FFA History and general information

History

• 1917 Congress passed the Smith Hughes Act. It established vocational education in high schools.

• 1928 The national FFA organization was formed by Henry Groseclose.

• 17 states participated.

History

• 1929- 36 states participated in the national FFA organization with Alabama included.

• 1965 – The NFA and the FFA combined into one organization.

• 1969 – FFA membership was open to girls• 1985 - Name change, the official name

changed from The National Future Farmers of America to the National FFA organization

• FFA colors – National Blue and Corn Gold

• FFA motto – Learning to do– Doing to learn– Earning to live– Living to serve

The FFA Creed

• 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 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 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 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.

FFA Emblem

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 agricultural education

• 4 kinds of membership– Active– Collegiate– Honorary– Alumni

• 4 degrees an member can earn and the metal that symbolizes the degee– Greenhand – bronze– Chapter FFA degree – silver– State FFA degree – Gold– American FFA degree – Gold

• FFA officers and their symbols– President – rising sun– Vice President – plow– Secretary – ear of corn– Treasurer – bust of George Washington– Reporter – American Flag– Sentinel – shield of friendship

• Types of contest FFA members can participate in.– Team contest – examples, forestry , livestock– Individual contest – example , public speaking– Proficiency contest – Chapter contest

FFA Meeting

• FFA members, why are we here?

• All members in unison:– To practice brotherhood, honor agricultural

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

FFA official dress

• Male members– Black slacks– White collared shirt– Official FFA tie– Black shoes– Black socks– Official FFA jacket zipped to the top

FFA official dress

• Female Members– Black skirt– White collared blouse– Official FFA blue scarf– Black dress shoes with closed heel and toe– Black hosiery– Official FFA jacket zipped to the top– Black slacks may be worn for outdoor

activities or traveling.

Parliamentary Procedure

• Why we use parliamentary procedure.– One thing at a time– Courtesy to everyone– The rule of the majority– The rights of the minority

• Parliamentary procedure is based on a book of procedures written by Colonel Henry Roberts.

• Roberts Rules of Order

Classification of motions

• Privileged

• Incidental

• Subsidiary

• Main

• Other

Purpose of a main motion

• To present an idea to the group for consideration.

• Can consider only one main motion at a time.

Main Motion

• The work horse of parliamentary procedure.– Requires a second– Is debatable– Is amendable– Requires a majority vote– Can be reconsidered.

How to present a main motion

• The member must rise and get the attention of the chair.

• When recognized the member begins the motion with “I move that… or I move to…”

• Motion must receive a second.• If a second is received the motion is then

opened to discussion.• After the discussion is completed the

motion is voted upon.

Subsidiary Motions

• Amend

• Refer to a committee

• Limit Debate

• Postpone

• Postpone indefinitely

• Lay on the table

• Previous Question

Amend

• Amendment – Changes the main motion• Requires a second• Is debatable• Can be amended• Can be reconsidered• Requires a majority vote• Amendments are presented during the

discussion of a main motion

Refer to a committee

• Delays action on a main motion by moving it to a committee for further study.

• Requires a second

• Can be amended

• Can be reconsidered

• Requires a majority vote

Limit Debate

• Ends discussion of a main motion

• Requires a second

• Cannot be debated

• Can be reconsidered

• Cannot be amended

• Requires a 2/3 majority vote

Lay on the Table

• Delays action on the main motion

• Requires a second

• Cannot be debated

• Cannot be amended

• Cannot be reconsidered

• Requires a majority vote

Postpone definitely or indefinitely

• Delays action on a main motion

• Requires a second

• Can be amended and debated

• Can be reconsidered

• Requires a majority vote

Incidental motions

• Point of Order

• Division of the House

• Suspend the Rules

• Parliamentary inquiry

• Withdraw a motion

Division of the house

• Requires the chairman to take a vote in a manner in which the votes can be counted.

• Does not require a second, cannot be debated or amended and does not require a vote.

Point of Order

• Brings to the attention of the chairman a violation of parliamentary law.

