Want to play a role in planning your chapter’s programming while strengthening your leadership skills, personal connections and FFA involvement at the same time? If your chapter holds spring elections, consider running for an officer position.
In Tennessee, the 2023-24 Erwin FFA Chapter officer team at Unicoi County High School is comprised of all sophomores who serve on an executive board. By equally sharing responsibilities, they’re learning what it looks and feels like to be an FFA officer for the first time together.
We recently chatted with Noah Canter and Emma Hummer, members of the Erwin FFA officer team, about their experiences this year. They share five tips for creating a cohesive, balanced officer team that results in connections to last a lifetime.
1. Build relationships.
“As its leaders, the vibe of a chapter starts with your team,” Canter says. “If you can make it feel like a family, people will enjoy their time with FFA and want to spend more time with the chapter.”
Serving people has been Canter’s favorite part of being an officer. “Helping members create friendships and make memories each day has been an honor,” he adds.
2. Spend quality time with one another.
Before they were elected as officers, the Erwin FFA officers knew each other but weren’t particularly close, Canter says.
“We’ve simply spent a lot of time together,” he says. “We have FaceTime calls, do activities together and take time to learn things about each other.”
For Hummer, an officer retreat was one of her most memorable bonding experiences. “After being elected, we gathered to gain knowledge and plan the year,” she says. “During our retreat, we learned teamwork skills, how to lead and grew so much closer.”
3. Create a group chat.
Keep in frequent contact by creating a group text or group chat on social media and remember to include all your chapter officers.
“We like to send funny FFA TikToks to each other,” Canter says. “Communication, quality time and fun are key to a great officer team.”
4. Build trust and show respect.
“You have to trust your fellow officers to have an effective team,” Hummer says. “Believe they have the chapter’s best interest in mind.”
Along the same lines, a lack of respect can also cause teams to fall apart. “Respect your fellow officers enough to listen and communicate with them,” Hummer adds. “Listen to your teammates’ ideas and concerns. Hold each other accountable and help each other along the way.”
5. Don’t underestimate the abilities of younger FFA members.
Although it might be unusual to have an officer team made up of all sophomores, the 2023-24 Erwin FFA officers are strengthening their skills and confidence every day.
“We had a limited amount of knowledge stepping into office, but we embraced it,” Hummer says. “This experience has not only taught me how to lead and work on a team, but also that no matter their age or experience, anyone can accomplish their goals in life.”
