Unit Title: FFA LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT UNIT DIRECTORY: Unit Home UNIT GOAL: Students shall appreciate the wide variety of leadership training activities available through the FFA organization. Unit objectives: Upon completion of this unit, the students will be able to: 1. List, explain, and/or recite the following materials needed to become an FFA member: a. a short history of the FFA b. creed c. motto d. colors e. emblem f. kinds of membership g. aims and purposes h. the FFA salute i. dress code j. wearing the FFA jacket k. code of ethics l. FFA degree requirements 2. List and describe FFA awards available to members. 3. Identify contests in which ag students may participate. 4. List the requirements for earning the Chapter FFA degree, State FFA degree, and American FFA degree. 5. Identify regional, state, and national current information. (Use Best Informed Greenhand Contest materials).
Interest Approach: Objective A: History of the FFA Topic objectives: Upon completion of this lesson the student will be able to: Recite a short history of the FFA List and explain the colors of the FFA Curriculum (Content) (What to teach) Instruction (Methodology) (How to teach) Question Box: What is the FFA? HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE FFA Vocational Agriculture classes at the high school level had its beginning in 1917 with the passage of the Smith-Hughes National Vocational Education Act by Congress. From the very beginning, teachers who taught organized vocational classes in Agriculture recognized that competitive activities which evolved from good instructional programs were a common-bond. In 1928, the National FFA Association was formed. The following historical events have occurred since that time: 1. The National FFA Association was organized on November 20, 1928 at the site of the First National Convention in Kansas City, Missouri. a. Leslie Applegate became the first National FFA President. b. Dr. C. H. Lane was the first National FFA Advisor. 2. The first five states chartered to the National Association in 1928 were: a. Virginia b. Arkansas c. New Jersey d. California e. South Carolina 3. The official FFA creed and colors were adopted at the third National Convention in 1930. 4. In 1939, the National FFA purchased 28½ acres of land which was part of George Washington's estate. Present national FFA headquarters and supply service are located at this site. 5. In 1944, the National FFA Foundation was formed. 6. In 1950, the U.S. Congress passed Public Law 740, which granted the FFA a Federal Charter. 7. In 1952, the National Future Farmer magazine was first published. Presently, the magazine is published bi-monthly at a cost of one dollar for a paid FFA member. 8. In 1965 the "New Farmers" organization merged with the Future Go Through Slides #1-9 Go Through Slide #21 for colors
Farmers of America to create an integrated FFA. 9. In 1969 the FFA elected to welcome female members into the organization. In 1982, the FFA elected its first national female President: Jan Ebberley, from the State of California. 10. In 1988 Delegates at the national convention changed "Future Farmers of America" to the "National FFA Organization." 11. In 1989 the National FUTURE FARMER magazine's name was changed to FFA New Horizons, the Official magazine of the National FFA Organization. 12. In 1998 the dedication of the new National FFA center in Indianapolis, Indiana. 13. In 1999 the 72nd National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky. 14. Current enrollment in the national organization stands at students. Activity:
Interest Approach: Objective B: Chapter Formation & Mission and Strategies of the FFA Topic objectives: Upon completion of this lesson the student will be able to: List, explain and/or recite the mission and strategies of the FFA Special Materials & Equipment: Video "Today's FFA It's you!" By FFA www.ffaunlimited.org/videos.html Curriculum (Content) (What to teach) Instruction (Methodology) (How to teach) Question Box: How do students become FFA members? PART I: HOW IS THE LOCAL FFA CHAPTER FORMED? A. Agriculture must be taught in the high school. 1. The department chairman of the local agriculture is the chapter advisor. In a multi-man department the advisor may be designated. 2. In order to form a chapter, officers must be elected as prescribed by the State Constitution. 3. Prospective members develop a constitution and program of work. 4. An application for charter with a membership roster and leadership packet fees submitted to the state office. PART II: THE MISSION AND STRATEGIES OF THE FFA 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 ag ed. Go Through Slides #10-12 To accomplish this mission, FFA: 1. Develops competent and assertive agricultural leadership. 2. Increases awareness of the global and technological importance of agriculture and its contribution to our well-being. 3. To strengthen the confidence of agriculture students in themselves and their work 4. Promotes the intelligent choice and establishment of an agricultural career. 5. Encourages achievement in supervised agricultural experience programs. 6. Encourages wise management of economic, environmental and human resources of the community. 7. Develops interpersonal skills in teamwork, communications, human relations and social interaction.
