1. FFA Chapter Involvement
Chapter Overview
Essentials of a Successful FFA Chapter
Chapter Officers
Program of Activities
Chapter Banquet
Chapter Meetings
Arranging the Meeting Room
Order of Business
Opening and Closing Ceremonies
Parliamentary Procedure
Use of the Gavel
Voting
Meeting Requirements
Motion Classifications
Conducting the Meeting
Table of Motions
CHAPTER 4
FFA Chapter Involvement
Chapter Selection

2. A Challenging Program of Activities All Members Share Responsibility
C H A P T E R F O U R
Essentials of a Successful FFA Chapter
1. Knowledge of the FFA
2. All Members Share Responsibility
3. Capable Officers
4. A Challenging Program of Activities
5. A Workable Constitution and Bylaws
6. Proper Equipment and Records
7. Well-planned, Regularly Held Chapter Meetings
8. Adequate Financing
9. School and Community Support
10. Chapter Resource File
Click on each of the numbers in the proper order to read the Essentials of a Successful FFA Chapter!
A Challenging Program of Activities
Chapter goals and activities which utilize the members’ talents and meet community needs are to be planned.
Every member needs to be included in the Program of Activities.
All Members Share Responsibility
When all members are active, the entire chapter benefits. Providing leadership should be everyone’s role, not just that of the officers.
The Program of Activities (click to jump to POA) ensures that each member has specific duties in the chapter.
Knowledge of the FFA
Every member and chapter advisor needs to understand the functions and opportunities of the FFA in order to fully reap the benefits.
You can learn more about the organization by reading through this interactive guide, or the Official FFA Manual and other FFA publications.
Well-planned, Regularly Held Chapter Meetings
Monthly meetings, scheduled at a regular time and guided by a sound agenda, will provide the efficient transaction of business, promote chapter unity, and encourage attendance.
A Workable Constitution and Bylaws
These should provide flexibility to allow progress, yet provide enough structure and support to give the chapter a firm foundation.
All chapter decisions should be based upon its constitution and bylaws.
Capable Officers
Students nominated and elected to officer positions must have the talent and dedication necessary to lead the chapter.
Open elections should be held, and officers need to serve as role models for the chapter.
Proper Equipment and Records
The chapter should acquire the equipment necessary for officers as well as secretary’s and treasurer’s books in which to keep complete membership and financial records.
School and Community Support
The chapter must strive to meet the needs of the community and work with the school system in which it operates.
Since many chapter activities depend on local support, public relations activities should be conducted in the community.
An active FFA Alumni affiliate can provide organized community support and service.
Chapter Resource File
FFA information and materials are not useful unless they can be easily found. Each chapter needs a filing system where the officers, committee chairpersons and the advisor can quickly and easily locate information on the wide variety of programs the FFA offers
Adequate Financing
Fund-raising projects are essential in FFA. Yearly earnings will contribute to the creativity and growth of the chapter by funding important activities and projects.

3. C H A P T E R F O U R Program of Activities
The Program of Activities serves as a road map to guide your chapter to its goals each year.
The Program of Activities or “POA” serves as a road map or a game plan for your chapter.
All chapters should compete in the National Chapter Award Program which rewards chapters for their accomplishments throughout the year.
Ask your advisor for more information about applying for the National Chapter Award Program.
The Program of Activities is divided into three areas:
1. Student Development Division
2. Chapter Development Division
3. Community Development Division

4. Student Development Division
C H A P T E R F O U R
Student Development Division
Concentrates on providing opportunities for individual and team leadership, personal growth, and SAE experiences.
It also promotes healthy lifestyles, scholarship, and the development of agricultural career skills.

5. C H A P T E R F O U R
Chapter Development Division
Focuses efforts on recruitment, finance, public relations, support groups, participation in state and national FFA, and other organizational activities.

6. Community Development Division
C H A P T E R F O U R
Community Development Division
Strives to develop economic, environmental and human resources; citizenship; agricultural awareness and literacy; and safety.
Each of the three divisions; Student Development, Chapter Development, and Community Development can be split into committees which concentrate their efforts in a single area.

7. The six Constitutional Offices:
C H A P T E R F O U R
An officer team should exhibit the following characteristics:
A genuine desire to be a part of a leadership team
A willingness to accept responsibility
A sincere desire to work with all chapter members in meeting their leadership, personal, and chapter goals
A commitment to lead by example
A knowledge and understanding of the chapter, state and national FFA constitutions, and bylaws
A working knowledge of parliamentary procedure
An ability to memorize and recite their parts in the official ceremonies
Chapter Officers
The six Constitutional Offices:
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Reporter
Sentinel
Advisor
All members need to understand the organization and share responsibilities. The third essential element for a chapter is a capable officer team.
Most chapters elect a president, vice president secretary, treasurer, and a sentinel. In addition, your chapter might elect an historian, a parliamentarian, a chaplain, or other officers as needed by the chapter.

