The summer of 2020 will be tied forever to both the COVID-19 pandemic and the worldwide marches and protests for social justice. The demonstrations raised our awareness of the importance of diversity, inclusion and equity — and all the places they’re lacking.”
I found myself nodding in agreement as I read these words from writer Jami Stall in “A Future for All,” a collection of stories from FFA members willing to share their experiences to help promote understanding and awareness as it relates to inclusion, diversity and equity, on page 24.
For years, FFA has sought to grow more in these areas. Nearly a century after its formation, steps toward broader accessibility and inclusion have been taken. But it is clear that FFA must continue to progress.
As a tangible next step, the National FFA Organization and the National Association of Agricultural Educators have developed an initiative called Agricultural Education for All, which will provide diversity training to students, teachers and advisors alike.
As this initiative rolls out, FFA New Horizons will be here to give a voice to those issues and perspectives. Perspectives like that of Sean Neal, who has used a wheelchair since age 6 due to a neuromuscular disease. As a teen, joining FFA afforded Neal the chance to experience being a teammate and the thrill of competing (and winning) among peers. “Without the opportunity to play sports, I didn’t have an outlet where I could
express my fierce competitive nature, but FFA provided me that opportunity,” he says in “A Future for All.” “Being able to compete on an equal playing field was something I really appreciated, and my advisor was always supportive. Never hesitating, he was always like, ‘We’ll figure out how to do it.’”
I love that.
So here’s my challenge to you (and to myself) in this season of life: Let’s commit ourselves to learning from someone who is different from us. Listen. Find common ground. Be a bridge builder. Grow.
Let’s get to work, friends!
Have a fantastic fall.
– Justin Davey
Editor, FFA New Horizons
