APPLICATION FOR DAVIS FFA CHAPTER Web viewDevelopmental topics will include communicating about agricultural education, the history and foundations of FFA and the future directions

DAVIS FFA CHAPTER

CHAPTER OFFICER HANDBOOK

AND

APPLICATION

2014-2015

DAVIS FFA CHAPTER2014- 2015 Officer Application

1. Complete the attached officer application. It is highly suggested that you type your application. The form is on the Chapter website: http://www.davis.k12.ut.us/Page/61514 and can be downloaded. The application is a Word document.

2. Submit a completed application with all appropriate signatures to Mr. Sanders before the due date.

3. A non-partisan nominating committee will select all officers. The committee will consist of outgoing senior FFA members, a school administrator, along with outside community members deemed qualified by the advisor. Outside members of this committee will be appointed by the advisor and their identity will not be released prior to the interviews.

4. The nominating committee shall interview each candidate. From the candidates interviewed, the committee will select and slate officers to the Davis FFA Chapter Officer Team. The new officer team will be announced the next day during a lunch meeting.

5. All newly elected officers are required to attend the Davis FFA Officer Retreat which will be scheduled during the summer at a time that is most convenient.

6. All officers are required to attend Chapter meetings, unless prior arrangements have been made. Meeting dates and times will be set prior to the start of the school year.

7. Officers are expected to help set up and take down the meeting room and a schedule will be developed by the advisor.

8. It should be understood that Chapter officers are role models for other Chapter members – your participation in Chapter activities, community service, CDEs, and Proficiency Applications sets the tone for the rest of the Chapter. Positive behavior, both in and out of the classroom, is expected of Chapter Officers at all times.

2 Davis FFA Chapter Officer Handbook & Application

http://www.davis.k12.ut.us/Page/61514

The Job of Being a Chapter Officer

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

If elected to serve the chapter as a chapter officer, a great deal will be expected of you. We understand that your life is full of family, church, work, and school activities. There will be little time left to call your own. Coming early and leaving last at activities is part of being an officer. 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 focus on yourself instead on the lives of the chapter members, chapter office is not going to be a good fit for you.

Chapter Officer Job Description

Being elected to chapter FFA office is making a commitment to service that is unique to most student organizations. In addition to serving and representing about 30 FFA members, you will represent the image and direction of the organization to teachers, administration, school board members, agriculture leaders, parents, and the general public. You will also be a teammate to other officers and advisor.

There are eight key roles chapter officers play. Those who commit their time, energies and passions toward learning, living and modeling these eight keys of success 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 keys, along with already-established procedures that will help you achieve success.

BE THE BRAND

Chapter 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 leaders 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 Chapter FFA officers.


BALANCING ACT

A Chapter FFA officer must also include personal health, wellness and stress management as a key to success. A chapter 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.

THIS IS IT

The training and experiences in this key to success centers 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 activities, appropriate use of chapter funds, completing paperwork properly and submitting on time and excellent communication with teammates and advisors).

Meeting Management (creating and following agendas, consensus building, bringing people back to task and keeping focus).

Life Management (prioritizing, meeting deadlines and timeliness). Financial Management (maintaining your chapter 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 chapter officer activities.2. Be willing able to serve the Davis FFA Chapter.3. Consider FFA officer activities to be your primary responsibility.

PAY IT FORWARD

Service is an important component to an officer’s year. The training and experiences in this key to success 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 (chapter work, business and industry tours, leadership conventions, 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.


LIVE ABOVE THE LINE

This key to success focuses on virtues and behavioral characteristics that should be associated with a chapter 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. Evaluate, periodically, 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 and advisors.4. Do not willingly engage in conversations detrimental to others.

LEARNING FOR LIFE

This key to success 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 Davis FFA Chapter, and available Agriculture Education Courses. In addition, Chapter 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.

FUEL THE FIRE

This key to success focuses on passion. To achieve this, a chapter officer will discover and build on his or her personal interests and passions. The officer will use the team’s passions to develop themes (Davis Chapter Officer Training) and will learn to share his or her passion by building individual and team relationships with advisors, teachers and administration through effective delivery speeches and presentations.

CHAPTER OFFICERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

There will be a minimum of seven chapter officers for the Davis FFA Chapter:

President Preside over meetings according to accepted rules of parliamentary procedure. Appoint committees and serve on them as an ex-officio (non-voting) member. Coordinate the activities of the chapter and evaluate the progress of each division of the

Program of Activities (POA). Represent the chapter in public relations and official functions. Provide monthly reports of chapter activities and recognitions to the board of school directors.

Vice President Assume all duties of the president if necessary. Develop the Program of Activities (POA) and serve as an ex-officio (non-voting) member of the

POA committees. Coordinate all committee work.


Work closely with the president and advisors to assess progress towards meeting chapter goals.

Establish and maintain a chapter resource file.

Secretary Prepare and post the agenda for each chapter meeting. Prepare and post the minutes of each chapter meeting. Place all committee reports in the designated area in the FFA chapter books. Be responsible for chapter correspondence. Maintain attendance and activity records and issue membership cards.

