California FFA News Summer 2016 | Page 16

From March 8 to 11, sixty seniors from across California had the opportunity to participate in the Sacramento Leadership Experience. I, along with four others in my chapter had the honor of being chosen to act as mock legislators for the week. I was given the title of Assembly Member Paoletti of District 21. After a day focused heavily by Colton Paoletti on how a bill becomes a law, Galt-Liberty Ranch FFA Chapter political parties, and the overall workings of the legislative branch of government we were ready to begin. Both the senate and assembly first met as committees where they were able to make amendments to the proposed bills and debate the issues. Though the various committee meetings were engaging and informative the highlight of the conference was debating on the assembly and senate floor. SLE was by far the most educational and inspiring event that I have participated in through the FFA. The conference was far more than just learning the workings of government and how to better advocate for agriculture. It led me to the realization that there is hope for the future. All sixty of us were instilled the idea that we could make a significant difference if we work hard to achieve something. Now imagine for a moment those sixty members sharing that idea with the 83,000 members of the state association. I realize now that we have the power to change the world around us for the better. That gives me hope. FFA Street Beat Tz_davis 1313Last week I had the time of my life at SLE!! Thank you to the counselors at the conference for teaching me the importance of our government and how I can make a difference advocating for agriculture and FFA. #ffasle #ffa #californiaffa #foreverblue Every year California FFA seniors apply to attend Sacramento Leadership Experience (SLE), this year there were over one hundred twenty students who applied and sixty got the chance to attend. SLE is the capstone leadership conference for California FFA, during the four days while at the state capitol the attendees stepped into by Wesley Woolery McArthur Fall River FFA Chapter the shoes of a state legislature as either a state senator or state assemblymember. They are assigned a district to represent its constituents while proposing, debating, and amending four different omnibus bills. This year the senators and assemblymembers proposed agriculture, food, education, and environment omnibus bills. During the conference FFA members got the chance to listen to state legislatures share their daily duties. Most attendees say that their most memorable moment during SLE is having the opportunity to sit in the California Senate and Assembly Chambers and debate the bills that were proposed. This once in a lifetime experience opens the eyes of California FFA members of how legislation moves through our government and the importance of living to serve. Include #FFANews to be noticed for the next edition hannahceciliajones Beyond blessed to have been able to attend the #ffaSLE conference. From studying our bills to creating grand old party schemes it was on overall amazing experience at the Capital. #horsemeatanyone #majesticmoments lukeoleary ”The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things.” - Ronald Reagan #ffaSLE kimberlydstrom Such a great quote!