Learning For All ~ Whatever It Takes!

Tecumseh Local Schools

Program of Activities

TECUMSEH FFA ANNUAL

PROGRAM OF ACTIVITIES

Table of Contents

Message from the Advisors---------------------------------------3

The Mission and Strategies---------------------------------------8

Code of Ethics-------------------------------------------------------8

The FFA Creed-----------------------------------------------------9

The Motto-----------------------------------------------------------10

The Pledge-----------------------------------------------------------10

FFA Purpose--------------------------------------------------------10

The Emblem---------------------------------------------------------10

Program of Activities Committees------------------------------11

FFA Member Roster-----------------------------------------------15

State Degree---------------------------------------------------------16

American Degrees--------------------------------------------------18

Honorary Degrees--------------------------------------------------19

FFA Chapter Constitution---------------------------------------20

Proper Use of the FFA Jacket------------------------------------28

Proper Official Dress-----------------------------------------------28

Banquet Dress Code------------------------------------------------28

National FFA Officers----------------------------------------------29

State FFA Officers--------------------------------------------------29

Chapter FFA Officers----------------------------------------------29

Officer and Chapter Objectives----------------------------------30

FFA Officers’ Responsibilities------------------------------------31

Message From the Advisors

“The Advisor”………. “Here by the owl.”

Why stationed by the owl?”

“The owl is a time-honored emblem of knowledge and wisdom. Being older than the rest of you, I am asked to advise you from time to time, as the need arises. I hope that my advice will always be based on true knowledge and ripened with wisdom.”

The Tecumseh FFA Advisor is proud of Tecumseh FFA’s past successes and is even more excited about our promising future with 91 FFA members for the 2011-2012 school year. The opportunity to get involved in leadership activities, career development events, personal development activities/seminars, and community service involvement is enhanced with the excellent support of our administration and community. The door of opportunity is open and ready for our FFA members to take that chance and walk through the door of opportunity and make their mark.

Agriculture continues to grow and change along with our changing domestic and world demands. With over 300 agricultural careers to choose from, we believe that our students can explore and better prepare themselves for the workforce and get a head start with their involvement in the world’s premier youth leadership organization, the FFA. We challenge our FFA members to get involved and to excel as they pass through their door of opportunity.

Agriculturally yours,

_____Todd M. Vehorn___

Todd M. Vehorn

The Mission and Strategies

FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

To accomplish this mission, FFA:

Develops competent and assertive agricultural leadership.
Increases awareness of the global and technological importance of agriculture and its contribution to our well-being.
Strengthens the confidence of agriculture students in themselves and their work.
Promotes the intelligent choice and establishment of an agriculture career.
Encourages achievement in supervised agricultural experience programs.
Encourages wise management of economic, environmental, and human resources of the community.
Develops interpersonal skills in teamwork, communications, human relations, and social interaction.
Builds character and promotes citizenship, volunteerism, and patriotism.
Promotes cooperation and cooperative attitudes among all people.
Promotes healthy lifestyles.
Encourages excellence in scholarship.

The Agricultural Education Mission

Agricultural Education prepares students for successful careers and lifetime of informed choices in the global agriculture, food, fiber and natural resources system.

The National Council for Agricultural Education

The National Council for Agricultural Education provides leadership, coordination and support for the continuous improvement and diversity of agricultural education.

Code of Ethics

FFA members conduct themselves at all times to be a credit to their organization, chapter, school, community and family. As an FFA member, I pledge to:

1. Develop my potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success.

2. Make a positive difference in the lives of others.

3. Dress neatly and appropriately for the occasion.

4. Respect the rights of other and their property.

5. Be courteous, honest and fair with others.

6. Communicate in an appropriate, purposeful and positive manner.

7. Demonstrate good sportsmanship by being modest in winning and generous in defeat.

8. Make myself aware of FFA programs and activities and be an active participant.

9. Conduct and value a supervised agricultural experience program.

10. Strive to establish and enhance my skills through agricultural education in order to enter a successful career.

11. Appreciate and promote diversity in our organization.

The FFA Creed

I believe in the future of agriculture, with a faith born not of words but of deeds-achievements won by the present and past generations of agriculturists; in the promise of better days through better ways, even as better things we now enjoy have come to us from the struggles of former years.

I believe that to live and work on a good farm, or to be engaged in other agricultural pursuits, is pleasant as well as challenging; for I know the joys and discomforts of agricultural life and hold an inborn fondness for those associations which, even in hours of discouragement, I cannot deny.

I believe in leadership from ourselves and respect from others. I believe in my own ability to work efficiently and think clearly, with such knowledge and skill as I can secure, and in the ability of progressive agriculturists to serve our own and the public interest in producing and marketing the product of our toil.

