Rural FFA Leadership: Understanding Members’ Role and the Context of Chapter Activities

This study sought to understand FFA leadership activities and member role in planning these activities. Qualitative research methods were used to gain insight into the perceptions of FFA members. Twelve chapters from 11 different states participated in four focus group sessions at the National FFA Convention. Youth participating in the focus group interviews provided less emphasis on youth as objects and more discussion of youth as resources and partners. More frequently youth described their roles as resources or partners. Participants could easily identify personal benefits from participation in FFA activities. As the dialogue moved to community it was more difficult for FFA members to describe benefits. Students easily described the activities which helped them develop leadership skills in the context of understanding self. The most difficult area was related to community.