Proceedings, 1997

We recommend that the FFA:
Public Image
1
.
Communications and
Develop a targeted media relations campaign that would use
Public Relations
public service announcements, placement of news articles in high
profile publications and development of paid local and national
advertising for the FFA.
2. Develop a workshop to be given at the Made For Excellence
conference and Washington Leadership Conference that teaches
members how to communicate effectively with the general public
about what FFA is and the diversity of the agriculture industry
3. Expand the Local Program Success marketing and communica-
tion components to provide more access to these tools and to
continue to provide training to all teachers and members at state
conventions. State associations should receive further, more
specific training.
4. Develop non-agncultural business and vocational student
organization links on the Internet to and from the FFA homepage,
in order to introduce the non-agricultural public to the FFA and
FFA members to non-agricultural entities.
Communications
1. Create new, fun, educational recruitment videos for seventh and
eighth graders.
2. Develop a "help" handbook, similar to Local Program Success, for
chapter and state officers.
3. Develop informational software to teach state associations how to
provide a state convention news room and a state association
website. Training could occur at NLCSO.
Student Image
1. Develop a middle school /junior high program that excites,
informs and recruits all students, using the ideas expressed in
FFAs mission statement.
One of the most important functions of official convention delegates is
to discuss and act upon issues relating to the operation and image of
the national organization. Representatives from the North Carolina
1 1 /'. A vt tatum engage in an active debate during a delegate
committee session.
2
.
National FFA Foundation seek funding to
develop a "how to" handbook to help states and
chapters set up promotional booths about the image and opportuni-
ties of the FFA for a vanety of targeted audiences. These handbooks
would be provided to all chapters and state associations.
3. List specific national events where official dress is required in the
Official FFA Manual and recommend that states do the same.
4. Provide guidelines defining unified casual dress when official
dress is not appropriate or required.
5. Establish a review process to gather student feedback prior to
mass release on promotional programs which are targeted toward
students.
Advisors/Sponsors/Partners
1. Create a resource package with which the national organization,
state associations and FFA chapters can communicate the purpose
and diversity of the FFA to sponsors and partners.
2. Develop a more effective communication system with advisors by
reducing the volume of information and mailings sent to them
through timely targeted delivery; possibly by using the FFA
Advisors Making a Difference publication.
3. Create a feature article in FFA New Horizons that highlights a
sponsor and recognizes their contributions to the FFA.
4. Extend Local Program Success so that state associations submit
reports of their business and industry tours to the national
organization, which may be published and distributed as
guidelines or best practices for business and industry interaction
at all levels of FFA.
Respectfully submitted,
Joe Shultz. OH (Chair)
J.D. Chambers, NC (Vice Chair)
Ben Adams, UT
Quentin Smith, CO
Cynthia Teixeiria, CT
Ryan Shaw, ME
Matthew Chizek, IA
Rebecca Voorhees, DE
Andy Cockle.WA
Michaelejo Mandulak.AK
Jonathan Eubanks.AL
Melissa Oates,AL
Josh Hawkins, AK
Emily Brinegar, CA
James Garner, CA
Kevin Luiz, CA
Steven Schohr, CA
Cassie Lalta, CO
Luci Rogers, FL
Matt Griffin, GA
Amber Smyer, ID
Leah Schleef, IL
65*
Kathleen Block, IA
Steve Hall, KA
LeeSisk, KY
Lora Ann Smith, LA
Natasha Cronen, MN
Dan Arnsperger, MO
Kyle Maker, MO
Matthew Rutt, NE
Marcy Quackenbush, NY
Elizabeth Tolley, NC
Abby Henry, OH
MellissaSlamcik, OH
J.K.Green, OK
Shane Stephens, OK
Josh Heeter, PA
Barry Jacobson, SD
Sarah Jenke.TX
KristyTaylor.TN
Nathan Daniels, TX
Mandy Pigg.TX
Jarred Smith,TX
Cole Young, TX
Erin Sill.VA
Joel Bernhard.WI
Angle Mueller, Wl