National Chapter Award Program: Creating Member Involvement and Chapter Impact
A 2020 survey of FFA advisors who completed National Chapter Award applications, capturing their experiences with the application process, member involvement and use of program resources.
Key Points
- 673 chapter applications submitted 2,019 activities across building communities, growing leaders and strengthening agriculture.
- 97% of advisors reported their students were involved in the application process, and 90% said the process was smooth.
- 94% of advisors used the NQCS, 84% used POA resources and worksheets, and 74% used the National Chapter Handbook.
- 88% of U.S. states and territories participated in the program in 2019 and/or 2020.
The National Chapter Award Program is designed to recognize FFA chapters that actively implement the mission and strategies of the organization. These chapters improve chapter operations using the National Quality Chapter Standards (NQCS) and a Program of Activities (POA) that emphasize growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture. Chapters are rewarded for providing educational experiences for the entire membership.
Chapter Activities
Building communities
2,019 activities from 673 applications. To help local food pantries replenish much-needed items, Scales Mound FFA (IL) created bingo cards filled with those needs and sent groups into the community to collect the items and fill their cards, while also handing out flyers with information about agriculture.
Growing leaders
2,019 activities from 673 applications. Southeastern FFA (OH) members created a Positivity Tree to provide simple, anonymous pick-me-ups in the form of handwritten notes that focused on encouragement, self-worth and positive quotes. Notes were hung as ornaments for students to take as needed.
Strengthening agriculture
2,019 activities from 673 applications. Flanagan-Cornell FFA (IL) decided to create an Active in Agriculture vlog with videos from various events to highlight the different and fun activities members participate in as well as the agriculture those activities are centered around. They wanted to see how agriculture affects everyone.
Application Creates Member Involvement
We asked FFA advisors about completing National Chapter Award applications in 2020. This is what they told us:
- 97% of FFA advisors replying to a 2020 survey said that their students were involved in the application process.
- 90% of FFA advisors agreed that the application process was smooth.
Completing the National Chapter Award Program gives chapter members a tangible form which shows all of their hard work and dedication throughout the school year. Doing well this year sparked more interest with the other chapter members and gave them something to look forward to during our virtual learning year.
FFA Advisor, 2020
Resources for Getting Started Are Available
Five resources are available for FFA advisors on FFA.org:
- National Quality FFA Chapter Standards (NQCS)
- Program of Activities (POA) Resources and Worksheets
- National Chapter Application Worksheet
- National Chapter Handbook
- National Chapter Resource and Recognition Guide
According to survey results from 2020, 94% of advisors utilized the NQCS while 84% utilized the POA resources and worksheets. 74% utilized the National Chapter Handbook.
National Participation
88% of U.S. states and territories have participated in the past two years (2019 and/or 2020).
It is one of the few things that our chapter has been able to say we did well in and can brag about to our supporters. We do not do extremely well in CDEs since my middle schoolers go against 9th graders and they become discouraged really easy because of that. It allows them to feel proud in something and want to stay in FFA.
FFA Advisor, 2020
My members fill out the majority of the application and I believe it shows them the strengths and weaknesses of our chapter each year.
FFA Advisor, 2020
To learn more, email nationalchapter@FFA.org or visit FFA.org/nationalchapter.