I believe in less dependence on begging and more power in bargaining; in the life abundant and enough honest wealth to help make it so-for others as well as myself; in less need for charity and more of it when needed; in being happy myself and playing square with those whose happiness depends upon me.

I believe that American agriculture can and will hold true to the best traditions of our national life and that I can exert an influence in my home and community which will stand solid for my part in that inspiring task.

The creed was written by E.M. Tiffany and adopted at the 3^rd National Convention of the FFA. It was revised at the 38^th Convention and the 63^rd Convention.

The Motto

Learning to do, Doing to Learn,

Earning to Live, Living To Serve

The Pledge

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

FFA Purpose

“To practice brotherhood, honor agricultural opportunities and develop those qualities of leadership which an FFA member should posses.

The Emblem

The cross section of the ear of corn provides the foundation crop of the emblem, just as corn has historically served as the foundation crop of American Agriculture. It is also a symbol of unity, as corn is grown in every state of the nation.

The rising sun signifies progress and holds a promise that tomorrow will bring a new day glowing with opportunity

The plow signifies labor and tillage of the soil, the backbone of agriculture and the historic foundation of our country’s strength.

The owl long recognized for its wisdom, symbolized the knowledge required to be successful in the industry of agriculture.

The words “Agriculture Education” and “FFA” are emblazoned in the center to signify the combination of learning and leadership necessary for the progressive agriculture.

Committees

Division I- Student Development

Leadership

Officer Training / COLT Conference
FFA Meetings
Agricultural Festival
FFA Banquet
Made For Excellence / Leadership Nights

Health & Recreation

Community Service and recreation projects
Make a Difference Day
Conduct and organize seasonal recreation outside of school
Farm Safety Day
FFA Blood Drive
Shop Safety
Teens against tobacco/alcohol/drugs

SAE

To encourage FFA members to become engaged in agriculture or agriculturally related to occupations

through informational and promotional Supervised Agriculture Experience activities.

Showcase Supervised Agriculture Experience’s at the Banquet and special meetings
To have all members conduct a SAE program that is the proper size and scope in terms of career objectives and residence.
Encourage members to get further education outside of the classroom.
Apply for Proficiency Awards.
Posters about SAE

Scholarship

Peer Tutors
Present a college scholarship
Present money award to the top Ag. Related science fair project
Present a scholarship plaque to the top scholar of each class at the banquet
Silent Auction

Agricultural Career Skills

Field Trips
Top of Ohio Tour
Farm Science Review
Inform 8^th graders and Ag. Science I students about career development events
Enter Fair exhibits
County and state invitational contests/fairs

Division II- Chapter Development

Recruitment

New member night
8^th Grade Recruitment Day
Ag Career Day

Finance

· Participate in chapter activities that encourage thrift among members and raise money for this year

Fundraisers/Incentives
Fruit Sales
Contact fruit sellers and organize sales
Treasurer’s Book

Public Relations

County and State Fair Committees

Public Relations
Recognize achievements and spark interest in future members, locally and state wide.
Promote chapter through school media

Support Group

Alumni / Boosters
BBQ Dinner
Family Fun Contest

Division III- Community Development

Economic Development

Helping local charities
Adopt a Family
Conduct activities that will improve economic welfare of the community

Agricultural Awareness

Conduct activities that will help preserve the natural resources and develop more environmentally responsible individuals
Conduct Building Our American Community projects
Greenhouse
Tree planting
Landscaping projects
Wildlife Awareness
Organize and oversee a recycling center

Human Resources

Bike Safety Rodeo
Elderly night

– caroling, bingo, etc. at rest homes

Chapter cooperation with school and community organizations
Conduct activities to improve the welfare and well being of members and citizens to community
Our Daily Bread

Citizenship

Relay for Life
Santa Claus At lunch
FFA Food Drive
Donations to organizations (Children’s Hospital, Our Daily Bread, CROP, Discovery Riders)
FFA member of the week/month
Conduct activities that will promote and encourage members to become active, involved citizens of their school, community and country

TECUMSEH FFA Officer and Chapter Objectives

· To have 75% of FFA members involved in at least one Career Development Event.

· To apply for and earn a gold rating on the National Chapter Award.

· To have all eligible students apply for their State and American FFA Degrees.

· To improve communication and cooperation by publishing articles in school and local newspapers, having monthly slideshows, newsletters every six weeks, weekly announcements and radio announcements.

· To have agendas posted five days in advance to an FFA meeting and to have the minutes hanging five days after an FFA meeting.

· To have 75% of the members who sell fruit reach the goal of 25 units.

