FFA members learn leadership skills at weekend event

“A local member said it was an ‘enjoyable community service activity where they were able to give back, but also have fun doing it.’”

While attendees had fun at the event, they were able to come away with new ideas and skills.

“Our theme was ‘Plow Fields, Move Mountains,’” Whitaker said, “so the district officers really emphasized working hard to reap the rewards. FFA will give back to you as much as you put into it. Members were reminded that they could go far if they work at it. ‘I learned how to better cooperate and work with members from other chapters,’ said an Moses Lake FFA member. He also said he learned that ‘it is important to take stock in where you are in order to achieve your goals and reevaluating your actions to see if you’re on the right path.’ Another member said, ‘I learned how to step back and focus on what is important,’ regarding the Golden Circle workshop. Overall, I think a variety of lessons were learned including how to give back, working with others, and effective communication.”

The event also allowed younger FFA members to mingle and talk to older FFA members.

“The younger members were able to look up to people who have gained an abundance of skills and opportunities through FFA, showing them how it can benefit them now and later,” said Whitaker. “The officers from local chapters were able to see how to effectively run events and see what they could be working towards – being a district officer or expanding their FFA role overall.”

“Having some younger members there (at the event) has encouraged more involvement in our chapter,” Klindworth said. “There is one kid who now wants to be a chapter officer. He has never competed. He just does fun stuff to hang out. He is now flipping the switch to be a leader. I think he will do great things for our chapter and school.”

While a lot of planning took place prior to the event, District 9 officers were thrown a curve – their president was unable to attend due to sickness.

“He’s kind of the one who brings them together,” said Klindworth. “He has taken the leadership roll. They had to do some last minute adjustments. I don’t think the members knew the struggle they were going to through without him there.

“I’m a little bit nervous before they do the these things. I never feel like they have the plan like I would, but they prove me wrong. They were able to lead large numbers of people and keeping them engaged. Whether it is training and practicing or a natural ability to lead, it is really exciting to see them be great leaders. These kids are a lot more capable than we give them credit for.”

Rachal Pinkerton can be reached via email at rpinkerton@columbiabasinherald.com.