Sun Prairie West FFA members in Wisconsin use their voices and creativity to celebrate diversity in agriculture. The chapter’s officer team designs monthly poster sets to showcase agriculturists’ diverse backgrounds and experiences — a project that began in February 2023 in recognition of Black History Month.
“We wanted to show our students just how diverse the agriculture industry is, both in terms of its people and careers,” says Jenny Herman, Sun Prairie West FFA advisor.
The chapter’s first poster set showcased 38 Black agriculturists. In the months to follow, Sun Prairie West FFA officers selected a new theme each month and researched agriculturists who fit that theme. Once finished, posters featuring these individuals were displayed in school hallways and on TV screens throughout their school.
“I’ve loved seeing how many students read the posters, connect with the individuals and, sometimes for the first time, see themselves reflected in the world of agriculture,” Herman says.
Lilli Nichols, the chapter’s current president, spearheaded the poster project. “I realized [many people] still think FFA stands for Future Farmers of America,” she says. “I wanted to teach them FFA is not just that – it’s for everyone, no matter their background.”
Are you interested in creating safe and welcoming spaces in agriculture and FFA? Read on for five tips from Carlos A. López, belonging and engagement specialist with the National FFA Organization.
1. Cater to all members.
Ensure everyone feels included during FFA events where meals are provided. Before these events, ask about any dietary restrictions others may have. Sharing this information with event organizers in advance allows for accommodations and accounts for allergies or religious observances.
Engage FFA members with fun events and activities that appeal to a variety of interests.
2. Hold monthly celebrations.
Embrace the diversity of celebrations throughout the year by highlighting a different one each month. Research and present information about these celebrations during chapter meetings or use them as inspiration for community service projects. Websites such as nationaldaycalendar.com provide resources to make your celebrations both meaningful and educational.
3. Recognize diverse definitions of family.
Remember various forms of families may exist within your chapter and community. To promote understanding and appreciation for different family structures and dynamics, create a display wall where members can share photos and descriptions of their families during events like chapter banquets.
Recognize and celebrate what each individual in your chapter brings to the table.
4. Launch a pen pal or chapter exchange project.
Foster connections and learn about people from other chapters through pen pal or exchange projects. These opportunities can take place between individual FFA members or entire chapters. You could also plan in-person meetups at larger FFA gatherings such as state conventions or the National FFA Convention & Expo’s FFA for All Experience.
5. Celebrate one another.
Consider launching a “Member of the Month” award series. Nominate someone in your chapter and ask everyone to share why they think that person deserves the award. Each month, this member can be featured on your chapter’s social media page. In addition to encouraging everyone to look for positive traits within one another, it showcases who your FFA chapter is and what makes it unique.
Above all, strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued and accepted.
