State Officer Candidate Handbook

State Officer Candidate Handbook

Included in this handbook:

The Job of Being a State Officer

Guiding Principles for State Officer Election Process

The Election Process

State Officer Candidate Study Guide

State Officer Candidate Advisory Meeting

Each year the members of the California FFA Association, elect six student members to represent the organization as a State FFA Officer. Throughout this year, the state officer team wears a variety of hats. They are elected officials expected to represent the student membership during board of directors meetings. They teach leadership and teamwork to Regional, Sectional, and Chapter leaders. They are motivational speakers who inspire FFA members. They are communicators and public relations specialists for FFA, building positive relationships across the state. They are teammates to each other, Agriculture Education State Staff and California Association of FFA staff. More importantly they are role models for the thousands of FFA members in California to follow.

Electing the six best candidates, as defined by the constitution and bylaws, is a challenging task. To facilitate the success in accomplishing the association’s goals, a process exists – the California State FFA Officer Election process. This handbook details that process.

There are six sections to the handbook. All of the information is valuable and we encourage current candidates, state leaders and prospective candidates to give everything careful consideration.

Introduction

Section 2Guiding Principles for State Officer Election

Process

Section 3The Election Process

Section 4State Officer Candidate

Study Guide

AppendixState Officer Candidate

Advisory Meeting

Section 1The Job of Being a

State Officer

Section 1 • The Job of Being a State Officer 5

The primary responsibility of a state officer is to serve. When you become a state officer, you agree to dedicate one year of your life to service with the California FFA Association. Your year of service as a state officer is one of profound growth—you will change in ways you never imagined. This may be the greatest personal benefit of serving as a state officer, along with knowing that you alone make a positive difference in the lives of thousands of FFA members, advisors, partners, and others.

If elected to serve the organization as a state officer, a great deal will be expected of you. A state officer’s schedule resembles that of an elected official, traveling more than 30,000 miles and meeting thousands of new people— maybe even the Governor of California. Many people—including state staff and, most of all FFA members—will require your time and talents. There will be little time left to call your own. Midnight bedtimes and early mornings become a part of your everyday life. It will be a challenging year full of joys and discomforts—with the joys far outweighing the discomforts. Decide now if you are up for this challenge. If you would rather live the life of a college student— follow your own schedule, see your friends and watch television—state office is not going to be a good fit for you.

In this Section…

State Officer Roles and Responsibilities

• State Officer Job Description

• Officer Experience At-A-Glance

• State Officer Measures of Success

Policies and Procedures Guiding State Officer Responsibilities

• Expenses and Reporting

• State Officer Communication

• State Officer Scheduling

• State Officer Commitment Form

Section 1The Job of Being a State Officer

6 Section 1 • The Job of Being a State Officer

State Officer Roles and ResponsibilitiesThe primary responsibility of a state officer is to serve the organization in local, regional, state, and national activities in a way that will inform, motivate and inspire FFA members, advisors, teachers and others to achieve the mission, strategies and core goals of the association.

State Officer Job Description

Being elected to State FFA office is making a commitment to service that is unique to most student organizations. In addition to serving and representing more than 80,000 California FFA members, you will represent the image and direction of the association to teachers, state staff, teacher educators, agriculture executives, government leaders, the media and the general public. You will also be a teammate to five other officers.

There are eight key commitments state officers must agree to. Those who dedicate their time, energies and passions toward learning, living and modeling these eight key commitments will not only successfully complete their term of service, they will move toward excellence professionally. The following is a summary of each of the eight commitments, along with already-established procedures that will help you achieve success.

u Commit to the Brand

State FFA officers are committed to representing and upholding the FFA brand. This includes communicating the FFA brand, vision and strategic plan to others as well as communicating key organizational messages (agricultural education, supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs), FFA, youth issues and agriculture). This requires the officer to be in his or her role 24 hours a day, seven days a week for 365 days. As part of the FFA brand, there will be general rules of behavior to follow, including projecting a professional image, using proper etiquette, interacting positively with the media and promoting diversity.

1. Be dedicated and committed to FFA and the total program of education in agriculture/agribusiness.

2. Forego all alcohol, tobacco and illegal substances at all times during your year of service to FFA.

3. Avoid places or activities that in any way would raise questions as to one’s moral character or conduct.

4. Use wholesome and appropriate language in all speeches and informal conversations.

5. Maintain proper dress and good grooming for all occasions.

6. Be willing to take and follow instructions as directed by those responsible for State FFA Officers and state FFA programs.

u Commit to a Balanced Life

A State FFA Officer must also include personal health, wellness and stress management as a key to success. A state officer committed to this will position themselves to fully serve FFA members. Included in this key commitment are flexibility/adaptability; personal reflection and growth; maintaining relationships with family and friends; keeping a realistic view of self; and preparing to transition back after your year of service.

1. Maintain and protect your health.

2. Regularly, and on time, write all letters, thank you notes, emails and other correspondence, which are necessary and desirable.

u Commit to Training & Education

Training and experiences in this key will help officers gain confidence in their abilities and take measured risks. To achieve this, a state officer must be committed to trying new things, approaching failure as a learning experience, building team trust and resolving conflict.

1. Accept constructive criticism and evaluation of your total performance.

2. Through preparation and practice, develop yourself into an effective public speaker and project a desirable image of FFA at all times.

u Commit to Life and Time Management

The training and experiences in this area center on life- and time-management. An officer should excel in these areas, so that he or she will be better able to give his or her full concentration and focus to the present. This includes:

• Logistics Management (use of computer and technology, appropriate management of travel, appropriate use of State van, completing expense claims properly and submitting on time and excellent communication with teammates and State Staff)


• Classroom Management (creating and following lesson plans, consensus building, bringing people back to task and keeping focus)

• Life Management (prioritizing, meeting deadlines and timeliness)

• Financial Management (maintaining your personal finances, understanding and following program budgets)

• Focus (listening and bridging — connecting conversation topics to FFA key messages/programs)

• Team (understanding roles on team, following the team code of ethics, following the team mission and following the team vision)

1. Be willing to commit the entire year to state officer activities.

2. Be willing and able to travel and serve the California FFA Association.

3. Consider FFA officer activities to be your primary responsibility.

u Commit to Serving our stakeholders

Service is an important component to an officer’s year. The training and experiences in this key will help make service more realistic to you, and will help you approach the year of service with a plan. This includes: focusing on the future value of your current work (board work, business and industry tour, regional meetings, etc.); building strategic relationships/partnerships; treating everyone with respect; teaching workshops in an engaging manner and teaching to meet all learner needs (learning abilities, diversity, etc.).

1. Strive to improve your ability to carry on meaningful and enjoyable conversations with individuals of all ages and walks of life.

2. Treat all FFA members equally by not favoring one over another.

3. Conduct yourself in a manner that commands respect without any display of superiority.

4. Maintain your dignity while being personable, concerned and interested in contacts with others.

u Commit to Virtuous Behavior

This key focuses on virtues and behavioral characteristics that should be associated with a state officer. These

include responsibility, integrity, keeping promises, speaking with purpose (communicate in a positive, honest and direct way), dealing in a constructive way with difficult people/teammates and seeking win-win solutions.

1. Periodically evaluate your personality and attitudes, making every effort to improve yourself.

2. Serve as a member of the team, always maintaining a cooperative attitude.

3. Work in harmony with fellow FFA officers, State staff, and FFA Center Staff.

4. Do not willingly engage in conversations detrimental to other FFA members, officers and adults.

u Commit to LEARNING

This key focuses on the importance of learning throughout the officer year in several subjects. Developmental topics will include communicating about agricultural education, the history and foundations of FFA and the future directions of FFA, the California Department of Food & Agriculture, California Department of Education, etc. In addition, State FFA Officers will learn advanced workshop and speech design and delivery methods. Also, growing your knowledge of yourself and growing your knowledge of team members will allow the officer to perform more efficiently and effectively.