• Does not require a second, cannot be amended or debated and does not require a vote.

Privileged

• Adjourn

• End the meeting

• Requires a second

• Cannot be amended, debated, or reconsidered

• Requires a majority vote

Gavel

• Symbol of authority

• Used to signal the members.

• One tap – to be seated. To signal a decision by the members or chairman.

• Two taps – call to order. To start the meeting

• Three taps – members to stand.

Methods of voting

• Voice vote –

• Roll call

• By ballot

• By show of hands or by standing

Objective 1: Explain the four FFA Degree areas.

• A. First year members in the FFA can earn the Greenhand Degree.

• 1. First year members are called greenhands.

• 2. Requirements of a greenhand include the following:

• a. Be enrolled in an agriculture class and plan an Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE).

• b. Know the creed, motto, salute, and FFA mission.

• c. Explain the FFA emblem and colors.• d. Demonstrate the FFA code of ethics and

proper use of the FFA jacket.• e. Know the history of the FFA.• f. Have access to an FFA Official Manual and

the FFA Student Handbook.• g. Submit a written application for the greenhand

degree.

• B. After completing at least two semesters of an agriculture course, members can earn the

• Chapter FFA Degree.

• 1. This is the highest degree a chapter can bestow on its members.

• 2. This is usually awarded during the second or third year of membership.

• 3. Other requirements for the Chapter FFA Degree include:

• a. Having an SAE program.• b. Earning and productively investing

$150, at work or at least 45 hours outside of class time in a SAE program.

• c. Effectively leading a group discussion for 15 minutes.

• d. Demonstrating five procedures of parliamentary law.

• e. Showing progress toward individual achievements in the FFA award program.

• f. Having a satisfactory scholastic record.

• C. The State FFA Degree is granted by the state association.

• 1. Each state is limited to a maximum number of degree recipients.

• 2. Requirements for the State FFA Degree include:

• a. Must hold the Chapter FFA Degree.

• b. Must be an active member for at least 2 years.

• c. Complete at least 2 years of agriculture courses.

• d. Earn and productively invest at least $1000, or work at least 300 hours outside of class time in an SAE program.

• e. 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.• 4. Having a satisfactory scholastic record.• 5. Participating in the POA.• 6. Participating in at least five FFA activities

above the chapter level.

• D. The American FFA Degree is the highest degree in the FFA.

• 1. This degree is awarded to members by the National FFA Organization.

• 2. Obtaining this degree requires a solid commitment to the FFA and agriculture.

• 3. In order to receive the American FFA Degree, a member must:

• a. Hold the State FFA Degree.• b. Be an active member for at least 3 years or

complete the program of agricultural education offered at the school last attended.

• c. Complete at least 3 years of agriculture courses.

• d. Graduate from high school at least 12 months prior to receiving the degree.

• e. Have an operation and records to substantiate an outstanding SAE program.

• f. 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.

• g. Have a record of outstanding leadership abilities and community involvement.

• h. Have a high school scholastic record of “C” or better.

• II. The FFA provides an agricultural proficiency award program to recognize members who

• have an outstanding SAE, Supervised Agriculture Experience Program, in any of 33 areas.

• A. The proficiency awards are given for entrepreneurial and placement programs.

• B. Students compete on chapter, state, and national levels based on records kept on the SAE’s.

• III. The Career Development Events (CDE’s) allow members to exhibit their skills in areas that are part of classroom instruction in agriculture education.

• A. CDE’s begin at the chapter level. Participants may advance up to the national level.

• B. Students develop skills in classes related to careers in the agricultural industry.

• Objective 1: Describe the duties and responsibilities of the chapter FFA officers.

• I. Chapter officers serve a vital function in the FFA organization. The general duties for each officer are as follows:

A. The President

• A. The President is symbolized by “the rising sun”. The President’s duties include:

• 1. Appointing committees and serving on them as ex-officio member.

• 2. Coordinating chapter activities.• 3. Evaluating the progress of the POA

(program of activities) committee.• 4. Representing the chapter in official and

public relation events.

