2016-2017 Louisiana FFA Area Officer

16-17 Candidate Application Guide

2016-2017 Louisiana FFA Area Officer Candidate Application Guide

Being an area officer of the Louisiana Association of FFA is an honor that many FFA members aspire to hold. Throughout their year of service, area officers wear a variety of hats. They teach leadership and teamwork to chapter members. They are motivational speakers who inspire FFA members. They are communicators and public relations specialists for FFA, building positive relationships across their area. They are teammates to each other, state officer team, and the FFA staff. They are learners, eager to grow and fulfill their responsibilities. Needless to say, applying for a position as a Louisiana FFA area officer is a big decision. We have compiled this guide to provide you with the information you need to ensure that you are a candidate in good standing.

Application: Part 1

The area officer candidate application shall be submitted via an online form. Part one of the application may take some time to complete, so be sure to get started early. When completing the application, you may save your progress and resume later by clicking the checkbox at the bottom of the page and entering a valid email address. The email address you enter is where the link to your application will be sent. By clicking "Submit," you will officially submit your application and will not be able to return to it. Applications for area FFA office are due by ----pm on Month,day, 2016. The online application can be found at the following URL address: http://www.la-ffa.org/machform/view.php?id=43647

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The following topics will be covered within the application:

-Basic information -Previous offices, awards, and leadership activities -Your Supervised Agricultural Experience program -Short essay questions

Application: Part 2 (Forms)

Part two of the area officer application includes the following items:

-Area FFA Officer Commitment Form (See section below) -Proof of Insurance Form -Official High School Transcript

These forms should be printed, signed, bound, and turned in at the registration table the morning you arrive at your respective camp. These forms can be found here: la-ffa.org/socforms

Area FFA Officer Commitment Form

1. Be dedicated and committed to FFA and the total program of education in agriculture/agribusiness. 2. Be willing to commit the entire year to area officer activities.

3. Be willing and able to travel in serving the Louisiana FFA Association. 4. Become knowledgeable of agriculture, of education in agriculture/agribusiness, and of FFA. 5. Through preparation and practice, develop myself into an effective public speaker and project a desirable image of FFA at all times. 6. Regularly, and on time, write all letters, thank-you notes and other correspondence which are necessary and desirable. 7. Strive to improve my ability to carry on meaningful and enjoyable conversations with individuals of all ages and walks of life. 8. Accept and search out constructive criticism and evaluation of my total performance. 9. Keep myself up to date on current events.

10. Evaluate, periodically, my personality and attitudes making every effort to improve myself. 11. Maintain and protect my health.

2 16-17 Candidate Application Guide 12. Forego all alcohol, tobacco and illegal substances while serving as an area officer. 13. Treat all FFA members equally by not favoring one over another.

14. Conduct myself in a manner which commands respect without any display of superiority. 15. Maintain my dignity while being personable, concerned and interested in contacts with others. 16. Avoid places or activities that in any way would raise questions as to one's moral character or conduct. 17. Consider FFA officer activities to be my primary responsibility.

18. Use wholesome and appropriate language in all speeches and informal conversations. 19. Maintain proper dress and good grooming for all occasions so as to project a desirable image of the FFA. Hair styles shall be professional in appearance. Males are prohibited from having beards, mustaches, and piercings while representing the organization. 20. Work in harmony with fellow FFA officers, and not knowingly engage in conversations detrimental to other FFA members, officers and adults. 21. Serve as a member of the team, always maintaining a cooperative attitude. 22. Be willing to take and follow instructions as directed by those responsible for area FFA officers and state and national programs. 23. Must submit monthly status reports to the State FFA Office.

24. Be available to attend and participate in the following activities during the year:

-Area Officer Training -All Area Career Development Events

-Recommended chapter visits and banquets with State FFA Officers -Louisiana FFA’s Annual Capitol Day in Baton Rouge -Attend the State Leadership Delegates’ Conference (SLDC) -Regular Email Correspondence with Louisiana FFA Staff

-Area Officers must attend SLDC and will serve as a leadership delegate at the annual Louisiana FFA Convention

-Hold and attend a minimum of two officer meetings which will be enforced by the Area Advisor. Absences must have a written excuse submitted by the officer’s local advisor.

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For more information on running for area office, please contact us: Ralynn Obrien Louisiana FFA State Officer Coordinator [email protected] Office: (225) 578-5749