Supporting Wisconsin FFA Alumni & Supporters Association

WISCONSIN FFA ALUMNI AND SUPPORTERS

The Wisconsin FFA Alumni and Supporters Association, Inc. strives to be Wisconsin's premier agriculture education advocate. We support the local FFA Alumni Chapters so that they are better equipped to assist their local community, agriculture instructor(s) and agriculture youth. OUR MISSION 2

REASONS TO HAVE AN FFA ALUMNI AND SUPPORTERS CHAPTER

FFA IS A LIFELONG ORGANIZATION THAT BEGINS IN THE FIFTH GRADE AND LASTS AS LONG AS YOU WANT IT. MEMBERS CAN BEGIN AS STUDENT MEMBERS AND THEN ACTIVATE THEIR ALUMNI MEMBERSHIP, OR THEY MAY SIMPLY BEGIN AS AN ALUMNI MEMBER. WHICHEVER WAY A MEMBER BEGINS, ALUMNI IS A TYPE OF MEMBERSHIP WITHIN FFA. ALUMNI MEMBERS ARE VOLUNTEERS MADE UP OF PARENTS, FAMILY MEMBERS, COMMUNITY MEMBERS, SUPPORTERS, FORMER MEMBERS AND ANYONE INTERESTED IN SUPPORTING AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION AND FFA.

FFA ALUMNI AND SUPPORTERS CHAPTERS HELP FFA ACHIEVE ITS VISION OF GROWING LEADERS, BUILDING COMMUNITIES AND STRENGTHENING AGRICULTURE BY: 5

ENGAGING OUR STUDENTS: Engaging Our Students AS THEY DEVELOP PREMIER LEADERSHIP AND PERSONAL GROWTH, STUDENTS BECOME BETTER EQUIPPED FOR CAREER SUCCESS. WE HAVE OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP STUDENTS DEVELOP EVERY DAY. As they develop premier leadership and personal growth, students become better equipped for career success. We have opportunities to help students develop every day. BY OFFERING STUDENTS RELEVANT RESOURCES THROUGH THE GIFTS OF TIME, TALENTS AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES, WE HELP THEM ACHIEVE SUCCESS. By offering students relevant resources through the gifts of time, talents and financial resources, we help them achieve success. By connecting students with the industry of agriculture, we prepare them for career success. BY CONNECTING STUDENTS WITH THE INDUSTRY OF AGRICULTURE, WE PREPARE THEM FOR CAREER SUCCESS. BY COMMUNICATING THE VALUE OF FFA EXPERIENCES IN OUR LIVES, WE DEMONSTRATE HOW STUDENTS ARE PREPARED FOR A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE. By communicating the value of FFA experiences in our lives, we demonstrate how students are prepared for a successful future. 6

Supporting Our Advisors ENGAGING OUR STUDENTS: AS THEY DEVELOP PREMIER LEADERSHIP AND PERSONAL GROWTH, STUDENTS BECOME BETTER EQUIPPED FOR CAREER SUCCESS. WE HAVE OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP STUDENTS DEVELOP EVERY DAY. Agriculture educators/FFA advisors are the heart of our organization. We have the unique opportunity to support our instructors every day. By providing quality resources and professional development, we support our instructors. BY OFFERING STUDENTS RELEVANT RESOURCES THROUGH THE GIFTS OF TIME, TALENTS AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES, WE HELP THEM ACHIEVE SUCCESS. By engaging trained FFA Alumni and volunteers through the use of volunteer management tools and development conferences delivered at the state and national levels, we assist instructors with optimizing work-life balance. By recognizing the work of our instructors to deliver the three-component model of agricultural education, we raise awareness of their accomplishments. BY CONNECTING STUDENTS WITH THE INDUSTRY OF AGRICULTURE, WE PREPARE THEM FOR CAREER SUCCESS. BY COMMUNICATING THE VALUE OF FFA EXPERIENCES IN OUR LIVES, WE DEMONSTRATE HOW STUDENTS ARE PREPARED FOR A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE. By unifying the local community to support agricultural education and FFA activities and provide valuable assistance. 7

Telling Our Story ENGAGING OUR STUDENTS: AS THEY DEVELOP PREMIER LEADERSHIP AND PERSONAL GROWTH, STUDENTS BECOME BETTER EQUIPPED FOR CAREER SUCCESS. WE HAVE OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP STUDENTS DEVELOP EVERY DAY. Our story is about FFA but it is also about agriculture, food, natural resources and agricultural education. Each of us has opportunities to tell our story every day by: BY OFFERING STUDENTS RELEVANT RESOURCES THROUGH THE GIFTS OF TIME, TALENTS AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES, WE HELP THEM ACHIEVE SUCCESS. Recruiting, educating and motivating members to use their influence at the local, state and national levels to advocate for agricultural education. Building relationships with legislators, school board members, school administrators, local government leaders, business leaders and other community leaders. These relationships allow FFA Alumni and supporters chapter members to inform and communicate the importance of agricultural education. BY CONNECTING STUDENTS WITH THE INDUSTRY OF AGRICULTURE, WE PREPARE THEM FOR CAREER SUCCESS. BY COMMUNICATING THE VALUE OF FFA EXPERIENCES IN OUR LIVES, WE DEMONSTRATE HOW STUDENTS ARE PREPARED FOR A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE. 8

