MADISON, Wis. (June 11, 2024) – The Wisconsin FFA Day of Service has once again returned to the Madison community and this year in full swing. Due to the pandemic, service activities have been scaled down to ensure the health and safety of students. This is the first year students were back in full force to lend a helping hand to the Madison community. FFA members put into action the “living to serve” line of the FFA motto by participating in community service projects on June 10, the opening day of the Wisconsin FFA Convention. The Wisconsin FFA Convention will be held at the Alliant Energy Center June 12 -15.
“The Wisconsin FFA Day of Service kicks off the State FFA Convention by giving members an event that re-centers them on the final line of the FFA motto, ‘Living to Serve’ before a week of celebration,” said Day of Service Manager Amelia Hayden. “In a week of accolades, it is important we also find ways to pay that success forward to others, and the Day of Service does just that.”
320 members had the opportunity to pay it forward at eleven different locations in Madison. At multiple city parks members removed invasive species, planted varieties of plants, and helped maintain the establishment. Additionally, at UW-Arboretum, members worked with the site’s horticultural team to tend woody plants by pulling weeds and spreading mulch around the trees and shrubs. Members also volunteered at Lussier Community Education Center, Goodman Community Center, Bayview Community Center, and the Ronald McDonald House. At these locations, participants aided with indoor cleaning, garden work, organization, and outdoor pick-up.
Wisconsin FFA members also had the opportunity to participate in on-site projects through collaboration with Sleep in Heavenly Peace. Members helped to assemble 40 beds for children and families in need in the Madison area. The Wisconsin Association of FFA will be collecting twin sheets, pillowcases, and comforter sets to donate as well. Wisconsin FFA Day of Service efforts are made possible thanks to generous donations from Kerry Ingredients and the National FFA Living to Serve Grant Fund.
Since the event’s inception in 2009, FFA members have provided 4,000 volunteer hours to the Madison community. The event has not been held in its traditional format since 2019 due to the coronavirus pandemic. In past years, in place of Day of Service, the Wisconsin Association of FFA has held modified service events such as a food and hygiene drive. Day of Service is one of the many events that FFA members can participate in to develop their premier leadership, personal growth, and career success at the 95th Wisconsin FFA Convention.
About Wisconsin Association of FFA:
The Wisconsin Association of FFA is a leading student organization due to the ef orts of 253 FFA Chapters across the state. With a focus on premier leadership, personal growth and career success, students’ FFA activities complement agricultural classroom instruction by giving them an opportunity to apply their skills and knowledge while gaining real-world experience. These activities are dependent on donor funding through the Wisconsin FFA Foundation. The FFA is also supported by the Wisconsin FFA Alumni Association throughout Wisconsin. For more information about Wisconsin FFA, the Wisconsin FFA Foundation and the Wisconsin FFA Alumni visit https://wisconsinaged.org.
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