A Historical Review Of Leadership Development In The FFA And 4-H

Abstract

FFA and 4-H are two youth-based organizations that cite leadership development as a key foundational component. The purpose of this study was to review and document the historical development of leadership events and activities in both programs. Evidence can be found of leadership development in schools, conferences, and camps. Leadership-related events evolved into public-speaking contests, debates, farm demonstrations, and implementation of chapter and club programs of activities. Leadership resources from both organizations include official manuals, convention proceedings, advisor/leader handbooks, textbooks, and state and national magazines. Historically, both organizations provided members multiple opportunities to develop leadership behaviors, skills, and characteristics through knowledge and skill acquisition, participation in community and civic activities, and in the transition into the workforce and/or postsecondary education.

Student Self-Perceptions of Leadership in Two Missouri FFA Chapters: A Collective Case Study

“…The challenge to tapping into this potential is that leadership is seen by adolescents as formal and unreachable and they typically do not think of leadership in relation to themselves or as something that is attainable or even desirable. This perspective on leadership has provided organizations such as the FFA with curriculum and program development material (Hoover, Scholl, Dunigan, & Mamontova, 2007).…”

“…The principles of leadership development in the FFA began years before the organization was formed (Hoover et al, 2007). The FFA was founded to provide "fellowship and leadership development" for boys enrolled in vocational agriculture programs (National FFA Organization, as cited in Hoover et al, 2007). Leadership development within the FFA has been studied and the value of the organization in this regard has been established.…”

“…Leadership development has always been a pillar of the National FFA Organization (Hoover et al, 2007). Although several studies have focused on leadership among adolescents, few have sought the first-person perspectives of the adolescents themselves (Whitehead, 2009).…”

Transformational Leadership Research in Agricultural Education: A Synthesis of the Literature

“…Researchers have conducted literature reviews focused on the historical development of leadership activities in the FFA and 4-H (Hoover, Scholl, Dunigan, & Mamontova, 2007), the major areas of leadership development research (Connors & Swan, 2006), and the development of leadership skills by FFA members (Butters & Ball, 2006). Missing from the literature associated with agricultural education is a review of leadership style research.…”

Impact of being a West Virginia State FFA President on Career and Personal Accomplishments as Perceived by Past State FFA Presidents 1955 to 2005

“…Wingenbach (1995) identified life skills as, "skills in communication, decision making, getting along with others, learning, management, understanding self, and working with groups" (p 70). Hoover, Scholl, Dunigan, and Mamontova (2007) studied FFA and 4-H members and their leadership skills and behaviors. Members were encouraged to attend camps, competitive events, and conferences to develop these skills.…”