1. Become knowledgeable of agriculture, of education in agriculture/ agribusiness and of FFA.

2. Keep yourself up-to-date on current events.

u Commit to Passion

This key focuses on passion. To achieve this, a state officer will discover and build on his or her personal interests and passions. The officer will use the team’s passions to develop themes and will learn to share his or her passion by building individual and team relationships with state staff, teachers, and supporters and through effective delivery speeches and keynote addresses.


Officer Experience At - A - Glance

The following activities will consume the workload of the state officer’s year of service. Adequate time will be provided for training, preparation, evaluation, self-improvement, relationships, rejuvenation and team building.

MayOrientation Meetings

JuneFamily BBQ – FFA Center, Galt Blast Off TrainingCATA Summer ConferenceRegional Officer Leadership Conference Prep

JulyNational Leadership Conference for State OfficersState Officer University Trainings Regional Officer Leadership ConferenceChapter Visit DevelopmentSectional Officer Conference PrepState President’s ConferenceState FairIndustry Tours

AugustChapter Visit DevelopmentChapter Officer Leadership Conference PrepState Officer University TrainingSectional Officer Leadership ConferencesIndustry Tours

SeptemberChapter Visit PracticeState Officer University TrainingChapter Officer Leadership ConferencesSectional Officer Leadership ConferencesNational Convention Delegate TrainingState Executive Committee MeetingIndustry Tours

OctoberChapter VisitsChapter Officer Leadership ConferencesNational Convention – Indianapolis, INWashington, D.C. Trip

NovemberWashington, D.C. TripChapter VisitsState FFA Conference Orientation

DecemberChapter VisitsMade for Excellence TrainingState Leadership Conference DevelopmentWinter Retreat

JanuaryChapter VisitsMade for Excellence ConferencesState Leadership Conference Development

FebruaryState Leadership Conference DevelopmentMid-Winter State FinalsState Executive Committee MeetingStar Finalists InterviewsSpring Regional Meetings

MarchSacramento Leadership ExperienceState Leadership Conference DevelopmentSpring Regional MeetingsState Degree CeremoniesOther State Conferences

AprilState Leadership ConferenceSpring Regional MeetingsState Executive Committee MeetingFresno State Field DayOther State ConferencesChapter Banquets

MayState FinalsChapter BanquetsOther State Conferences

JuneOther State Conferences


State Officer Measures of Success

The “State Officer Measures of Success” were developed by an advisory committee comprised of teachers from each region. The group met in December 2014 to discuss the state officer election process. The group collaborated on the role of a state officer, and the expected behaviors/characteristics a successful state officer would possess. The committee utilized past experience, National FFA resources, and past state officer election material to develop a direction for the current State Officer Election process. Below are the “Measures of Success” the advisory committee agreed on:

1. Being a person of sound character who demonstrates appropriate levels of professionalism

2. Ability to understand and demonstrate how to work within a team effectively

3. Serve as a role model by influencing others through positive actions

4. Time Management Skills and the ability to prioritize tasks

5. Knowledge of FFA, Agriculture Education, and the Agriculture Industry

6. Experience and involvement in the three circles of agricultural education

7. Conversation and listening skills; proper introductions, conversation starters, properly maintaining and closing a conversation, being articulate, asking relevant questions, etc.

8. Developing and delivering effective speeches, workshops, curriculum, welcomes, invocations, etc. to specific target audiences

9. Developing consistent, clear messages advocating for FFA, agricultural education, and the agriculture industry for various audiences

Policies and Procedures Guiding State Officer ResponsibilitiesExpenses and Reporting

A state officer will find that many requests will be made of him/her to travel and participate in activities. It is important that the officer understand the difference between various types of travel.

FUNDED BY STATE FFA is travel authorized by the Assistant State FFA Advisor and generally includes participation in FFA activities on a regional, state, or national level. This travel is assigned, thus funded by the California FFA Association. The California FFA Association does not fund the time officers spend at home or on a scheduled break. The California FFA Association will pay the travel expenses to and from a home break.

FUNDED BY OTHER THAN STATE FFA is travel assigned or approved by the Assistant State FFA Advisor. The travel generally includes national activities, out-of-state conferences, and various other events organized by California FFA’s Stakeholders. This travel is funded by another source such as the national FFA organization, or other associations who requested the visit.

When a state officer has official travel, but expenses are not to be paid by the State FFA Association, it is important to have a complete understanding between the officer and the party paying the expenses. The suggested procedure is to have the third party cover as many expenses as possible on site. For those expenses the third party does not cover on site, State FFA staff will invoice the other entity for its share (after the officer reports the expense on an expense report). The officer should not be responsible for collecting these funds.

u California FFA Association Issued Cash Advance

Each state officer will be given a $1,000.00 cash advance to facilitate their service as an officer of the California Association FFA. State Officers are not required to accept the cash advance, if they or their family feel they have the resources to operate without it. The cash advance must either be accounted for by expense claims or repaid to the California Association FFA by the end of the year of service.

The Assistant State FFA Advisor shall counsel state officers early in their term regarding effective management of cash advances. Each state officer will be required to open and manage a personal checking account. State officers are to submit claims for reimbursement of expenses promptly on the 1st and 16th of each month using the State FFA Officer Expense Claim Forms. These claim forms show all expenses including:

1. Travel

2. Lodging

3. Mileage

4. Meals


5. Parking

6. Taxi

7. Postage

8. All other expenses pre-approved by the Assistant State FFA Advisor.

Claims not submitted within fifteen days following the end of the claim period will need to be approved by the Assistant State Advisor and may not be reimbursed. Receipts must be attached to each expense claim in chronological order to substantiate all expenditures. Credit card tissues are not an acceptable form of receipt. Expense claims are checked on every detail. Please double check each claim to assure that they are clear, accurate, and complete. The Assistant State FFA Advisor will make adjustments to the claims when appropriate.

u Meals while Traveling

No more than $34 per day may be claimed for meals. Tips left for servers are to be included in the amount claimed for meals. This also includes any snacks.

u Meals while at the FFA Center

When in Galt, officers must eat at the FFA Center. Officers must purchase groceries in the city of Galt. The Officer team is limited to three grocery store visits per pay period. Officer team should work together to develop a grocery list and minimize visits to the grocery store.

u Lodging

Officers will utilize FFA Chapter hosts, State Officer Families, Past State Officer Families, and other lodging resources when reasonably available. Hotel Lodging will be reimbursable with prior approval of Assistant State FFA Advisor. Reasons for approval include:

1. Questionable Host Family Environments

2. Officer Safety

3. Lack of provided Chapter Host

4. Miscellaneous Emergency Situations approved by Assistant State FFA Advisor

Submit itemized hotel receipts. When filling out an expense report, put the room charge, including tax, under “hotel,” valet under “parking,” meals under “meals,” etc. Separate the expenses out and do not list one lump sum for the entire stay.

u Airline Travel Procedures

Officers will request tickets for air travel at least 21 days prior to the travel (except when extenuating circumstances make this impossible). It is requested that State officers must purchase airline tickets through the Assistant State FFA Advisor or the California FFA Director of Financial Services. State officers may not purchase their own tickets for official travel. Requests may be made verbally or in writing.

u Vehicle Travel Procedures

Mileage will reimbursed for official use of an officer’s privately owned vehicle. Officers will be reimbursed at the rate of $0.50 per mile for official use of their private vehicle. Taxi fares or shuttle services are reimbursable when private car pickup is unavailable or inconvenient. A receipt is required for reimbursement of taxi fares.

u Officer Uniform and Other Supplies

The California FFA Association shall provide to each state officer, at no expense, the following items:

1. Three pairs of black slacks/skirts

2. Five white shirts

3. One pair of black dress shoes for men or two pairs of black dress heels for women

4. One black dress belt

5. Black socks, as needed

6. Three FFA ties or scarves

7. Three FFA jackets (ordered throughout year)

8. Black winter coat

9. Two team shirts (Polo or Button Up)

10. One pair of business casual khakis or similar pants

11. One business briefcases

12. One sleeping bag with pillow

13. A calendar or planning system

14. FFA pen and pencil set

15. Business cards and business card holder

16. FFA Thank You notes and stationary

17. FFA Christmas card


18. One large suitcase

19. One small suitcase

u Official FFA Uniform Expenses

State Officers may expense the following items related to their uniform:

1. Dress socks or nylons, as needed. Ladies may buy nylons in bulk through FFA Center.

2. Slacks and skirts may be dry cleaned once a month

3. Men’s slacks may be pressed at any Men’s Wearhouse free of charge.

4. Shirts need to be washed at home. Occasional dry cleaning will be approved by Assistant State FFA Advisor.

5. Shoe repair may be done with approval of the Assistant State FFA Advisor.

u Personal Living Expenses

Each state officer is allotted $50 per month for payment toward toiletries, personal supplies, and entertainment. It is expected that officers will use good judgment and thrift when spending FFA funds.

