erving as a California National Delegate…Wow! What
an honor it was to serve the over 73,000 members in the
state of California as one of the fifty one delegates. It was
a great opportunity to give back to an organization that has
continuously given to us.
S
This year, as Central Region Officers, we
feel that we have done our best to reach
out to the members and connect with them
at events such as the 2013 Chapter Officer
Leadership Conference, Regional Officer
Leadership Conference, and Sectional
Officer Leadership Summit I & II. We have
taken action to educate the members on
making the most of their short time here
in the FFA. We believe that if members
follow the regional theme of “Capture
Opportunities. Make Connections. Take
Initiative.” they will succeed not only in the
FFA but also in their future endeavors. We
want our members to see the vast number
of possibilities they have and understand
that they have the capacity to excel in any
number of them. We want the members to
take these opportunities and run with them,
making the best out of any situation they
may be faced with. We plan to continue
to reach out to our members and help
them grow as leaders, students, and FFA
members. We are very excited for our
busy spring that will include Capitol Ag
Day, State Degree Ceremonies, Regional
Meeting, and other events. We can’t wait
to continue reaching out to the Central
Region members and helping them reach
their full potential!
Submitted By:
Ryan Van Houten
Central Region Reporter
As a California Delegate serving on the committee “Role
of FFA in Agriculture, Food, Natural Resources” we were
able to discuss as a committee ways to create and improve
national level competitions, and brainstorm new ways to
include agriculture in urban areas. It was amazing to see that
although we all came from different states, we could all see how
urban agriculture has changed the face of agriculture today.
A personal highlight was the Delegate Day of Service. We worked with Habitat For
Humanity building a house for a family in need. We were able to leave quotes or
sayings on the frame work and all of our names on that Kentucky home. Our eyes
were opened to see those in need as our next challenge was to produce a video on
hunger in America and place it on Instagram. Those with the most views won a grant
to create programs to end hunger in their state. California was one of the recipients of
that grant; see those videos at #FFAHunger.
The greatest moment of impact was at the Delegate Assembly witnessing the final
report being created and sent to the National Board to view. We as delegates had
a part in that work and we were able to have a say in the future of our organization!
To see that first hand was amazing. Meeting new friends from different states and
making life time friends was also highlight!
Christopher Gutierrez
Hemet FFA
“National Convention Reflections” continued on page 9
California FFANEWS • Spring 2014
onal Update • Regional Update • Regional Update • Regional Update • Regional Up
nvention
A look back
Central
Region
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