Caney Creek FFA
Constitution
ARTICLE I - Name, Mission and Strategies
Section A.
The name of this organization shall be the Caney Creek FFA Chapter of the National FFA Organization and the Texas FFA Association.
Section B.
The mission and strategies for this chapter are as follows:
FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.
1. Develops competent and assertive agricultural leadership.
2. Increases awareness of the global and technological importance of agriculture and its contribution to our well-being.
3. Strengthens the confidence of agriculture students in themselves and their work.
4. Promotes the intelligent choice and establishment of an agricultural career.
5. Encourages achievement in supervised agricultural experience programs.
6. Encourages wise management of economic, environmental and human resources of the community.
7. Develops interpersonal skills in teamwork, communications, human relations and social interaction.
8. Builds character and promotes citizenship, volunteerism and patriotism.
9. Promotes cooperation and cooperative attitudes among all people.
10. Promotes healthy lifestyles.
11. Encourages excellence in scholarship. ARTICLE II - Organization
Section A.
The Caney Creek Chapter of FFA is a chartered local unit of the Texas Association of FFA, which is chartered by the National FFA Organization.
Section B.
This chapter accepts in full the provisions in the constitution, bylaws and policies of the Texas Association of FFA and the National FFA Organization and the policies and regulations of the Conroe Independent School District.
ARTICLE III - Membership
Section A.
Membership in this chapter shall be of four kinds: (1) Active; (2) Alumni; (3) Honorary and (4) Junior, as defined by the National and Texas FFA Constitutions and by Texas FFA Association membership policies.
Section B.
The regular activities of this chapter shall be carried on by the active membership.
Section C.
To be eligible for active membership in this chapter, a student must meet the membership eligibility requirements of the National FFA Organization and the Texas FFA Association. Active members in good standing may vote on all business brought before the chapter. An active member shall be considered in good standing when he or she:
1. While in school, be enrolled in at least one agriculture, food and natural resources course, as defined in Texas FFA Association membership policies, during the school year. Course must include a supervised agricultural experience program, the objective of which is preparation for an agriculture, food or natural resources career.
2. Shows an interest in the affairs of the organization by attending meetings, striving for degrees of membership, and participating in other organized activities of the chapter.
3. Pays all current local, district, area, state and national dues by the date determined by the chapter.
4. Displays conduct consistent with the ideals and purposes of the National FFA Organization, Texas FFA Association and with the school district’s code of student conduct.
5. Meets all other local standards and requirements described in this chapter’s bylaws and policies.
Section D.
Junior members must meet all junior FFA membership requirements described in the Texas FFA Association Constitution and policies. A junior member shall be considered in good standing when he or she:
1. Shows an interest in the affairs of the organization by attending junior member meetings.
2. Pays local and state dues by the date determined by the chapter.
3. Displays conduct consistent with the ideals and purposes of the National FFA Organization and with the school district’s code of student conduct.
4. Meets all other local standards and requirements described in this chapter’s bylaws and policies. Section E.
The membership year for this chapter shall begin on October 1 and end on September 31 of each year.
Section F.
Honorary Membership – Agriculture producers, school superintendents, principals, school board trustees, advisory committee members, chapter advisors, teachers, staff members in agriculture, food and natural resource education, business peoples, support group members and others who are helping to advance agricultural education and FFA and who have rendered outstanding service may be elected to honorary membership by a majority vote of the members present at any regular or special meeting. Honorary membership in this chapter shall be limited to the Honorary Chapter FFA Degree. Honorary Chapter FFA Degree recipients shall be entitled to wear the official silver or gold emblem pin. Procedures for nominating and electing honorary members shall be described in this chapter’s bylaws or rules.
ARTICLE IV - Emblems
Section A.
The emblem of the FFA shall be the emblem for the chapter.
Section B.
Emblems used by the members shall be designated by the National FFA Organization.
ARTICLE V - Degrees and Privileges of Active Membership
Section A.
There shall be four degrees of active membership based on individual achievement. These degrees are: (1) Greenhand FFA Degree, (2) Chapter FFA Degree, (3) State FFA Degree and (4) American FFA Degree. All Greenhands are entitled to wear the regulation bronze emblem pin. All members holding the Chapter FFA Degree are entitled to wear the regulation silver emblem pin. All members holding the State FFA Degree are entitled to wear the regulation gold emblem charm. All members holding the American FFA Degree are entitled to wear the regulation gold emblem key.
