Living to Serve
“Learning
to live, Living to serve.” Those words describe the
connection between the FFA and the FFA Alumni.
I bring
greetings, from the national, state, and local
alumni. As our agriculture programs and FFA
chapters prepare tomorrows leaders who are learning
about life and leadership, the FFA Alumni is working
with and serving these programs and youth that are
our future.
Nationally,
the FFA Alumni is working to support the states and
the agriculture programs in each state by providing
continued leadership training and opportunities to
both adults and students through programs such as
the Washington Leadership Conference and State
Leaders Conference (to be held in Washington, D.C.
in July 2008). National awards programs recognize
both individuals and alumni chapters for outstanding
service and contribution to the advancement and
support of the FFA and its members.
As a member
of the National FFA Alumni Council and 2008-09
National President, I am proud to be a part of “Team
Ag Ed” which includes all professions, both
professional and private which support our youth. I
am also proud to represent North Carolina on the
National level where I have the opportunity to share
information and ideas that help strengthen alumni
chapters and FFA programs around the country.
On the
State level, North Carolina is a proven leader both
nationally and locally for working with FFA members
in ways too numerous to mention here. Whether
helping to train a team, cook for an event, judge a
contest, speak to a class or offer one on one
instruction. Local alumni members make a huge impact
on the kids they work with, the local programs,
communities and the future.
Providing
support and opportunities for growth and interaction
make involvement in the state and national
organization both essential and enjoyable. North
Carolina’s programs include the State Alumni
Convention (in conjunction with the State FFA
Convention), leadership opportunities, the state
basket contest, the scrapbook contest and many
more. And for the first time, we will be holding a
Statewide Leadership Workshop open to all FFA Alumni
members interested in attending, which will include
workshops and breakout sessions on topics which will
help strengthen your local affilates.
The state
alumni also supports local activities and
fundraisers, such as the Capital Area Affiliate,
which is heading the brick campaign to help raise
funds for projects at R.J. Peeler FFA Camp, ticket
sales for various events and activities throughout
the State, rodeos, agricultural toy shows and more.
If you are
not an FFA Alumni member, please accept our
invitation to join now! Contact your local FFA
advisor to join and/or to start an alumni in your
area. If you are presently a member-Thank you for
you support!
Ronnie Ansley
National FFA Alumni
President 2007-2008
