National FFA week has officially begun. Blue and gold is everywhere! There will be many tractors parked in school parking lots across the country throughout this week. As our news feed is flooded with new Facebook photo frames supporting FFA, we want to take time to reflect on this moment — realizing it is more than just a social media movement.
The National FFA Organization said, “Agriculture is part of our daily lives — from the food we eat to the clothes we wear. Nearly 670,000 FFA members across the country will share the story of agriculture as part of National FFA Week. Whether it is through service projects or community gatherings, National FFA Week is a time for FFA members to raise awareness about the role the National FFA Organization plays in the development of agriculture’s future leaders and the importance of agricultural education.”
With so many activities happening throughout the United States, it would be impossible to highlight every chapter. However, it is possible to celebrate every chapter. As many chapters are celebrating FFA Week, so is Tractor Supply. When you shop in store or online, you can donate to Grants for Growing. This campaign returns all the proceeds and puts them towards grants that will go to FFA chapters in your state.
A big part of National FFA Week is interacting with the community while also giving back to the people who help supports the chapter day in and day out. FFA chapters give back to their communities through service projects during FFA Week.”
Chapters from across the country are planning exciting activities for the students and community members.
- Peterson Academies Technology FFA is focusing on literacy during FFA Week, by teaching mothers to read to their babies at an early age. The chapter will provide pamphlets on the importance of early literacy and then will donate gently used books to the University of Florida Health to distribute at a local event.
- Meridian FFA Chapter in Illinois is getting everyone involved by playing Ag Olympics with the elementary, middle, and high school students.
- In Iowa, the Roland-Story FFA chapter is partnering with Meals on Wheels in packaging and providing meals for the elderly who are in need.
In addition to helping the community, FFA Week is a great time for alumni and sponsors to reflect on their experience by advocating for agricultural education and FFA. On Tuesday, the National FFA Foundation will celebrate Give FFA Day, a 24-hour campaign encouraging the public to support various needs impacting FFA members. Check out their website for more information and details on how you can help.
Don’t forget to celebrate FFA Alumni and Supporters for Alumni Day on Thursday. Many alumni have already shared their favorite photos and stories from when they were in FFA. From memories made to opportunities taken, FFA opens many doors we may have never thought possible. Wrapping up, Friday, Feb. 22, all FFA members and supporters are encouraged to wear blue and show their FFA pride!
Follow FFA week on all social media outlets to stay in the loop of what chapters across the country are doing to support their community. You can follow the #FFAweek hashtag on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date. Check out the challenge below and give your chapter the opportunity to win some money!