Due to affiliation with the state and national organizations; a local FFA Alumni and Supporters chapter is required to operate under a set structure, constitution and bylaws as a subservient organization to the local FFA program and FFA advisor. This provides organization and consistency. Also, by being part of a much larger family, members are able to share and gain ideas from other FFA Alumni and supporters from all over the country. The camaraderie and fellowship with other FFA Alumni and supporters help to grow the impact FFA Alumni and supporters make on the program. WHY AN FFA ALUMNI? 9

ENGAGING OUR STUDENTS: State and national backing lends validity to the organization and allows people to engage in support of your local program no matter where they reside. AS THEY DEVELOP PREMIER LEADERSHIP AND PERSONAL GROWTH, STUDENTS BECOME BETTER EQUIPPED FOR CAREER SUCCESS. WE HAVE OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP STUDENTS DEVELOP EVERY DAY. BY OFFERING STUDENTS RELEVANT RESOURCES THROUGH THE GIFTS OF TIME, TALENTS AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES, WE HELP THEM ACHIEVE SUCCESS. Resources flow from national and state to support the local level and develop local members into effectively engaged volunteers within the agricultural education program. BY CONNECTING STUDENTS WITH THE INDUSTRY OF AGRICULTURE, WE PREPARE THEM FOR CAREER SUCCESS. BY COMMUNICATING THE VALUE OF FFA EXPERIENCES IN OUR LIVES, WE DEMONSTRATE HOW STUDENTS ARE PREPARED FOR A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE. 10

ENGAGING OUR STUDENTS: When forming an FFA Alumni and Supporters chapter, you have the opportunity to receive recognition for your work. AS THEY DEVELOP PREMIER LEADERSHIP AND PERSONAL GROWTH, STUDENTS BECOME BETTER EQUIPPED FOR CAREER SUCCESS. WE HAVE OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP STUDENTS DEVELOP EVERY DAY. By being an FFA Alumni and Supporters chapter, you can offer additional opportunities for scholarships and grants that are only available to students/chapters with a state and nationally chartered, active National FFA Alumni and supporter chapter. BY OFFERING STUDENTS RELEVANT RESOURCES THROUGH THE GIFTS OF TIME, TALENTS AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES, WE HELP THEM ACHIEVE SUCCESS. There are also grants available to nationally chartered FFA Alumni and Supporters chapters that can be used to develop and strengthen members as well as help fund student partner projects. BY CONNECTING STUDENTS WITH THE INDUSTRY OF AGRICULTURE, WE PREPARE THEM FOR CAREER SUCCESS. BY COMMUNICATING THE VALUE OF FFA EXPERIENCES IN OUR LIVES, WE DEMONSTRATE HOW STUDENTS ARE PREPARED FOR A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE. 11

WHAT DOES THE NATIONAL FFA ALUMNI AND SUPPORTERS PROVIDE TO AFFILIATES? 12

National FFA Alumni grant opportunities include: Nutrien Ag Solutions Grant Nutrien Ag Solutions grant can be used to fund FFA student chapter affiliation fees, plant science-based educational opportunities or to purchase necessary supplies and materials for local agricultural education programs. 2025 Grant deadlines are March 1, June 1 and Sept. 1; each grant application can receive up to $5,000. ENGAGING OUR STUDENTS: AS THEY DEVELOP PREMIER LEADERSHIP AND PERSONAL GROWTH, STUDENTS BECOME BETTER EQUIPPED FOR CAREER SUCCESS. WE HAVE OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP STUDENTS DEVELOP EVERY DAY. Legacy Grants (Supported by Tractor Supply Company) Legacy Grants, sponsored by Tractor Supply Company, can be used to create an FFA Alumni and Supporters Chapter, improve the quality of existing FFA Alumni and Supporters Chapters or to provide more opportunities for partnership between FFA Chapters and Alumni and Supporters Chapters. Improving grants can be used to fund alumni and Supporters annual fees. Partnering grants can be used by the state alumni and supporters associations to fund state and regional development conferences. Preference will be given to new applicants and projects with sustainable and impactful items. The 2025 Grant deadlines are March 1, June 1 and Sept. 1. BY OFFERING STUDENTS RELEVANT RESOURCES THROUGH THE GIFTS OF TIME, TALENTS AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES, WE HELP THEM ACHIEVE SUCCESS. BY CONNECTING STUDENTS WITH THE INDUSTRY OF AGRICULTURE, WE PREPARE THEM FOR CAREER SUCCESS. BY COMMUNICATING THE VALUE OF FFA EXPERIENCES IN OUR LIVES, WE DEMONSTRATE HOW STUDENTS ARE PREPARED FOR A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE. Leadership Scholarships Currently, more than 2,600 student members are impacted annually through leadership development scholarships from the National FFA Alumni Endowment. If you d like to join as a Life Member and continue cultivating future leaders, visit FFA.org/Join-Alumni. If you re already a Life Member, you can still donate any amount to the National FFA Alumni Endowment. 13