Treasurer Receive, record and deposit FFA funds and issue receipts. Present monthly treasurer’s reports at chapter officer meetings. Collect dues. Maintain a neat and accurate record of chapter FFA accounts. Prepare and submit the membership roster and dues to the Utah FFA Association.

Reporter Release news and information to local and regional news media. Assist in the publication of a chapter newsletter and chapter scrapbook. Send local stories to area and state reporters. Serve as the chapter photographer.

Sentinel Assist the president in maintaining order. Keep the meeting room, chapter equipment and supplies in proper condition. Welcome guests and visitors. Keep the meeting room comfortable. Take charge of candidates for degree ceremonies.

Advisor (not elected) Supervise chapter activities year-round. Inform prospective students and parents about the FFA. Instruct students in leadership and personal development. Build school and community support for the program. Encourage involvement of all chapter members in activities. Prepare students for involvement in contests and awards programs.

Minimum Responsibilities for all Chapter OfficersChapter Officer Meetings Every Week (during school year)Chapter Officer Retreat Summer (2-3 days)Utah FFA Chapter Officer Leadership Training June (2 days)Chapter Meetings Every MonthUtah State Fair (SLC) September (1 day)National Convention (if qualified) October (4 days)Utah Leadership Conference (Richfield or Provo) December (2 days)Area Contests (GTI) January (1 day)National FFA Week FebruaryState FFA Convention (Varies) March (3 days)State CDEs (Logan) April (1-2 days)Davis FFA Chapter Banquet May


APPLICATION FOR DAVIS FFA CHAPTER OFFICE

Application Deadline: Friday, May 9th, 2014 at 3:30 p.m.Officer Interviews (required): Wednesday, May 14th, 2014 at 5 p.m.

Please fill out to the best of your ability. Use a separate sheet of paper or type if need be.

Name _____________________________________________ Grade in School -________________________

Email Address: ___________________________________________________________________________

RANK YOUR PREFERRED OFFICE FROM 1-6: (1 is the office you most prefer; 6 is the office you least prefer)

PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT SECRETARY TREASURER REPORTER SENTINEL

___________ ________________ ____________ ____________ ___________ __________

List your reasons for wanting these particular offices ______________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

List your qualifications, past honors, and your participation in FFA Activities:

1. _____________________________________________________________________________________

2. _____________________________________________________________________________________

3. _____________________________________________________________________________________

4. _____________________________________________________________________________________

5. _____________________________________________________________________________________

6. _____________________________________________________________________________________

7. _____________________________________________________________________________________

List participation in other school and community activities or organizations:

_________________________________________ ______________________________________________

_________________________________________ ______________________________________________

Explain why your fellow FFA members should elect you as an officer in the Davis FFA Chapter:

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________


________________________________________________________________________________________

To qualify for an FFA office, you and a parent/guardian must read and agree to each of the following statements. Read each statement, and initial each to indicate your agreement. If you have a particular objection to one or more of the statements below, you may still qualify for an office by attaching a typewritten statement describing why you disagree with the statement.

Student ParentAgrees Agrees

_____ _____ I understand that a limited number of students may serve the chapter as an officer, and that this application is just the first step in the selection process. The process will include interviews, which are scheduled for the date and time mentioned at the top of the first page of this application. I understand that I will be required to attend this interview to be considered for an office.

_____ _____ I understand the responsibilities of an FFA officer in general, and the responsibilities associated with the particular office(s) for which I am running. I will serve as an officer to the best of my ability.

_____ _____ The FFA organization has high standards. I realize that it is a privilege, not a right, to serve as a chapter officer. I understand that behavior that is not consistent with that of a responsible officer may result my being removed from office in accordance with the FFA constitution. I also agree to enroll in an agriculture class during the 2014-2015 school year and in the Summer Agriculture program in the Summer of 2014.

_____ _____ I meet one of the two following requirements: 1) I own an official FFA jacket and official dress, which includes a clean white dress shirt, an FFA tie or scarf (or a solid blue tie or scarf), black dress pants or skirt, black socks, and black dress shoes. Or 2) I agree to obtain these items (jacket and official dress) if elected to an office.

_____ _____ I agree to attend all chapter meetings and officer meetings with reasonable regularity; I understand that missing or showing up significantly late to more than five officer meetings, chapter meetings, or other events for which officer attendance is mandatory, without a prior excuse that has been cleared by the advisor, will result in an automatic and immediate vote of the members of the chapter on my removal from office.

_____ _____ I agree that FFA members that hold an office should be held to a higher standard than other members. Therefore, if at any time during my term I am declared ineligible to participate in activities by Davis High School Administration due to a citizenship “U”, academic ineligibility, or any other reason, I will permanently step down from my office.

_____ _____ I agree to memorize my part in the opening ceremonies, regardless of what office I am elected to, by the time of the first FFA meeting of next school year.

_____ _____ I agree to participate in all chapter officer training and planning sessions following my election. (This may include an overnight retreat) Officers may be asked to contribute up to $50 toward expenses. All remaining expenses will be paid by the chapter except meals and incidentals.

