Richland 44 FFA Constitution
Article I - Name, Mission, and Strategies
Section A. The name of this organization will be the Richland 44 FFA Chapter of the National FFA Organization.
Section B. 1) The mission of Richland 44 FFA is to increase diverse agricultural knowledge and leadership skills while serving others in our chapter, school, and community.
2) The mission for the National FFA Organization is 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 agriculture education.
Section C. The strategies of the Richland 44 FFA Chapter are as follows:
1) Develop agriculture leadership.
2) Increase awareness of global technology of agriculture and its contribution to our well-being.
3) Promote establishment of agriculture career.
4) Encourage wise management of economic, environmental, and human resources in community.
5) Strengthen confidence in student’s self and agricultural work.
6) Develop skills in teamwork and communication.
7) Build citizenship through volunteering and patriotism.
8) Promote cooperation and understanding.
9) Promote healthy lifestyles.
10) Develop passion for agricultural and leadership growth.
Article II - Organization
Section A. The Richland 44 FFA Chapter is chartered by the North Dakota Association of FFA which is chartered by the National FFA Organization.
Section B. The Richland 44 FFA Chapter accepts in full the provisions in the constitution and bylaws of the North Dakota Association of FFA as well as those of the National FFA Organization.
Article III - Membership
Section A. Membership of the Richland 44 FFA Chapter will be of three kinds:
(1) Active; (2) Alumni, and (3) Honorary, as defined by the National FFA Constitution.
Section B. The regular activities of this chapter will be carried on by the active membership.
Section C. Honorary membership in this chapter will be limited to recipients of the Honorary Chapter FFA Degree.
Section D. Active members in good standing may vote on all business brought before the chapter. An active member will be considered in good standing when:
1) While in School, be enrolled in at least one agricultural educational course during the school year or as a planned course of study; either course must include a Supervised Agricultural Experience Program, the object of which is preparation for or exploration of an agricultural career.
2) Show an interest in the affairs of the organization by attending meetings, striving for degrees of membership or participating in other organized activities of the chapter.
3) Pay chapter, state and national dues by date specified.
4) Display conduct consistent with the ideals and purposes of the Local,
State, and National FFA Organizations, all high school policies, and the Richland 44 FFA Chapter Code of Ethics.
Section E. A temporary suspension or removal for one full year from membership will be assessed if deemed necessary be the Chapter Advisor(s).
1) Reasons for suspension or removal include those listed in the Richland 44 FFA Code of Conduct.
2) The Due Process for suspensions or removal is as follows:
a – Member in question will serve a six-week suspension for first offense in a 12-month time period.
b – Member in question will be removed from membership for 12 months for the second offence within a 12-month time period.
c – Member in question will meet with Chapter Advisor(s), parent(s), and Richland 44 School Administration at either instance.
d – Any appeals of suspension or removal will be handled by the Director of the Southeast Region Career and Technology Center at the earliest convenience.
Section F. Any member who serves a detention at school will miss their next FFA activity. Appeals to this suspension may be made with the chapter advisor(s).
Section G. Names of members will be filed with the chapter secretary.
Article IV - Meetings
Section A. There is no quorum requirement so long as the meeting was listed in the Program of Activities, or notice of the meeting was made at least
four days prior to the meeting.
Article V - Emblems
Section A. The emblem of the National FFA Organization will be the emblem for the Richland 44 FFA Chapter.
Section B. Emblems used by the members will be designated by the National FFA Organization.
Article VI - Degrees and Privileges
Section A. There will be five degrees of active membership based on individual achievement. These degrees are Discovery Degree, Greenhand Degree, Chapter Degree, State Degree, and American Degree.
Section B. Discovery FFA Degree. Minimum qualifications for selection: (Refer to National Constitution)
1) Be enrolled in an Agricultural 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 the Local, State, and National Level.
3) Participate in at least one local FFA chapter activity outside of scheduled class time.
4) Have knowledge of agriculturally related career, ownership and entrepreneurial opportunities.
5) Be familiar with the local FFA chapter Program of Activities.
6) Submit written application for the degree.
Section C. Greenhand FFA Degree. Minimum qualifications for selection:
1) Be enrolled in Agricultural Education class and have satisfactory plans for a Supervised Agricultural Experience Program.
2) Learn and explain the mean of the FFA Creed, Motto, Salute, and Mission Statement.
3) Describe and explain the meaning of the FFA emblem and colors.
4) Demonstrate a knowledge for the FFA Code of Ethics and the proper use of the FFA jacket.
5) Demonstrate the 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 Handbook.
7) Submit a written application for the Greenhand FFA Degree.
Section D. Chapter FFA Degree. Minimum qualification for selection:
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 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 min.
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 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 State 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 VII - Chapter Officers
Section A. The officers and duties of the Richland 44 FFA Chapter will be as follows:
1) President
- preside over chapter meetings
- schedule chapter meetings monthly
- schedule officer meetings
- monitor progress of other officers
2) Vice President
- preside over meetings in absence of president
- develop Program of Activities
- coordinates sponsor visits
- Appointed officers?
