FFA History, Milestones, and Parliamentary Procedure

Vocabulary flashcards covering key historical dates, milestones, federal legislation, and parliamentary procedure principles for the National and Illinois FFA organizations.

Smith-Hughes National Vocational Education Act

The federal legislation passed in 1917 under which courses in vocational agriculture were first established.

American Royal Livestock Show (1926)

The livestock show that first invited vocational agriculture students to participate in judging contests in 1926.

Future Farmers of America

The national agricultural youth organization established in 1928.

Official FFA Colors

The official organizational colors adopted by the Future Farmers of America in 1929.

Illinois Association of Future Farmers of America

The state FFA association officially chartered on June 12, 1929.

FFA Creed

The foundational statement written by E.M. Tiffany that was first adopted in 1930.

Blue Corduroy Jacket

The iconic garment adopted as Official FFA Dress in 1933.

First FFA-Owned National Headquarters

The 28.5-acre site of George Washington's estate purchased by the FFA in 1939.

National FFA Foundation

The foundation established in 1944 to support FFA programs and agricultural education.

National FFA Band

The national musical group that performed for the first time at the National FFA Convention in 1947.

Illinois Foundation FFA

The state foundation established in 1947 to raise money for the FFA.

National FFA Chorus

The national choral ensemble that performed for the first time at the National FFA Convention in 1948.

Public Law 740

Federal legislation passed by the United States Congress in 1950 that granted the FFA a federal charter.

The National FUTURE FARMER

The official magazine of the organization, first published in 1952.

Silver Anniversary of the National FFA

The celebration held in 1953 marking 25 years since the establishment of the FFA.

Illinois FFA 25th State Convention

The state convention celebrated in Champaign, Illinois, in 1953.

NFA and FFA Merger

The historic 1965 integration of the New Farmers of America (NFA) and the Future Farmers of America (FFA).

Women in FFA Membership

The milestone reached in 1969 when women were officially admitted to national membership in the FFA.

National FFA Alumni Association

The national organization established in 1971 to support the FFA through its alumni.

Illinois FFA Alumni Association

The state alumni organization chartered in 1971.

Golden Anniversary of the National FFA

The milestone celebrated at the National FFA Convention in 1977 marking 50 years of the organization.

National FFA Organization

The new organizational name approved by convention delegates in 1988, changing from "Future Farmers of America".

FFA New Horizons

The updated title given to The National FUTURE FARMER magazine when its name was changed in 1989.

FFA Web Homepage

The official World Wide Web site established by the National FFA Organization in 1996.

Public Law 105-225

Federal legislation passed by Congress in 1998 that revised and replaced Public Law 740.

1999 National FFA Convention

The first national convention held in Louisville, Kentucky, which marked the first time the convention took place outside of Kansas City.

National Creed Speaking Career Development Event

The competitive speaking event first held at the national level in 1999.

75th National FFA Convention

The diamond anniversary convention celebrated by the National FFA Organization in 2002.

Karlene Lindow

The FFA member named the first female Star Farmer of America in 2002.

Quorum

The requirement that more than one-half of the membership must be present before official business may be transacted.

Main Motion

A proposal used to obtain group approval for a new project or other action.

Motion to Amend

A subsidiary motion used to propose a change to a main motion if a member believes it could be improved.

Motion to Adjourn

A privileged motion used to officially close a meeting.

Privileged Motion

A classification of parliamentary motions that deals with the immediate rights and needs of the assembly, exemplified by the motion to adjourn.

Subsidiary Motion

A classification of parliamentary motions that modifies or disposes of a main motion, exemplified by the motion to amend.

Simple Majority

A vote requirement where at least half of all voters plus one voter must vote in favor for a motion to pass.

Four Motion Classifications

The four official groups of parliamentary motions: privileged, subsidiary, incidental, and main motions.

Opening Ceremonies

The formal ritual that typically begins an agenda for an FFA chapter meeting.

Four Common Methods of Voting

The primary ways to take a vote: voice, rising, secret ballot, and roll call.

Three Taps of the Gavel

The gavel signal used by the presiding officer to direct all members to rise.