Saturday, February 1, 2014

February Comments for a Cause - Iowa FFA Foundation

Comments for a Cause
It is the 1st of February so that means two things: it is time to announce last month's Comments of a Cause totals and this month's new cause.  First, January's results!  It has been so fun creating a Comments for a Cause program on my blog and to be able to share about Make-A-Wish in January.  In January I had a total of 47 comments, equaling a donation of $23.50.  Thank you to everyone that commented this past month!

Now it is time to announce February's cause.  During the month of February I will be donating $0.50 for every comment to the Iowa FFA Foundation!  The Iowa FFA Foundation is the funding support system behind not only Iowa FFA, but also Iowa PAS (Postsecondary Agricultural Students), Iowa Association of Agricultural Educators and the Iowa FFA Alumni Association.  The FFA Foundation has been working really hard to secure the future for all of these programs and I look forward to helping their efforts through this month's Comments for a Cause.

The Iowa FFA program is a leadership and career development organization for teens.  I joined FFA in high school because I loved agriculture and planned on going into an ag major in college.  The letters FFA stand for "Future Farmers of America"; however in 1988 the official name of the organization changed from "Future Farmers of America" to the "FFA Organization" to reflect the growing diversity of agriculture.  Even though I farm today, I use to be in Agricultural Communications and PR, one of the countless careers available in the field of agriculture.

Showing lambs through FFA at the County Fair
Showing lambs at the 2011 County Fair
To help members build skills in leadership and problem solving, the Iowa FFA Foundation has programs like Agricultural Proficiency Awards and Career Development Events (CDE).  Ag Proficiency Awards allow FFA members to demonstrate skills and knowledge towards a specific ag project they have chosen.  When I was in FFA I was in the Sheep Entrepreneurship Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) and the Food Service Placement SAE.  My favorite CDEs I participated in were Ag Broadcasting and FFA Creed Speaking.

National FFA Week is February 15-22.  Local FFA Chapters will be doing their own fun activities to celebrate and one way the Iowa FFA Foundation is going to celebrate is by having a state-wide Buffalo Wild Wings Fundraiser on February 17th.  Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants state-wide will be donating 10% of their sales to the Foundation.  To see the entire list of participating locations and to learn more check out the Buffalo Wild Wings Fundraiser website.

So be sure to "Comment for a Cause" this month to help the more than 13,400 FFA members in 219 chapters across the state of Iowa live out their motto of "Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live and Living to Serve."

State FFA Convention is a favorite memory from FFA
I'm on the far left hanging out with friends
during the State FFA Convention
Is there an FFA Chapter in your local school?  Do you have a favorite FFA memory to share?  My favorite memories are attending National FFA Convention in Louisville, Kentucky and the Iowa FFA Convention in Des Moines.

19 comments:

  1. I must have missed your Comments for a Cause last month... what a great idea! Val, you bring such passion and insight and commitment to all of your readers. Iowa farmers are so proud and lucky to have you as one of their great voices! So cool! :-)

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    1. Thank you for your kind comments Jantina. I have a passion for my community and by doing Comments for a Cause, it is a way to give back :)

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  2. I love what you're doing! Thanks so much!

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    1. Thanks and thanks for commenting for the cause!

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  3. Fabulous!!! I am thrilled for you!!!! You are making a difference one comment at a time and I love it!!! Great results and great cause for February. You know I will be back often! :-)

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    1. Thanks Beth Ann for all your support and guidance!

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  4. I enjoyed my time in FFA. it helps students with leadership and public speaking skills. i made lifelong friendships in ffa!! i always enjoyed the national convention in kc and state conv in.des .

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    1. The connections made through organizations like FFA are endless it seems.

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  5. Great Cause Val! I have passed the information along!

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  6. As the wife of an ag teacher and FFA advisor and as a former FFA and collegiate FFA member, I am so excited about this month's Comments for a Cause! You are so right, the things learned and the bonds formed during an FFA career are lifelong. Love your FFA pictures!

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    1. Thanks Sarah! Looks like we have more things in common - we're both former FFA members!

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  7. FFA is such a great youth organization. I was introduced to so many great friends from across the State of Illinois that eventually led to great friendships at Iowa State, too.

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    1. I'm so happy for those friendships and connections!

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  8. Alaina Holdgrafer ImhoffFebruary 17, 2014 at 4:42 PM

    Val,
    Ive enjoyed reading and following your blog. I love your passion for the things you truely believe in. I am proud to be an FFA advisor and 4-H supporter. its hard to believe it has been around 10 years since we have put on those brick red shirts and showed at the Hamilton county fair. Had the opportunity to learn a great deal from both organizations.

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    1. Thanks for reading and following my blog Alaina. I too can't believe it has been 10 years since we wore those Hamilton County Fair brick red shirts!

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  9. One of the greatest youth organizations I can think of! Has shaped a lot of young people into great leaders, including myself!

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    1. I agree Carlton! I am glad that you and so many others have learned so many leadership skills from FFA.

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