The FFA: The Past, Present and You Introduction to Agriculture INTEREST APPROACH. Use an interest approach that will prepare the students for the lesson. Teachers often develop approaches for their unique class and student situations. A possible approach is included here. Have the students visit the National FFA Organization web site at (http://www.ffa.org) for a brief introduction to the FFA. Have a discussion among your students as to the purpose of youth organizations in schools. Discuss the organizations available to your students that are agricultural related. Have students research and list well-known Americans who were FFA members.

STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES. 1. Explain how, when, and why the FFA was organized 2 Explain the mission and strategies, colors, motto, salute, parts of the emblem, and the organizational structure of the FFA. 3. Recite and explain the meaning of the FFA Creed. 4. Explain the purpose of a Program of Activities and its committee structure. ILLINOIS STATE GOAL AND LEARNING STANDARD. This lesson is correlated to the following State Goal and Learning Standard: State Goal 16: Understand events, trends, individuals and movements shaping the history of Illinois, the United States and other nations. Learning Standard A: Apply the skills of historical analysis and interpretation. Learning Benchmark 4a: Analyze and report historical events to determine cause-and-effect relationships.

5. List and explain the various FFA Degrees. 6. List the four types of membership. 7. Identify correct Official Dress (O.D.) for FFA members. 8. Explain the rules of wearing the FFA jacket.

FFA History 1917 Congress passed Smith-Hughes Act established agriculture classes 1920’s Future Farmers of Virginia formed Henry Groseclose-”Father of the FFA” 1926 American Royal in Kansas City invited vocational agriculture students to judge livestock

FFA History 1928 Walt Disney draws Mickey Mouse for Kansas City Star 1928 1st National Convention in Kansas City’s Baltimore Hotel 1st President - Leslie Applegate 1st Nat. Advisor - Dr. C.H. Lane Dues set at $0.10 1929 Carton Patton 1st American Star Farmer National Blue and Corn Gold official colors

FFA History 1930 FFA Creed Adopted written by E.M. Tiffany 3rd national convention revised in 1965, 1987, and 1990 1933 FFA Jacket adopted as official dress

FFA History 1939 National FFA Center located on part of the original estate of George Washington in Alexandria, Virginia 1944 National FFA Foundation Formed non-profit fundraising part of FFA private donations fund awards Foundation raises $6 million annually

FFA History 1947 National FFA Band 1948 National FFA Chorus 1948 National FFA Supply Service Formed Official Jackets Awards Anything FFA

FFA History 1950 Public Law 740 granted National FFA a Federal Charter FFA recognized as “intracurricular” part of the agriculture education program 1952 ‘National Future Farmer magazine’ published now called FFA New Horizon 1952 Code of Ethics adopted

FFA History 1955 FFA in Japan, Brazil, Columbia, Korea, Mexico, Panama, Philippines, Thailand 1955 International Student exchange programs begun can now travel to 30 countries 1965 NFA merged with FFA NFA (New Farmers) African American

FFA History 1969 Girls admitted to FFA 1969 First Star Agribusinessman 1971 National FFA Alumni founded support agriculture education 1988 Name changed to National FFA Organization

1988 Name of the organization was changed to National FFA Organization. 1989 Name of The National Future Farmer magazine was changed to New Horizons. 1999 National FFA Center moved from Alexandria, VA, to Indianapolis, IN. 1999 The National FFA Convention was moved to Louisville, Kentucky.

Components of Agricultural Education FFA SAEP Classroom

The FFA Purpose The purpose of the FFA is to develop: • Recreation • Patriotism • Service • Character • Thrift • Leadership • Scholarship • Improved Agriculture • Cooperation • Citizenship Anticipated Problem: What are the mission and strategies, colors, motto, parts of the emblem, and organizational structure of the FFA? II. The FFA was organized to address specific objectives outlined in the organization’s mission and strategies. 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. A. The purpose of the FFA is to help students develop their full potential through agricultural education classes. 1. The FFA is an integral part of classroom/laboratory instruction. 2. Many of these characteristics are developed through the available Career Development Activities. B. The FFA organizational structure has three levels: local, state, and national. 1. Some states may also have districts and sections. 2. Each level has student officer teams, an advisor, and a group of members whom they represent. 3. Competition at contests and awards are structured the same way. The FFA stresses three closely related areas: leadership, personal growth, and career success.

The FFA Mission 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.

Organizational Structure

The FFA Degree Ladder Discovery Degree Greenhand Degree Chapter FFA Degree State FFA Degree American FFA Degree

Types of Membership Active Collegiate Alumni Honorary enrolled in ag class, dues paid Collegiate 2 or 4 year college Alumni former members or interested people Honorary people who support FFA

What are the parts of the FFA Emblem?

Cross Section of the Ear of Corn Corn is a symbol of unity because it is native to America and is grown in every state.

The Rising Sun The Rising Sun symbolizes progress in agriculture and the confidence FFA members have in the future.

The Eagle The eagle is a reminder of our freedom and ability to explore new horizons for the future of agriculture

The Owl The owl represents knowledge and wisdom

The Plow The plow is the symbol of labor and tillage of the soil

The Words FFA is an important part of the Agriculture Education Program

The Emblem Put it all together Trademark of the National FFA Organization Be Proud Of It

FFA Colors National Blue Corn Gold

Learning to Do Doing to Learn Earning to Live Living to Serve FFA Motto Learning to Do Doing to Learn Earning to Live Living to Serve

FFA Salute Pledge of Allegiance

Official Dress Girls black skirt or slacks white blouse official blue scarf black shoes official jacket zipped to the top

Official Dress Boys black slacks white shirt official FFA tie black shoes black socks official jacket zipped to the top

Proper Use of the FFA Jacket Only worn by members Kept clean and neat Only emblems, state, chapter, name and one office or honor Worn on official occasions zipped up, collar down, cuffs buttoned Only worn to places appropriate for members to visit

Proper Use of the FFA Jacket School letters etc. not worn on jacket Discard when worn, remove emblems Remove emblems if given away Act like a lady or gentlemen when wearing the FFA jacket No tobacco or alcohol in jacket Degree, Office, Award (1 each) worn below name

Chapter Officer Positions and Responsibilities President- Preside over meetings Appoint Committees Coordinate activities Represent the chapter Vice President- Help the President Coordinate all committees Develop Program of Activity (POA)

Secretary- Treasure- Chapter correspondence Maintain member attendance and activity records Treasure- Serve as chairperson of the earning and savings committee Prepare and submit the membership roster

Reporter- Sentinel- Plan public information programs Release news and information to news media Sentinel- Assist the president in maintaining order Welcome guest and visitors Keep meeting room comfortable

Other Possible FFA Officers Historian Parliamentarian Chaplain