Ripples of Impact From the Washington Leadership Conference

By |2025-10-21T12:30:31-04:00October 21st, 2025|Categories: FFA in the USA|Tags: , , , , , |
On the last day of the conference, attendees walk through Smithsonian museums and explore the nation's capital city. (Left to Right: Benjamin Burnett, Mia Urbano, Kate Cooper, and Landyn Markwardt)

On the last day of WLC, attendees walk through Smithsonian museums and explore the nation’s capital. (Left to right: Benjamin Burnett, Mia Urbano, Kate Cooper and Landyn Markwardt)

Using powerful historical figures and significant moments in United States’ history, the Washington Leadership Conference (WLC) teaches FFA members the importance of “Living to Serve” and invites them to be changemakers in their communities. 

Each year, over 2,000 FFA members across the country travel to the nation’s capital, Washington D.C., to explore topics on service, advocacy and positive change. Nearly five months later, the impact of this year’s conference is still felt by members on the West Coast, in California.

Members hear a call to action at the final session of the conference and seek to make positive change in the lives of others. (Left to Right: Benjamin Burnett, Kate Cooper, Landyn Markwardt, Paige Douglas, Trever Campbell, Jessie Frazee, and Raynie Norgard)

Members hear a call to action during the conference’s final session and seek to make positive change in the lives of others. (Left to right: Benjamin Burnett, Kate Cooper, Landyn Markwardt, Paige Douglas, Trever Campbell, Jessie Frazee and Raynie Norgard)

In the north coast region of California, Benjamin Burnett of the Dixon FFA Chapter notes how the conference’s motto, “Doing what we can, with what we have, where we are,” changed his perspective on service. He learned that no matter what, he has the ability to better people’s lives. “FFA has taught the importance of service … it’s truly the smaller acts that start ripple effects within our communities,” Burnett explained. 

WLC also allows members to brainstorm a Living to Serve (LTS) Plan. Attendees look at the needs of their communities and deep dive into their skill set to find a way they can give back. Burnett’s LTS Plan is a podcast called “Behind the Plow.” It focuses on agricultural education and career technical education (CTE) in hopes of breaking down the common misconceptions about agriculture. Rooted in advocacy, Burnett states, “I hope to leave a legacy of inspiration and wonder. I hope, by the end of my senior year, people know what this organization truly is!”

 

Modesto FFA members tour various National monuments to learn how historical leaders made powerful impacts. (Left to Right: Carson Mendonza, Adeline Pombo, Allison Marchy and Jaden Wenger)

Modesto FFA members tour various National monuments to learn how historical leaders made powerful impacts. (Left to Right: Carson Mendonza, Adeline Pombo, Allison Marchy and Jaden Wenger)

 

Adeline Pombo, from the Modesto FFA Chapter in the central region of California, spoke about another unique experience at WLC. The conference partners with the Meals of Hope organization, and members work together to package nonperishable meals that are distributed to people in need. Pombo found the number of meals they made and the numerous people they helped incredibly encouraging.

Inspired by Meals of Hope and motivated by the increased poverty she saw in her community, Pombo’s LTS Plan is a month-long food drive where she will work with local food pantries to collect nonperishable food items. After the drive, she plans to invite her chapter to work in a meal center or soup kitchen, actively serving community members in need. Pombo said, “I hope to help community members who might not have the same privileges I do by giving them a warm meal and some food to take home.” 

From advocating for agricultural education to providing food security to families in need, California FFA members heard the call to action from WLC, and they stepped up! Pombo said it best, “No matter how big or small, your giving back can truly make a difference in the lives of so many.”

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