The Depew FFA Chapter in northeastern Oklahoma upholds the FFA motto by introducing programs to help its community.
One key aspect of the National FFA Organization is service. This has been part of the organization since its founding, and is signified by the third line of the FFA motto, “Living to Serve.” FFA chapters nationwide instill this in each of their members by finding ways to help or improve communities.
Local Service
In October, the Depew FFA Chapter partnered with Oklahoma Farm Bureau (OFB) to educate youth about the importance of fire safety. Students in kindergarten through second grade were taken through a 25-foot inflatable classroom, which included a kitchen, living room and bedroom, and were taught about what to do in the case of a fire. Depew FFA members assisted OFB representatives with educating the students, which included passing out fire safety booklets, stickers and other prizes.
Depew FFA would like to thank Burton Harmon, senior director of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers program, for sharing his expertise with members and students.
Making an Impact
This spring, the Oklahoma Farm Bureau will return to Depew to educate youth about all-terrain vehicle (ATV) driving, specifically with the hopes of reducing the amount of off-road and ATV-related accidents that occur throughout the year. Students in the Depew Public Schools District who are 10 years old and up can participate in the event, which will be held at the Depew football field.
During the training, participating students will start with a classroom portion that will take place for two hours. Then, they will be taken to the football field, where a licensed instructor who was hired by OFB specifically for this training will teach them how to safely operate an ATV. They will then undergo teamwork and leadership-based activities on the course to better help them understand the need for ATV safety.
In the future, the Depew FFA Chapter hopes to continue its work in the community to better serve those around them.