Examples of items that should be purchased with the living expenses allowance include:

1. Haircut

2. Manicures

3. Toiletries

4. Snacks, gum, mints, soft drinks, etc.

Items that cannot be expensed include jewelry, watches, sunglasses, and other items deemed inappropriate by the Assistant State FFA Advisor. All clothing-related items must include an explanation as to the need for the purchase.

u Team Entertainment Expenses

Officers may also spend up to $20 per month for team entertainment activities. Examples of use include movie tickets, bowling, miniature golf, etc. Team entertainment must be used as a team to encourage quality time and team bonding.

State Officer Communication

The Assistant State FFA Advisor will schedule and

facilitate periodic meetings as needed. The purpose of these meetings include planning meetings, discuss schedule changes, regular updates to activities, discuss state officer team conduct, and responsibilities.

State officers should correspond with the Assistant State FFA Advisor and their parents at least once a week. Officers should also check email daily for updated information vital to officer responsibilities, and respond promptly to both State Staff and local advisors. Officers should also write thank you cards promptly for chapter visits, industry visits, etc.

State Officers should be prepared to correspond regularly using the following methods:

1. Telephone

2. Email

3. Notes

4. In Person

State Officer Scheduling

The Assistant State FFA Advisor shall have the primary responsibility for arranging and coordinating the schedule of state officer activities for the state FFA officers. The overall objective of officer scheduling is to represent the FFA at local, sectional, regional, state, and national activities in a way that will inform, motivate, and inspire FFA members, advisors, state staff, teacher educators, sponsors and others in government, business and industry to achieve the mission, strategies, and core goals of the California Association FFA. Activities include but are not limited to:

1. Orientation, training and experiences to prepare state officers for the demands of their year of service

2. Adequate team time and preparation time to put on quality activities

3. California FFA Foundation Meetings

4. Adult Board of Directors Meetings

5. State FFA Advisory Committee Meetings

6. Regional Officer Leadership Conference

7. State Presidents’ Conference

8. National FFA Convention


9. Executive Committee Meetings

10. Visit State FFA Conventions within the Western Region

11. State Leadership Conference

12. Chapter Banquet: Every effort will be made to assign a state officer to each chapter banquet that submits a request

13. State and national meetings that would be beneficial to the California Association FFA

14. Annual meetings and/or conventions of State FFA Foundation sponsors

15. FFA Week media activities

16. Business and industry tours

State Officer Commitment Form

A commitment form is to be reviewed and signed by all candidates who submit an application for state FFA office. The expectations outlined on the form will be upheld by the Assistant State FFA Advisor with support from state staff. This form is built into the application process.

Being elected to state FFA office is making a commitment to service that is unique to most student organizations.

In addition to serving and representing more than 80,000 FFA members, you will represent the image and direction of the California FFA Association to teachers, state staff, teacher educators, agriculture industry executives, government leaders, the media and the general public. You will also be a teammate to five other officers.

I understand the following items are commitments required of all State FFA officers, and I agree to…

1. Be dedicated and committed to FFA and the total program of education in agriculture/agribusiness.2. Forego all alcohol, tobacco and illegal substances at all times during my term of service to the FFA.3. Avoid places or activities that in any way would raise questions as to one’s moral character or conduct.4. Use wholesome and appropriate language in all speeches and informal conversations.5. Maintain proper dress and grooming for all occasions.6. Accept and follow instructions as directed by those responsible for state FFA officers and regional/state FFA programs.7. Maintain and protect my health.8. Regularly, and on time, write all letters, thank you notes, e-mails, and other correspondence which are necessary and

desirable.9. Accept and search out constructive criticism and evaluation of my total performance.10. Through preparation and practice, develop myself into an effective public speaker and project a desirable image of

FFA at all times.11. Commit the entire year to state officer activities.12. All travel expected of me while serving the State FFA Organization.13. Consider FFA officer activities to be my primary responsibility.14. Strive to improve my ability to carry on meaningful and enjoyable conversations with individuals of all ages and walks

of life.15. Treat all FFA members equally by not favoring one over another.16. Conduct myself in a manner that commands respect without any display of superiority.17. Maintain my dignity while being personable, concerned and interested in contacts with others. I will periodically

evaluate my personality and attitudes making every effort to improve myself.18. Serve as a member of the team, always maintaining a cooperative attitude.19. Work in harmony with fellow FFA officers, and not knowingly engage in conversations detrimental to other FFA

members, officers and adults.20. Become knowledgeable of agriculture, of agriculture education, and of FFA.21. Keep myself up to date on current events.

State Officer Commitment Form

I have read, studied and understand the intent and spirit of the items listed above. I have also read and understand the job description and requirements as outlined in the State Officer Candidate Manual. If elected to office, I commit to following the rules and procedures outlined. I recognize that breaking policies or these rules may result in limitations being set on my roles as a state FFA officer and/or the possible removal from office by the State FFA Advisor, Assistant State FFA Advisor, and/or fellow members of the State FFA Officer team.

____________________________________

State Officer Candidate Signature

I fully understand the commitment and responsibility which my son/daughter is undertaking as a State FFA Officer and agree to support the efforts and decisions of the advisor to the state officer team in the event my son/daughter fails to meet the commitment he/she is hereby agreeing to undertake.

____________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature

Section 2 • Guiding Principles for State Officer Election Process 15

After reading Section 1, you now know the roles and responsibilities officers play, the “Measures of Success” required of each individual selected for this job, and the policies that guide their functioning. This section will orient you to the principles, objectives and philosophy that guide the election of the officer team. It would be simple to say that the only purpose of this process is to elect six state officers to serve the membership of the California FFA Association, however, it is more complex than that. The nominating committee process is a tremendous experience for more than the six candidates elected to state office.

The California FFA Association sees the nominating committee process as a tremendous experience for all candidates and nominating committee members involved. This is a process that most certainly impacts lives for all involved. Though the results of the process may be most apparent for six of the candidates, the benefits of being involved in such an endeavor will most certainly be realized for all involved for many years to come.

Such a process must be guided by a core philosophy. The process is greatly influenced by the constitution, state staff, and agriculture educators to ensure fairness to all involved during the election process.

In this Section…

Philosophy and Objectives for State Officer Election Process

• Guiding Objectives for State Officer Election Process

• Guiding Principles for Structuring the Election Process

Constitutional Provisions for State Officer Election Process

Section 2Guiding Principles for State Officer Election Process

16 Section 2 • Guiding Principles for State Officer Election Process

Philosophy and Objectives for State Officer Election ProcessGuiding Objectives for State Officer Election Process

The primary goal of the California FFA Association state officer election process is to elect the six best student representatives to serve as an effective team of leaders for the following year, as outlined by the California FFA Association constitution and bylaws.

u We accomplish this goal through:

• Selecting and developing a highly qualified student nominating committee

• Using a structured process to identify and surface the twelve individuals who most reflect the “Measures of Success” required by the role of a state officer

A secondary goal of the state officer election process is to provide a state leadership experience to twelve students selected for service on the nominating committee.


• Selection of the committee takes place at the Regional level using a state operated application process

• Engaging the nominating committee in a professional interviewing experience

• Providing nominating committee members with access to high quality learning and development experiences

Another secondary goal of the state officer election process is to provide all officer candidates with a positive developmental experience.


