Special Edition
Wisconsin FFA Foundation Wisconsin FFA Alumni & Supporters WI FFA Alumni Have 5 Important Roles
Message from Danielle Waterworth, Foundation Board President The definition of normal — can anyone help me with that one right now? What we used to find normal seems to shift every day as of late. While there is a lot of uncertainty and new norms, what is certain is the world still needs to eat and we still need to find ways to support those entering the agricultural workforce as best as we can! The Wisconsin FFA Foundation and the Wisconsin FFA Alumni & Supporters have joined forces to produce this Special Edition newsletter, showcasing Alumni members: their great work in their local chapters and for statewide partners. So much of what we learned of being a servant leader we learned through our years in FFA. The support that we, as a Foundation and Alumni members, give to our local communities and state are a vital part of providing for opportunities for others. Being a part of the Alumni organization allows us thoughts of hope, provides for moments of joy as students learn new skills, and provides for different opportunities to give back as we walk through this world. What a fitting time to share some good news!
Did you know there are five essential “roles” of an Alumni member? The National FFA Organization says our thousands of Alumni members fill vital functions as: Advocates, Donors, Fans, Mentors and/or Volunteers. There is no shortage of each of these personas in Wisconsin and we found some to talk to about why their Alumni role is important to them, and those they serve. In Wisconsin Dells, Ben Babcock has been advocating for his local chapter in major ways. He was instrumental in helping the Wisconsin Dells FFA Alumni Chapter reactivate, but also affiliate, to grow the membership without the barriers of dues. “It makes it easier to get people to join and help out,” he says of the affiliation, a newer push by National FFA to help Alumni chapters attract parents and volunteers that maybe aren’t directly involved in agriculture and/or weren’t FFA members themselves. Ben says his community is building a new high school, which has opened Amy Voigt and Nick Lowe show their Alumni opportunities to expand the spirit at the FFA Convention Expo. Dells' agriculture education program. “Through an Alumni chapter, I wanted to be able to give our ag teacher the resources he needs to take advantage of these changes,” he says. Ben advises other Alumni members not to feel obligated to do everything and become burnt out through volunteering but, instead, look for areas to help out where and when they can, and then encourage others to do the same. Julie Meixelsperger knows something about chapter reactivations, as hers, the River Valley FFA Alumni, went through the process two years ago. A farmer’s daughter and wife, Julie says she worked at the high school for 15 years before finding a special niche in helping those with learning disabilities, especially with their agriculture classes. “My practical knowledge in farming was very helpful to both students and our ag teacher/FFA advisor, Shari Graffunder,” Julie says. “I have
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