*GROWMARK CONFERENCE*
GROWMARK created the opportunity of a lifetime for many at the end of the first week of school. Lindsay, Patrick, Mr. Lammers, Mr. Nattress and I headed out in a silver little car to Chicago. After six hours of Pat and I sleeping on Lindsay's shoulders (she wasn't thrilled), we stepped out of the car in (literally in) the nicest hotel I have been in my entire life, the Hilton, Chicago. The first night we met many business leaders, youth leaders and The Band Perry.
The next morning we had breakfast with several agriculture leaders. This opportunity was AMAZING. We learned why people chose to advance in their career. We also learned how the leadership position they were put in has impacted their lives and we learned what exactly they do, not just what their 'title' was. This was an incredibly impacting conference and great opportunity that I wouldn't trade anything for.
*BOARD MEETING*
Today was our first ever Team Ag Ed board meeting. As the Iowa FFA Association, we had tons to discuss and policies to pass. A meeting to a 'regular' person may sound boring, or really boring... or EXTREMELY boring. But I didn't feel this for one bit during this meeting... at all. Being actively engaged in a certain opportunity or issue that would impact others for all the future to come is quite an experience. I am thankful for being put in a position that makes this possible.
*STATE OFFICER TEAM MEETINGS*
We have had LOADS of topics heading the discussions of our officer team.
1) State Leadership Conference for District Officers
-Curriculum
-Event Organization
2)Chapter Visits
-Goals (What do you want?)
-Where and Who
-Curriculum
3)Greenhand Fire Up
-Curriculum
4)State Leadership Conference (a.k.a. State Convention)
-Sessions
-Themes
-Events (New opportunities for members? Workshops? Flash mob? What do YOU want to
see? What would get YOU excited?)
-Speakers (Any recommendations?)
-'Stinger' Videos: Quick video clips to create excitement for SLC! (Please give me IDEAS!)
*TONIGHT*
Tonight (right now) we are reflecting as a team a chapter from our Habitudes book. Tonight's story was about the 'Personal Laptop'.
"Our minds work like a computer. They only spit out the
data they have been fed. Garbage in, garbage out. Leaders
are disciplined about what they invest
in their mind and heart."
This message just reminds me, personally, that what may be the 'norm' is not always (and more often than not) right. We need to look into ourselves, our believes, and our personal beliefs to determine for ourselves what is morally right.
Start generating ideas for this year's theme "I BELIEVE" for State Convention and send me your ideas. Make a difference and make this year what YOU want it to be!
