For over five decades, FFA members from all over the country have gathered in Washington, D.C. each summer for the Washington Leadership Conference. This event provides an opportunity to interact with legislators, develop civic engagement and leadership skills, and design community impact projects to implement back home.
This year, 1,610 members from 44 states attended the conference. They spent the week working with agricultural and leadership experts, facilitators, and FFA staff, participating in workshops, seminars, and small group activities. The goal was to prepare students to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond. They also visited landmarks such as the Smithsonian and packaged over 350,000 meals for those in need.
The conference culminated in the creation of a Living to Serve Plan, a civic engagement project that each participant committed to carrying out in their local communities.
“WLC is a beacon of inspiration and empowerment for our members, providing them with invaluable skills and experiences to lead and serve their communities. We are excited to see the incredible impact they will make following their participation. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this week a success and to our dedicated members for their passion and commitment!” wrote the National FFA Organization last week.
10 FFA chapters share their WLC experience:
Byng FFA: Ada, Oklahoma
Comanche FFA: Comanche, Oklahoma
Marshall County FFA: Benton, Kentucky
Truetlen County FFA: Soperton, Georgia
Lebanon, FFA: Lebanon, Tennessee
East Clinton FFA: Sabina, Ohio
Purnell Swett FFA, Pembroke, North Carolina
Cheney FFA: Cheney, Washington
Potch FFA: Poth, Texas
Easton Valley FFA, Preston Iowa