Looking for the perfect way to begin a new year in FFA? Read on to discover how four chapters have gotten involved in their communities, grown as leaders, recruited new members and raised funds.
1. Creative Leadership Activity
Each year, Brunswick FFA members in Brunswick, Mo., prepare to become tomorrow’s leaders by job shadowing or participating in mock interviews.
Those who job shadow reach out to the location they’re interested in and schedule their visit. Members who opt for mock interviews wear FFA official dress or business professional attire and interview with an alumnus. All students receive feedback, and once they return to class, they discuss their experiences and write thank-you cards.
“Our members really value these opportunities, and we’ve gotten great feedback from our community,” says Brunswick FFA advisor Kendra Krapfl.
2. Unique Recruitment Efforts
Paris FFA members in Paris, Mo., start the member recruitment process early, introducing junior high school students to FFA.
“Our junior officers plan three meetings for the junior high students each year,” says Paris FFA advisor Josh Bondy. “The first meeting is focused on community service, the second is leadership-oriented and the third purely fun. We also invite them to a few chapter events to get them excited to join us when the time comes.”
3. Fun Fundraising Idea
In 2020, Pine Grove FFA Alumni in Ripley, Miss., created a can’t-miss community event to raise funds for Pine Grove FFA.
Alumni members hosted a bull-riding event called Bull Bash, pictured above, at their county fairgrounds. All proceeds from the annual event go to Pine Grove FFA to assist with chapter expenses and travel to FFA conferences and competitions.
Clarkdale FFA members make beds for the “No Kid Sleeps on the Floor” initiative.
“Our alumni supporters raised about $10,000 in 2021,” says Pine Grove FFA advisor Millie Chism. “Bull Bash is also a way for us to recruit new members. Kids in the audience see our members getting involved, and they want to join in the fun.”
4. Meaningful Community Service
Clarkdale FFA in Meridian, Miss., builds bunk beds for children in need through its “No Kid Sleeps on the Floor” initiative.
“We started by building bunk beds for children from our school, and word spread to the other schools in our area,” says Clarkdale FFA advisor Toni Buchanan. “The need was greater than we realized. We received two Living to Serve grants through FFA to fund this project, and local groups donated lumber and mattresses. Our efforts inspired others. Nine chapters across Mississippi are carrying on the ‘No Kid Sleeps on the Floor’ project.”
