SILVERTON FFA CHAPTER CONSTITUTION
Revised and Amended December 11th, 2023
Section A
The name of this organization shall be the Silverton Chapter of the FFA. Members are hereinafter referred to as “FFA members” or “chapter members.” The letters “FFA” may be used to designate the chapter, its activities, or members thereof.
Section B
The purposes for which the chapter is formed are as follows:
Article IIOrganization
Section A
The Silverton Chapter of the FFA is a chartered local unit of the Oregon Association of the FFA, which is chartered by the National Organization of the FFA. The National Organization of the FFA was granted a charter by the 81st Congress of the United States of America on August 30, 1950 (Public Law 81-740).
Section B
This chapter accepts in full provisions in the constitution and bylaws of
the Oregon Association of the FFA, as well as those of the national
organization of the FFA.
Article III
Membership
Section A
The membership shall be of three (3) kinds:
1) Active membership, 2) Alumni membership, and 3) Honorary membership, as defined by the National FFA Constitution.
Section B
The regular work of this chapter shall be carried on by the active membership.
Section C
Honorary membership in this chapter shall be limited to the Honorary Chapter FFA Degree.
Section D
Active members in good standing may vote on all business brought before the chapter. An active member shall be in good standing when he/she:
Section E
To be in good standing and eligible to show at Marion County Fair and/or State Fair you need to do the following items
Article IV
Emblems
Section A
The emblem of the FFA shall be the emblem of the chapter.
Section B
Emblems used by the members shall be designated by the National FFA Organization.
Article V
Membership Degrees and Privileges
Section A
There shall be four (4) degrees of active membership in this chapter. These degrees are 1) The Greenhand Degree, 2) The Chapter FFA Degree, 3) The State FFA Degree, and 4) The American FFA Degree.
All Greenhands are entitled to wear the regulation bronze emblem pin. All members holding the “Chapter FFA” degree are entitled to wear the regulation silver emblem pin. All members holding the “State FFA” degree are entitled to wear the regulation gold emblem charm. All members holding the “American FFA” degree are entitled to wear the regulation gold emblem key.
Section B
Greenhand Degree—to receive the Greenhand Degree the candidate must meet these minimum qualifications:
Section C
Chapter FFA Degree—to receive the Chapter FFA Degree the candidate must meet these minimum qualifications:
Section D
State FFA Degree--The minimum qualifications for the State FFA Degree are those set forth by the Oregon State FFA Association.
Section E
American FFA Degree The minimum qualifications for the American FFA Degree are those set forth by the National FFA Organization.
Article VI
Officers
Section A
The elected officers of the chapter shall be as follows: President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Reporter, and Sentinel. The Advisors shall be the local teachers of the Agriculture education at Silverton High School. Officers shall perform their duties in their offices as described at the end of this constitution.
Section B
Officers shall be elected annually by the majority vote of the members present at a regular meeting by secret ballot, before the end of the month of May
Section C
Each person running for an office must file an application for the office of his or her choice with the chairman of the nomination committee. This person must maintain a scholastic average of at least a 2.50 GPA. Each applicant will be interviewed by the nomination committee at least one week prior to the election. The nominating committee will determine the applicant’s ability for nomination.
Section D
The nominating committee shall consist of the executive committee and 3 graduating seniors, 2 juniors, 2 sophomores, and 2 freshmen. The executive committee will appoint the nominating committee. Any member of the nominating committee who is an applicant for nomination must disqualify themselves as a member of the nominating committee. The president will present a slate of not more than two (2) candidates for each office. Nomination of candidates interviewed by the nominating committee can be made from the floor.
Section E
The officers of the chapter shall constitute the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall have full power to act as necessary for the chapter in accordance with actions taken at chapter meetings and various regulations or by-laws adopted from time to time.
Section F
Honorary members shall not vote nor shall they hold any office in the chapter except that of Advisor.
Section G
Chapter officers must hold the degree of Chapter FFA.
Article VII
Meetings
Section A
Regular chapter meetings shall be held at least once a month during the school year and once during the remaining months of the year at such a time and place as is designated by the Chapter Executive Committee. Special meetings may be called at any time.
Section B
Standard meeting paraphernalia shall be used at each meeting. All regular meetings shall open and close with the official ceremony. All meetings shall be conducted according to the rules of parlance.
Section C
Two delegates and two alternates shall be appointed by the Executive Committee annually from the active membership to represent the chapter at the State Convention and district activities. Other delegates may be named as necessary in order to have proper representation at various other FFA activities within the State.
Section D
Members in good standing shall conduct the business of the chapter at any regularly scheduled meeting.
Article VIII
Dues
Section A
All FFA Member dues are paid through the affiliation dues process.
Section B
Members must be in good standing which means enrolled in an agriculture education class that is taught by an agriculture teacher each semester and participate in 10 FFA activities with at least one activity being a CDE/LDE.