• Employing a fair well rounded exam and interview process

• Providing all candidates access to current and relevant resources in preparing for the election process

• Providing all candidates with a current, relevant and challenging exam process

• Providing candidate finalists after the exam with a professional interviewing experience at the State FFA Leadership Conference

Guiding Principles for Structuring the Selection Process

Those revising the state officer election process for 2014–2019 did so with the following guiding principles in mind:

u Overall

• Maintain student committee authority in selecting the slate of twelve candidates.

• Provide systems, parameters and resources to support student committee members in carrying out their role.

• Distribute resources, opportunities and information regarding the election processes among all candidates.

u Nominating committee

• Equip members of the nominating committee with the right knowledge and tools to select quality state officers.

• Develop a structure that helps the nominating committee make initial cuts prior to the State FFA Leadership Conference.

• Focus nominating committee attention on the strongest group of candidates during the State FFA Leadership Conference.

u State Officer Candidates

• Familiarize candidates with roles and responsibilities of a state officer, outline selection process and provide direction for preparation.

• Evaluate all candidates on a common, well-defined and agreed upon set of “Measures of Success”.

• Determine the most competitive group of candidates early in the process.

• Improve the quality of time spent evaluating the top group of candidates as individuals perform realistic state officer activities.


Constitutional Provisions for State Officer Election ProcessThe State FFA Officer Election process is provided for by the California FFA Association

Constitution & Bylaws. The California FFA Constitution outlines specific features of the state officer election process.

u The following is excerpted from the California FFA Association State Constitution

ARTICLE V. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OFFICERS

Section A.

The elected officers of the California Association, Future Farmers of America shall be president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, reporter, and sentinel. Ex-officio officers are the state advisor and the assistant state advisor. The state advisor shall be the State Supervisor of Agricultural Education; the Assistant State Advisor(s) shall be a state staff member appointed by the State Advisor. Elective officers shall be elected annually by a majority vote of the delegates present at a regular state leadership conference. They shall be elected by secret ballot and assume office at the conclusion of the state leadership conference.

Section B.

All elective state officers shall hold office for one year after election, or until their successors are elected, unless removed from office for cause by the Executive Committee. All vacancies may be filled by presidential appointment, with Executive Committee approval, until the next regular election.

ARTICLE VI. . . . . . . . . . . . GOVERNING BODIES

Section A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Executive Committee:

(1) The governing student body of the association, which shall advise and make recommendations to the State Advisor and the adult board of directors with respect to the activities and business of the association, shall be the Executive Committee, composed of:

(a) Current State FFA Officers, and

(b) Immediate Past State FFA President, and

(c) Regional FFA Presidents or Regional Representative, and

(d) State FFA Advisor, and

(e) Assistant State FFA Advisor

u The following is excerpted from the California FFA Association State Bylaws

ARTICLE II. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .STATE OFFICERS

Section A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elections:

(1) The state officers will be elected by a majority vote of the delegates present at the annual state leadership conference of the California Association, Future Farmers of America. Voting shall be by secret ballot. No one may serve more than one term as state officer. All elective officers must be graduated from high school. An elective officer can run for state office at the end of his/her senior year of high school at the state leadership conference; or a candidate may run at the state leadership conference during the first year following his/her high school graduation. To be eligible to run for state office a member must provide adequate evidence, as determined by application instructions, that he/she currently maintains, or graduated with, a 2.5 cumulative GPA or higher (A=4.0 scale; ALL classes taken in grades 9-12 must be included in the GPA calculation) in high school and a “B” Average in all Agriculture Courses.

(2) Members seeking candidacy for state office must submit to the assistant state advisor, by the specified due date, an application to run for office which is signed by the member’s parent or guardian indicating their approval and support of the member’s candidacy. In addition to the application, it is the member’s responsibility to see to it that a “Survey of Officer Candidate’s Qualifications” is submitted to the Assistant State Advisor(s) by the specified due date from each of the following three individuals: (a) the member’s chapter FFA advisor; (b) the site administrator or other school administrator at an institution where the member is attending/has attended school; and, (c) member’s regional supervisor of agricultural education. Should either the application or any of the three surveys not arrive at the office of the Assistant State Advisor(s) bearing a postmark on or before the specified due date, the member shall not be allowed to run for state office. The survey instrument shall be prepared by the Assistant State Advisor(s) who shall cause it to be distributed annually with the state officer

18 Section 2 • Guiding Principles for State Officer Election Process

application form. Each completed survey must be mailed directly to the Assistant State Advisor(s) by the individual who completed the form. Contents of the survey are strictly confidential and shall not be shared with the candidate at any time. Only the Assistant State Advisor(s), State Advisor, and nominating committee members shall be allowed to view the completed surveys. Upon completion of their work, the nominating committee shall return all surveys to the Assistant State Advisor(s) who shall destroy all surveys annually following the state leadership conference.

(3) Candidates for state office shall be placed in nomination by the current officer holding the same office. Each candidate nominated by the nominating committee shall provide the current state officer, holding the same office, with a list of five accomplishments, which will be read to the delegates by the officer. The candidate will then have a maximum of two minutes to respond, giving additional information and reasons for seeking the office. Candidates may not be nominated from the floor. If nominated for a specific office by the nominating committee, a candidate may decline the nomination for the office. The candidate who declines the office for which he/she was nominated by the committee has no right to seek nomination from the floor for any other office.

Section B. . . . . . . . . . Duties and Responsibilities:

(1) President

(a) It shall be the duty of the president to preside over all meetings of the California Association, Future Farmers of America and over all meetings of the state executive committee.

(b) The president shall call one meeting of the state association each year on such a date and at such place as shall be fixed by a majority vote of the executive committee.

(c) The president shall call special meetings of the state association or of the executive committee when requested to do so by a majority vote of the executive committee or by the state advisor.

(d) The president shall appoint all special committees and may serve as an ex-officio member of these committees.

(e) The president shall serve as a member of the nominating and executive committees the year following his/her term as president.

(2) Vice President

The vice president shall assume all duties of the president in the event that office becomes vacant. He/she shall assume disciplinary responsibilities of state FFA events. He/she shall preside over all meetings in the absence of the president and shall assume other duties of the president as assigned to him/her by the state executive committee.

(3) Secretary

The secretary shall perform the duties common to such an office as keeping an accurate record of the minutes of the state association or the minutes of the executive committee. Copies of the minutes of these meetings shall be prepared by the state FFA office for the State Advisor and state records and shall also be made available to each local chapter and each member of the state executive committee. Minutes of the State Leadership Conference shall be turned into the state FFA office no later than one week after the conference.

(4) Treasurer

The treasurer shall be the ex-officio chairman of the finance-audit committee and shall represent the California Association in all matters pertaining to financial budget and policy. The treasurer shall serve as an ex-officio member of the Board of Directors. He/she shall present to the State Leadership Conference an audit of the accounts of the association to be prepared under the direction of the California FFA Board of Directors.

(5) Reporter

It shall be the duty of the reporter to assist with the development of the California FFA publication, assist with collecting data for the official state report, and prepare news notes suitable for publication on all meetings of the state association. Other duties may be assigned to him/her by the editor of the California FFA newsletter or by the executive committee.

(6) Sentinel

It shall be the duty of the sentinel to assist in the conduct of all statewide meetings by greeting guests, seating delegates, arranging paraphernalia, displays, and decorations; and to carry out other duties assigned to him/her by the president.


ARTICLE III. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . COMMITTEES

Section D.

The nominating committee shall consist of up to two members from each of the geographical regions, with the past state president as chairperson and the state advisor or his/her delegated representative as ex-officio member without vote. If the past state president is unable to serve, the chairperson shall be from the past state officer team appointed by the current state president.

Each member of the nominating committee shall be selected within his/her respective region from qualified applicants. The application form shall be prepared by the Assistant State FFA Advisor(s) and made available to all chapters. The actual selection process shall be at the discretion of each regional executive committee. Each region desiring representation on the committee shall provide the Assistant State FFA Advisor(s) with the name of its representatives by the specified due date. Substitution of a nominating committee member after this date shall not be allowed except that the State Advisor may approve a substitution in a case of extremely extenuated circumstances. To be selected as a representative on the nominating committee a student must be an affiliated FFA member with a chapter in good standing with the state association, hold the Chapter FFA Degree at the time of the leadership conference where he/she is to serve, and be a junior or senior in high school.

