No matter your budget, there are ample opportunities to give back to the National FFA Organization this holiday season. Here are some ideas.
1. Give the Gift of Blue.
Through the Give the Gift of Blue program, which is made possible thanks to support from FFA corporate partners Bayer Crop Science, the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation and Tractor Supply Co., you can be part of gifting a blue corduroy jacket to an FFA member who otherwise may not be able to afford one.
Although $85 is required to fully fund a jacket, which comes with a tie or scarf, donations of any amount are welcome. To date, more than 18,000 deserving FFA members across the nation have benefited from Give the Gift of Blue.
2. Purchase a commemorative brick.
You can help pave the way for future generations of FFA leaders by purchasing a commemorative brick with a personalized inscription that will be displayed in the courtyard of the National FFA Center in Indianapolis.
With a $250 donation, your brick includes a maximum of two lines and 18 characters per line. A $1,000 donation, on the other hand, results in a larger brick with a maximum of four lines and 18 characters per line.
3. Volunteer in person or virtually.
Reach out to local, regional or national FFA competition organizers to see how you can serve as a volunteer. Can’t make it to an in-person event or prefer to stay home? No problem.
According to Emily Hockema, program specialist in the National FFA Organization’s programs and events division, there are many opportunities to volunteer from the comfort of your own home. These include judging grant and award applications or participating in Zoom interviews to help select national award winners.
As an Alumni and Supporter, you can deepen your connections and impact by joining the Forever Blue Network.
4. Look for opportunities on the Forever Blue Network.
Reach out to fellow FFA Alumni and Supporters on the Forever Blue Network to find opportunities to serve, both locally and from afar.
Along with discovering events and activities that require volunteers and financial support, you can also connect with young professionals looking for mentorship as they begin their careers.
5. Work with a nearby FFA chapter to identify needs.
Finally, don’t forget to look in your own backyard. Contact your local FFA chapter to see how you can get involved in the new year.
“Some examples may include serving as a judge at local contests, being a guest speaker in an agriculture class or financially supporting an FFA member to attend a conference or competition,” Hockema says.
More Options to Give
This is just the beginning! Find additional avenues to support FFA members, chapters, programs and more.
