BIG Impact: Inside Look at Colorado FFA BIG Conferences
Every fall, a big moment happens for first-year Colorado FFA members. At 10 conferences, hundreds of Introduction to Agriculture students make centers around Colorado come to life. Becoming Involved as a Greenhand, or BIG Conferences have become a fall tradition in Colorado.
Workshops created and facilitated by the Colorado FFA state officers provide the students with more than just an opportunity to learn about FFA, but to discover their personal interests. Greenhands begin meeting new people, jumping into activities, and discovering what their future in FFA could look like.
Everly Homm, a freshman from the McClave FFA Chapter recalls that one of her favorite parts of the conference was that she, “Got to meet with people all across the eastern plains of Colorado.”
For the majority of these members, this is their first chance to see FFA beyond their chapter. Many arrive only knowing their classmates and teacher. By the end of the day, they leave with new friends, a deeper understanding of FFA, and a plan for their next steps in the blue jacket.
Rather than simply hearing about FFA, members get the value of experiencing it. A simple activity, conversation, or answer to a question is the moment a Greenhand student realizes there is a place for them in FFA.
Icess Sheridan, a sophomore from the Grand Valley FFA Chapter said, “Something I learned that stuck with me most was how we live our lives according to the values of the FFA Creed.”
The timing of BIG Conference is important. They happen in the fall when members are just beginning their FFA journey. Many of these students are learning the FFA Creed, so the workshops were built to allow the State Officers to meet the members where they are; at their starting point. For some members, their BIG Conference experience encourages them to do more. From contests to leadership opportunities, students leave with a better understanding of agriculture, FFA, and themselves.
AumaRée Sannipoli, a student from the Rye FFA Chapter said, “I learned a lot about floriculture, the history of FFA, and that I enjoy cooking more than I thought I would.”
The faces change every fall, but the purpose of BIG Conference does not. BIG gives students a place to start, something to get involved in, and a chance to see their future. To every new greenhand member, participate, get involved, and let your beginning be BIG.