3) Secretary
- type and post minutes from meetings
- take care of banquet invitations
- complete secretary’s book
- type membership roster
4) Assistant Secretary
- take role at meetings
- assist Secretary
- work with Sentinel to add meeting attendance to incentive list
5) Treasurer
- coordinate fundraisers
- record receipts and disbursements
- complete Treasurer’s book
6) Assistant Treasurer
- coordinate individual member accounts
- assist Treasurer
7) Reporter
- write articles for newspaper and other media
- complete Reporter’s book
8) Assistant Reporter
- complete morning announcements
- create announcements of activities and meetings
9) Sentinel
- organize meeting room
- coordinate recreation activities
- responsible for incentive program
10) Assistant Sentinel
- assist Sentinel
- maintain incentive points chart
11) Community Relations
- coordinate community service activities
Section B. Election Process
1) A Screening Committee will select the most qualified candidate for each of the officer positions.
2) The full chapter will vote to accept/not accept the screening Committee’s report.
3) If the committee report is declined, the chapter will allow nominations of qualified candidates who were interviewed by the Screening Committee from the floor.
4) The Screening Committee will be made up of the following:
A) One Active Member of each grade, 7th through 12th.
B) All retiring senior officers.
C) Three community members from Alumni, Industry, or other capable persons.
D) The Richland 44 FFA Chapter Advisor, who serves as a non-voting member.
E) No sibling of a candidate will be able to serve on the committee
Section C. Removal from Office
1) Any Officer of the Richland 44 FFA chapter may be removed from the remainder of their office if they are unable or unwilling to fulfill their duties.
2) Any suspension from membership according to the Richland 44 FFA Code of Ethics will be grounds for removal from office.
Section D. Filling an Officer
In the case of any officer opening, the assistant will take the place of the officer, such as the Vice President taking the President’s position, and the Assistant Secretary taking the Secretary’s position, and so on. To fill any other opening, the officer team will meet and select a qualified member.
Article VIII - Dues
Section A. Local dues of the Richland 44 FFA Chapter will be set by majority of the active members.
Section B. Full local, state, and national dues will be paid by all active members.
Article IX - Amendments
Section A. After amendments are reviewed at two previous meetings, this constitution may be amended or changed at any regular chapter meeting by 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. By-laws may be adopted to fit the needs of the chapter at any regular chapter meeting by a simple majority vote of the active members present providing such bylaws conflict in no way with the constitution and bylaws of either the State Association or the National Organization.
Article X - Parliamentary Procedure
Section A. Parliamentary Activity of the Richland 44 FFA Chapter will follow the most recent edition of Robert’s Rules of Order.
Section A. The name of this organization will be the Richland 44 FFA Chapter of the National FFA Organization.
Section B. 1) The mission of Richland 44 FFA is to increase diverse agricultural knowledge and leadership skills while serving others in our chapter, school, and community.
2) The mission for the National FFA Organization is 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 agriculture education.
Section C. The strategies of the Richland 44 FFA Chapter are as follows:
1) Develop agriculture leadership.
2) Increase awareness of global technology of agriculture and its contribution to our well-being.
3) Promote establishment of agriculture career.
4) Encourage wise management of economic, environmental, and human resources in community.
5) Strengthen confidence in student’s self and agricultural work.
6) Develop skills in teamwork and communication.
7) Build citizenship through volunteering and patriotism.
8) Promote cooperation and understanding.
9) Promote healthy lifestyles.
10) Develop passion for agricultural and leadership growth.
Article II - Organization
Section A. The Richland 44 FFA Chapter is chartered by the North Dakota Association of FFA which is chartered by the National FFA Organization.
Section B. The Richland 44 FFA Chapter accepts in full the provisions in the constitution and bylaws of the North Dakota Association of FFA as well as those of the National FFA Organization.
Article III - Membership
Section A. Membership of the Richland 44 FFA Chapter will be of three kinds:
(1) Active; (2) Alumni, and (3) Honorary, as defined by the National FFA Constitution.
Section B. The regular activities of this chapter will be carried on by the active membership.
Section C. Honorary membership in this chapter will be limited to recipients of the Honorary Chapter FFA Degree.
Section D. Active members in good standing may vote on all business brought before the chapter. An active member will be considered in good standing when:
1) While in School, be enrolled in at least one agricultural educational course during the school year or as a planned course of study; either course must include a Supervised Agricultural Experience Program, the object of which is preparation for or exploration of an agricultural career.
2) Show an interest in the affairs of the organization by attending meetings, striving for degrees of membership or participating in other organized activities of the chapter.
3) Pay chapter, state and national dues by date specified.
4) Display conduct consistent with the ideals and purposes of the Local,
State, and National FFA Organizations, all high school policies, and the Richland 44 FFA Chapter Code of Ethics.
Section E. A temporary suspension or removal for one full year from membership will be assessed if deemed necessary be the Chapter Advisor(s).
1) Reasons for suspension or removal include those listed in the Richland 44 FFA Code of Conduct.