8. Builds character and promotes citizenship, volunteerism and patriotism. 9. Promotes cooperation and cooperative attitudes among all people. 10. Promotes healthy lifestyles. 11. Encourages excellence in scholarship. Activity: Form a panel discussion group of former successful FFA members (American FFA degree recipients, State FFA degree recipients, and Chapter Officers, etc.) to explain and field questions pertaining to opportunities in the FFA.
Objective C: The Local Chapter and Sectional, Regional and State Organization Topic objectives: Upon completion of this lesson the student will be able to: Identify regional, state and national current information. Special Materials & Equipment: Best Informed Greenhand Contest materials. Curriculum (Content) (What to teach) Instruction (Methodology) (How to teach) Question Box: Who are the leaders in the FFA? PART I: THE LOCAL CHAPTER 1. Chartered in the year 2. Charter Number 3. Original Membership Number 4. Officers: a. President b. Vice President c. Secretary d. Treasurer e. Reporter f. Sentinel g. Advisor(s) 5. Dues: a. National: $5.00 b. State: $10.00 c. Chapter: $ 6. The qualifications for holding office a. Must be Chapter Farmer b. Must be active. c. Exhibit qualities of Leadership d. Knowledge of chapter organization. PART II: STATE ORGANIZATION 1. Utah Association consists of chapters. 2. Annual Utah State FFA Convention a. Held at in. 3. State FFA Headquarters are in Logan. 4. FFA Officers and Advisors. a. State Advisor - Mr. Buddy Deimler b. Executive Secretary - Mr. Brett Evans c. FFA State Officers 1) President: 2) Vice President: 3) Secretary:
4) Treasurer: 5) Reporter: 6) Sentinel: 5. Official Publication of Utah Association is the FFA New Horizons magazine. Activity: Conduct a local Best Informed Greenhand Contest.
Objective D: The National Organization Topic objectives: Upon completion of this lesson the student will be able to: List, explain and/or recite the kinds of membership in the FFA List, explain and/or recite what is necessary to receive the Greenhand Degree List and describe FFA awards to members Identify contests in which Ag students may participate List the requirements for earning the Chapter FFA, State FFA and American FFA degrees Understand the benefits of FFA membership Special Materials & Equipment: None Required Curriculum (Content) (What to teach) Instruction (Methodology) (How to teach) Question Box: What is the relationship of SAE to Classroom-Laboratory to FFA? A. The national organization is divided into four regions: 1. Western Region 2. Southern Region 3. Central Region 4. Eastern Region B. National Officers and Advisors 1. National FFA Advisor - Dr. Larry Case 2. National Executive Secretary - Coleman Harris 3. National Treasurer - Marion Fletcher 4. National FFA Officers: a. President b. Secretary c. Vice President - Western Region d. Vice President - Central e. Vice President - Southern f. Vice President - Eastern 1) Four Vice Presidents are elected - one from each region. 2) President and Secretary are elected from any region. C. Offices and Services at National level. 1. National FFA Headquarters, Alexandria, VA 2. National FFA Center, Indianapolis, IN D. National Convention 1. Held at Louisville, Kentucky. a. Utah Association sends a delegation each year to the National Convention in the last week of October. b. Utah is represented by 2 Official delegates designated as chair and vice chair of the state
delegation, plus additional official delegates based on the individual state association's percentage of national FFA membership. E. National Dues - $5.00 F. Official National Publication - The FFA New Horizons 1. Published six times a year. G. Membership 1. 1997-98 - 447,880 members in the National Organization 2. 53 chartered associations. H. National Constitution of the FFA 1. Membership a. Membership in this organization shall be of four kinds: 1) Active 2) Collegiate 3) Alumni 4) Honorary (a) Active membership: Any student who is regularly enrolled in vocational agriculture is entitled to become an active member of any chartered FFA chapter. (1) Members may retain their active membership for three years after the first National Convention following graduation from high school or leaving high school, or until becoming twenty-one years of age, whichever length of time is greater. (2) No individual may retain his active membership beyond his twenty-third birthday. (b) Collegiate membership: Collegiate membership may include students enrolled in agriculture courses and former active members of chartered local chapters who are enrolled in a two or four year institution having a collegiate chapter. (c) Alumni membership: Following the termination of active membership status, a former member becomes eligible for active alumni membership. (d) Honorary membership: Honorary membership can be awarded to farmers, school superintendents, principals, members of board of education, chapter advisors, teachers, staff members in agriculture education, businessmen, and others who are helping to advance agriculture and the FFA. 1. Honorary members shall be limited to the following: (a) Honorary Chapter FFA Degree Chapter level (b) Honorary State FFA Degree State level (c) Honorary American FFA Degree National level THE FOUR NATIONAL FFA REGIONS: Western Region: Alaska Arizona California Southern Region: Alabama Arkansas Florida