Article IX
Standing Committees
Section A
The following positions of leadership shall be selected by the newly elected officers, with a minimum of two that are overseen by the chapter officers and executive chairs:
Section B
The goals of each Chairman are outlined annually in the Chapter Program of Activities.
Article X
Amendments
Section A
This constitution may be amended or changed at any chapter meeting by a two-thirds vote of the active membership present provided that there is a quorum and such a change does not cause a conflict with the State Association Constitution or the National Constitution.
Section B
By-laws may be adapted to fit the needs of the chapter at any regular meeting by a two-thirds majority of the active members present, provided a quorum is present and such by-laws conflict in no way with either the constitution or by-laws of either the State or National organizations.
Section C
The Silverton FFA shall fund up to $1,000 annually for the National Convention. All additional expenses will be divided between participants.
In order to attend the National FFA Convention the following criteria must be met:
The final attendance for the National Convention will be determined by the advisors and announced before the end of the school year.
Any questions that arise concerning attendance and/or participation at the National FFA Convention will be handled by the advisors.
Revised and Amended December 11th, 2023
Section A
The name of this organization shall be the Silverton Chapter of the FFA. Members are hereinafter referred to as “FFA members” or “chapter members.” The letters “FFA” may be used to designate the chapter, its activities, or members thereof.
Section B
The purposes for which the chapter is formed are as follows:
- To develop competent, aggressive rural and agricultural leadership.
- To create and nurture a love for country life.
- To strengthen the confidence of students of vocational agriculture in themselves and their work.
- To create more interest in the intelligent choice of farming and other agricultural occupations.
- To encourage members in the development of individual farming programs and establishments in agriculture.
- To encourage members to improve the farm home and its surroundings.
- To participate in worthy undertakings for the improvement of agriculture and community.
- To develop character, train for useful citizenship, and foster patriotism.
- To participate in a cooperative effort.
- To encourage and practice thrift.
- To encourage improvement in scholarship.
- To provide and encourage the development of organized recreational activities.
Article IIOrganization
Section A
The Silverton Chapter of the FFA is a chartered local unit of the Oregon Association of the FFA, which is chartered by the National Organization of the FFA. The National Organization of the FFA was granted a charter by the 81st Congress of the United States of America on August 30, 1950 (Public Law 81-740).
Section B
This chapter accepts in full provisions in the constitution and bylaws of
the Oregon Association of the FFA, as well as those of the national
organization of the FFA.
Article III
Membership
Section A
The membership shall be of three (3) kinds:
1) Active membership, 2) Alumni membership, and 3) Honorary membership, as defined by the National FFA Constitution.
Section B
The regular work of this chapter shall be carried on by the active membership.
Section C
Honorary membership in this chapter shall be limited to the Honorary Chapter FFA Degree.
Section D
Active members in good standing may vote on all business brought before the chapter. An active member shall be in good standing when he/she:
- Attends local chapter meetings with reasonable regularity.
- Shows an interest in, and takes part in the affairs of the chapter.
- Must be enrolled in an Agriculture education class or have taken all Agriculture education courses offered.
- Must be enrolled in an Agriculture education class for at least one semester, and contribute to the chapter, or maintain good chapter standing in the semester in which they are not enrolled in an Agriculture education class.
- All chapter officers must be enrolled in an Ag Skills/Leadership class
Section E
To be in good standing and eligible to show at Marion County Fair and/or State Fair you need to do the following items
- Cleared by executive board - advisors and 6 elected officers
- Have a satisfactory plan for the current Supervised Agricultural Experience project
- Hold at least the greenhand degree
- 10 FFA Activities - one has to be a CDE/LDE (Career Development Event)
- Attend the April and May Chapter meetings
- Enrolled in an Agriculture Education Course, at least one semester
- The FFA Conduct must be upheld during the fair season to continue the following year
- Incoming freshmen must meet with the executive board and attend the April chapter meeting
Article IV
Emblems
Section A
The emblem of the FFA shall be the emblem of the chapter.
Section B
Emblems used by the members shall be designated by the National FFA Organization.
Article V
Membership Degrees and Privileges
Section A
There shall be four (4) degrees of active membership in this chapter. These degrees are 1) The Greenhand Degree, 2) The Chapter FFA Degree, 3) The State FFA Degree, and 4) The American FFA Degree.
All Greenhands are entitled to wear the regulation bronze emblem pin. All members holding the “Chapter FFA” degree are entitled to wear the regulation silver emblem pin. All members holding the “State FFA” degree are entitled to wear the regulation gold emblem charm. All members holding the “American FFA” degree are entitled to wear the regulation gold emblem key.
Section B
Greenhand Degree—to receive the Greenhand Degree the candidate must meet these minimum qualifications:
- Be regularly enrolled in a class of agriculture education and have satisfactory and acceptable plans for a program of supervised farming, and/or other agricultural occupational experience program.
- Be familiar with the purposes of the FFA and the local Program of Activities.
