During the Washington Leadership Conference over the next few weeks, thousands of FFA members flock to the Nation’s capitol to experience the National FFA Organization’s second-largest student experience. The conference kicked off on June 6, but members in blue jackets will peruse Washington D.C. until July 22.
FFA participants will all spend a week learning under the guidance of agricultural and leadership professionals, facilitators, and FFA staff who will guide them through workshops, seminars, small group activities, and visits to national landmarks such as the National Mall, Arlington National Cemetery, Smithsonian Museums, and the U.S. Capitol.
Each day, the conference focuses on a different principle taught through the context of our nation’s capital: exploration, encouragement, advocacy, and service.
Here’s what FFA members and chapters have to say so far about WLC
During the WLC, members can meet with congressmen from their states. Frontier FFA from Bakersfield, California, met with Congressman Vince Fong for a tour of the capitol.
“Definitely the highlight of our trip!!! Students also participated in workshops building upon their community action plan,” wrote the FFA chapter in a post on Facebook.
Members traveled to the conference by bus, air, personal vehicles, and more. Many were able to attend due to fundraising efforts and support from members in their communities back home.
Kirksville FFA, out of Missouri, took the opportunity to visit museums, monuments, and more thanks to fundraising efforts.
Another Missouri chapter also highlighted meeting with Congressman Jason Smith and other cultural experiences and sessions.
The conference capstone is the development of a Living to Serve Plan, a civic engagement project that participants will implement in their communities after returning home.
“My favorite part of Washington Leadership Conference was learning how to identify my community’s needs and developing a plan to make a change with my Living To Serve Plan!” wrote one North Carolina FFA member from Lumberton FFA.
Another North Carolina member wrote, “My favorite part of the Washington Leadership Conference was meeting all the people and seeing what ideas they had to offer and bounce thoughts off of. It was truly extraordinary to experience such amazing leadership and dedication that everyone had to their communities.”
Aside from the sessions and camaraderie, some of the highlights for FFA members include visiting the nation’s historic monuments. Duncan FFA members Hannah Holmes and Bryce Stubbs from Oklahoma made sure to share photos of their experience for everyone at home.
As the first sessions ended, more groups of students prepared for travel, such as these two attendees from Mooreland FFA in Oklahoma.
A number of Kansas FFA chapters took time to share their experiences on social media, and in total, Kansas FFA chapters sent over 50 members to WLC.
Chapters such as McClave FFA from Colorado banded together with neighboring FFA chapters from their state to pose with famous astronaut John Swigert, Jr. from their home state.
Of course, one of the best parts of the conference is highlighted by Ridgedale FFA from Ohio—over 100 members who come together from all over the U.S. each week to experience all that WLC has to offer.
As members wrap up another inspiring session of the Washington Leadership Conference, we extend our best wishes to the next groups of FFA members visiting D.C. Be sure to share more about your experiences at the conference and impacts both during your time at WLC and in your communities upon your return.