Colorado Guam Hawaii Idaho Montana Nevada New Mexico Oklahoma Oregon Texas Utah Washington Wyoming Central Region: Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Michigan Minnesota Missouri Nebraska North Dakota South Dakota Wisconsin Georgia Louisiana Mississippi Puerto Rico South Carolina Virgin Islands Tennessee Eastern Region: Connecticut Delaware Maine Maryland Massachusetts New Hampshire New Jersey New York North Carolina Ohio Pennsylvania Rhode Island Vermont Virginia West Virginia 2. Active Membership Degrees a. There are four types of degrees of active membership based upon achievement. They are: 1) Greenhand - Bronze medal 2) Chapter FFA - Silver medal 3) State FFA - Gold medal 4) American FFA - Gold medal key b. Degree Requirements: a) Greenhand Degree: 1. Be enrolled in ag ed. and have satisfactory plans for a SAE program. 2. Learn and explain the FFA Creed, Motto, Salute, & Mission Statement. 3. Describe and explain the meaning of the FFA emblem and colors. 4. Demonstrate knowledge of the FFA Code of Ethics and the proper use of the FFA jacket. 5. Demonstrate knowledge of the history of the organization, the chapter constitution, bylaws, and the chapter s program of Go Through Slides #68-69
activities. 6. Personally own or have access to the Official FFA Manual and the FFA Student Handbook. 7. Submit written application of the Greenhand FFA Degree. b) Chapter Farmer Degree: 1. Must have received Greenhand degree. 2. Must have satisfactorily completed the equivalent of at least 180 hours of systematic school instruction in ag ed. at or above the ninth grade level, have in operation an approved SAE program, and be enrolled in an ag ed. course. 3. Have participated in the planning and conducting of at least three official functions in the chapter s Program of Activities. 4. Have earned or productively invested at least $150 by the member's own efforts or worked at least forty-five hours in excess of scheduled class time, or a combination thereof, and have developed plans for continued growth and improvement in a SAE program. 5. Have effectively led a group discussion for 15 minutes. 6. Show progress toward individual achievement in the FFA award program. 7. Have a satisfactory scholastic record. c. State Farmer Degree: 1. Have received the Chapter FFA degree. 2. Have been an active FFA member for at least two years (24 months) at the time of receiving the State FFA Degree. 3. While in school, have completed the equivalent of at least two years (360 hours) of systematic school instruction in ag ed. at or above the ninth grade level, which includes a SAE program. 4. Have earned or productively invested at least $1,000, or worked at least 300 hours in excess of scheduled class time, or a combination thereof, in a SAE program. 5. Demonstrated leadership ability by: a. Performing 10 procedures of Parliamentary law. b. Giving a six minute speech on a topic relating to agriculture or the FFA. c. Serving as an officer, committee chairperson, or participating member of a chapter committee. Go Through Slides #70-71 Go Through Slides #72-74
6. Have a satisfactory scholastic record as certified by the local ag ed. instructor and the principal or superintendent. 7. Have participated in the planning and completion of chapter program of activities. 8. Have participated in at least 5 different FFA activities above the chapter level. d. American FFA Degree: 1. Must have the state farmer degree and have been an active member of the FFA continuously for at least 36 months and have a record of satisfactory participation in the activities on the chapter and state levels. 2. Have satisfactorily completed equivalent of at least three years (540 hours) of systematic secondary school instruction in an ag ed. program or have completed the program of ag ed. offered in school last attended. 3. Have graduated from high school at least 12 months prior to the national convention at which the degree is to be granted. 4. Have in operation and have maintained records to substantiate an outstanding SAE program through which a member has exhibited comprehensive planning, managerial and financial expertise. 5. Have earned and productively invested at least $7,500 or have earned and productively invested at least $1,500 and worked 2,250 hours in excess of scheduled class time. Any combination of hours x $3.33 plus dollars must be equal to, or greater than the number 9,000. Hours used for the purpose of producing earnings reported as productively invested income shall not be duplicated as hours of credit to meet the minimum requirements for the degree. 6. Have a record of outstanding leadership abilities and community involvement and have achieved a high school scholastic record of "C" or better as certified by the principal or superintendent. 3. Delegates to National Convention: a. Each state association is entitled to send two delegates from its active membership to the National Convention, plus additional delegates based on the individual state association's percentage of national FFA membership. 4. National FFA Foundation a. All national awards for outstanding accomplishment by FFA members, and many of Go Through Slides #75-78
