1 minute read
TEXAS FFA MEMBERS ATTEND EVENTS TO INCREASE LEGISLATIVE LITERACY
More than 600 Texas FFA members and advisors took "Learning to Do" one step further by attending the annual Agricultural Science Education and Texas FFA Day at the Capitol and Legislative LEAD. On February 22nd through 24th, students had the opportunity to visit the state capitol in Austin to learn about the legislative process and how it relates to agriculture.
Attendees witnessed state government in action and heard directly from those responsible for making changes in the state legislature, including Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, Texas Workforce Commission Chair Bryan Daniel, and Office of Texas Governor Deputy Chief of Staff Jordan Hale.
Advertisement
"I had an amazing time," said Hunter Daniels, Fort Stockton FFA. "I learned a ton about the legislative process and how to advocate for agriculture properly."
Members had the opportunity to learn about leadership, civic engagement, and empowerment during an interactive tour of the State Capitol.
"I learned how to be involved and advocate for agriculture through policy, whether on the local or state level or even higher," said Graham Wristers, Klein Oak FFA.
Texas FFA Day at the Capitol has occurred annually since 2010, and then in 2021, the Texas FFA Foundation introduced Legislative
LEAD. These experiences give agriculture students insight into how the capitol's daily activities impact their everyday lives as citizens, students, and Texas FFA members.
Additionally, this event provides students a platform to advocate for the continued support of agriculture and agricultural education.
The Texas FFA state officer team visited 150 House Representative offices and 31 Senate offices to deliver informatio- nal packets that provide current facts, statistics, and valuable information. The team spoke with any available legislators and staffers to advocate for FFA, career and technical education, and agricultural science education.
"As young agriculturists, it is important for FFA members to be active in government relations and build relationships to ensure sustainability in production agriculture and agricultural science education," said Austin Blagg, Texas FFA State Vice President.
