We are kicking off this mini-blog series diving into a part of our FFA Opening Ceremonies! If you are just joining in on this blog series I recommend starting with the Introduction post published last week to gain more context!
As an Ag Teacher we worked with our members to learn their response in our Opening Ceremonies when asked by the Chapter President, “FFA members why are we here?”…it was especially important during our annual Chapter Banquet when the community was there to watch! Still to this day it gives me chills hearing the chorus of member voices saying it at our State FFA Convention.
“To practice brotherhood, honor agricultural opportunities and responsibilities, and develop those qualities of leadership which an FFA member should possess.”
This first part of the mini-series will laser in on the phrase: “To practice brotherhood”. In being a twin, there is a special meaning that this phrase takes on for my context and perspective. My brother and I did EVERYTHING together growing up…thick as thieves as one might say! YET…we also fought like brothers too, but we were quick to forgive. On occasions we get together nowadays, we reminisce on the nonsense we got ourselves into and the adventures we went on.
Irregardless of whether we had a sibling growing up or if the house was full of sisters…I think often about my poor little sister who grew up in a household of boys, but she managed to hold her own…trust me! The term “brotherhood” denotes a sense of connection, a depth of close relationship and community that is enduring.
As we think about this sense of connection and community within the context of our FFA Chapters it forces us towards the word “practice”. Within our FFA Chapters we have the opportunity to draw in a diverse band of members from within our schools! Some of whom may come to us from a traditional agricultural background and others who may have grown up with barely a backyard, but have an interest that sparked them into taking an Agricultural Education class. Some may come to us with exceptionalities that cause them to struggle in building relationships with others and some may come to us who struggle to find their purpose/place in life at that moment.
Yet, as members and advisors we are presented the daily opportunity to practice brotherhood towards and including others in accessing the value provided by agricultural opportunities. The skills learned in building connections and cultivating a sense of community pays truly huge returns later in life if modeled and practiced well in our Ag Ed programs and FFA Chapters; as members move on from High School and enter the workforce, establish themselves in their communities, and grow as individuals they will forever be a part of the lives of others around them.
To practice brotherhood is actively seeking ways to forge meaningful connections across our schools and communities. As we prepare for a new school year, how will we intentionally create opportunities for members to practice making meaningful connections in and outside our program?
To practice brotherhood is holding open the door of opportunity for any students or stakeholders; curious or willing to engage in school-based Agricultural Education. How do we nurture a program that invites, attracts, and inspires others towards the opportunities available in agriculture?
To practice brotherhood is recognizing that we cannot accomplish the full impact of school-based Agricultural Education alone. Who are those in our school and community that we need to model the practicing of brotherhood towards to help ensure strong agricultural opportunities for our students today and tomorrow?
Thank you for digging in together on this first part of the FFA Member purpose response in our opening ceremonies. Keep enjoying a restful Summer as we are all preparing for county fairs around the corner or leadership team retreats!
Take care and Forever Blue & Gold, Anthony
Perennial Educator 