Inspired, in part, by the FFA motto of “Living to Serve,” Brandon FFA in Mississippi has a long history of serving others. The chapter is known for engaging its members through servant leadership-focused events and activities.
“Andy White, a retired teacher [at our school], led with a servant’s heart,” says Toni Boatner, Brandon FFA advisor. “He instilled that heart for service into his students. One of his former students, Kramer Sowell, is now the lead teacher in the Brandon FFA Chapter. Sowell continues to lead as his mentor, Mr. White, did.”
From cooking for local civic organization events and benefits for cancer relief to setting up and tearing down at the county livestock show and Mississippi State Fair, Brandon FFA is always looking for ways to lend a hand. Members also volunteer with a local food bank, clothing closet and emergency response team.
Brandon FFA members serve their community in many different ways, including packaging meals for those in need.
“We work with our school’s special education classes to help these students participate in a shop project,” Sowell adds. “We also host a Christmas party for them, and we’re looking forward to hosting an Easter egg hunt in 2025.”
Additionally, the chapter helps adults in the community become more marketable in the workforce by providing adult education night classes in welding and small engine repair. Adults can sign up for an 8-week course led by Brandon FFA members.
“Teaching students to look for servant leadership opportunities encourages them to show compassion in areas that may have been otherwise overlooked,” Sowell says. “Winning a competition is great, and students learn a lot of valuable information preparing for these. However, they will change the world with a servant’s heart. That’s the real lesson they can take with them into the world to create change.”
Want to help your chapter become more service-oriented? Read on for Brandon FFA advisors’ seven tips for embodying servant leadership.
- Pay attention. Listen to those around you and look for opportunities to serve. Be intentional and clear about what you want to achieve.
- Don’t worry about self-gain. Serving others comes from the heart – it doesn’t need to be promoted or announced. Don’t be concerned with who gets the credit.
- Never close the door on an opportunity. We all lead busy lives, so we have to be selective about what we add to our full plates. However, don’t overlook an opportunity to make a difference.
- Allow yourself to be uncomfortable. Some acts of service challenge us to get outside of our comfort zones. Being willing to be uncomfortable can help you learn new skills, adapt to new situations and foster a deeper understanding of yourself and what you’re capable of.
- Advisors, support your students’ service ideas and thoughts. They may see things you don’t. As students grow, life gets busier, and they’ll have less free time. Show them the value found in serving while they’re young, so they’ll be open to continuing it in their adult life.
- See something? Do something. It’s not always enough to just say something when you see a situation that needs attention. Take action to create positive change.
- Keep a long-term perspective. The rewards of service work often circle back to benefit you. This could include positive word-of-mouth, a new customer at the annual plant sale or a job for a student, just to name a few.
Check out the Living to Serve platform to learn about National Days of Service, find inspiration for your next service project, read chapter success stories and more. Level 1 corporate partners for the National FFA Living to Serve platform include Cargill and Tractor Supply Co.
