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National FFA to celebrate 55 years of the alumni class

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In 1969, national convention delegates established an alumni class of FFA membership, creating a lasting legacy of support for agricultural education. This milestone enabled former FFA members and interested adults to become essential resources for FFA advisors and students, ensuring future agricultural leaders’ continued growth and success.

Today, FFA Alumni and Supporters chapters are crucial in rallying local communities around agricultural education and FFA activities. Adult membership is available to anyone passionate about supporting and promoting agriculture, agricultural education, and FFA at local, state, and national levels.

Adult membership offers an opportunity for those proud of FFA and interested in helping local FFA members gain knowledge and experience. Across the country, FFA advisors and members rely on volunteers who support their chapters with their time, talent, and resources, securing community backing and allowing teachers to focus on educating students.

National FFA Alumni and Supporters
Image by the National FFA Organization

FFA Alumni and Supporters chapters also assist FFA advisors in coordinating activities for local FFA chapters. With the growing diversity of agricultural education programs, advisors and teachers face increasing challenges in managing all the additional activities. Former FFA members and interested adults are invaluable resources for assistance and support. Given the emphasis on new technology in agriculture and agribusiness, involving a wide range of community members is crucial.

The National FFA Alumni and Supporters Advisory Committee, comprising dedicated volunteers, provides ideas and feedback while representing alumni and supporters nationwide. This committee includes four regional representatives, two corporate representatives, three past national officers, and representatives from key agricultural education associations.

FFA Alumni and Supporters Advisory Committee
2024 FFA Alumni and Supporters Advisory Committee (Image by the National FFA Organization)

Members focus on three main priorities: supporting FFA students, supporting FFA advisors, and promoting the FFA story.

Professional staff at the national level, led by the National FFA Alumni and Supporters Executive Director, provide leadership, direction, and resources for state, local, and non-traditional FFA Alumni and Supporters organizations, with guidance from the National FFA Alumni and Supporters Advisory Committee.

Associate Membership (Free):

  • Available since the 2012/2013 membership year, this free five-year membership is offered annually to graduating or recently graduated high school students. Contact alumni@ffa.org for details.

Annual Fee Membership ($100 + state fees):

  • Designed to mobilize volunteers to support local agricultural education programs and FFA chapters. This fee covers a chapter’s ability to:
    • Use the National FFA trademark emblems.
    • Use the National FFA 501(c)(3) status (application required).
    • Use the National FFA membership management system.
    • Provide individual members/volunteers with the National FFA Forever Blue Benefits program.
    • Create a local chapter network within the Forever Blue Network.
    • Use National FFA marketing materials and participate in educational training and member opportunities.

Life Membership ($200 + state fees):

  • A one-time investment ensuring the future of the FFA. Life members receive a membership card, certificate, a lifetime subscription to FFA New Horizons magazine, and access to personal and professional development conferences and conventions, along with additional member benefits.
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