8. President Click here for the President’s opening ceremonies.
C H A P T E R F O U R
President
Click here for the President’s opening ceremonies.
Duties For The Office Of President
Preside over all meetings according to accepted rules of parliamentary procedure.
Appoint committees and serve on them as an ex-officio (non-voting) member.
Coordinate chapter activities and evaluate the progress of the Program of Activities committees.
Represent the chapter in official and public relations functions.

9. Vice President Click here for the Vice President’s opening ceremonies.
C H A P T E R F O U R
Vice President
Click here for the Vice President’s opening ceremonies.
Duties Of The Vice President
Assume all duties of the president if necessary.
Develop the Program of Activities and serve as an ex-officio member of all committees.
Coordinate all committee work.
Work closely with the president and advisor to assess progress toward meeting chapter goals.
Establish and maintain the chapter resource file.

10. Sectretary Click here for the Secretary’s opening ceremonies.
C H A P T E R F O U R
Sectretary
Click here for the Secretary’s opening ceremonies.
Duties For The Office Of Secretary
Keep the Program of Activities wall chart up to date.
Have the following items available at each meeting:
A. Official FFA Chapter Secretary’s book including minutes of previous meeting.
B. Program of Activities including all standing and special committees.
C. Official FFA Manual and FFA Student Handbook.
Prepare and post the agenda for each chapter meeting.
Prepare and present the minutes of each chapter meeting.
Place all committee reports in the designated area in the Official FFA Chapter Secretary’s Book.
Be responsible for chapter correspondence.
Maintain member attendance and activity records and issue membership cards.
D. Chapter Constitution and Bylaws
Note: Refer to the Official FFA Chapter Secretary’s Book for more details in the secretary's duties.

11. Treasurer Click here for the Treasurer’s opening ceremonies.
C H A P T E R F O U R
Treasurer
Click here for the Treasurer’s opening ceremonies.
Duties For The Office Of Treasurer
Receive, record, and deposit FFA funds and issue receipts.
Present monthly treasurer’s report at chapter meetings.
Collect dues and special assessments.
Maintain a neat and accurate Official FFA Chapter Treasurer’s Book.
Prepare and submit the membership roster and dues to the National FFA Organization in cooperation with the secretary.
Serve as chairperson of the Finance Committee.

12. Reporter Click here for the Reporter’s opening ceremonies.
C H A P T E R F O U R
Reporter
Click here for the Reporter’s opening ceremonies.
Duties For The Office Of Reporter
Plan public information programs with local radio, television, newspaper, and service clubs and make use of other opportunities to tell the FFA story.
Release news and information to local and regional news media.
Publish a chapter newsletter.
Prepare and maintain a chapter scrapbook.
Send local stores to area, district, and state reporters.
Send articles and photographs to FFA New Horizons and other national and/or regional publications.
Work with local media on newspaper, radio, and television coverage of FFA news.
Serve as the chapter photographer.

13. Sentinel Click here for the Sentinel’s opening ceremonies.
C H A P T E R F O U R
Sentinel
Click here for the Sentinel’s opening ceremonies.
Duties for the office of Sentinel
Assist the president in maintaining order.
Keep the meeting room, chapter equipment, and supplies in proper condition.
Welcome guests and visitors.
Keep the meeting room comfortable.
Take charge of candidates for degree ceremonies.
Assist with special features and refreshments.

14. Advisor Duties for the Advisor
C H A P T E R F O U R
In addition to the offices listed, chapters may elect:
-Historian
Maintain a scrapbook, prepare displays, and assist the reporter with chapter photography.
-Parliamentarian
Rule on questions of parliamentary procedure.
-Chaplain
Present the invocation at chapter functions and conduct reflection services at summer camps and conferences.
Advisor
Duties for the Advisor
Supervise chapter activities year-round.
Inform prospective students and their parents about the FFA.
Instruct students in leadership and personal development.
Build school and community support for the program.
Encourage involvement of all chapter members in activities.
Prepare students for involvement in competitive events and awards programs.
Click here for the Advisor’s Opening Ceremonies.

15. C H A P T E R F O U R
Chapter Meetings
“Take an active role in the chapter meeting. If you don’t voice your opinion, it might go unsaid!”
One of the most important chapter activities is the regular chapter meeting. Well planned meetings are the lifeblood of your chapter.
Chapter meetings are what you make them-they can be interesting and exciting.
The key to good chapter meetings is planning.
The Executive Committee (comprised of chapter officers and advisors) should set an order of business prior to each meeting.
Join in the discussion on issues that are important to you. You will develop more confidence in yourself while receiving the satisfaction of becoming involved.

16. Arranging the Meeting Room
C H A P T E R F O U R
Arranging the Meeting Room
A properly arranged meeting room ads dignity and function, instills pride in the members, and sets the stage for conducting chapter business.
The sentinel should make sure the chairs and podium are correctly positioned, and the symbols of each office are in place before the meeting begins.
Click to see a larger diagram!