ENGAGING OUR STUDENTS: AS THEY DEVELOP PREMIER LEADERSHIP AND PERSONAL GROWTH, STUDENTS BECOME BETTER EQUIPPED FOR CAREER SUCCESS. WE HAVE OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP STUDENTS DEVELOP EVERY DAY. Future Agriculture Teachers Scholarship National FFA Alumni and Supporters, through the National FFA Collegiate Scholarship Program, provides a $1,000 scholarships annually to students pursuing degrees in agricultural education. The recipient must be either an active National FFA Alumni and Supporters member or from an FFA chapter with an active National FFA Alumni and Supporters chapter. BY OFFERING STUDENTS RELEVANT RESOURCES THROUGH THE GIFTS OF TIME, TALENTS AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES, WE HELP THEM ACHIEVE SUCCESS. American FFA Degree Recipient Scholarship American FFA Degree recipients who are also National FFA Alumni and Supporters members are eligible to participate in a drawing for a $1,000 college scholarship at the National FFA Convention & Expo. BY CONNECTING STUDENTS WITH THE INDUSTRY OF AGRICULTURE, WE PREPARE THEM FOR CAREER SUCCESS. BY COMMUNICATING THE VALUE OF FFA EXPERIENCES IN OUR LIVES, WE DEMONSTRATE HOW STUDENTS ARE PREPARED FOR A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE. 14

WHAT DOES THE WISCONSIN FFA ALUMNI AND SUPPORTERS PROVIDE TO AFFILIATES? 15

ENGAGING OUR STUDENTS: Washington Leadership Conference Scholarships The Wisconsin FFA Alumni and Supporters provide 14 $750.00 scholarships to students who have an FFA Alumni and Supporters program. AS THEY DEVELOP PREMIER LEADERSHIP AND PERSONAL GROWTH, STUDENTS BECOME BETTER EQUIPPED FOR CAREER SUCCESS. WE HAVE OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP STUDENTS DEVELOP EVERY DAY. Alumni and Supporters Grants FFA Alumni and Supporters affiliates can apply for up to a $750.00 grant to support programming for their Alumni chapter. BY OFFERING STUDENTS RELEVANT RESOURCES THROUGH THE GIFTS OF TIME, TALENTS AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES, WE HELP THEM ACHIEVE SUCCESS. Chapter Recognition Alumni and Supporter affiliates can apply for chapter awards on the state and national level that provide recognition for your chapter as well as cash awards. BY CONNECTING STUDENTS WITH THE INDUSTRY OF AGRICULTURE, WE PREPARE THEM FOR CAREER SUCCESS. BY COMMUNICATING THE VALUE OF FFA EXPERIENCES IN OUR LIVES, WE DEMONSTRATE HOW STUDENTS ARE PREPARED FOR A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE. Chapter Support Being an FFA Alumni and Supporters affiliate allows you to support youth across the state in sponsorship of attendance at leadership conferences, Career Development Events, and more. 16

How do you become an Alumni and Supporters Chapter? ENGAGING OUR STUDENTS: Have at least 10 members. AS THEY DEVELOP PREMIER LEADERSHIP AND PERSONAL GROWTH, STUDENTS BECOME BETTER EQUIPPED FOR CAREER SUCCESS. WE HAVE OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP STUDENTS DEVELOP EVERY DAY. Have current bylaws in harmony with the National FFA Constitution and Bylaws. Have a council of elected officers. Complete the Application for Chartering/Reactivating a FFA Alumni and Supporters Chapter. BY OFFERING STUDENTS RELEVANT RESOURCES THROUGH THE GIFTS OF TIME, TALENTS AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES, WE HELP THEM ACHIEVE SUCCESS. Submit the completed application to your State FFA Alumni and Supporters Association. They will complete the new FFA Alumni and supporters chapter set up process on FFA.org. After the charter process is completed, the local teacher/advisor(s) should then go to their chapter profile and add/link the FFA Alumni and Supporters chapter to their local FFA chapter. Once linked, all teachers/advisor(s) in the local FFA chapter will receive an Alumni Advisor role for the FFA Alumni and Supporters chapter. You will have 30 days to submit your initial roster using Manage My FFA in FFA.org. After your roster has been submitted, you will have 30 days to pay your membership invoice. Once the state receives your $300.00 payment and submits your roster for national approval, you will then be issued a charter certificate and a scroll and allowed to apply to be a part of National FFA s 501c3 status. BY CONNECTING STUDENTS WITH THE INDUSTRY OF AGRICULTURE, WE PREPARE THEM FOR CAREER SUCCESS. BY COMMUNICATING THE VALUE OF FFA EXPERIENCES IN OUR LIVES, WE DEMONSTRATE HOW STUDENTS ARE PREPARED FOR A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE. 17

Contact Information https://www.wisconsinaged.org/about-alumni Executive Director, Tari Costello tcostello@wisconsinffaalumni.org Find us on Facebook at Wisconsin FFA Alumni & Supporters Association 18