The National FFA Organization is not just about cultivating crops and raising animals; it's also about nurturing the growth of young minds and leaders. Recently, The Alma FFA embarked on a transformative journey to a conference in Gale-Ettrick- Trempealeau on Tuesday, September 19. This was more than just workshops and lectures. It was a profound experience in self-discovery, FFA knowledge enhancement, leadership development, teamwork, and discovering individual strengths taught by Wisconsin FFA officers.
The event kicked off with splitting into groups depending on your strengths such as age and chapter officer position. The workshop was designed for high school FFA members with no specific role in their chapter learned about “How to be your true self”. In a world filled with expectations and pressures, learning to be authentic is a skill worth cultivating. FFA members learned that being true to yourself is the foundation for personal and professional growth. They explored their passions and values. This specific workshop demonstrated that authenticity is the key to building genuine connections and relationships.
FFA members are known for their dedication to agriculture and farming, but there's always more to learn. The conference offered a variety of sessions dedicated to FFA knowledge. These workshops showed FFA members the history behind the organization. They gained insights into the different things that FFA had to offer, and what they mean. One example of this is events and competitions. The workshop informed students about events such as LDE and CDE.
Leadership Development Event and Career Development Event help students build confidence through their FFA experiences. According to the official National FFA website “Members in grades 7 to 12 are challenged to develop critical thinking skills and effective decision-making skills, foster teamwork and promote communication while recognizing the value of ethical competition and individual achievement.” One example of an LDE is prepared public speaking. “During the Prepared Public Speaking Leadership Development Event, students write and deliver a six to eight-minute speech about a current agriculture-related topic. Students research a topic of interest and then put together a creative, informative speech. The speech is then presented to a panel of judges, who score the student based on the speech’s content, composition, and delivery. This is just one example of over 15 CDE and LDE competitions FFA has to offer.”
Leadership isn't just about taking charge; it's about inspiring others and making a positive impact. One session was a highlight of the workshop, teaching FFA members essential leadership skills. They learned about effective communication, setting goals, and the importance of leading by example. With this newfound knowledge, they are now better prepared to take on leadership roles within their FFA chapters and beyond.
Teamwork is a fundamental aspect of FFA. Agriculture is a collective effort. FFA teaches members to understand the significance of collaboration and teamwork. One workshop emphasized the value of working together toward a common goal. FFA members participated in team-building exercises that strengthened their bonds and taught them how to navigate challenges as a unified force.