Belton FFA Chapter
Constitution
Article I-Name, Mission and Strategies
Section A. The name of this organization shall be the Belton ISD FFA Chapter of the National FFA Organization
Section B. The mission and strategies for this chapter are as follows:
FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.
- Develops competent and assertive agricultural leadership.
- Increases awareness of the global and technological importance of agriculture and its contribution to our well-being.
- Strengthens the confidence of agriculture students in themselves and their work.
- Promotes the intelligent choice and establishment of an agricultural career.
- Encourages achievement in supervised agricultural experience programs.
- Encourages wise management of economic, environmental, and human resources of the community.
- Develops interpersonal skills in teamwork, communications, human relations and social interaction.
- Builds character and promotes citizenship, volunteerism and patriotism.
- Promotes cooperation and cooperative attitudes among all people.
- Promotes health lifestyles.
- Encourages excellence in scholarship.
Article II-Organization
Section A. The Belton ISD Chapter of FFA is a chartered local unit of the Texas Association of FFA, which is chartered by the National FFA Organization.
Section B. This chapter accepts in full the provisions in the constitution and bylaws of the Association of FFA as well as those of the National FFA Organization.
Article III-Membership
Section A. Membership of this chapter shall be of three kinds: (1) Active ;(2) Alumni; and (3) Honorary, as defined by the National FFA Organization.
Section B. The regular activities of this chapter shall be carried on by the active membership.
Section C. Honorary membership in this chapter shall be limited to the Honorary Chapter FFA Degree.
Section D. Active members in good standing may vote on all business brought before the chapter. An active member shall be considered in good standing when:
1. While in school, be enrolled in at least one agriculture education course during the school year and or follow a planned course of experience program, the objective of which is preparation for an agriculture career.
2. Show and interest in the affairs of the organization by attending meetings, striving for degrees of membership, and participating in other organized activities of the chapter.
3. Pay all current state and national dues by the date determined by the chapter.
4. Display conduct consistent with the ideals and purposes of the National FFA Organization.
Section E. Names of applicants for membership shall be filed with the membership of the committee.
ARTICLE IV-Emblems
Section A. The emblem of the FFA shall be the emblem for the chapter.
Section B. Emblems used by the members shall be designated by the National FFA Organization.
ARTICLE V-Degrees and Privileges of Active Membership
Section A. There shall be five degrees of active membership based on individual achievement. These degrees are: (1) Discovery FFA Degree, (2) Greenhand FFA Degree,(3) Chapter FFA Degree, (4) State FFA Degree, (5) American FFA Degree. All Discovery FFA members are entitled to wear the regulation bronze and blue emblem pin. All “Greenhands” are entitled to wear the regulation bronze emblem pin. All members holding the holding the Chapter FFA Degree are entitled to wear the regulation silver emblem pin. All members holding the State FFA Degree are entitled to wear the gold emblem charm. All members holding the American FFA Degree are entitled to wear the regulation gold emblem key.
Section B. Discovery FFA Degree- to be eligible to receive the Discovery FFA Degree from a chapter, the member must meet the following minimum requirements.
1. Be enrolled in agriculture education class for at least a portion of the school year while in grades 7-8.
2. Have become a dues paying member of the FFA at local, state and national levels.
3. Participate in at least one local FFA chapter activity outside of scheduled class time.
4. Have knowledge of agriculture related careers , ownership and entrepreneurial opportunities.
5. Be familiar with the local FFA chapter program of activities.
6. Submit written applications for the degree.
Section C. Greenhand FFA Degree. Minimum qualifications for elections: (refer to National Constitution)
1. Be enrolled in agriculture education and have satisfactory plans for a supervised agriculture experience program.
2. Learn and explain the meaning of the FFA creed, motto, and salute.
3. Describe and explain the meaning of the FFA emblem and colors.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the FFA code of Ethics and the proper use of the FFA jacket.
5. Demonstrate a knowledge of the history of the organization, the chapter constitution and bylaws, and the chapter program of activities.
6. Personally own or have access to the official FFA manual and the FFA student hand book
7. Submit a written application for the Greenhand FFA degree.
Section D. Chapter FFA Degree. Minimum Qualifications for election: (Refer to National Constitution.)
1. Must have received the Greenhand FFA Degree.
2. Must have satisfactorily completed the equivalent of at least 180 hours of systematic school instruction in agricultural education at or above the ninth grade level, have in operation an approved supervised agricultural experience program and be enrolled in an agricultural education course.
3. Must have participated in the planning and conducting of at least three official functions in the chapter Program of Activities.
4. Must have earned and productively invested at least $150 by the member’s own efforts or worked at least forty-five hours in excess of scheduled class time, or a combination thereof, and have developed plans for continued growth and improvement in a supervised agricultural experience program.
5. Must have effectively led a group discussion for 15 minutes.
6. Must have demonstrated five procedures of parliamentary law.
7. Must show progress toward individual achievement in the FFA award programs.
8. Must have a satisfactory scholastic record.
9. Must submit a written application for the Chapter FFA Degree.
Section E. State FFA Degree. Minimum qualifications for selection:
1. Qualifications for the State FFA Degree are those set forth in the constitution of the Texas FFA Association and National FFA Organization.
Section F. American FFA Degree. Minimum qualifications for selection:
1. Qualifications for the American FFA Degree are those set forth in the constitution of the National FFA organization.
ARTICLE VI – State and Chapter Officers
Section A. The offices of an FFA chapter shall be: president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, reporter and sentinel. Other officers may be elected as deemed appropriate by the local advisor and/or governing body. The teacher(s) of agricultural education shall be the FFA advisor(s). Chapter officers shall be elected annually or semi-annually by the members present at any regular meeting of the chapter.
ARTICLE VII – Dues
Section A. – Local dues in this chapter shall be fixed annually by the a majority vote of the active members.
Section B. – Full local, state and national dues shall be paid by all active members.
Section C. – No member shall be considered as active and in good standing unless he/she pays full local, state and national FFA dues.
ARTICLE VIII – Amendments
Section A. – This constitution may be amended or changed at any regular chapter meeting by a two-thirds vote of the active members present providing it is not in conflict with the state association constitution or that of the National FFA Organization.
Section B. – Bylaws may be adopted to fit the needs of the chapter at any regular chapter meeting by a two-thirds vote of the active members present providing such bylaws do not conflict in any way with the constitution and bylaws of either the state association or the national organization.