The Benefits of Being an Involved FFA Member

We have all been a part of an organization where we are a member but we aren't involved. I truly hope the FFA isn't this way for you! The FFA has multiple opportunities to develop skills or be exposed to events and programs that could be tied to your career plan, multiple conferences and conventions to gain leadership, grow your network and meet new people!

The FFA has 25 CDEs (Career Leadership Events) that span from meats evaluation and technology and livestock evaluation to agricultural sale and agricultural mechanics. Whatever it is you want to do in your future, in agriculture or not, there's something that you could participate in.

When looking at other contest events, there are multiple LDEs (Leadership Development Events) that vary from prepared or extemporaneous speaking to Parliamentary Procedure and Conduct of Chapter Meetings. They help you improve your public speaking skills, ability to form ideas and make conclusions, debate effectively, along with may other skills.

But, my personal favorites, conventions and conferences! While most of these are leadership training or development focused, they have allowed me to be pushed outside my comfort zone, meet people from my area or district, state and across the nation! These events allow those that attend to meet industry professionals but also members that are just like them!

 On the chapter level, you have opportunities to be a leader and encourage younger members to participate as well! You could do this by being a chapter officer or by being involved in events and striving for excellence. Whatever capacity you're given, use it to the best of your ability and make sure to remember that the FFA is there for personal growth!

When looking at organizations or clubs within high schools, it's easy to understand that doing contests and going to conventions and conferences takes time, but no other clubs or organizations can prepare for you a career, in or out of agriculture, like the FFA does. It develops career path specific skills, yes, but it also develops soft skills, such as public speaking, being able to talk to people you don't know and gives you opportunities like no other!

As always, thanks for reading, and come back next week for more "All About Ag with Esther" content!