INDIANAPOLIS – National FFA Week is an opportunity for chapters to celebrate FFA and agricultural education, and to share the story of the organization and recruit new members, according to the FFA’s communications manager. The week begins Saturday and runs through Feb. 22.

A few chapters celebrated a week early because their schools will be on break next week, Kristy Meyer told Farm World.

“One of the goals during the week is to share with younger students – whether in elementary, middle school or even fellow high schoolers – what FFA does and how it has impacted members,” she explained. “It’s also a great time to share with their local communities what FFA is and how important FFA and agricultural education are to the community as a whole. FFA is creating the next generation of leaders, and during FFA week, these leaders can go into the community and share their story.”

National FFA suggests ideas for daily activities during the week, such as celebrating their advisers and alumni, and wearing blue, Meyer said. Chapters are welcome to come up with their own activities, she added. In the past, those activities have included chapter officers visiting their state capitol to share about FFA; a petting zoo for a local elementary school; dressing as a favorite teacher; and chapter competitions in career and leadership development events.

Monday is the Day of Service, a time when chapters “traditionally do what is best for their community – whether working at a local food pantry, participating in a food drive, or cleaning up local parks,” Meyer noted. “We have one chapter that kicks off a Read to Lead initiative and another who is creating quilt tops that they will donate to local care centers. Still, others may work by creating pot holders for Meals on Wheels or creating pet toys for their local animal shelters.”

Adviser Appreciation Day is Wednesday. The organization has more than 14,000 advisers and many chapters will celebrate them by giving them shout outs or serving them breakfast one day during the week, she said.

The 10th annual Give FFA Day is Thursday. The day is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of FFA members nationwide and growing the next generation of leaders who will change the world, according to the organization. Money raised that day will support programs and events, provide FFA blue jackets to students, supplement travel costs for career and leadership opportunities, and pay for teacher support and resources.

“Give FFA Day is an opportunity for each FFA supporter to magnify their impact on the lives of more than a million FFA members when they join other donors across the country,” Kimberly Coveney, National FFA Foundation senior manager of individual giving, said in a release. “We know that every gift makes a difference, and we are grateful for our donors and their continued support and belief in our members, FFA and agricultural education.”

Last year, supporters donated more than $1.44 million, FFA said. This year’s goal is $1.5 million.

Tuesday is Alumni Day, and Friday, Wear Blue Day.

“FFA provides the next generation of leaders who will change the world,” Meyer pointed out. “As the nation’s top school-based youth leadership development organization, FFA helps young people meet new agricultural challenges by encouraging members to develop their unique talents and explore their interests in various career pathways. FFA members are our future leaders, food suppliers, innovators and more.”

FFA was founded in 1928. The organization’s first FFA week was in 1948.

For more information on National FFA Week, visit www.ffa.org/national-ffa-week.