What is the first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions, “blue corduroy jacket?” If I had to guess, I bet it is FFA. The infamous jacket is linked to one of the most elite leadership programs for high school students across the nation. This organization is built on supporting each other, supporting our future leaders, and supporting communities while being rooted in agriculture.
National FFA Week kicks off this week to commemorate George Washington’s critical role as a leader in agriculture with celebratory activities spanning the entire week of Washington’s birthday. What a celebration it will be! This week, over 760,000 FFA members across the country, will highlight FFA by celebrating successes while sharing the story of agriculture. As the festivities get underway this week, check out how local FFA Chapters are celebrating! And I know FFA Chapter activities this week will not disappoint! Past week activities included drive your tractor to school, dress like a farmer, games, and parties. Some chapters will even hold an annual pancake and sausage breakfast to help raise money for contest fees, jackets, and even help cover costs for members to attend State and Nation Conventions.
Aside from Chapter members, FFA relies heavily upon alumni, parents, teachers, and community members to help students achieve their personal, professional, and chapter goals. The level of support needed for FFA is so great that during FFA Week there are several ways FFA supporters can participate. Tuesday, February 23rd celebrates Alumni Day for past FFA members and supporters. On Thursday, February 25th it is Give FFA Day, which encourages the public to support various needs impacting FFA for a full 24 hours. Finally, on Friday February 26th, all FFA members and supporters are encouraged to wear blue and show their support for FFA. FFA promoters and Alumni can help sustain agriculture and invest in its future by standing behind our local FFA Chapters.
The sea of corduroy jackets at any FFA event is validation just how instrumental FFA is to students. As a former Co-Advisor, the passion these young professionals have for the growing needs in science, business, and technology, centered in agriculture, is infectious. With FFA serving as the top school-based youth leadership development organization in the nation, these students are the future leaders, decision makers, entrepreneurs, that will impact the future of agriculture. FFA has really committed all they can to Grow Leaders, Build Communities, and Strengthen Agriculture. And there is no better way to show appreciation for their hard work and dedication, then a weeklong celebration!
Follow #FFA on social media this week to see all that is happening! Find more resources available at FFA.org/National-FFA-Week.