The nominating committee shall, after consideration of the qualified candidates, make nominations for the various state offices. All candidates must have received the State FFA degree. Meetings of the nominating committee shall be closed meetings. Information given on all possible candidates shall be confidential. The nominating committee may nominate no more than two candidates for each office.

Section 3 • The Election Process 21

Section 3The Election ProcessElecting six officers is no easy task. The process is more rigorous than many interviews you will encounter in your professional life. In it lies a tremendous opportunity for personal and career growth. Preparation for the process begins months in advance — some would argue that it begins when you become an FFA member. One thing is certain, the process will certainly provide an adequate test of your ability to serve in the capacities outlined.

The entire election process is based upon the outlined “Measures of Success” identified during the State Officer Election Process Advisory Meeting that took place in December of 2014. The “Measures of Success” are evaluated in a number of different ways ranging from your performance on a written exam to your performance in live interview scenarios.

The election process provides a method to carry out this important task. All the details are provided for your help in preparing. It may be cliché, but ask most past state officer’s — regardless of what you know about each round. There’s still something that’s more important to your success: Stay true to yourself!

In this section…

Application Submission and Written Exam Procedures

• Eligibility

• Application Submission Procedures

• Application

• Written Examination Procedure

Written Exam and Live Interview Process

• Written Exam Process

• Written Exam Resources

• Parameters of the Application and Examination Screening

• Live Interview Process

• Interview Round Focus Areas

• Strategies for Preparing for Live Interview Process

• Live Interview Timeline and Expectations

• State Officer Candidate Election Speeches

• State Officer Candidate Meet and Greet

Post-Convention Process for Newly Elected State Officers

• Tentative Dates

• Frequently Asked Questions

22 Section 3 • The Election Process

Application Submission and Written Exam ProceduresEligibility

• Each candidate must be actively enrolled on their chapter’s roster and in good standing.

• Each candidate must have obtained his or her State FFA Degree.

• Each candidate finalist after the exam portion must schedule to attend and participate in the entire State FFA Convention while running for state office.

Application Submission Procedure

• Confirm candidacy for the State FFA Degree

• Complete State Officer Application, Essay, and Commitment Form

• Obtain all signatures and grade verifications required on the State Officer Application form

• Secure three Officer Character Surveys (one from each group below):

o Regional Supervisor

o Chapter Advisor

o School Administrator (Counselors are not considered administrators)

• Each candidate must submit the State FFA Officer Application to the State Office by February 1st. Submit application to:

California Department of EducationAssistant State FFA Advisor1430 N Street, Suite 4202Sacramento, CA 95814

Application

There are seven parts to this application. We suggest completing some portions in a word processing program as you expect for them to be formatted. Run spell check and have some trusted mentors review and provide feedback. Once you ensure everything is correct, then use the copy and paste feature to paste the text in the appropriate fields in the online application.

u Part 1 General Information and Signatures

This general information is used to prepare press releases and printed material about all of the newly elected officers. Two key pieces of information include your FFA jacket size and your ring size. Please remember that the newly elected state officers will receive their new jacket the last day of the conference when the results are announced. An accurate jacket size is vitally important to the installation of officers. The signatures section is used to verify that a student has received the appropriate permission, and has met the basic academic requirements to run for state office.

u Part 2 Level of Involvement in Classroom, SAE, FFA, & Non-FFA Activities

This information is used to determine a candidate’s level of involvement in the program. State Officers should have a well-rounded agriculture education career. This part is scored by the Assistant State FFA Advisor and the State Nominating Committee Chair.

u Part 3 Essay Response – Why do you desire to serve as a State Officer?

Please attach a separate sheet of paper on which you answer the question, “Why do you desire to serve as a State FFA Officer?” This response is scored by the Assistant State FFA Advisor and the State Nominating Committee Chair. This response must be:

1. Typed and double-spaced

2. Confined to one side of an 8-1/2” x 11” page

3. Printed in a type size no smaller than 10 point Arial Font

u Part 4 Photo

Attach a size 4” x 5” current head and shoulders photograph in official FFA dress uniform. Photograph must be enclosed with application. The photo is not scored.

u Part 5 Top Five Qualifications for Office

These top five qualifications may appear elsewhere on the application. These qualifications will be read to the delegates if you are nominated for state office. This part is not scored.


u Part 6 Statement of Commitments

Review the form thoroughly. This form must be signed by both the candidate and their parent/guardian confirming both parties understand the commitment level state office requires. Feel free to contact the Assistant State FFA Advisor should you have any questions regarding the expectations outlined. The signed form must be enclosed with the application.

u Part 7 Survey of State Officer Candidate Qualifications

The State Officer Candidate Survey of Qualifications is a confidential document that should be submitted privately by your FFA Advisor, FFA Regional Supervisor, and a School Administrator. Place a checkmark in the appropriate box on the line which reads, “Survey completed by.” Next, deliver this form to the individual who will be completing it. Remember, three surveys must be submitted on your behalf. Remind the survey completer that this form must be mailed by them directly to the Assistant State FFA Advisor on or before February 1st. You might consider providing them with a stamped, addressed envelope. In any event, you should check back with each survey completer to be certain the form is mailed on time.

Written Examination Procedure

Once the completed application and survey have been submitted, a candidate will receive correspondence from the Assistant State FFA Advisor outlining the written examination date. The examination is scheduled to take place during the following date and time:

• March 1 – Exam #1 in Bakersfield (Assigned Regions: San Joaquin, South Coast, and Southern)

• March 1 – Exam #2 in Galt (Assigned Regions: Central, North Coast, and Superior)

Written Exam and Live Interview ProcessThe exam and interview process will be divided into two phases. The first phase will consist of an Application Score, “Why do I desire to serve?” Essay Score, and a Written Exam (multiple choice and essay). These scores will be used to determine who advances to the live interview phase of the process during the State FFA Leadership Conference.

Nominating Committee deliberation will not occur at this time. Scores at this point in the process are NOT reported to candidates or nominating committee members. Approximately 50 percent of the candidates will receive notice they are advancing to the live interviews.

Written Exam Process

State officers must consistently demonstrate a command of key issues related to agriculture, FFA and agriculture education. While some of this knowledge may be demonstrated by asking quality questions and carrying on informed conversations rather than “knowing facts,” it is still important that officers come in with a base understanding of core issues and facts related to these three areas of knowledge. Thus, a written exam consisting of two portions – multiple choice questions and essay questions -- will be administered to allow candidates to demonstrate evidence of this desired knowledge set. Candidates will complete the exam on March 1st. The assigned locations are mentioned above. The exam process will not be timed. Students will have ample time to complete these items.

u Multiple Choice Questions

All candidates will complete a written exam with 60 multiple choice/matching questions. The composition of the exam will be as follows: 20 questions on agriculture; 20 questions on FFA; and 20 questions on agriculture education.

u Short Essay Responses

The short essay responses will be designed to evaluate a candidate’s deeper understanding of agriculture, FFA, and agriculture education. Candidates will also have an opportunity to share more about themselves. The nominating committee will score these responses.


Written Exam Resources

• Official FFA Manual (PDF version available online – updated annually)

https://www.f fa.org/About/WhoWeAre/Pages/The-Official-FFA-Manual.aspx

• California FFA Constitution

• Farm Bureau Farm Facts Booklet (Available online at www.fb.org or from your Farm Bureau Office)

• California FFA Newsletter

• Calaged.org website

• Robert’s Rules of Order

Parameters of the Application and Examination Screening

After the completion of phase 1 (Application and Examination Process), students will be notified regarding whether or not they are moving into phase 2 (Live Interview). The following items will be scored to determine the list of students who will advance to phase 2:

1. Application (100 Points)

2. “Why do I desire to serve?” Essay (100 points)

3. Written Test (100 points)

4. Short Essay Responses (150 points)

Live Interview Process

Students who are selected to advance to phase 2 (Live Interview Process) should register as full participants of the State FFA Leadership Conference. The nominating committee will be selected as outlined in the California FFA Constitution. All candidates at State Convention will be retained in a holding area throughout the interview process. Candidates will remain in the holding area until released by the nominating committee.

u Adult Supervision

The state officer election process will be ultimately supervised by the Assistant State FFA Advisor. The Assistant State FFA Advisor will select an adult supervisor to advise the Nominating Committee chair and members the week of the State FFA Leadership Conference. The California FFA Association Leadership Coordinator will also work with the nominating

committee to oversee the tabulation process for each interview round. The Assistant State FFA Advisor will also appoint a high school agriculture educator who will assist in the management and delivery of the state officer election process. A rotational plan has been established to guide the selection of the adult consultant.

