1. The FFA Purpose
The purpose is in the mission statement:
premier leadership, personal growth, and career success
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.

2. FFA Motto Learning to Do Doing to Learn Earning to Live Living to Serve
The FFA motto is made up of just twelve words, but these words are extremely powerful. The motto helps members in achieving their goals in life.
The motto is:
Learning to Do
Doing to Learn
Earning to Live
Living to Serve

3. Colors of the FFA
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.
The National FFA Organization chose national blue and corn gold as its official colors in 1929.
1. National blue represents the blue field of our flag. It signifies that the organization is national in scope and open to everyone.
2. Corn gold represents a crop grown in every state of the U.S. and national fields of crops ready for harvest – a sign of success. It helps to symbolize the commonality of the organization.

4. FFA pledge
To practice brotherhood, honor agricultural opportunities, and responsibilities, and develop those qualities of leadership which an FFA member should possess.
The National FFA Organization chose national blue and corn gold as its official colors in 1929.
1. National blue represents the blue field of our flag. It signifies that the organization is national in scope and open to everyone.
2. Corn gold represents a crop grown in every state of the U.S. and national fields of crops ready for harvest – a sign of success. It helps to symbolize the commonality of the organization.

5. The President is symbolized by “the rising sun”
The President’s duties include:
Appointing committees and serving on them as ex-officio member.
Coordinating chapter activities.
Evaluating the progress of the POA (program of activities) committee.
Representing the chapter in official and public relation events.

6. The Vice-President is symbolized by “the plow”.
The Vice-President’s duties include:
Assume all duties of the president if necessary.
Develop the POA and serves as ex-officio member on all committees.
Coordinate all committee work.
Establish and maintain the chapter resource file.

7. The Secretary is symbolized by “the ear of corn”.
The Secretary’s duties include:
Preparing and posting meeting agenda.
Preparing and presenting meeting minutes.
Placing all committee reports in designated area.
Being responsible for chapter correspondence.

8. Secretary duties - continued
Maintaining member attendance and activity records.
Keeping POA wall chart current.
Preparing materials for each meeting.

9. The Treasurer is symbolized by the “bust of Washington”
The Treasurer’s duties include:
Receives, records, and deposits FFA funds.
Present monthly Treasurer’s reports at meetings.
Collect dues.
Maintain a neat and accurate Treasurer’s book.
Prepare and submit membership roster.
Serve as chairperson for the Finance Committee.

10. The Reporter is symbolized by “the American Flag”
The Reporter’s duties are to:
Plan public information programs with radio, TV, and news media.
Send news releases to local and regional media.
Publish a chapter newsletter.
Prepare and maintain a chapter scrapbook.
Send stories to area, district, and state FFA reporters.
Serve as chapter photographer.

11. The Sentinel is symbolized by “the Shield of Friendship”
The Sentinel’s responsibilities include:
Assisting the president in maintaining order.
Keeping the meeting room, chapter equipment and supplies in proper condition.
Greeting guests and visitors.
Keeping the meeting room comfortable.
Taking charge of candidates for degree ceremonies.
Assisting with special features and refreshments.

12. The Advisor is symbolized “by the owl”
The Advisor is responsible for:
Supervising chapter activities.
Informing prospective students and their parents about FFA.
Instructing students in leadership and personal development.
Building school and community support.
Encouraging member involvement.
Preparing students for events and activities.

13. There are also other officers that serve the FFA Chapter.
These may or may not be elected positions:
The Historian - maintains the chapter’s scrapbook and assists reporter.
The Parliamentarian - rules on questions of parliamentary procedure.
The Chaplain - presents the invocation at chapter functions.

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20. Share each logo. What is the company known for?
How did we do?
Share each logo. What is the company known for?

21. How about this one? 7

22. The FFA Emblem
What is FFA known for?

23. Objectives Identify six parts of the FFA emblem.
Describe the meaning of each part.

24. EMBLEM CHALLENGE Objectives Identify six parts of the FFA emblem.
Describe the meaning of each part.
Explain the use of the FFA emblem.
EMBLEM CHALLENGE

26. The cross section of an ear of corn …
… represents our common interest in agriculture.

28. The eagle...
…is symbolic of the national scope of
the FFA.

30. The rising sun...
… represents progress in agriculture.

32. The plow...
...symbolizes labor
and tillage of
the soil.

34. The owl...
… represents knowledge and wisdom.

36. The words Agricultural Education surrounding FFA...
...tell us that FFA is an important part...
… of an agricultural education program.

37. This is our FFA emblem...

38. … wear it with pride!

39. What are Ethics?
Ethics are principles of right conduct, sometimes called morals. Where do you learn ethics? Should ethics be taught in school?

40. The 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.
Dress neatly and appropriately for the occasion.
Respect for the rights of others and their property.

41. The 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:
Be courteous, honest and fair with others.
Communicate in an appropriate, purposeful and positive manner.
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.

42. The 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:
Conduct and value a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program.
Strive to establish and enhance my skills through agricultural education in order to enter a successful career.
Appreciate and promote diversity in our organization.

43. The FFA Jacket The FFA Jacket should be … Worn only by members
Kept clean and neat
Worn on official occasions with the zipper to the top. The collar should be turned down and cuffs buttoned.
Note: It may be worn informally and unzipped
Worn by members at school and other appropriate places

44. The FFA Jacket The FFA Jacket should be …
Worn without school letters and insignia of other organizations
Discarded when it becomes faded
Worn with the member refraining from the use of tobacco and alcohol while it is on
Worn with three medals showing. The top:
FFA degree
FFA office
FFA award

45. Kinds of FFA Membership
1. Active
2. Alumni
3. Collegiate
4. Honorary
C. The FFA has four types of membership:
1. Active – those enrolled in agricultural classes and have paid their membership dues.
2. Alumni – open to former active members, collegiate, and honorary members,
and other individuals who support the FFA.
3. Collegiate – belong to FFA chapters at two- or four-year post secondary institutions and are enrolled in agricultural courses.
4. Honorary – given to individuals who have provided outstanding service to the FFA and/or agricultural education.