FFA Officers’ Responsibilities

General Duties of all officers:

1. A commitment to a genuine desire to be part of a leadership team.

2. A willingness to accept responsibility.

3. A sincere desire to work with all chapter members in meeting their leadership, personal and chapter goals.

4. A commitment to lead by example.

5. A knowledge and understanding of the chapter, state and national FFA constitution and bylaws.

6. A working knowledge of parliamentary procedure.

7. An ability to memorize their parts in the official ceremonies.

8. Work closely with the president and advisor to assess progress toward meeting chapter goals.

9. a monthly typed officer report reported at the monthly meetings and turned into the secretary by each officer.

President’s Specific Responsibilities:

1. Preside over meetings according to accepted rules of parliamentary procedure.

2. Coordinate the activities of the chapter and evaluate the progress of each division of the Program of Activities.

3. Represent the chapter in public relations and official functions.

4. To open the meeting at the appointed time by taking the chair and calling the meeting to order.

5. To assure that passed motions at meetings are carried out.

Vice President #1 Specific Responsibilities:

1. Assume responsibilities of president if necessary.

2. Develop the Program of Activities and serve as an ex-officio (non-voting) member of the Program of Activities committees.

3. Coordinate all committee work for Division I (Student Development Committees) and Division II Chapter Recruitment, Financial, and Leadership Committees.

4. Recite the Vice President’s opening ceremonies part for September, November, January, March, May meetings and the annual FFA Parent Member Banquet.

5. The 1^st Vice President is to run the executive meetings and type agendas for executive and regular meetings for the same months reciting ceremonies.

Vice President #2 Specific Responsibilities:

1. Develop the program of Activities and serve as an ex-officio (non-voting) member of the Program of Activities assigned committees.

b. Coordinate all committee work for Public Relations and Support Group Committees in Division II and Division III (Community Development) Economic, Environmental, Human Resources, and Citizenship Committees.

c. Recite the Vice President’s opening ceremonies part for October, December, February, and April meetings.

d. The 2^nd Vice President is to run the executive meetings and type agendas for executive and regular meetings for the same months reciting ceremonies.

Secretary's Specific Responsibilities:

1. To keep a record of all proceedings of the organization usually called minutes.

2. To keep on file all committee reports.

3. To keep the organization's official membership roll and to call the roll where it is required.

4. To make the minutes and records available to members upon request.

5. To notify officers, committee members and delegates of their election or appointment, to furnish committees with whatever documents are required for the performance of their duties, and to have on hand at each meeting a list of all existing committees and their members.

6. To furnish delegates with credentials.

7. To maintain record book in which bylaws, special rules of order, standing rules, and minutes are entered, and have the current record book on hand at every meeting.

8. To send out to the membership a notice of each meeting, known as the call of the meeting, and be responsible for chapter correspondence.

9. To prepare, prior to each meeting, an order of business for the use of the presiding officer, showing the exact order, under the correct headings, all matters in advance that are due to come up and the times for which they are set.

10. In the absence of the president and vice president, to call the meeting to order and preside until the immediate election of a chairman pro term.

11. Prepare and present minutes of each chapter meeting.

12. Have on hand State FFA rubric for keeping secretary’s book and submitting their book for district evaluation.

Treasurer’s Specific Responsibilities:

1. Receive, record, and deposit FFA funds and issue receipts.

2. Present monthly treasurer’s reports at chapter meetings.

3. Have on hand State FFA rubric for keeping treasurer’s book and submitting their book for district evaluation.

4. Prepare and submit the membership roster and dues to the National FFA Organization in cooperation with the secretary.

5. Serve as chairperson of the finance committee.

6. Assist with preparation of chapter’s budget for upcoming year.

Reporter’s Specific Responsibilities:

1. Plan public information programs with local radio, television, newspapers, and service clubs and make use of other opportunities to tell the FFA story.

2. Release news and information to local and regional news media.

3. Publish a chapter newsletter.

4. Have on hand State FFA rubric for keeping reporter’s scrapbook and submitting their book for district evaluation.

5. Send local stories to area, district, and state reporters.

6. Send articles and photographs to FFA New Horizons and other national and/or regional publications.

7. Serve as the chapter photographer.

Sentinel’s Specific Responsibilities:

1. Assist the president in maintaining order.

2. Keep meeting room, chapter equipment/paraphernalia and supplies in proper condition.

3. Welcome guest and visitors.

4. Keep the meeting room comfortable including setting up and taking down the meetings.

5. Take charge of candidates for degree ceremonies.

6. Assist with special features and refreshments.

Student Advisor’s Specific Responsibilities:

1. Supervise chapter activities year round.

2. Inform prospective students and parents about the FFA.

3. Instruct students in leadership and personal development.

4. Build school support for the program.

5. Encourage involvement of all chapter members in activities including keeping people informed of all upcoming FFA activities.

6. Prepare students for involvement in contest and awards programs.

7. Establish and maintain members’ participation in FFA activities chart.