As one of the largest clubs on the University of Tennessee, Knoxville campus, the Collegiate 4-H, FFA and Farm Bureau Club empowers its 150 members to become leaders in their community. Once 4-H members become alumni, they are encouraged to give back to the program that built them, which they can do through Collegiate 4-H, FFA, and Farm Bureau.
Combining the organizations into one club allows them to be active in the university’s dedication to providing students with opportunities for leadership, community service, and personal growth.
“Before the clubs were combined, we saw the same students wanting to be involved with all of the organizations, but it was hard to find separate meeting times that everyone could attend,” explains Celina Menard, the advisor for the organization. “So, in 2015, we combined 4-H and FFA. Once the clubs were together, it grew in number and impact. In recent years, we have also incorporated the Collegiate Farm Bureau component which allows our members to be involved with Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation’s Young Farmer and Ranchers Program events and competitions on a local, state, and national level.”
The merge of these organizations has created a more cohesive and dynamic club that effectively represents the values and goals of each entity. The Collegiate 4-H, FFA, and Farm Bureau Club at UTK now provides a platform for students to engage in a wide range of activities that support agricultural education and community service.
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“Integrating three outstanding and developed organizations into one can be challenging,” Menard admits. “But we have adapted well and found that it is the best fit for the needs of the organization as a whole at UTK.” This adaptive approach ensures that students benefit from the combined strengths of 4-H, FFA, and the Farm Bureau, enhancing their educational and professional experiences.
The leadership structure of the combined club reflects its commitment to balanced representation and effective organization. Recent officer elections resulted in a diverse team – the president oversees all meetings and activities, while three vice presidents manage events specific to their respective organizations. Additionally, there are chairs dedicated to fundraising, service, and social activities. These roles are crucial in planning and executing a variety of events that enrich the campus community and support local initiatives.
Bella Orr, the current president, is enthusiastic about the club’s future.
“We recently had our fall officer retreat where we planned all of the events for this semester,” Orr says. “We are looking forward to lots of new events, including a Fall Line Dancing Fundraiser, a service event promoting agriculture at the Tennessee Valley Fair, and our first annual Farm Bureau quiz bowl. We are also excited to continue some of our long-standing traditions, such as Tiny Tree decorating for the Pediatric Oncology Patients at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital and our pancake breakfast for UTIA faculty.”
The club’s success is evident in its growing membership and expanding impact. By combining the resources and expertise of 4-H, FFA, and the Farm Bureau, UTK has created an effective platform for student engagement in agricultural and community activities. This collaborative approach allows students to benefit from the diverse opportunities provided by each organization while contributing to meaningful projects that support their local community.
– Callie Robinson