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By the Numbers MEMBERSHIP 610,240 Number of students who are members of the National FFA Organization 7,665 Number of local FFA chapters in the U.S., Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands 300+ Number of careers in agriculture globally Top 5 U.S. states with largest FFA membership Georgia 37,698 California 76,470 Texas 103,379 Oklahoma 25,561 Missouri 25,935 DIVERSITY * American Indian; Alaskan Native; Black or 6% African American Hispanic/ Latino 21% 72% White The National FFA Organization is an experiences and FFA, which provides integral part of agricultural education leadership opportunities and tests students’ by helping make classroom instruction agricultural skills. come to life through realistic, hands-on The National FFA Organization Growing up, many of us were told the phrase, “Never talk applications. FFA been good advice to take is governed by a board of directors, charters to strangers.” This has alwaysmembers embrace to heart, at least untiltaught in agricultural in school. joining the local FFA chapter classrooms concepts state associations and provides direction, As FFA members, we commonly meet new people. We nationwide, build valuable skills through program materials and support for local network with other FFA members in our area. We visit local businesses to learn experiential learningadvocate for hands-on more about agriculture. We and each chapters and state FFA associations. Its agriculture and agricultural education in public forums to year demonstrate ability proficiencies headquarters are in Washington, D.C., both students and adults. The their to “talk to strangers” actually becomes a desirable trait for many FFA members. in competitions that However, sometimes it’s easier said than done. Fortunately, showcase real-world when it comes to meeting new people, there are a few tricks of theagriculturalthe process a bit smoother. trade to make skills. FFA makes a positive Introducing Yourself difference in the lives Whenstudents by developing the first thing done of meeting a new person, typically is introductions. Speak loud and clearly when stating your “I consciously have to tell myself to remember to say a nametheir potential for premier and use a firm handshake. person’s name when I’m introducing myself,” Fouard says. “You can’t be shy,” says Becky (Sullivan) Fouard, past leadership, personal growth “It’s so easy to think about what you are going to say to them National FFA Secretary. “Everyone puts their pants on one leg and career success through at a time. Everyone has something in common and you can’t let others intimidate you.” agricultural education. Today’s FFA has evolved Build Rapport in response to expanded After introductions are made, building rapport is the next opportunities available step. The easiest way to create a connection is to stay invested in in agricultureIt’s very easy to avoid an awkward the conversation. and its instead of just listening, that you have to remember their name on purpose instead of letting it gloss over.” Follow Up Finally, after meeting a new person the follow-up is nearly as important as the first impression. Collecting business cards is a traditional way to keep up with new people. Take the next step in putting their contact information in your situation by pulling out a cell phone and ignoring everyone needs to hire skilled phone or on your calendar. It also helps to takes notes about around you. Instead, put the phone away and stay engaged the person and the conversation immediately after meeting. and competent employees with the people in the room. Meeting new people is a talent and skill that transcends for more than 300 careers. any career and any industry. In fact, past National FFA PresiRemember Names dent Riley Pagett says it well. The organization helps “Meeting new people works best when we all become a When it comes prepare for a relationship, rememberstudents to establishing careers little more brave, set aside possible differences or fears, and ing names is key, but not always easy. Using the person’s engage in the person in and individuals provided more In namein business, marketing, conversation is a 2014, corporate sponsors front of us.” as often as possible in the first proven trick to remembering names. science, communications, than $23 million in financial support to the National FFA education, horticulture, production, natural 1% Organization to help FFA provide agricultural programs, leadership and personal growth training and scholarships resources, forestry and many to its members. other diverse fields. The agricultural education program and its business operation center is Asian; Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander; two or more races provides a well-rounded, practical approach to learning through three components: Classroom education, hands-on supervised agricultural career *Based on reported data in Indianapolis. The U.S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. We Support Our FFA! Larsen Carpet 2409 Broadway, Yankton 605-665-9651 Bon Homme – Yankton Electrical Association, Inc. “We’ve Got You Covered” 212 Walnut St., Yankton, SD (605) 665-2067 114 Mulberry Street, Yankton, SD 57078 (605) 665-3691 • yanktonag.com FFA - Leading the Way! Give Your Vehicles & Equipment the Quality Service They Deserve! 1000 Cattle Dr., Yankton, SD (605) 665-1665 313 Industrial Ave, Hartington, NE 402-254-6406