In addition to this application, please include the following:

A résumé of no more than two pages detailing Future Plans/Goal, FFA Leadership Activities/Offices/Awards, School Leadership Activities/Offices/Awards, Committees Held, Community Service Activities, Misc. Awards & Honors, etc.

Obtain two recommendation surveys from other teachers (not Mr. Sanders), administrators, counselors, or other adults that can attest to your qualification (not parents/guardians). These recommendations will be submitted separately and are due by May 11th.

One “free page” detailing other information about you that you would like the committee to know (not required - the application will still be considered complete if this page is not included).

An unofficial transcript showing GPA and citizenship eligibility, or a note from a counselor verifying eligibility.

By signing below, we certify that:

1. The information on this application is true and accurate2. The student has parental permission to serve as a chapter officer if elected.3. We will cooperate with the FFA member in any way possible to help them do the best job they are capable of doing as

an officer.4. We have read and agreed to each of the above statements.

_______________________________________ _________________________________________8 Davis FFA Chapter Officer Handbook & Application

Student Date Parent/Guardian Date

DAVIS FFA CHAPTER SURVEY OF CHAPTER OFFICER CANDIDATE'S QUALIFICATIONS

To the Candidate:Type your name in the appropriate space below. Next, deliver this form to the individual who will be completing it. Remember, two surveys must be submitted on your behalf as shown below. Remind the survey completer that this form must be completed and submitted by May 11th. You might consider providing them with an envelope if necessary. In any event, you should check back with each survey completer to be certain the form is submitted on time.

Candidate's Name: ____________________________________________________________

Name of Individual Completing Survey: ____________________________________________

To the individual completing this survey: Your response to this survey is extremely important! The information you provide will have a direct impact on this individual's bid for a chapter office in the Davis FFA Chapter. FFA Officers play a significant role in guiding and operating our FFA chapter at Davis High School. We genuinely appreciate your participation and cooperation in this process. Your response to this survey is highly confidential. You are asked to submit this completed survey before May 11th directly to the Chapter Advisor, either through the faculty box (for faculty and staff of DHS), hand-delivery, or mail to Davis High School, Attn: Cody Sanders, 325 S. Main St., Kaysville, UT 84037. The Chapter Advisor and the Nominating Committee are the only persons who will see this survey. We ask you to please be completely open, honest, and thorough in your responses to this survey.

Please circle ten (10) characteristic terms from the list below which you believe best describes this candidate.

Deliberate Forceful Cooperative Industrious DomineeringPleasant Perfectionist Mature Leader DoerGood Thinker Impulsive Honest Compassionate CaringWithdrawn Outgoing Intrinsically

MotivatedIntuitive Seeks

AttentionCreative Follower Argumentative Assertive PatientAccepting Wants own way Sincere Interested in

othersFocused

Open to criticism Attentive Respects others Open EnthusiasticPopular with peers

Respected by peers

Delegates Follows through Dependable

Responsible Loves People Lazy Self-centered Quality workerHappy Altruistic Loner Exuberant CharismaticKnow-it-all Open-minded Gives in easily Devious Egotistical


For each of the terms below, please circle the one term or phrase on that line which you believe best describes the candidate. Make sure one item on each line is marked.

Takes direction very well

Takes direction OK Sometimes takes direction

Rarely takes direction

Wants own way most of time

Doesn't care about own way

Will discuss openly and work towards best solution

Works hard on disliked job

Gives partial effort to disliked jobs to "just get it done"

Avoids disliked jobs

Does most of group's work

Happy to share work evenly

Workload unimportant

Seeks "easy" task

Dictative Democratic Consensus seeker Lets others decideExceptionally high morals

Good Morals Morals questionable Poor morals

Conceited Healthy self-esteem Average Self-esteem Low self-esteemEvaluates & judges people

Sees only good in people

Highly critical of others

Accepts people as are

Expects others to adjust

Will always adjust to avoid conflict Meets people half-way

Happiest when own goals are met Happiest when group's goals are metWants constructive critique

Accepts constructive critique but finds it difficult

Not open to constructive critique

Eager to critique others

Will critique others in spirit of helpfulness Uncomfortable critiquing others

Comfortable with healthy close relationships

Struggles with close relationship

Mocks close relationships

Good judgment keeping group's business inside group

Poor judgment w/regard to group business

Gossips freely

I recommend this individual for FFA Office with no reservations.

I recommend this individual for FFA Office with reservations.

I do not recommend this individual for FFA Office.

Comments: Information such as accomplishments, awards, academic standing and participation are available to the committee by other means. Please do not repeat here. Record instead any information which you believe would be valuable in helping the committee know more about the person, understand his/her character, nature, and ability to work in a close-knit team environment. Use additional paper as necessary. Thank you for your comments!



Documents

APPLICATION FOR DAVIS FFA CHAPTER Web viewDevelopmental topics will include communicating about agricultural education, the history and foundations of FFA and the future directions