WASHINGTON, D.C.—Students from across the nation attended the 2010
Washington Leadership Conference (WLC) this summer in the nation’s capital. The conference
is an activity of the National FFA Organization, sponsored by Monsanto as a special project
of the National FFA Foundation. Morgan Gouzales attended WLC June 14-19, representing the
Wellington FFA Chapter.
The week-long program helps FFA members improve their leadership skills and prepare
for leadership roles in their chapters, communities and their future careers. They attended
sessions on developing authentic leadership, serving their communities and participating in civic
engagement. They also participate in service learning events.
“We live in an increasingly competitive world,” says Dr. Larry Case, National FFA
Advisor and Coordinator, Agricultural and Rural Education with the U.S. Department of
Education. “Tomorrow’s leaders must develop skills in these areas to effectively compete. Every
student leaves WLC with an advantage because it gives those young people cutting-edge
leadership skills and valuable insight for productive citizenship.”
The National FFA Organization coordinates WLC, with the sponsorship of Monsanto,
which attracts participants from across the country. This summer, more than 2,000 FFA
members will attend one of the conference’s seven week-long sessions. Monsanto is dedicated
to the future success of agriculture by investing more than one million dollars to the National
Students also increase their understanding of the nation’s heritage with visits to,
Arlington National Cemetery, the Jefferson, Lincoln and Roosevelt Memorials and other
historic sites in Washington, D.C. A highlight of the week was a visit to the office of their local
U.S. Representative or Senator.
The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America,
is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members – all preparing for leadership
and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture – as part of 7,429 local FFA
chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization
changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and
agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students
by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success
through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter
granted by the 81st Congress of the United States, and is an integral part of public instruction in
agriculture. The U.S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for
FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. Visit www.ffa.org for more
information.
Monsanto's sponsorship of the Washington Leadership Conference reflects the
company's sole focus on agriculture and commitment to American farm families. Monsanto has
a long tradition of supporting agriculture youth through scholarships, education and leadership
development programs. The company is proud to be the largest ag sponsor of the National FFA
and also partners with 4-H and other prominent, nationwide organizations that are making a
marked difference in the lives of young people and helping them become tomorrow's leaders in
feeding, fueling and clothing the world. For additional information, visit www.monsanto.com.
