FFA 101: New Member Survival Guide
FFA is a place where you can have fun, grow and be a leader all at once! It’s exciting (and maybe a little scary) to be a new member, but that’s normal. Every great FFA journey has to start somewhere. These tips will help you get started, get involved and make the most of your FFA experience from day one.
6 Tips for New Members
1. Be brave and say hello
Don’t wait for other people to come to you — go to them first! Say “hi” to the other people in your chapter and introduce yourself to the people on your chapter officer team. A simple “hello” can lead to new friends, teammates and mentors. Keep in mind that everyone was new at one point, and the friends you make early on will make your FFA experience much more enjoyable and memorable
2. Keep an open mind
FFA is full of opportunities that you may have never even considered before, such as career development events (CDEs), leadership development events (LDEs) and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects, to name a few. Be willing to try new things, even if they seem intimidating at first. You might find something you are exceptionally good at, interested in or passionate about that you had no idea existed within yourself. The more willing you are, the more exciting your FFA journey will be.
3. Begin with a small SAE
Your SAE project doesn’t have to be grand to be meaningful. Start with something simple that piques your interest, like pet sitting, planting a garden, or running a mini business. Small projects can rapidly grow over time, and each step teaches responsibility, problem-solving, and leadership. Starting small also keeps it fun and manageable while you learn the ropes.
4. Ask questions
There’s no such thing as a silly question in FFA. If you don’t understand something or need advice, ask! Officers, advisors and older members are there to help and guide you. Asking questions shows that you’re engaged, willing to learn and ready to grow. The more you ask, the faster you gain confidence in that area and knowledge.
5. Go to events often
The heart of FFA is meetings, competitions, fundraisers and conventions. The more events you attend, the more skills you’ll gain, the more people you’ll meet and the more fun you’ll have. Even if you feel nervous at first, showing up regularly helps you feel comfortable and fully experience everything FFA has to offer
6. Have faith in yourself
FFA is full of uncharted challenges, but don’t let doubt hold you back. Believe in yourself, your ideas and your potential. Each competition, project or leadership role is an opportunity for you to grow; mistakes are lessons that make you stronger. Stay positive, trust yourself and celebrate your achievements along the way.
Conclusion
Joining an FFA chapter is an exciting adventure. It’s okay to feel nervous; every member has been there. Use these tips to get involved, try new things and make the most of every opportunity. FFA isn’t just about agriculture; it’s about friendship, growth and memories that will last you a lifetime. So, put on your blue jacket, dive in and enjoy the ride.