Interview Round Focus Areas

a. Being a person of sound character who demonstrates appropriate levels of professionalism

b. Ability to understand and demonstrate how to work within a team effectively

c. Serve as a role model by influencing others through positive actions

d. Time management skills and the ability to prioritize tasks

e. Knowledge of FFA, agriculture education, and the agriculture industry

f. Experience and involvement in the three circles of agricultural education

g. Conversation and listening skills; proper introductions, conversation starters, properly maintaining and closing a conversation, being articulate, asking relevant questions, etc.

h. Developing and delivering effective speeches, workshops, curriculum, welcomes, invocations, etc. to specific target audiences

i. Developing consistent, clear messages by advocating for FFA, agricultural education, and the agriculture industry for various audiences

Strategies for Preparing for the Live Interview Process

• Develop an Understanding of FFA’s Role inAgricultural Education

o Review the history of Agricultural Education and the introduction of FFA

o Review and understand Agricultural Education’s place in Career & Technical Education

o Review the concept of the three interlocking circles of the program components

o List the values of FFA to the members, home, school, and community


• DevelopaBaseKnowledgeofFFAFundamentals

o Review the information in the publications listed on the Examination Resource List.

o Review the basics; i.e. Creed, Mission, History, Organizational Structure, Awards, and Etc.

o List your FFA experiences and describe the lessons you learned from those experiences.

o Review the activities that take place in your region and at the state level.

o Develop an understanding of what FFA is to you.

o Learn and understand the mission & strategies of the FFA.

o Understand the organization and function of the FFA Foundation.

• DevelopaWorkingKnowledgeofCurrent Issuesin Education and Agriculture

o Read education and agriculture periodicals.

o Meet with school administrators to talk about the issues in education.

o Meet with agricultural professionals in your community to learn about issues.

o Visit with FFA members to learn of their concerns and suggestions for the organization.

• PracticefortheInterviewProcess

o Set up interviews with several different individuals.

o Follow the outline of the interview format to simulate the interviews.

o Wear your official dress to practice the interviews.

o Brainstorm a list of possible questions to practice.

o Read interview information available in your school library or guidance office.

• PrepareYourself

o Develop an understanding of why you want to serve the organization.

o Clean up your official dress to display the appropriate image.

o Read motivational literature.

o Prepare to have a positive attitude throughout the convention.

o Practice your people skills for delegate contacts.

Live Interview Timeline and Expectations

1. If selected to appear at the State FFA Leadership Conference, be prepared to go before the Nominating Committee for screening. You are expected to meet in the lobby of the Fresno Doubletree Hotel by 4:45 p.m. on the Friday prior to the State FFA Leadership Conference.

2. You will be expected to be on time to all Nominating Committee sessions. If you must participate in any other part of the convention, make sure that you notify the committee chair ahead of time. If you are not present when your name is called, you will no longer be considered. If you inform the chair, they then have the responsibility of working around your other convention activities.

3. The Friday night activities will include the annual Fresno State University President’s dinner, a brief orientation, and interviews at the committee’s discretion.

4. Saturday, the committee will reconvene in the Doubletree Hotel. There will be interviews and evaluations of the candidates throughout the evening and all day Sunday.

5. During the Saturday evening session, you may have the opportunity to introduce yourself to the delegation. You may give a small two to three word greeting, along with your name and chapter. NOTHING ELSE!!!

6. Cuts to the State Officer candidates list may take place Friday evening through Sunday evening at the discretion of the nominating committee.

7. To ensure equal treatment of all candidates, all proceedings in the committee are to remain confidential. Any candidate who relays information to another candidate will be dropped from consideration for a state office.

8. Conduct outside of the committee room is observed as well as the actual interviews. Conduct yourself accordingly.


9. Candidates who continue to the top twelve will be asked by the committee if there is any office that they would not accept. Think about this question and answer it honestly.

10. The final cut to the twelve candidates that will advance to the Nominating Committee Slate will take place Sunday evening.

11. The final twelve candidates will be expected to check in with the Nominating Committee Chair in the lobby of the Doubletree Hotel at 8:00 a.m. Monday morning with their campaign flyers. The nominating committee chair will escort all the candidates to the Monday morning general session.

12. During the Monday session of the State Conference, the nominating committee will report its decision to the delegation, and the final twelve candidates will find out the office they have been slated for.

State Officer Candidate Election Speeches

Once the Nominating Committee report is read during the Monday morning session, the final twelve candidates will be escorted back stage to prepare for their election speech.

u Speeches

Those candidates who will be giving nomination speeches to the delegation will have no more than two (2) minutes to speak. To be fair to everyone, we must TAKE the microphone from you at two minutes exactly. Candidates may not use props, costumes, background music, media, etc. Candidates must be wearing official FFA dress uniform.

State Officers are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times, therefore state officer candidates will be expected to adhere to the same guidelines. State Officer Candidate speeches need to remain professional and appropriate.

• Refrain from using sexual, religious, racial, and other rude or offensive language in your speech.

• The nominating committee will listen to the twelve candidate speeches on stage. If a speech is deemed inappropriate by the nominating committee, the candidate will be removed from consideration for State Office.

State Officer Candidate Meet and Greet

The candidates will give their nomination speeches and

then there will be a “Meet the Candidates” reception prior to voting. Then balloting will take place with a majority vote needed to elect.

u Campaign Materials

Candidates are allowed to only distribute a flyer printed on one side of an 8-1/2” x 11” sheet. These may be distributed only at the reception where candidates are meeting delegates and may not be distributed outside of the “Meet and Greet” time and area. A few guidelines include:

• Flyers will be collected first thing Monday morning, and will be at the “Meet and Greet” area when the candidates arrive.

• Only one (1) flyer design is acceptable. If a candidate brings multiple designs of their flyer, all but one flyer will be confiscated.

• Flyers may contain your speech theme/name, photo, top five qualifications, and appropriate language to connect to your speech.

• Flyers may not contain social media links, email links, phone numbers, etc. If a flyer contains these items, the flyer will be confiscated.

Post-Convention Process for Newly Elected State OfficersIf you are elected to state office, you will need to have someone else look after your things in the conference hall and wherever you are staying in Fresno. After the conference is adjourned, you will proceed immediately to a luncheon sponsored by the Dean of Agriculture at CSU-Fresno, followed by photographs and an orientation session. You will need to have alternative arrangements for going home. The orientation session will end no later than 5:00 p.m. on the day the State Conference adjourns. If you live a great distance from Fresno, it is preferred that you spend Tuesday night in Fresno and start home the following morning. The Assistant State FFA Advisor will be happy to make lodging arrangements for Tuesday night.

Tentative Dates

1. May 7 State FFA Finals – Cal Poly

2. May 13–15 Officer Orientation

3. May 27–30 Officer Training – Camping Trip

4. June 11 State Officer Family BBQ and


Move In – FFA Center

5. June 13–17 Blast Off Training – FFA Center

6. June 19–23 CATA Summer Conference/ Officer Training – San Luis Obispo

7. June 1–July 27 NLCSO – Bryce Canyon, UT

8. July 3–7 ROLC – Tomales Bay

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What assistance is provided with insurance and student status?

State FFA Office is recognized as an internship with the California Department of Education. Elected officers can request a letter from the Assistant State FFA Advisor explaining the internship and requesting your insurance company continue to recognize the officer as a student.

