Grand Canyon FFA Officer Election Process

The requirements to become an officer of the Grand Canyon FFA consist of an application/ contract, two letters of recommendation, and an interview. 

I think the application that Mrs. B uses is fantastic. It asks the students general information but then it dives deeper and makes them think. The questions also involve making the applicants realize how important being an officer is and how they must be dedicated. Some of the questions are goals for the chapter, speaking experiences, personal qualities and sae. Something I really liked about this application and election process is that sae projects are also taken into consideration. I have not heard of chapters including this as a major part before but I think it is a great idea. With the contract portion of this, I think it is super important for both the student applicant and student's parents understand the commitment they are making. A contract makes things feel more official and holds students responsible if need be. 

Requiring the students to have recommendation letters is also a great idea. This helps the students prepare for an actual job interview that they would have in the future. It also helps the election committee to get a better feel for applicants. I like the way Mrs. B does these as the students do no see how the teacher fills out the sheet due to confidentiality so it gives the teacher the opportunity to be honest and not stress upsetting the student directly. 

I believe the most important aspect of this election process is the interview. The interview committee consists of the chapter advisor, another teacher and possibly administrators, alumni or community members. I think it is necessary to have unbiased people part of the electors. This way, they cannot use previous knowledge or circumstances to influence their decisions. I also believe though it is necessary to have the advisor or someone who is also involved in the chapter there as well. This way they can help not to sway decisions but if there are concerns they can state their opinion or advice. Overall, I really like the way the Grand Canyon FFA elects officers. As a new advisor, I believe it would be slightly intimidating deciding who are the leaders for that year. Wrong choices could be detrimental to a chapter. I also worry about upsetting students by thinking the advisor does not like them if they were not chosen for a particular office. This election process is not only unbiased but also fair and good experience for the students.