You’ve Hung Up The Blue Jacket, What Now?
Your home from your last banquet or your last state convention and the time has come. You take off your jacket, wipe off the pins, and put the blue corduroy in your closet. College is around the corner and it’s time to fill the FFA void with an organization that fits you. There’s a lot to choose from depending on your school, but we’ve highlighted some which might fit best.
Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow (ACT)
Whether you’re an AgComm major or not, this is a great organization to grow skills and learn the best ways to advocate for varying aspects of the agriculture industry.
Thank you to @AgWeekMagazine Reporter Mikkel Pates for talking to our SDSU Ag Communicators of Tomorrow Club tonite pic.twitter.com/wxP0xVEIBN
— SDSU Ag&Bio Sciences (@SDSUAgBio) November 18, 2016
Alpha Gamma Rho, Farmhouse Fraternities
AGR and Farmhouse are social fraternities for collegiate men. Both organizations provide opportunities for men of similar values to band together for common goals. These two fraternities are geared more towards agriculture students, but many other fraternities may also be a good fit.
Proud to call these two my 'little' brothers in FarmHouse Fraternity. Congratulations to @brent.ball1 on getting i… https://t.co/D9ycRSM97u pic.twitter.com/fCWZmcO5n3
— Adam Vonderhaar (@vondertinkle) April 10, 2017
Alpha Zeta
Alpha Zeta is an honorary, co-ed professional organization for students and industry professionals in agriculture and natural resources fields. There are a number of conferences and scholarships offered through Alpha Zeta.
Great night w/Alpha Zeta on "Controversial Issues In Ag" sponsered by @MonsantoCo Impressed by the students & proud to be Alum of @PurdueAg pic.twitter.com/1EW3IMnJUN
— Stella Salvo (@StelAngelaSalvo) March 2, 2017
Block & Bridle
B&B is a nationwide club for students interested in animal agriculture. Many large clubs have smaller interest groups for people who specifically want to be involved more with a certain species.
Say hello to the 2017-2018 Mizzou Block&&Bridle officer team!!!! We are gonna have a great year!!🐂🐏🐄🐖🐓🐐🐎 pic.twitter.com/6rpqQmhwnB
— Mizzou Block&Bridle (@MUBlockNBridle) May 3, 2017
International Association of Students in Agriculture and Related Sciences (IAAS)
IAAS is in 50 countries across the globe. There are meetings and conferences through the year which allow students to travel within the country and overseas. These trips are usually cheaper than study abroad trips and allow you to learn about different types of global agriculture.
Aug 31 UNESCO Jakarta visit for International Association of Students in Agriculture and Related Sciences (IAAS) IPB pic.twitter.com/CmZHDL6abK
— Shahbaz Khan (@profshahbazkhan) August 31, 2016
Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANNRS)
Just as the name implies, MANNRS is a nationwide organization for minority students in agriculture. The agriculture industry is rich in diversity and MANNRS promotes academic and professional advancement by empowering minorities.
National Post-Secondary Agriculture Student Organization (PAS)
PAS is focused on career readiness for agriculture students. They offer events similar to many of the CDE’s you may have competed in while in FFA. Employment interviews, career program areas like crop/livestock specialists, and college bowl are just a few events that members can compete in.
Sigma Alpha Sorority
Sigma Alpha is a professional sorority for women in agriculture. This organization allows women to unite in sisterhood and grow a professional network. There are also many social sororities for women from all backgrounds and walks of life. It’s all about what feels right for you.
I spoke to the hardworking, dedicated sisters of #uwrf Sigma Alpha ag sorority for their 10th annual Emerald Ball! pic.twitter.com/m5p8js5JlO
— Alice in Dairyland (@Alice_Dairyland) February 21, 2016
Student Government
Your school’s student government is another great place to use some parli-pro expertise. Help make life better for the other students on your campus and serve on committees to serve the university.