Olney Ffa Chapter Constitution

Olney FFA Chapter Constitution (As amended February 1995)

Article I. NAME, MISSION, AND PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION

Section A. The name of the organization will be the “Olney FFA Chapter”. Members are here in after referred to as “Olney FFA Members,” and the letters “FFA”, may be officially used to designate the chapter, its activities, or members thereof.

Section B. The FFA Mission is: FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success.

Section C. The purpose for which the chapter is formed are as follows: 1. To develop competent and aggressive agricultural leadership.

2. Increase awareness of the global and technological importance of agriculture and its contribution to our well-being. 3. To strengthen the confidence of agriculture students in themselves and their work. 4. Promotes the intelligent choice and establishment of an agriculture career.

5. Encourage achievement in supervised agricultural experience programs.

6. Encourage wise management of economic, environmental and human resources of the community. 7. Develop interpersonal skills in teamwork, communications, human relations, and social interaction. 8. Build character and promotes citizenship, volunteerism and patriotism.

9. Promotes cooperation and cooperative attitudes among all the people.

10. Promotes healthy lifestyles.

11. Encourages excellence in scholarship. Article II. ORGANIZATION Section A. The Olney FFA Chapter is a chartered local unit of the Illinois Association FFA, which is chartered by the National FFA Organization. (Chartered October 14th, 1929)

Section B. This chapter accepts in full the provisions in the constitution and by-laws of the Illinois Association FFA as well as those of the National FFA Organization.

Article III. MEMBERSHIP Section A. Membership in this chapter shall be one of three kinds: 1. Active 2. Alumni 3. Honorary, as defined by the National FFA Constitution.

Section B. Active members in good standing may vote on all business brought before the chapter. An active member shall be considered in good standing when: -They are enrolled in an Agriculture or Horticulture course. -They attend local chapter meetings with reasonable regularity. -They show interest in and take part in affairs of the chapter. -They pay their dues regularly.

Section C. Anyone interested in assisting the Olney FFA Chapter reach its goals is welcome to join the Olney FFA Alumni.

Section D. Honorary membership in this chapter shall be limited to the Honorary Chapter FFA Degree. Nominations for the honorary members will be made by the executive committee and be approved by a majority vote of the Olney FFA officers.

Section E. Membership of the chapter shall carry on the work of the organization.

Section F. Membership may be suspended by the advisor/s for inappropriate actions taken by any member. The time period will be determined by the advisor/s for suspension of membership.

Section G. Names of applicants for membership shall be filed with the membership committee.

Section H. Membership may be suspended for failure to act in a manner that is unbecoming of an Olney FFA Chapter member. Refer to Article V Section D for suspension procedures. Article IV. MEMBER DEGREES AND PRIVILEGES Section A. There shall be four degrees of active membership in this chapter. These are: The Greenhand FFA Degree The Chapter FFA Degree The State FFA Degree The American FFA Degree * This Chapter may only confer the Greenhand & Chapter Degrees. - All “Greenhands” are entitled to wear the regulation bronze emblem pin. - All members holding the Chapter FFA Degree are entitled to wear the silver emblem pin. - All members holding the State FFA Degree are entitled to wear the regulation gold emblem charm. - All members holding the American FFA Degree are entitled to wear the regulation gold emblem key.

Section B. Greenhand degree minimum qualifications for election: 1. Be regularly enrolled in agriculture education and have satisfactory plans for a supervised agricultural experience program. 2. Be familiar with the purpose of the FFA and the program of activities of the local chapter. 3. Be familiar with the Creed, Motto, and Mission Statement. 4. Demonstrate a knowledge of the Code of Ethics and proper use of the jacket.

Section C. Chapter FFA degree minimum qualifications for election: 1. Must have the Greenhand degree and have a record of satisfactory participation in the activities of the local chapter. 2. Must have satisfactorily completed at least one year of instruction in agriculture education at or above the 9th grade level, and have in operation an improved Supervised Agriculture Experience Program, and be regularly enrolled in agriculture education classes. 3. Be familiar with Parliamentary Procedure. 4. Be familiar with the purpose and program of activities of the State Association and National Organization. 5. Must have participated in at least one Career Development Event. 6. Have earned or productively invested at least $150.00 by their own efforts or worked at least 45 hours in a Supervised Agriculture Experience Program . 7. Be able to lead a group discussion for fifteen minutes. 8. Have demonstrated five procedures of parliamentary law.

Section D. For official regulations on State, American, and other degrees, see the current official manual and/or Illinois FFA Advisors Guide.

Article V. OFFICERS Section A. The officers of the chapter shall be as follows: President, Vice- President, Secretary, Treasurer, Reporter, Sentinel, Activity Points Chairman, Historian, and Student Council Representative. The local Advisor(s) shall be the teacher(s) of Agricultural Education in the school where the chapter is located.

Section B. DUTIES OF OFFICERS Chapter officers serve a vital function in the FFA organization. By taking a major leadership role, these students grow from the experience and benefit the chapter. It should be the officers' goal to lead by example and encourage other members to participate in chapter activities. The following are general duties expected of all officers. 1. A commitment to a genuine desire to be a part of a leadership team. 2. A willingness to accept responsibility. 3. A sincere desire to work with all chapter members in meeting their leadership, personal and chapter goals. 4. A commitment to lead by example. 5. A knowledge and understanding of the chapter, state and national FFA constitutions and bylaws. 6. A working knowledge of parliamentary procedure. 7. An ability to memorize their parts in the official ceremonies.

