A QUESTION OF RELEVANCE: FFA PROGRAMS AND SERVICES AS PERCEIVED BY FFA MEMBERS AND NON-MEMBERS

The purpose of the study is to determine if there is a difference between FFA members and non-members as to their perception of FFA programs and services, and to determine if students ’ perceptions of FFA programs and services are influenced by gender and ethnicity, enrollment choice, prior enrollment in an agriculture class, block scheduling, grade level and extracurricular activities. Data were collected using a questionnaire administered to 404 students enrolled in the Agriscience Applications course in 27 schools in North Carolina. It can be concluded that: A student’s decision to join or not join the FFA is influenced by their perception of FFA programs and services. A student’s gender, ethnicity, enrollment choice, prior enrollment in an agriculture class, block scheduling, grade level and extracurricular activities do not influence their perceptions of the FFA programs and services. The implications are significant for the FFA and agricultural education in that students tend to join and participate in the FFA based upon the organization’s ability to meet a student’s need for a sense of belonging. The FFA should continue to seek ways to involve all members in positive personal growth activities that allow students to experience that sense of belonging. Based upon the responses of members, the social aspects of the organization were motivating factors in their desire to be members