2) The Due Process for suspensions or removal is as follows:
a – Member in question will serve a six-week suspension for first offense in a 12-month time period.
b – Member in question will be removed from membership for 12 months for the second offence within a 12-month time period.
c – Member in question will meet with Chapter Advisor(s), parent(s), and Richland 44 School Administration at either instance.
d – Any appeals of suspension or removal will be handled by the Director of the Southeast Region Career and Technology Center at the earliest convenience.
Section F. Any member who serves a detention at school will miss their next FFA activity. Appeals to this suspension may be made with the chapter advisor(s).
Section G. Names of members will be filed with the chapter secretary.
Article IV - Meetings
Section A. There is no quorum requirement so long as the meeting was listed in the Program of Activities, or notice of the meeting was made at least
four days prior to the meeting.
Article V - Emblems
Section A. The emblem of the National FFA Organization will be the emblem for the Richland 44 FFA Chapter.
Section B. Emblems used by the members will be designated by the National FFA Organization.
Article VI - Degrees and Privileges
Section A. There will be five degrees of active membership based on individual achievement. These degrees are Discovery Degree, Greenhand Degree, Chapter Degree, State Degree, and American Degree.
Section B. Discovery FFA Degree. Minimum qualifications for selection: (Refer to National Constitution)
1) Be enrolled in an Agricultural 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 the Local, State, and National Level.
3) Participate in at least one local FFA chapter activity outside of scheduled class time.
4) Have knowledge of agriculturally related career, ownership and entrepreneurial opportunities.
5) Be familiar with the local FFA chapter Program of Activities.
6) Submit written application for the degree.
Section C. Greenhand FFA Degree. Minimum qualifications for selection:
1) Be enrolled in Agricultural Education class and have satisfactory plans for a Supervised Agricultural Experience Program.
2) Learn and explain the mean of the FFA Creed, Motto, Salute, and Mission Statement.
3) Describe and explain the meaning of the FFA emblem and colors.
4) Demonstrate a knowledge for the FFA Code of Ethics and the proper use of the FFA jacket.
5) Demonstrate the 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 Handbook.
7) Submit a written application for the Greenhand FFA Degree.
Section D. Chapter FFA Degree. Minimum qualification for selection:
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 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 min.
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 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 State 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 VII - Chapter Officers
Section A. The officers and duties of the Richland 44 FFA Chapter will be as follows:
1) President
- preside over chapter meetings
- schedule chapter meetings monthly
- schedule officer meetings
- monitor progress of other officers
2) Vice President
- preside over meetings in absence of president
- develop Program of Activities
- coordinates sponsor visits
- Appointed officers?
3) Secretary
- type and post minutes from meetings
- take care of banquet invitations
- complete secretary’s book
- type membership roster
4) Assistant Secretary
- take role at meetings
- assist Secretary
- work with Sentinel to add meeting attendance to incentive list
5) Treasurer
- coordinate fundraisers
- record receipts and disbursements
- complete Treasurer’s book
6) Assistant Treasurer
- coordinate individual member accounts
- assist Treasurer
7) Reporter
- write articles for newspaper and other media
- complete Reporter’s book
8) Assistant Reporter
- complete morning announcements
- create announcements of activities and meetings
9) Sentinel
- organize meeting room
- coordinate recreation activities
- responsible for incentive program
10) Assistant Sentinel
- assist Sentinel
- maintain incentive points chart
11) Community Relations
- coordinate community service activities
Section B. Election Process
1) A Screening Committee will select the most qualified candidate for each of the officer positions.
2) The full chapter will vote to accept/not accept the screening Committee’s report.
3) If the committee report is declined, the chapter will allow nominations of qualified candidates who were interviewed by the Screening Committee from the floor.
4) The Screening Committee will be made up of the following:
A) One Active Member of each grade, 7th through 12th.
B) All retiring senior officers.
C) Three community members from Alumni, Industry, or other capable persons.
D) The Richland 44 FFA Chapter Advisor, who serves as a non-voting member.
E) No sibling of a candidate will be able to serve on the committee
Section C. Removal from Office
1) Any Officer of the Richland 44 FFA chapter may be removed from the remainder of their office if they are unable or unwilling to fulfill their duties.
2) Any suspension from membership according to the Richland 44 FFA Code of Ethics will be grounds for removal from office.
Section D. Filling an Officer
In the case of any officer opening, the assistant will take the place of the officer, such as the Vice President taking the President’s position, and the Assistant Secretary taking the Secretary’s position, and so on. To fill any other opening, the officer team will meet and select a qualified member.
Article VIII - Dues
Section A. Local dues of the Richland 44 FFA Chapter will be set by majority of the active members.
Section B. Full local, state, and national dues will be paid by all active members.
Article IX - Amendments
Section A. After amendments are reviewed at two previous meetings, this constitution may be amended or changed at any regular chapter meeting by 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. By-laws may be adopted to fit the needs of the chapter at any regular chapter meeting by a simple majority vote of the active members present providing such bylaws conflict in no way with the constitution and bylaws of either the State Association or the National Organization.
Article X - Parliamentary Procedure
Section A. Parliamentary Activity of the Richland 44 FFA Chapter will follow the most recent edition of Robert’s Rules of Order.