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An entire generation of kids and teenagers has been raised in the digital age, swiping across tablets and maneuvering phones at astonishingly young ages. While these devices and connectivity certainly have their benefits (safety and education, to name a couple), nothing can prepare young people for the real world—which arrives in the blink of an eye—like peer connection.
More than 1 million student members across the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are growing in their confidence and ability to lead through their involvement in the National FFA Organization, the top school-based youth leadership development organization in the country. They’re learning how to speak publicly, interact with adults and students from different backgrounds, take initiative on work projects outside of school, and explore new passions and interests beyond the screen. The benefits these young people experience are astounding.
Every day, FFA teachers and advisers witness students having breakthroughs, stepping out of their comfort zones to hone their skills and make connections. They’re finding meaningful and deeply rooted purpose in volunteer work or working in a trade role outside of school to start earning money and becoming financially literate at a young age. Some are even traveling around the country—or the world—and immersing themselves in the lives of peers from entirely different backgrounds and beliefs, coming together with a shared appreciation and passion for agricultural education.
These FFA members are the future leaders of our country, I have no doubt.
Without making the time and effort to develop personal and meaningful connections with other students and adults, young people will lack the confidence and ability to thrive in careers post-graduation. If we want to set kids up for success in business and in life, it’s imperative that we encourage them to stretch their mental limits and challenge themselves during their formative years.
Aside from the long-term career and life success FFA supports in our youth, we are also focused on curbing the loneliness epidemic our kids face. Despite their constant connectedness through phones and social media, nearly 40% of high school students experience persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, according to the CDC. National FFA is bridging this gap by emphasizing the need for in-person connection, relationships and confidence-building.
This will be especially evident as more than an estimated 71,000 members from across the country visit Indianapolis this weekend for the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo. While many people might historically think National FFA is specifically for kids living on farms, in reality, the organization is helping combat these statistics by creating a sense of community and belonging for young members in rural, suburban and urban areas. That sense of community can develop lifelong ties and friendships within their communities—and across borders.
The future will always be digital, but it doesn’t have to be disconnected. Let’s support the next generation of leaders by challenging them to prioritize human connection.•
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Ball is president of the National FFA Foundation and chief marketing officer for the National FFA Organization.
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