46. First year members in the FFA can earn the Greenhand Degree.
First year members are called greenhands.

47. Requirements of a greenhand include the following:
Be enrolled in an agriculture class and plan an Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE).
Know the creed, motto, salute, and FFA mission.
Explain the FFA emblem and colors.

48. Requirements of a greenhand include the following:
Demonstrate the FFA code of ethics and proper use of the FFA jacket.
Know the history of the FFA.
Have access to an FFA Official Manual and the FFA Student Handbook.
Submit a written application for the greenhand degree.

49. Greenhands receive the Greenhand pin, which is a bronze emblem of the FFA.

50. Each year a Greenhand is selected to receive the Star Greenhand Award.
The requirements are:
Must be an active first year member.
Must demonstrate leadership skills.
Must have an SAE program.

51. After completing at least two semesters of an agriculture course, members can earn the Chapter FFA Degree.

52. Chapter FFA Degree
This is the highest degree a chapter can bestow on its members.
This is usually awarded during the second or third year of membership.

53. Other requirements for the Chapter FFA Degree include:
Having an SAE program.
Earning and productively investing $150, at work or at least 45 hours outside of class time in a SAE program.
Effectively leading a group discussion for 15 minutes.

54. Other requirements for the Chapter FFA Degree include:
Demonstrating five procedures of parliamentary law.
Showing progress toward individual achievements in the FFA award program.
Having a satisfactory scholastic record.

55. Chapter FFA Degree
The Chapter FFA degree pin replaces the greenhand pin on the FFA jacket.
It is a silver emblem of the FFA.

56. Two members of the Chapter FFA Degree recipients may be chosen as stars.
The Chapter Star in Agribusiness has an outstanding agribusiness SAE.
The Chapter Star Farmer has an outstanding production agriculture SAE.

57. The State FFA Degree is granted by the state association.
Each state is limited to a maximum number of degree recipients.

58. Requirements for the State FFA Degree include:
Must hold the Chapter FFA Degree.
Must be an active member for at least 2 years.
Complete at least 2 years of agriculture courses.

59. Requirements for the State FFA Degree include:
Earn and productively invest at least $1000, or work at least 300 hours outside of class time in an SAE program.

60. Requirements for the State FFA Degree include:
Be able to demonstrate leadership ability by:
1. Performing 10 procedures of parliamentary law.
2. Giving a six-minute speech on FFA or an agriculture topic.
3. Serving as an officer, committee chairperson or participating committee member.

61. Requirements for the State FFA Degree include:
Be able to demonstrate leadership ability by:
4. Having a satisfactory scholastic record.
5. Participating in the POA.
6. Participating in at least five FFA activities above the chapter level.

62. State FFA Degree
Members receiving the State FFA Degree are presented with a gold emblem charm during a ceremony at their state FFA convention.
The State FFA Degree charm replaces the silver Chapter FFA Degree pin on their jacket.

63. State FFA Degree
The state association selects a State Star Farmer and State Star Agribusiness winner.
These winners receive a plaque and cash awards.

64. The American FFA Degree is the highest degree in the FFA.
This degree is awarded to members by the National FFA Organization.

65. American FFA Degree
Obtaining this degree requires a solid commitment to the FFA and agriculture.

66. In order to receive the American FFA Degree, a member must:
Hold the State FFA Degree.
Be an active member for at least 3 years or complete the program of agricultural education offered at the school last attended.
Complete at least 3 years of agriculture courses.
Graduate from high school at least 12 months prior to receiving the degree.

67. In order to receive the American FFA Degree, a member must:
Have an operation and records to substantiate an outstanding SAE program.
Earn and productively invest at least $7,500, or earn and productively invest at least $1,500 and work at least 2,250 unpaid hours outside class time in an SAE.

68. In order to receive the American FFA Degree, a member must:
Have a record of outstanding leadership abilities and community involvement.
Have a high school scholastic record of “C” or better.

69. American FFA Degree
American FFA Degree recipients receive the gold key during a ceremony at the National FFA Convention.

70. American FFA Degree
The American FFA Degree key replaces the State FFA Degree charm.
It should be worn either pinned on the jacket or on the standard key chain.

71. Each recipient receives cash awards, plaques, and medals.
The National FFA selects four national finalists for the titles of American Star Farmer and American Star Agribusiness.
The National FFA Organization selects a top American FFA Degree recipient in production agriculture as the American Star Farmer, and in an outstanding agribusiness SAE as the American Star in Agribusiness.
Each recipient receives cash awards, plaques, and medals.

72. The National FFA selects four national finalists for the titles of American Star Farmer and American Star Agribusiness.
All eight finalists receive part of their travel expenses to the National FFA Convention and a European agriculture tour.
These are the highest honors the FFA bestows to its membership.

73. http://www.ffa.org http://www.calaged.org FFA Manual FFA Handbook
Resources
FFA Manual
FFA Handbook
Program of Activities
REVIEW/SUMMARY. Use the objectives for the lessons as guides in reviewing and summarizing the content. Have students explain the content associated with each objective. Use questions at the end of the chapters as a review.
APPLICATION. Students can apply the content of the lessons in their agricultural education and FFA activities. Application can also involve one or more of the following student activities using attached lab sheets: