Sun Symbolizes progress in agriculture. Rising Sun

The Plow Plow Symbol of labor and tillage of the soil

Owl Symbol of wisdom and knowledge Owl

FFA Emblem – Eagle (including arrows and shield) Represents the national scope of the FFA. Eagle

FFA & Agricultural Education The words: FFA & Agricultural Education Signifies that FFA is an important part of the agricultural/agribusiness program

The FFA Creed Written by E.M. Tiffany Adopted at the 3rd National FFA Convention

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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

The FFA Creed It was revised at the 38th Convention and the 63rd Convention to reflect changes in FFA membership and the agricultural industry.

Major Historical Events in the FFA 1952 - The National Future Farmer magazine was started.

Major Historical Events in the FFA 1965 - Consolidation with the New Farmers of America (NFA) strengthened the FFA. (NFA was an organization similar to the FFA for African American students)

New Farmers of America Boll of cotton

Major Historical Events in the FFA 1969 – Female students were allowed to become members.

Major Historical Events in the FFA 1988 – Name of the organization was changed to National FFA Organization.

Major Historical Events in the FFA 1989 – Name of The National Future Farmer magazine was changed to New Horizons.

Major Historical Events in the FFA 1999 – National FFA center moved from Alexandria, Virginia to Indianapolis, Indiana.

Major Historical Events in the FFA 1999 - The National FFA Convention was moved to Louisville, Kentucky.

Duties and Responsibilities FFA Officers President – symbolized by “the rising sun” Duty - Represents the chapter in official and public relation events. Vice President – symbolized by “ the plow” Duty – Assume all duties of the president if necessary.

Duties and Responsibilities FFA Officers Secretary – symbolized by “the ear of corn” Duty - preparing and posting meeting agenda.

Duties and Responsibilities FFA Officers Treasurer – symbolized by the “bust of Washington” Duty – receives records and deposits FFA funds.

Duties and Responsibilities FFA Officers Reporter – symbolized by “the American Flag” Duty – send news releases to local and regional media.

Duties and Responsibilities FFA Officers Sentinel – symbolized by “the Shield of Friendship” Duty - assisting the president in maintaining order.

Duties and Responsibilities FFA Officers Advisor - symbolized by “the owl” Duty – supervising chapter activities.

Chapter officers that may or may not be elected Historian – maintains the chapter’s scrapbook and assists the reporter Parliamentarian – rules on questions of parliamentary procedure Chaplain – presents the invocation at chapter functions.

10 Characteristics of a good leader Fosters active participation. Promotes group cooperation. Obtains information for group use.

10 Characteristics of a good leader 4. Encourages opinion and solution giving. 5. Stimulates critical thinking and evaluation. 6. Welcomes all suggestions.

10 Characteristics of a good leader Encourages differences as well as agreement in opinions. Neutral in issues and sees both sides. Attempts to change behavior of “troublesome participants.”

10 Characteristics of a good leader 10. Constantly charts group progress.

Official Dress The Uniform worn by FFA Members.

Official Dress (males) Black slacks. White shirt. Official FFA tie. Black shoes and socks. FFA jacket zipped to the top.

Official Dress (females) Black skirt or slacks. White blouse. Official FFA scarf. Black shoes. FFA jacket zipped to the top.

4 Areas important to leadership Influence – encouraging an individual or group to take action. Process – includes encouraging people and being respected by the group; helping others find answers

4 Areas important to leadership 3. Relationship - must involve respect between leader and followers. 4. Service – must often sacrifice their own wishes for the welfare of the group.

The Gavel 1 tap follows the announcement of a recess or adjournment, the completion of each vote, or is a message to the members to be seated following their entrance to the event.

The Gavel 2 taps of the gavel calls the meeting to order.

The Gavel 3 taps of the gavel is the signal for all members to stand in unison on the third tap.

The Gavel A series of sharp taps is used to restore order during the event.