2. What assistance is provided with college scholarship deferment?

Elected officers can request a letter from the Assistant State FFA Advisor explaining state office and requesting deferral for scholarships. Many scholarship programs recognize FFA and the opportunity State Office provides and will defer scholarships for one year.

3. What assistance is provided with college deferment?

Elected officers can request a letter from the Assistant State FFA Advisor explaining state office and requesting deferral of college enrollment for one year. Many universities recognize FFA and the opportunity State Office provides and will defer enrollment.

4. What if my child doesn’t have a car/driver’s license?

We have worked with state officers in the past who have either not had a car available for the year or haven’t yet earned their driver’s license. This in no way hinders their ability to serve as an officer. We work with the six elected officers to organize our schedule and plan accordingly. A car is nice to have as a state officer, and all official mileage for the association is reimbursed at $.50/mile.

5. What financial requirements are there to serve?

All costs directly related to the functions of state office are covered by the Association. Travel, meals, lodging, and business related expenses are reimbursed. A student and his/her parents should be ready to cover some of his/her legitimate living expenses during the year (personal items, personal travel, and personal meals). There have been officers known to have had the year cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to $2,000. This depends, of course, on the individual and the decisions he/she makes.

6. If expenses are able to be reimbursed, what should we do if our student doesn’t have the funds to begin the year?

The California FFA Association provides a $1,000 advance to officers if needed. The advance needs to be deposited into a checking account, and officers are able to use the fund to pay for FFA reimbursable expenses. The association then asks for the $1,000 to be returned at the end of the year.

7. When would the state officer’s year of service start?

The state officer’s year of service starts immediately following the California State FFA Leadership Conference. There are only a few required activities until they graduate from high school or are finished with their college spring term. The tentative required dates for the 2015–16 state officer team prior to move in are:

• May 2 – State FFA Finals, San Luis Obispo

• May 15–17 – 1st Orientation Meeting, Plymouth, CA

• May 22–25 – State Officer Camping Trip and Retreat

• June 13 – Family BBQ and FFA Center Move-In (dependent on graduation dates)

8. When would they need to move into the FFA Center?

Traditionally, the State Officer move-in date is the second weekend in June. The date is dependent on State Officer graduation dates.

9. How often can we expect our students to come home during the year?

The rule of thumb is that officers get a home break


approximately every six weeks. Most breaks are between 3–5 days. They will receive a full two week break around the traditional Christmas/Winter holiday season.

10. What should our family do regarding summer family vacation dates?

Family vacations are sometimes difficult to schedule. A few suggestions include taking the vacation prior to the officers expected move in date, or schedule the vacation once the State Officer schedule is established, in order to schedule the vacation during a state officer home break.

11. What should we do with Fair project animals?

Summer fairs are a challenge, but not impossible. Traditionally, the student is allowed to attend show day, and we make a request of the local fair board to have another chapter member walk the animal across the auction block for the officer. Most county fairs recognize the state officer program and will work with us to allow the student to participate. We will handle these on a case by case basis.

Section 4 • State Officer Candidate Study Guide 29

Preparing for the state officer election process will vary with each candidate. Some will prepare in isolation, while others will engage others to help prepare. Some will have seemingly countless practice interviews, while others will have very few. The greatest key in a successful journey of preparing yourself for the state officer election process is knowing the beginning and the ending points. If you have an understanding of who you are (knowledge, skills, attitude and talents) and what is expected of and looked for in state officer candidates, then you can map your own plan for the preparation journey. This section will provide you with a few additional resources to help guide your preparation.

Section 4State Officer Candidate Study Guide: Preparing for the Election Process

In this Section…

FFA Knowledge

Agriculture Education Knowledge

Agriculture Knowledge

Interview Sample Questions by “Measure of Success” Area

Contact Information

30 Section 4 • State Officer Candidate Study Guide

u Basic Knowledge

With all the roles that a state officer must fulfill, it is imperative that state officers enter their term with a high level of understanding of agricultural education, supervised agriculture experience, FFA and agriculture. This section will describe the minimum that each candidate should possess before the election process begins.

FFA KnowledgeIt has been said that FFA is an intra-curricular activity having its origin and base in a definite part of the school curriculum — agricultural education. The close relationship facilitates each other’s good points with FFA providing the “laboratory” for leadership and personal and career development experiences for classroom instruction. Thus, a well-functioning FFA chapter, with a planned Program of Activities, a strong team of student and adult leaders, and active “advisorship” enriches the instruction in agriculture.

u FFA Mission

To make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

u Fundamentals to Know About the National FFA Organization

In addition to knowing and internalizing the above information, knowing the basics of FFA and the history of FFA is important. The following is a minimum of what each candidate should know about FFA.

1. What is the place of FFA within the program of agricultural education?

2. Why was FFA organized?

3. What are some unique features of FFA?

4. If an FFA sponsor who is also a supporter of 4-H asks you, “What is the difference between FFA and 4-H?” how would you respond?

5. Relative to the administration of FFA, know the following:

a) Who are the members of the Agriculture Education State Staff?

b) What is the State FFA Executive Committee?

c) What is the Adult Board of Directors role?

d) What is the State FFA Advisory Committee?

6. What are the roles and responsibilities of a state officer?

7. How may amendments to the state constitution be made?

8. What is the relationship of the California FFA Association to the California Department of Education? Explain.

9. It is essential that you have a thorough knowledge of the following:

a) The history of FFA

b) The purposes of FFA

c) How the organization operates

d) A Program of Activities and how it is developed

e) Parliamentary procedure

f) The FFA Code of Ethics

g) How is FFA financed?

h) What are the essentials of a successful chapter?

Agricultural Education Knowledgeu Mission

The mission of Agricultural Education is to prepare and support individuals for careers, build awareness, and develop leadership for the food, fiber and natural resource systems.

u Goals of Agriculture Education

In 1950, a federal charter was granted to the National FFA Organization (Public Law 740) by the United States Congress, which made it an integral part of agricultural education. In 1998, PL 740 was revised by Congress and replaced by Public Law 105-225.

The FFA, integrated into agricultural education, vitalizes and motivates the learning experiences of students. An outstanding FFA chapter is an integral part of any agricultural education program.

The FFA provides students with dynamic ways to learn about agriculture and leadership, as well as opportunities

Section 4 • State Officer Candidate Study Guide 31

for self-improvement. Just as the agriculture teacher uses a shop to teach agricultural mechanics, he or she also uses the FFA to teach leadership and motivate students to set high goals and work to achieve those goals. The FFA is an intra-curricular activity having its origin and roots as a definite part of the curriculum in agricultural education. An outstanding FFA chapter, under guidance of an advisor and a challenging program of activities, enriches the instruction in agriculture.

Everyone in the agricultural education and FFA family should be constantly aware of our mission statement, what we value, and the goals we have set for agricultural education.

Excerpt from the National FFA Officer Preparation Manual, National FFA 1999

u Agricultural Education Knowledge

1. The Smith-Hughes Act and its role in establishing agricultural education in the public schools

2. The problem-solving approach to teaching and its influence on agricultural education, supervised agricultural experience and FFA

3. The history of SAE and its role in the local instructional program

4. What are CDE, State Staff, CATA, FFA Advisory Committee and Adult Board of Directors? How does each of these organizations influence the direction of agricultural education and FFA?

5. The role of advisory committees, other school administration and staff, local FFA alumni members and sponsors in the local program.

6. What efforts are being done to recruit and retain agriculture teachers?

7. Understanding of current trends in agricultural education such as:

a) Current student enrollment trends in agriculture

b) Supply and demand of agriculture teachers

Agriculture KnowledgeThe following is a minimum of what a candidate should know and be able to discuss about the industry of agriculture:

1. Understanding of basic agriculture-related statistics (Farm Facts will serve as the base reference)

2. Understanding of the major issues being faced by California agriculture

3. Understanding of the influence of biotechnology on food production and processing

4. Understanding of the emerging trends in production agriculture practices (no till and minimum till, organic farming, sustainable agriculture including rotational grazing, etc.)

5. Understanding of the current trends and issues in food processing and food safety (value added such as meal kits, unique packaging, irradiation of meat, etc.)

