Dear FFA Advisors–
Today, I’m writing to update my message last Thursday to advisors and members attending the 94th National FFA Convention & Expo. The message was sent in regards to repeated disruptive and inappropriate behavior among our convention attendees. I believe it’s important to update everyone in FFA about these events and what steps National FFA will take going forward.
Inappropriate chants
On Wednesday and Thursday, our convention team noticed and received reports of numerous instances of disrespectful and inappropriate chants by FFA members during sessions and other events. FFA members must understand their actions reflect our organization as a whole at all times. After my message to advisors on Thursday night, our team noticed an immediate reduction in the inappropriate chants among convention attendees beginning Friday morning. I appreciate that our members and advisors took this request to heart, but I want to stress that such a message should not have been needed. It’s on all of us to represent FFA appropriately.
Shopping Mall merchandise
I can confirm that some vendors in the FFA Shopping Mall were selling unapproved items for multiple days during the convention. These items included partisan political flags and apparel. National FFA staff addressed these issues on Thursday. These sales should not have occurred during our event, and our team is making plans to ensure this won’t happen again. We apologize for this mistake.
Hand gestures
My message also referenced offensive hand gestures displayed on stage by members receiving awards during sessions. Specifically, we were concerned about the use of the “okay” hand gesture that is now associated with an offensive, harmful meaning. While we know context is important when understanding the use of this gesture, we are worried that its usually celebratory context may be misconstrued as exceptionally offensive due to the gesture’s multiple, well-known meanings. Please know that we are actively investigating each known incident and, if necessary, will address these actions directly with the members, advisors and school leaders involved. Part of this investigation has revealed that some uses of this hand gesture were intended to celebrate the success of members from Area III in Texas. In the future, we have requested this gesture not to be used at National FFA events and appreciate the collaboration and support from Texas state leadership on this issue. The intent of the gesture is inconsequential when it can be misunderstood.
I hope this update answers some questions and helps you better understand why we felt it was urgent to ask for your help in ensuring our convention attendees represented FFA appropriately. I believe that all of us in the agricultural education and FFA community have a responsibility to set expectations, model appropriate professionalism and correct behaviors and actions that don’t represent our organization, chapters and schools appropriately when they occur. This winter, National FFA plans to engage with state leaders and others on this topic.
I especially look forward to future conversations and work around the most recently ratified FFA Value Statements:
- We respect and embrace every individual’s culture and experiences.
- We welcome every individual’s contribution to advance our communities and the industry of agriculture.
- We cultivate an environment that allows every individual to recognize and explore their differences.
- We create leadership opportunities for every individual to enhance their personal and professional endeavors.
These value statements can help guide the actions and behaviors of our members, advisors and stakeholders. We must each embrace these statements as individuals and allow them to guide our members to grow and mature in the professional world of agriculture.
Please get in touch with me or any member of the National FFA executive leadership team if you have additional questions or concerns. I promise to share further updates on this topic as necessary.
Sincerely,
Dr. James Woodard
National FFA Advisor and Board Chair
