Happy New Year to our FFA advisors! As I reflect on the upcoming year, I am optimistic that this will be a great year for our organization, state associations and local chapters. We have learned so much about ourselves and our adapted abilities. Best of wishes for a successful year.
I write to you today with a sense of pride, resolve and petition. I am proud of the delegates’ actions at the 94th National FFA Convention and their unanimous passage of the value statements for our organization. The statements were a collective effort by the 2020-21 National FFA Officers, National FFA Board of Directors and National FFA staff to develop a series of statements that will drive our organizational actions as we strive for an equitable environment for members. In a time of divisive attitudes, opinions, views and beliefs, we stand solid on our focus to create an organizational culture aimed at “Building Positive Professional Members.”
As National FFA Advisor, my resolve is to lead our efforts in becoming an inclusive organization. The value statements were created to help us understand the key actions we can take to ensure an environment where FFA members will feel a sense of belonging.
Respect, Embrace, Welcome, Cultivate and Create
All are action words designed to help remind us as individuals of our responsibility in guiding young people. From February through June, I will reflect on these action verbs through my time as an agriculture teacher, FFA advisor and local community leader.
My petition is for you to join me and others as we propel the organization to a higher plateau of member engagement. We are a good organization—some might say “great,” and I agree with this statement as well. But, continuous improvement should be in our “wheelhouse.” Therefore, as advisors, our opportunity lies in the classroom, supervised agricultural experience visits, and FFA activities to help members understand the intended outcome of the “value of these statements.”
Please take a moment and reflect on the following intended outcomes as I will do in July through November:
- Every individual’s culture and experience is respected and embraced.
- The advancement of our communities.
- The advance of the industry of agriculture.
- Permission for every individual to recognize and explore differences.
- Enhancement of their (member) personal and professional endeavors.
I assure you that I am not asking you to change your values, political views, religious convictions or cultural allegiance. However, I am calling on state and local FFA advisors (me included) to “be the very best version of yourself.” As you teach students and members personal and professional skills, allow the value statements to stand as your principles. Use these statements to help you create an equitable environment for all members, teachers and supporters.
I am looking forward to sharing stories about Respect in February, including a tale about my grandpa.
Here by the Owl,
James
Dr. James Woodard
National FFA Advisor
