Founded in 1928, the Future Farmers of America brought students, teachers, and communities together to support agriculture and develop future agribusiness. As an organization of, by, and for members, many rich and symbolic traditions still tie members of the National FFA Organization back to its roots, from the iconic blue corduroy jacket to the FFA emblem, FFA creed, and even the ceremonies that embody the ideals of the organization.
Official ceremonies are a source of pride, identity, and tradition that serve to boost members’ efficacy in leading while emphasizing the purpose of the meetings and the duties of the officers. These ceremonies and the symbols assigned are memorized by officers, allowing them to reflect sincerity and leadership every time they’re spoken.
At the beginning of the opening ceremonies, the president will call the meeting to order, asking if all officers are at their stations. At this point, the vice president will call the roll of officers. Even if you’re not currently an officer, it’s important and exciting to consider what each of these offices symbolizes and the duties associated with their station:
- The sentinel is stationed by the door. Their duties there:
“Through this door pass many friends of the FFA. It is my duty to see that the door is open to our friends at all times and that they are welcome. I care for the meeting room and paraphernalia. I strive to keep the room comfortable and assist the president in maintaining order.” - The reporter is stationed by the flag. Their duties there:
“As the flag covers the United States of America, so I strive to inform the people in order that every man, woman, and child may know that the FFA is a national organization that reaches from the state of Alaska to the Virgin Islands and from the state of Maine to Hawaii.” - The treasurer is stationed by the emblem of Washington. Their duties there:
“I keep a record of receipts and disbursements just as Washington kept his farm accounts — carefully and accurately. I encourage thrift among the members and strive to build up our financial standing through savings and investments. George Washington was better able to serve his country because he was financially independent.” - The secretary is stationed by the ear of corn. Their duties there:
“I keep an accurate record of all meetings and correspond with other secretaries wherever corn is grown and FFA members meet.” - The advisor is by the owl. Why they’re 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 vice president keeps a plow at their station. They are there because:
“The plow is the symbol of labor and tillage of the soil. Without labor, neither knowledge nor wisdom can accomplish much. My duties require me to assist at all times in directing the work of our organization. I preside over meetings in the absence of our president, whose place is beneath the rising sun.” - The president is stationed by the rising sun? They are there because:
“The rising sun is the token of a new era in agriculture. If we will follow the leadership of our president, we shall be led out of the darkness of selfishness and into the glorious sunlight of brotherhood and cooperation. Mr./Mdm. President, all officers are at their stations.”