17. C H A P T E R F O U R Order of Business
An established order of business will keep the meeting moving and make sure all items are covered. The order of business, or agenda, lets members know what to expect and allows everyone to participate more effectively. Read the sample order of business on the right!
Sample Order of Business
1. Opening Ceremony
2. Minutes of the Previous Meeting
3. Officer Reports
4. Report on Chapter POA
5. Special Features
6. Unfinished Business
7. Committee Reports
a. Standing
b. Special
8. New Business
9. Degree and Installation Ceremonies
10. Closing Ceremony
11. Entertainment, Recreation, Refreshments

18. Opening and Closing Ceremonies
C H A P T E R F O U R
Opening and Closing Ceremonies
Official FFA ceremonies are a source of pride , identity and tradition among FFA members and chapters.
All meetings are opened and closed using ceremonies written expressly for those purposes.
For more information on opening and closing ceremonies see page 45 in the FFA Student Handbook.

19. Chapter Banquets C H A P T E R F O U R
Each year most chapters host a chapter banquet or awards night to celebrate the year’s accomplishments and recognize member achievements.
Each member’s parents, alumni members, chapter supporters, and local newspaper, radio, and television representatives are invited to join the celebration.
Chapter Banquets allow for the chapter and its members to showcase members and achievements.

20. Parliamentary Procedure
C H A P T E R F O U R
Parliamentary Procedure
The key to being involved in FFA meetings is to understand Parliamentary Procedure.
Parliamentary Procedure insures that all sides of an issue are treated fairly, and that everyone has an opportunity to voice their opinion and vote.
You’ve probably noticed the president uses a certain set of “rules” known as parliamentary law or Robert’s Rules of Order.
For more information on Parliamentary Procedure, see page 55 in the FFA Student Manual.

21. Parliamentary Procedure
C H A P T E R F O U R
Parliamentary Procedure
Using Parliamentary Procedure
Parliamentary law is designed to accomplish four main objectives in a properly operated business meeting:
1. Focus on one item at a time
2. Extend courtesy to everyone
3. Observe the rule of the majority
4. Ensure the rights of the minority
Although it may seem so at first, there is nothing complex about parliamentary law. There are however, certain things you must know in order to participate properly in a business meeting.

22. Parliamentary Procedure
C H A P T E R F O U R
Parliamentary Procedure
The main objectives of Parliamentary Law:
Focus on one item at a time
Extend courtesy to everyone
Observe the rule of the majority
Ensure the rights of the minority
Use of the Gavel
The gavel should be used as the symbol of authority to be exercised in the support of self-government and orderly procedure;
A single tap tells the members to be seated.
Two taps of the gavel calls the meeting to order.
Three taps of the gavel is the signal for all members to stand during the opening ceremonies. All members rise at the third tap of the gavel.
The gavel is the instrument for maintaining order during chapter meetings. If at any time members do not conduct themselves properly, a series of sharp turns of the gavel should restore order

23. Parliamentary Procedure Voting
C H A P T E R F O U R
Parliamentary Procedure
Voting
There are four common methods of voting:
1. Voice Vote, by saying “aye” (“I”) or “no”.
2. Rising vote, either by standing or by a show of hands.
3. Secret ballot, a written vote.
4. Roll call, with the secretary polling each member.
For chapters, in order for official business to be transacted, half or more of the active membership must be present. This is known as a Quorum.
Most votes require a simple majority which means more than half of the members voting must be in favor of the vote. In the event of a tie, the president may cast the deciding vote.
Common Methods of Voting:
voice vote
rising vote
secret ballot
roll call

24. Parliamentary Procedure Voting
C H A P T E R F O U R
Parliamentary Procedure
Voting
When a motion will limit the rights of a member or members, or it is indicated by the wording of its motion, a 2/3 majority is required.

25. Officer Responsibilities:
C H A P T E R F O U R
Meeting Requirements
There are many different responsibilities when meetings take place. Meetings require a presiding officer, someone to keep record of what takes place, and a group of other officers and members who present the motions and take part in the proceedings.
Officer Responsibilities:
President: May not enter into the direct discussion or introduce new items of business.
Vice President: Assumes the duties if the president leaves or wants to participate in the discussion.
Secretary: Prepares the agenda for each meeting and keeps accurate records.
Treasurer: Prepares a financial report for each meeting.
Reporter: Responsible for obtaining publicity of the chapter.
Sentinel: Ensures that the meeting room is prepared.

26. Motion Classifications
C H A P T E R F O U R
Motion Classifications
Motions are ranked from those that take precedence at any time to those that can not be brought up when another item is being discussed:
There are four types of motions:
1. Privileged
2. Incidental
3. Subsidiary
4. Unclassified
Refer to the link to see how the motions are ranked.

27. Conducting the Meeting
C H A P T E R F O U R
Conducting the Meeting
The main motion is used to get group approval for a new project or some other course of action. Use the following procedures:
1. The member rises and addresses the presiding officer by saying : Mr. /Mdm. President or Mr. /Mdm. Chairperson.
2. When recognized, the member begins the motion with these words: “I move that…” or “I move to...”: Never state a motion with “I make a motion”.
Following the motion a second is needed to ensure at least two members are interested. Members should say: “I second the motion”

28. C H A P T E R F O U R Amendments
If a member believes the main motion could be improved, it can be changed through an amendment.
There are three ways to present amendments.
1. By addition
2. By substitution
3. By striking out
Amendments are used to modify a motion.
Chapter Selections