Indiana Ag Connection - FFA Members Think Outside the Box for Community Service

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FFA Members Think Outside the Box for Community Service
By: Courtney Love, Penn State, Reporter - 10/21/2016

How can FFA members impact the world around them? Living to Serve is the FFA program that will give members the chance to make a lasting effect in their community. At the 89th National FFA Convention & Expo, members have the opportunity to stop by the Living to Serve booth during the expo and come out of the interactive booth with a community service project.

"Our vision is to make sure every student has the opportunity to create a positive impact in their community through service," says Michele Sullivan, Living to Serve team leader. "When members come to our booth they will begin with the end goal in mind." The Living to Serve platform is not replacing the existing hunger program, but expanding it. "The needs are broader and bigger today," said Sullivan. "This provides opportunities for chapters to identify authentic needs of their community."

The Living to Serve booth has activity stations that go over four steps: investigate, plan, serve and evaluate. The booth also has grouped the different kinds of needs that focus on their certain aspects such as community safety, environmental responsibility, community engagement, hunger, health and nutrition.

Maria Pina, Byhalia FFA Chapter, Miss., states that "community service makes people understand why agriculture is important."

The booth assists its visitors in finding crucial community partners that will make their project more sustainable. Visitors are also given a booklet that will provide them with information on grant programs and a how-to guide.

"Too many people eat junk food and I want to help people with their health," said Pina on improving a need her community.

"We need to donate, help out the community," said Marcella Flores, also of the Byhalia FFA Chapter.

Come to the Living to Serve booth, pledge to serve your community and receive a complimentary t-shirt to wear when you're engaging in service projects.

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