those offered on a state and chapter basis, are provided by the National FFA Foundation. 1) FFA Agricultural Proficiency Awards: a) FFA Agricultural Proficiency Awards are available to all FFA members enrolled in the high school agriculture program. The purpose of the awards is to recognize members for this achievement in activities related to careers in production agriculture and agribusiness. b) There are 45 awards in which FFA members can be recognized in the Agricultural proficiency award program. 5. National and State Award Programs for Chapters a. Awards are provided by the National Foundation to chapters meeting national or state requirements. The awards are: 1) Superior Chapter Award: a) A special multi-year plaque will be awarded the first year a chapter is rated Superior by a state association. b) National: Bronze, Silver, or Gold Awards. c) A state association may recommend at least two or 10% of all State Superior Chapters which have met all requirements. 6. Official FFA Calendar - See FFA Manual 7. FFA BOAC - Building our American Communities 1) Purpose of BOAC is to develop community awareness and involvement of FFA members to construct a better America. 8. FFA Judging Teams State and National Competition. a. National Judging Teams (Louisville, Kentucky) b. State Contests Go Through Slides #31-67 Go Through Slide #79 and discuss what the different kinds of competitions are. Activity: Have students read an article on an FFA related topic from the FFA New Horizons and develop a written or oral report on the subject. Utilize National FFA Learning resources such as videos and filmstrips that depict FFA Leadership activities and involvement (See National FFA Supply Catalog) Have students complete an application for the Greenhand Degree. Organize a chapter judging contest and have all students participate.
Objective E: The FFA Emblem and Creed Topic objectives: Upon completion of this lesson the student will be able to: List, explain and/or recite the significance of the FFA emblem List, explain and/or recite the significance of the FFA creed Special Materials & Equipment: FFA Emblem (Back of Jacket, etc.) Curriculum (Content) (What to teach) Instruction (Methodology) (How to teach) Question Box: Why are symbols so important? PART I: THE FFA EMBLEM A replica of the FFA Emblem (such as on the back of an FFA jacket) should be made visible to the class while presenting this lesson. Go Through Slides #13-19 The National Emblem of the FFA is significant and meaningful in every detail. Used by members in all recognized units in the organization, it is made up of five symbols: the owl, the plow, and the rising sun, within the cross-section of an ear of corn, which is surrounded or surmounted by the American eagle. Upon the face of the emblem appear the words, "Agriculture Education", and the letters, "FFA. The Owl is symbolic of wisdom and knowledge. The Plow is the symbol of labor and tillage of the soil. The Rising Sun is emblematic of progress and the new day that will dawn when all farmers are trained and have learned to cooperate. The cross section of an Ear of Corn represents common agricultural interests since corn is native to America and grown in every state. The Eagle is indicative of the national scope of the organization. PART II: FFA CREED (Written by E. M. Tiffany, Adopted at the 3rd National FFA Convention) I believe in the future of Agriculture, with a faith born not of words but of deeds -- achievements won by the present and pat generations of agriculturists; in the promise of better days through Hand out copies of FFA Creed to students for them to look over. Read the creed as a class and ask them to
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. think about significant parts of the creed. 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 for 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 America Agriculture can and will hold true to the best traditions of our national life and that I can exert and influence in my home and community which will stand solid for my part in that inspiring task. Activity: Conduct a local FFA Creed Contest.
Objective F: Chapter Officer Duties Topic objectives: Upon completion of this lesson the student will be able to: Name all of the offices and the symbol, duties and responsibilities associated with each Special Materials & Equipment: Officer meeting room symbols Curriculum (Content) (What to teach) Instruction (Methodology) (How to teach) Question Box: What is the significance of symbols? Chapter Officers Office Symbol Duties/Responsibilities Go Through Slides #80-82 President Rising Sun a. Presides over and conducts Chapter meetings b. Calls special meetings c. Represents chapter d. Appoints committees e. Coordinates chapter functions Vice Plow a. Assist the President President b. In charge of committees c. Presides at meetings in absence of President Secretary Ear of corn a. Prepares and read minutes of meetings b. Sends out and post notices c. Keeps permanent chapter records d. Read official correspondence and communications at meetings Treasurer Bust of a. Receives and acts as custodian Washington of chapter funds b. Collects dues c. Helps prepare chapter budget Reporter American a. Prepares news items Flag b. Classifies chapter news Sentinel Clasped a. Sets up meeting room Hands b. Attends door and welcomes visitors
c. Helps President maintain order Advisor Owl a. Responsible for supervision of FFA activities and advising studentleaders Historian Scroll a. Assist the Reporter in writing news articles b. Maintain Scrapbook c. Research and document chapter history Parliamentarian Chaplain a. Be proficient with Parliamentary Procedure b. Rule on all questions of parliamentary conduct at chapter meetings. a. Conduct reflections at meetings and conferences. Activity: Conduct FFA Greenhand Elections. Invite a state officer in to instruct in the improvement of their FFA Chapter and advancement within the organization.