6. Awareness of trends in the major food and fiber commodities produced in California

7. Knowledge of the top leaders in California agriculture

Interview Sample Questions by “Measure of Success” Areau Being a person of sound character

who demonstrates appropriate levels of professionalism as seen on pages 4–8 of the State Officer Candidate Handbook

• Describea timewhenyoumadeadecisionthat caused your character to be questioned

• Tellusaboutasituationinwhichyouhadtoadjust to changes beyond your control. How did you handle it?

• Whatareyourtopthreevaluesandwheredidthey originate from?

• Describe your leadership style and give anexample of a situation when you successfully led a group

• What’s a weakness you have worked toovercome in the past year?

u Understands Team Dynamics

• Howwouldyoudefine“success”intheroleofa State FFA Officer?

• Whatkindofpeopledoyouliketosurroundyourself with? How do you connect yourself with those outside of your circle?

32 Section 4 • State Officer Candidate Study Guide

u Serve as a role model by influencing others through positive actions

• Describea situationwhenyouwereable tohave a positive influence on the actions of others.

• Aftermeetingsomeone,whatistheonethingyou want that person to remember about you?

• Describeatimewhenyoumentoredorcoachedan individual or a group of individuals.

u Time management skills and the ability to prioritize tasks

• Describe a time when you had several duedates, events or timelines going on at the same time

• Tell us about a time when you createdsomething

• Tellusaboutatimeyouwereresponsibleforasuccessful event. What can you attribute the success to?

u Knowledge of FFA, Agriculture Education, and the Agriculture Industry

• Whatisthepurposeofastateofficer?

• Describe the integral structure of agriculturaleducation and relate it to your personal experience in the agricultural education program.

• Discusssomecurrentlegislationorpropositionsfacing agriculture in California.

• Inyourmind,whatisastateofficerandhowdo you fit that description?

u Conversation and listening skills; proper introductions, conversation starters, properly maintaining and closing a conversation, being articulate, asking relevant questions, etc.

• GroupDiscussionQuestion:ShouldAgricultureEducation be part of the California Department of Education or part of the California Department of Food and Agriculture?

• Scenario–Youareastateofficeronachaptervisit and the agriculture teacher has asked you to meet with the school principal to discuss why agricultural education is important. The principal wants to know why he should

allocate funding to agricultural education, especially when the school has been hit with major budget cuts. Facilitate a four minute conversation with the principal about why he should support the school’s agricultural education program. Think about what is important to a high school principal (test scores, school prestige, etc.).

u Developing and delivering effective speeches, workshops, curriculum, welcomes, invocations, etc. to specific target audiences

• Infrontofyouisalistofthreedifferenttopics.You have two minutes to prepare a two minute speech that you will be giving to a group of industry leaders and sponsors at a formal dinner who are already aware of what the FFA is all about.

The following list will be written on a flip chart in the room:

1. A speech of gratitude thanking them for their support

2. A speech encouraging potential sponsors to invest in the FFA

3. A speech persuading them to support agricultural education

u Developing consistent, clear message relating to FFA, agricultural education, and the agriculture industry for various audiences

• Asastateofficer,whateffectcanyouhaveonthe agricultural industry?

• Manypoliticianstodayarefarremovedfromproduction agriculture. As an agriculturalist, why is it important to gain their support?

• Canyouexplaintoussomeoftheadvantagesand disadvantages of organic farming?

Contact InformationCalifornia Department of EducationAssistant State FFA Advisor1430 “N” Street, Suite 4202Sacramento, CA 95814Phone: 916-319-0486Email: [email protected]

Appendix • State Officer Candidate Advisory Meeting 33

A special meeting of high school agriculture advisors was held to discuss changes to the State Officer Candidate process and the state nominating committee. The meeting was called to order by Josiah Mayfield, Assistant State FFA Advisor at 10:00 am on December 17, 2014 at the FFA Center in Galt. Present were Josiah Mayfield, Assistant State FFA Advisor, Riley Nilsen, 2015 Nominating Committee Chair, Jessica Forster, Pleasant Grove FFA Advisor, Roy Beck, Bret Harte FFA Advisor, Lisa Piehl, Santa Rosa FFA Advisor, Kevin Koelewyn, Tulare FFA Advisor, Courtney Castle, Golden West FFA Advisor, Erin Thompson, Former Templeton FFA Advisor and Current Teacher in Residence at Cal Poly, SLO, Lauren Fontes, King City FFA Advisor, Robin Grundmeyer, Norco FFA Advisor, Jodi Baker, Hemet FFA Advisor, Luke Browning, Nevada Union FFA Advisor, and Tim Brown, Tulelake FFA Advisor.

Welcome/Introductions/Purpose

The meeting was called to order and a welcome, introductions, and a brief meeting purpose was discussed.

State Officer Activities and Responsibilities State Officer Skills and Abilities

The group then started by discussing the necessary skills and abilities state officers needed to be successful. This lead to the development of the nine areas state officer candidates should be evaluated on. The nine focus areas are outline below.

a. Being a person of sound character who demonstrates appropriate levels of professionalism as seen on pages 4-8 of the State Officer Candidate Handbook

b. Ability to understand and demonstrate how to work within a team effectively

c. Serve as a role model by influencing others through positive actions

d. Time Management Skills and the ability to prioritize tasks.

e. Knowledge of FFA, Agriculture Education, and the Agriculture Industry

f. Experience and Involvement in the 3 circles of agricultural education

g. Conversation and listening skills; proper introductions, conversation starters, properly maintaining and closing a conversation, being articulate, asking relevant questions, etc.

h. Developing and delivering effective speeches, workshops, curriculum, welcomes, invocations, etc. to specific target audiences

i. Developing consistent, clear messaging advocating for FFA, agricultural education, and the agriculture industry for various audiences

Nominating Committee Proposed Re-structure

Following the development of the nine focus areas, the proposed changes to the State Officer Candidate process were discussed.

1. State Officer Candidate Paper Screen/Early Screen

a. Screen applications down to approximately the top 50% from each region, and the top 50% overall. Nominating Committee will be required to attend the screening at the FFA Center, and at the expense of the California FFA Association.

b. Screen applications down to those candidates who have received 70% or better on the application score. Nominating Committee will be required to attend the screening at the FFA Center, and at the expense of the California FFA Association.

AppendixCalifornia Association FFA State Officer Candidate Advisory Meeting Minutes

34 Appendix • State Officer Candidate Advisory Meeting

c. Start Thursday evening and screen the candidates list down to the top 50% from each region, and the top 50% overall. The candidates who are selected will move on to Friday and Saturday activities.

Items above were discussed at length and discussion included potential changes to the changes proposed above. Following the discussion the following motion was made

Roy Beck, Bret Harte FFA advisor moved to recommend that the California FFA Association administer a test and writing activity at 2 locations in the state to determine the 1st cut and who would be invited to continue the process at State Convention. The motion was seconded and debate followed. The motion then passed with a vote of 7 in favor, and 5 against.

2. State Officer Candidate Handbook – Handbook should improve communication and provide candidates with a better understanding of both the process and state office.

The state officer candidate handbook was discussed, and Kevin Koelewyn, Tulare FFA moved and it was seconded to recommend posting a state officer candidate handbook as a resource for future candidates. Motion passed with a voice vote.

3. Nominating Committee Leadership Structure Changes

a. Past State President serves as Chairman (Per Constitution)

b. Two Members selected from each region (Per Constitution)

c. State FFA Advisor

d. Assistant State FFA Advisor

e. Pre-Selected Nominating Committee Advisor (Manages On-Site Process)

f. Volunteer Teacher observes process, and provides feedback for improvement (Application process)

Luke Browning, Nevada Union FFA moved and it was seconded to recommend the volunteer teacher position (f) be rotated around the regions. Motion passed voice vote.

State Officer Candidate Handbook

The remaining discussion dealt with the handbook, and the committee provided feedback regarding the correct resources that should be used for developing materials and exam questions.

Below are the official changes made to the State Officer candidate process.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 2:00pm

California Association FFAPost Office Box 460 Galt, California 95632

Phone: 209-744-1600www.calaged.org

Documents

State Officer Candidate Handbook