Lanesboro FFA Officer Retreat

Thursday August 5th

The Lanesboro FFA Chapter Officers and their Advisor journeyed up to the FFA Chapter House and Leadership Center on Thursday to join Liz Rabbe and myself for a day. Arriving at 7:30 am Liz and I set up for the arrival of our friends and created many activities and multicolored flip charts. The Lanesboro van pulled in at right around 9 o'clock and four girls piled out of the van after taking a nap on the way up. They were well rested and ready to roll! Sarah Freese, Emma McGrath, Paige Dohrmann, and Katrina Marie began the day by being informed we where going to look at information like we were shopping. With this in mind we checked out what was in store for the day and took an oath for the day and the rest of the year of service to:

Support Honestly

Risk Boldly

Seize the Day

Seek Improvement

With the theme in mind we began to "style it" by looking at different styles of leadership. Each different style was matched up with a different bird. After taking a short test we determined there was at least one of each type within the room: a dove, an owl, a peacock, and an eagle. We all had a chance to look at our own personal style of leadership and how we can then match up as a unit throughout the year.
We then went outside and enjoyed a beautiful day as we played an activity in teams. The goal was for each team to pull the entire other team off the blocks. We then discussed how the activity modeled and did not model teamwork.

Heading back inside we began to looked to "connect it" and how the officers could work together throughout the entire year. Mr. Tim Willette the advisor, Liz and myself had a chance for one on one discussion time with each of the officers to check in about their roles, priorities, and expectations for the year. The officers have a great understanding of positions and know where they are at. We also each set some personal goals for the year as well as some goals for the team which where shared later.

Upon connecting it we began to "work it". We began to brainstorm about developing the Program Of Activities for the year. We took a look at what was done in the Lanesboro FFA Chapter in the past as well as what to possible try that was completely new. Lots of ideas where brought up including having a barbecue or potluck as well as using more advertising including making posters for the chapter! Mr. Willette then handed out last years POA and we took a more direct approach at making changes for the upcoming year including: having 100% involvement in Career Development Events by members, grow the membership, and better publisize and develop each members Supervised Agriculture Experience. These are a great set of goals and ideas and we hope you are able to accomplish them together as a team while having a great time!

Next we "matched it" and dove deeper into the vision of the year. We watched a short video and thought about what legacy the officer team wanted to leave with the chapter when their year of service ends. At this time we shared our personal and team goals and how we could match them together in order to accomplish them as a team.

Finally we "owned it" by expressing that we only have a year to influence and serve in our positions. Each person is put in the spot they were because someone believe in them. We are truly in a student lead organization and it is our choice what to do with that honor.

We finished a SUPERCALIFRAGILISTICEXPIALIDOCIOUSLY wonderful day with a trust circle and dinner at Applebee's.

Thank you Katrina, Paige, Emma, Sarah, and Mr. Willette for allowing us to be a part of your officer retreat and we look forward to hearing about your year!

Stationed by the Rising Sun

Jason Troendle