Objective G: FFA Jacket, Dress Code, Code of Ethics, Motto and Salute Topic objectives: Upon completion of this lesson the student will be able to: Recite the FFA Motto Describe and perform the FFA Salute Describe and explain the FFA dress code Describe and explain the wearing of the FFA jacket Recite and explain the FFA code of ethics Special Materials & Equipment: FFA Jacket Curriculum (Content) (What to teach) Instruction (Methodology) (How to teach) Question Box: Why should people in agriculture develop their leadership abilities? PART I: THE PROPER USE OF THE FFA JACKET A. The jacket should only be worn by members. B. The jacket should be kept clean and neat. C. The back of the jacket includes only: a large official FFA emblem, the name of the State Association and the name of the local chapter, district or area. The front of the jacket includes only: a small official FFA emblem, and the name of the individual, one office or honor, and the year of that office or honor. D. The jacket should be worn on official occasions with the zipper fastened to the top. The collar should be turned down and the cuffs buttoned. E. The jacket should be worn by officers and members on all official FFA occasions, as well as other occasions where the chapter or State Association is represented. It may be worn to school and other appropriate places. F. The jacket should only be worn to places that are appropriate for members to visit. G. When the jacket becomes faded and worn, it should be discarded or the emblems and lettering removed. H. The emblems and lettering should be removed if the jacket is given or sold to a nonmember. I. A member should act professionally when wearing the official FFA jacket. J. Members should refrain from use of tobacco and alcohol when underage and at all times when representing the FFA. In addition, members should exhibit their leadership qualities when they encounter substances including tobacco and alcohol and serve to discourage others from inappropriate behavior. K. All chapter degrees, officer, and award medals should be worn beneath the name of the right side of the jacket, with the exception that a single State FFA Degree or American FFA Degree key Go Through Slides #23-27
should be worn above the name or attached to a standard key chain. No more than three medals should be worn on the jacket. These should represent the highest degree earned, the highest office held, and the highest award earned by the member. PART II: DRESS CODE The official dress for female members is to be black skirt (at least to the knee), white blouse with official FFA blue scarf, black shoes, and official jacket zipped to the top. Black slacks may be worn for outdoor activities, such as judging, contest and camping. The official dress for male members is to be black slacks, white shirt, blue FFA tie, black shoes and socks, and the official jacket zipped to the top. PART III: THE FFA CODE OF ETHICS FFA members conduct themselves at all times in order to be a credit to their organization, chapter, school, and community and family. As an FFA member, I pledge to: A. Develop my potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success. B. Make a positive difference in the lives of others. C. Dress neatly and appropriately for the occasion. D. Respect the rights of others and their property. E. Be courteous, honest, and fair with others. F. Communicate in an appropriate, purposeful and positive manner. G. Demonstrate good sportsmanship by being modest in winning and generous in defeat. H. Make myself aware of FFA programs and activities and be an active participant. I. Conduct and value a supervised agricultural experience program. J. Strive to establish and enhance my skills through ag ed. in order to enter a successful career. K. Appreciate and promote diversity in our organization. PART IV: FFA MOTTO Learning to do Doing to Learn Earning to Live Living to Serve PART V: THE FFA SALUTE "To practice brotherhood, honor agricultural opportunities and responsibilities, and develop those qualities of leadership which an FFA member should possess." Go Through Slides #28-30 Go Through Slide #20 Go Through Slide #22 Activity: Form committees among the Greenhands to help formulate, review, revise and/or improve your chapter's Program of Work. Have students complete worksheet designed by you from the FFA Official Manual and/or FFA Student Handbook.
REFERENCES The Official FFA Manual (current year) Student FFA Handbook, National FFA Supply Catalog FFA Activity Handbook, National FFA Supply Catalog Advisor's Guide: FFA, National FFA Supply Catalog The FFA and You, Interstate Publisher & Printing Handbook on Student Organizations in Vocational Education, Interstate Publisher & Printing The FFA New Horizons www.ffa.org RESOURCES Official FFA Catalog www.ffaunlimited.org State FFA Advisor Assistant State FFA Advisor or Executive Secretary Regional Supervisors Unit Home