FFA Leadership Programs

Sectional Leadership Workshops (SLW)

Held in September in each section of the state, sectionals are an essential part of the FFA program. State officers plan details, incorporating practices and techniques used at the national leadership workshop for state officers as well as other training materials. Emphasis is placed on every member participation in leadership training and orientation to the duties of particular offices. The workshop is designed to train chapter officers and members for leadership roles. These events provide an opportunity for local officers to become acquainted with their state association officers and catch up on new or changing activities in the FFA program.

The general format and a schedule of sectional meetings are sent to each chapter advisor. If chapter affiliation fee is paid, there is no additional cost. National FFA officers usually attend. Official dress is required.

FIRE Conference

Fire stands for "Foundations In Reaching Excellence". This conference is designed for 7th, 8th, and 9th grade members to help them better understand their FFA Organization. Wisconsin FFA offers two opportunities for members to participate in the FIRE Conference. One is held in October at UW-River Falls, the other at UW-Madison. They are one-day conferences and generally run from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

The FIRE Conference is planned and conducted by the State FFA Officer Team. Their goals are to encourage first-year members to participate in the many opportunities available through FFA and to motivate members to become future leaders of their chapters. During the workshop, members learn communication and social skills, goal setting, travel opportunities, and available FFA awards. Casual dress required. T-shirts are distributed at the conference.

212/360 Conferences

Wisconsin hosts two national 212/360 Conferences at different locations for Wisconsin FFA members. They are conducted by national staff and feature new themes each year. One is held in November on a Saturday and Sunday; the other is in March on Friday night and Saturday. Although members are required to wear official dress, casual dress can sometimes be worn in the evening.

Participation by instructors and other adult chaperones is welcome in the student program. As for student members, there is a $40 fee. The 212/360 Conferences are such a great experience, adults will want to take part at least once.

Half Time Leadership Conference

Held every January at the Holidome in Stevens Point, the conference gives chapter leaders an opportunity to evaluate the first half of the year and plan strategies to keep their FFA chapter going strong for the second half. Space is limited so only two members are allowed to attend from each chapter. Activities begin late Friday afternoon and end Saturday noon. Official dress is required, but time is allowed for casual dress in the evening.

FFA Farm Forum

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation sponsors a forum that is held in February at a different location each year. Planning and registration are handled by the federation so all information comes from them. This Forum focuses on agricultural leadership development and agricultural issues. Official dress is required.

Co-ops Yes! Sponsored by Cooperative Network

FFA members have the chance to learn about coooperatives at this two-day conference sponsored by Cooperative Network. This leadership conference is an opportunity for students to learn more about the cooperative system of business, in addition to waluable leadership traininh. Usually held late January or early February at a different location every year, Cooperative Network handles the planning and registration and will send information to FFA members. Their contact person is David Erickson (608) 258-4400. Official dress is required for the banquet; casual dress is otherwise appropriate.

For questions about this information, contact Christina Hinkley (608) 266-7262

Last updated on 11/11/2011 11:06:34 AM