Introduction to the National FFA Organization

History1. Organized nationally in 1928 in Kansas

City, Missouri2. Father of the FFA-Henry C. Groseclose3. Chartered in Florida in 1929 (31st state

chartered)4. Sneads FFA chartered in 19345. Admitted girls into the FFA in 1969

1. First National Convention held in Kansas City, Missouri, during the time of the American Royal Livestock Show

2. National Convention held annually in Louisville, Kentucky

3. Florida’s FFA State Convention held each year at Greenlefe in June

Membership

1. 482,611 members in 8,500 chapters throughout the 50 states and Puerto Rico

2. Nearly 15,000 members in 290 Florida chapters

Officials1. State Advisor- Belinda

Chason

2. Executive Secretary- Teresa Wells

Florida Districts1. Twelve FFA districts in

Florida

2. State FFA leadership training center– 200 acres north of Lakeland

Official Song“Hail the FFA”

Official FFA Colors

National Blue and Corn Gold

The FFA MottoLearning to do, Doing to learnEarning to live, Living to serve

FFA CreedThe creed was written by E. M. Tiffany and adopted at the Third National Convention of the FFA. It was revised at the 38th and

63rd Conventions.

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 won and 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 on 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.

Symbols of the FFA Emblem

A. Owl– Symbolic of wisdom and knowledgeB. Plow– Symbolic of labor and tillage of the soilC. Rising Sun– Symbolic of a new day (era) in

agricultureD. Cross-section of the ear of corn– Symbolic of

common agricultural interestsE. American Eagle– Symbolic of the national

scope of the organization

Requirements for FFA Membership

A. Must be 14-21 years of ageB. Must be enrolled in vocational

agricultureC. Must be in good standing with

local chapterD. Any local requirements (pay dues

of $15)

Types of Membership

A. Active

B. Honorary

C. Alumni

D. Collegiate

Degrees of Active Membership

A. Greenhand

B. Chapter FFA

C. State FFA

D. American FFA

Offices of Local Chapters

A. President– Presides over all meetingsB. Vice-president– Assists president and

directs all committee workC. Secretary– Keeps minutes of all meetingsD. Treasurer– Keeps financial recordsE. Reporter– Reports chapter newsF. Advisor– Advises FFA members on all

matters relating to the chapter

Offices Continued

G. Sentinel– Assists president in maintaining order

H. Historian—Keeps chapter scrapbookI. Chaplain– Takes charge of religious

exercises during meetings, banquets, or other occasions

J. Parliamentarian– Informs the members on correct parliamentary procedure

State Officers

A. President—B. Secretary—C. Region I vice-president—D. Region II vice-president—E. Region III vice-president—F. Region IV vice-president—G. Region V vice-president—H. Advisor- Belinda Chason

Symbols of Officers’ Stations

A. Rising sun– PresidentB. Plow– Vice-presidentC. Ear of corn– SecretaryD. Bust of Washington– TreasurerE. American flag– ReporterF. Shield of friendship– SentinelG. Owl– AdvisorH. Eagle– ParliamentarianI. Holy Bible– ChaplainJ. Scrolls-- Historian

Symbols of Officers’ Stations

Essentials of a good chapter

A. Knowledgeability concerning FFA on the part of every member

B. Capable officers and leadersC. A sharing of responsibilities by all

members in chapter activitiesD. A challenging program of activities

Essentials of a good chapter

E. Adequate financing for all chapter activities

F. Proper paraphernalia, equipment, and records

G. Well-planned, regularly held chapter meetings

H. Support by school officials and community leaders

Primary Aim To promote premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through

agricultural education

Mission Statement

FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of members by

developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success

through agricultural education.

Specific Purposes

A. To develop competent and aggressive rural and agricultural leadership

B. To create and nurture a love of country life

C. To strengthen the confidence of students of vocational agriculture in themselves and their work

D. To create and nurture a love of country life

Specific PurposesE. To encourage members to improve farm

homes and surroundingsF. To encourage members in the development

of individual farming programs and in the establishment of agricultural careers

G. To participate in worthy undertakings for the improvement of agriculture

H. To develop character, train for useful citizenship, and foster patriotism

Specific Purposes

I. To encourage participation in cooperative effort

J. To encourage the practice of thriftK. To encourage improvement in

scholarshipL. To provide and encourage the

development of organized rural activities

DuesA. National $

B. State $

C. District $

D. Local $

Opening Ceremony

• Taps gavel 3 times• Group rises• President states: “FFA members, why

are we here?”• Members reply: “To practice

brotherhood, honor agricultural opportunities and responsibilities, and develop those qualities of leadership which an FFA member should possess.”

What the FFA Can Do For You

The FFA can do much for you, provided you put something into it. It will help you to:

1. Develop your leadership qualities through experiences leading

2. Work with other people3. Develop qualities that make for

character4. Serve other people in your community5. Learn to practice thrift

What the FFA Can Do For You

6. Desire to make good grades7. Have experiences in recreational

activities8. Learn the values of patriotism9. Obtain experiences in expressing

yourself to groups and individuals10.Develop self-confidence, citizenship,

and patriotism

What You Can Do For the FFA

1. Attend all meetings and take an active interest in the activities.

2. Carry out assigned responsibilities.3. Take the initiative to become familiar with the FFA.4. Support and cooperate with chapter leaders5. If chosen as an officer, consider it a responsibility, not

merely an honor.6. Plan and carry out committee responsibilities toward

achievement of goals that improve the chapter.7. At times, function as a desirable chapter

representative.

What the FFA Does

1. Educational tours and contests2. Tour members’ farms3. Teaches thrift4. Judging contests5. Attend leadership training meetings6. Parliamentary Procedure training

What the FFA Does

7. Honor and recognize outstanding members, parents, and friends

8. Hold parent-member banquet9. Attend the State FFA Convention10.Sponsor worthwhile events11.Barnwarming and parties12.Cooperate in community activities