The National FFA Organization has been known historically for providing agriculture education for students. The organization’s original name, Future Farmers of America, made that clear.
But as the Hope FFA chapter recently showed, FFA is far more than an agriculture organization nowadays.
Hope FFA was one of five chapters in the U.S. selected to receive top awards at the National FFA Convention & Expo, Oct. 24-27 in Indianapolis.
Hope FFA was the Premier Chapter: Growing Leaders winner.
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Chapters are recognized at the convention for exhibiting excellence in categories such as growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture. In fact, the National FFA Organization states that one of its purposes is to develop premier leadership, personal growth and career success among its members.
After recognizing a rise in suicides, and sensational language that was being used in cases of suicide, Hope FFA chapter members from Hauser Jr.-Sr. High were determined to create a cultural change. The chapter began a campaign, “Go Live Yourself.”
Members collaborated with their school administration to hold a convocation encouraging students to become better friends, partners and leaders. They also taught coping strategies and how students could help others, as well as themselves.
One of the elements of the project included every high school student writing a handwritten letter of encouragement to someone in the grade below, which involved more than 400 Hauser students.
Hope FFA members are to be commended for their project and their efforts to aid those who might contemplate suicide. The project demonstrates leadership skills and a commitment to helping others, both of which are greatly needed in communities.
The award also demonstrates the value of FFA programming and the more than 8,000 chapters. They provide students an opportunity to learn and gain valuable skills that will benefit them — and others, now and in the long run.