B. The Vice-President

• B. The Vice-President is symbolized by “the plow”. This officer’s duties are to:

• 1. Assume all duties of the president if necessary.

• 2. Develop the POA and serves as ex-officio member on all committees.

• 3. Coordinate all committee work.• 4. Establish and maintain the chapter

resource file.

C. The Secretary• C. The Secretary is symbolized by “the ear of

corn”. The Secretary’s duties include:• 1. Preparing and posting meeting agenda.• 2. Preparing and presenting meeting minutes.• 3. Placing all committee reports in designated

area.• 4. Being responsible for chapter

correspondence.• 5. Maintaining member attendance and activity

records.• 6. Keeping POA wall chart current.• 7. Preparing materials for each meeting.

D. The Treasurer• D. The Treasurer is symbolized by the “bust of

Washington”. This officer’s duties are to:• 1. Receives, records, and deposits FFA funds.• 2. Present monthly Treasurer’s reports at

meetings.• 3. Collect dues.• 4. Maintain a neat and accurate Treasurer’s

book.• 5. Prepare and submit membership roster.• 6. Serve as chairperson for the Finance

Committee.

E. The Reporter

• E. The Reporter is symbolized by “the American Flag”. The Reporter’s duties are to:

• 1. Plan public information programs with radio, TV, and news media.

• 2. Send news releases to local and regional media.

• 3. Publish a chapter newsletter.• 4. Prepare and maintain a chapter scrapbook.• 5. Send stories to area, district, and state FFA

reporters.• 6. Serve as chapter photographer.

F. The Sentinel• F. The Sentinel is symbolized by “the Shield of

Friendship”. The Sentinel’s responsibilities• include:• 1. Assisting the president in maintaining order.• 2. Keeping the meeting room, chapter

equipment and supplies in proper condition.• 3. Greeting guests and visitors.• 4. Keeping the meeting room comfortable.• 5. Taking charge of candidates for degree

ceremonies.

G. The Advisor• G. The Advisor is symbolized “by the

owl”. The Advisor is responsible for:• 1. Supervising chapter activities.• 2. Informing prospective students and their

parents about FFA.• 3. Instructing students in leadership and

personal development.• 4. Building school and community support.• 5. Encouraging member involvement.• 6. Preparing students for events and

activities.

• H. There are also other officers that serve the FFA Chapter. These may or may not be

• elected positions:• 1. The Historian – maintains the chapter’s

scrapbook and assists reporter.• 2. The Parliamentarian – rules on questions of

parliamentary procedure.• 3. The Chaplain – presents the invocation at

chapter functions.

What are the characteristics of a good leader?

• A. There are ten characteristics of a good FFA leader:

• 1. Fosters active participation.

• 2. Promotes group cooperation.

• 3. Obtains information for group use.

• 4. Encourages opinion and solution giving.

• 5. Stimulates critical thinking and evaluation.

• 6. Welcomes all suggestions.

• 7. Encourages differences as well as agreement in opinions.

• 8. Neutral in issues and sees both sides.

• 9. Attempts to change behavior of “troublesome participants”.

• 10. Constantly charts group progress.

• B. The uniform worn by FFA members is called the official dress.

• 1. The official dress for males includes:

• a. Black slacks.

• b. White shirt.

• c. Official FFA tie.

• d. Black shoes and socks.

• e. FFA jacket zipped to the top.

• 2. The official dress for females includes:

• a. Black skirt or slacks.

• b. White blouse.

• c. Official FFA scarf.

• d. Black shoes.

• e. FFA jacket zipped to the top.

• 3. The jacket should always:

• a. Be neat and clean.

• b. Have proper name, pins, and lettering.

C. Four areas important to leadership include:

• 1. Influence – encouraging an individual or group to take action.

• 2. Process – includes encouraging people and being respected by the group; helping

• others find answers.• 3. Relationship – must involve respect

between leader and followers.• 4. Service – must often sacrifice their own

wishes for the welfare of the group.