B1. THE 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. Represent the chapter in public relations and official functions.

B2. THE VICE PRESIDENT Assume all duties of the president if necessary. Develop the Program of Activities and serve as an ex-officio (non voting) member of the POA committees. Coordinate all committee work. Complete the National Chapter Award Application and turn in before the due date. Work closely with the president and advisor to assess progress toward meeting chapter goals. Establish and maintain a chapter resource file.

B3. THE SECRETARY Prepare and post the agenda for each chapter meeting. Prepare and present the minutes of each chapter meeting. Place all committee reports in the designated area in the Official FFA Chapter Secretary's Book. Be responsible for chapter correspondence. Maintain member attendance and activity records and issue membership cards. Keep the Program of Activities wall chart up-to-date. Have on hand for each meeting: Official FFA Chapter Secretary's Book including minutes of the previous meeting. Copy of the Program of Activities including all standing and special committees. Official FFA Manual and Student Handbook. Copies of the chapter constitution and bylaws.

B4. THE TREASURER Receive, record and deposit FFA funds and issue receipts. Present monthly treasurer's reports at chapter meetings. Collect dues and special assessments. Maintain a neat and accurate Official FFA Chapter Treasurer's Book. Prepare and submit the membership roster and dues to the National FFA Organization in cooperation with the secretary. Serve as chairperson of the earnings and savings committee.

B5. THE REPORTER Plan public information programs with local radio, television, newspaper and service clubs and make use of other opportunities to tell the FFA story. Release news and information to local and regional news media. Publish chapter newsletters. Prepare and maintain a chapter scrapbook in conjunction with the Historian. Send local stories to area, district and state reporters. Send articles and photographs to FFA New Horizons and other publications. Work with local media on radio and television appearances and FFA news. Serve as the chapter photographer.

B6. THE 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. Assist with special features and refreshments. Complete the Farm Bureau Cooperative Activities Award Application and turn in before the due date. Organize and conduct the Adopt-A-Highway Program 3-4 times per year.

B7. THE ACTIVITY POINTS CHAIRPERSON Prepare and maintain a chapter points activity board. Keep a record of member activities within the FFA Chapter and publish them in an annual activity book.

B8. THE HISTORIAN Work in conjunction with the Activity Points Chairman to keep a record of the past and present activities within the FFA Chapter in an annual activity book. Maintain a record of chapter achievements. Promote excellence through highlighting activities, events and accomplishments. Enter the Chapter scrapbook in the FFA Scrapbook contest. Complete the Farm Bureau Heritage Activities Award Application and turn in before the due date. Update plaques with reasonable regularity. (Ex: Star Greenhand & Dekalb Award)

B9. THE STUDENT COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE Represent the chapter through attending regular student council meetings and report back to the membership at monthly chapter meetings. Represent the chapter in school and community activities. Attend 3-4 school board meetings annually and report back to the membership at monthly chapter meetings. Section C. Election of Officers 1. Interested members will acquire, complete, and turn in the proper application on time. 2. Officer candidates will be screened to determine their eligibility. 3. The election will be held during a Spring monthly chapter meeting. 4. Candidates may run for any office they desire. 5. All candidates will state their qualifications for the prospective office to the general membership. 6. Officers will be elected by active FFA members, who in return will receive one ballot per office.

Section D. Removal of Officers In the event that an officer fails to perform the requirements of their office and/or acts in a manner that is unbecoming of an officer of the Olney FFA Chapter he/she may be removed from office via the following procedures:

1. Advisor/s recommend action to the executive officers of either a. probation for a specified period of time; or b. immediate removal from office

2. The executive officers will present their decision to the entire officer team for approval. 3. The action must pass by a two-thirds majority vote taken by secret ballot Article VI. COMMITTEES

Section A. There shall be 15 standing committees in the chapter. These committees will be as follows: Student DevelopmentChapter Development Community Development Career Success Financial Agricultural Promotion Healthy Lifestyle Chapter Recruitment Human Resources Personal Growth Public Relations Citizenship Leadership Cooperation Environmental Scholarship Support Group- Alumni Economic Development Section B. The Executive Committee shall consist of the chapter officers and the advisor(s). Article VII. MEETINGS

Section A. Regular chapter meetings shall be held once per month during the school year at such time and place designated by the Chapter Executive Committee. Special meetings may be called at any time.

Section B. Standard meeting paraphernalia and agenda shall be used at each meeting. All regular meetings shall open and close with Official FFA Ceremonies. Parliamentary Procedure shall be used in transacting all business at each meeting.

Section C. One parent-member banquet shall be held annually near the end of the school year to honor parents, members and friends of the FFA. The Executive Committee shall determine the time and place of the banquet.

Section D. Chapter officer meetings will be held weekly throughout the school year. The day and time of the weekly meeting will be set at the first officer meeting.

Article VIII. DUES

Section A. Regular annual dues of this chapter shall be fixed by a majority vote of the Executive Committee. Article IX. BYLAWS

Section A. Bylaws may be adopted to fit the needs of the Olney FFA Chapter, provided they are not in conflict with national, state, or chapter constitutions.

Section B. Bylaws must be approved by a quorum of the chapter.