- Recite from memory the Creed of the FFA.
- Be familiar with the FFA Emblem, Motto, Salute, and Jacket.
Section C
Chapter FFA Degree—to receive the Chapter FFA Degree the candidate must meet these minimum qualifications:
- Must have received the Greenhand Degree and have a satisfactory record of participation in local Chapter activities.
- Must have satisfactorily completed at least one (1) year of instruction in Agriculture education, have a satisfactory SAE program in operation, and have, and be regularly enrolled in an agriculture education class.
- Be familiar with the purposes of the State Association and National Organization.
- Be familiar with the provisions of the constitution of the local chapter.
- Be familiar with parliamentary procedure.
- Be able to lead a group discussion for fifteen (15) minutes.
- Must have earned by their efforts from their SAE Program, and deposited to a bank or productively invested in any other manner, at least $150.
Section D
State FFA Degree--The minimum qualifications for the State FFA Degree are those set forth by the Oregon State FFA Association.
Section E
American FFA Degree The minimum qualifications for the American FFA Degree are those set forth by the National FFA Organization.
Article VI
Officers
Section A
The elected officers of the chapter shall be as follows: President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Reporter, and Sentinel. The Advisors shall be the local teachers of the Agriculture education at Silverton High School. Officers shall perform their duties in their offices as described at the end of this constitution.
Section B
Officers shall be elected annually by the majority vote of the members present at a regular meeting by secret ballot, before the end of the month of May
Section C
Each person running for an office must file an application for the office of his or her choice with the chairman of the nomination committee. This person must maintain a scholastic average of at least a 2.50 GPA. Each applicant will be interviewed by the nomination committee at least one week prior to the election. The nominating committee will determine the applicant’s ability for nomination.
Section D
The nominating committee shall consist of the executive committee and 3 graduating seniors, 2 juniors, 2 sophomores, and 2 freshmen. The executive committee will appoint the nominating committee. Any member of the nominating committee who is an applicant for nomination must disqualify themselves as a member of the nominating committee. The president will present a slate of not more than two (2) candidates for each office. Nomination of candidates interviewed by the nominating committee can be made from the floor.
Section E
The officers of the chapter shall constitute the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall have full power to act as necessary for the chapter in accordance with actions taken at chapter meetings and various regulations or by-laws adopted from time to time.
Section F
Honorary members shall not vote nor shall they hold any office in the chapter except that of Advisor.
Section G
Chapter officers must hold the degree of Chapter FFA.
Article VII
Meetings
Section A
Regular chapter meetings shall be held at least once a month during the school year and once during the remaining months of the year at such a time and place as is designated by the Chapter Executive Committee. Special meetings may be called at any time.
Section B
Standard meeting paraphernalia shall be used at each meeting. All regular meetings shall open and close with the official ceremony. All meetings shall be conducted according to the rules of parlance.
Section C
Two delegates and two alternates shall be appointed by the Executive Committee annually from the active membership to represent the chapter at the State Convention and district activities. Other delegates may be named as necessary in order to have proper representation at various other FFA activities within the State.
Section D
Members in good standing shall conduct the business of the chapter at any regularly scheduled meeting.
Article VIII
Dues
Section A
All FFA Member dues are paid through the affiliation dues process.
Section B
Members must be in good standing which means enrolled in an agriculture education class that is taught by an agriculture teacher each semester and participate in 10 FFA activities with at least one activity being a CDE/LDE.
Article IX
Standing Committees
Section A
The following positions of leadership shall be selected by the newly elected officers, with a minimum of two that are overseen by the chapter officers and executive chairs:
- Leadership Committee
- Community Service Committee
- Recreation Committee
- Finance and Fundraising Committee
- Advertisement Committee
- Decorations Committee
- Recruitment
Section B
The goals of each Chairman are outlined annually in the Chapter Program of Activities.
Article X
Amendments
Section A
This constitution may be amended or changed at any chapter meeting by a two-thirds vote of the active membership present provided that there is a quorum and such a change does not cause a conflict with the State Association Constitution or the National Constitution.
Section B
By-laws may be adapted to fit the needs of the chapter at any regular meeting by a two-thirds majority of the active members present, provided a quorum is present and such by-laws conflict in no way with either the constitution or by-laws of either the State or National organizations.
Section C
The Silverton FFA shall fund up to $1,000 annually for the National Convention. All additional expenses will be divided between participants.
In order to attend the National FFA Convention the following criteria must be met:
- Qualify at the State Level and are in good standing
- Add your name to the interest list that advisors have
- Needs to be a current Freshman, Sophomore, or Junior to attend unless qualified in an event or receiving an award.
- Be in good standing by being involved in 10 activities with one at least being a CDE/LDE.
- Attend State Convention or CDE Days the previous school year
The final attendance for the National Convention will be determined by the advisors and announced before the end of the school year.
Any questions that arise concerning attendance and/or participation at the National FFA Convention will be handled by the advisors.