Section B.
Greenhand FFA Degree. Minimum qualifications for election:
(Refer to Texas FFA Constitution.)
1. Be enrolled in agriculture, food and natural resources course as defined by Texas FFA membership policies for high school credit and have satisfactory plans for a supervised agricultural experience program.
2. Learn and explain the meaning of the FFA Creed, Motto, and Salute.
3. Describe and explain the meaning of the FFA emblem and colors.
4. Demonstrate a knowledge of the FFA Code of Ethics and the proper use of the FFA jacket.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of the history of the organization, the chapter constitution and bylaws, and the chapter Program of Activities.
6. Personally own or have access to the Official FFA Manual and the FFA Student Handbook.
7. Submit a written application for the Greenhand FFA Degree.
Section C.
Chapter FFA Degree. Minimum qualifications for election:
(Refer to Texas FFA Constitution.)
1. Must have received the Greenhand FFA Degree.
2. Must have satisfactorily completed the equivalent of at least two semesters of systematic school instruction in agriculture, food and natural resources education at or above the ninth grade level, have in operation an approved supervised agricultural experience program and be enrolled in an agriculture, food and natural resources course.
3. Must have participated in the planning and conducting of at least three official functions in the chapter Program of Activities.
4. Must have earned and productively invested at least $50 by the member's own efforts and worked at least fifty hours in excess of scheduled class time and have developed plans for continued growth and improvement in a supervised agricultural experience program. The combination of hours and dollars must equal or exceed the number 200.
5. Must have effectively led a group discussion for 15 minutes.
6. Must have demonstrated five procedures of parliamentary law.
7. Have participated in at least 10 hours of community service activities. These hours are in addition to and cannot be duplicated as paid or unpaid SAE hours.
8. Must show progress toward individual achievement in the FFA award programs.
9. Must have a satisfactory scholastic record.
10. Must submit a written application for the Chapter FFA Degree. Section D.
State FFA Degree. Minimum qualifications for selection:
(Refer to Texas FFA Constitution)
1. Have received the Chapter FFA Degree.
2. Have been an active FFA member for at least two years (24 months) at the time of receiving the State FFA Degree.
3. Have satisfactorily completed the equivalent of at least four semesters of systematic school instruction in Agricultural Science and Technology at or above the ninth grade level, which includes a supervised agricultural experience program.
4. Have earned and productively invested at least $200 and worked at least 200 hours in excess of scheduled class time, in a supervised agricultural experience program. The combination of hours and dollars must exceed or equal the number 800.
5. Have demonstrated leadership ability by:
a. Performing ten procedures of parliamentary law.
b. Giving a six-minute speech on a topic relating to agriculture or the FFA.
c. Serving as an officer, committee chairperson, or participating member of a major committee.
6. Have a satisfactory scholastic record as certified by the local agricultural science and technology instructor and the principal or superintendent.
7. Have participated in the planning and completion of the chapter program of activities.
8. As of April 1, have completed ten activities above the chapter level in at least three of six different categories: leadership development events, career development events, conventions and meetings, project shows, student awards and leadership and service as described in policies adopted by the Board of Directors.
9. As of April 1 of the year the member is to receive the degree, have participated in at least 25 hours of community service within at least two different community service activities. These hours are in addition to and cannot be duplicated as paid or unpaid SAE hours.
Written records of achievement of all requirements, verified by the chapter FFA advisor, shall be submitted to the State Association at least one month prior to the state FFA convention at which the State FFA Degree is to be received. The State FFA Executive Director shall provide for a review of the records and submit a recommendation to the State FFA Board of Directors, which shall nominate at the State FFA convention the candidates who have been found worth to receive the honor.
Section E. American FFA Degree. Minimum qualifications for selection:
(Refer to Texas FFA Constitution)
1. Have received the State FFA Degree, have been an active member for the past three years (36 months), and have a record or satisfactory participation in the activities on the chapter and state levels.
2. Have satisfactorily completed the equivalent of at least three years (540 hours) of systematic secondary school instruction in an Agricultural Science and Technology program or have completed the program of Agricultural Science and Technology at the school last attended.
3. Have graduated from high school at least twelve months prior to the national convention at which the degree is to be granted.
4. Have in operation and have maintained records to substantiate an outstanding supervised agricultural experience program through which a member has exhibited comprehensive planning, managerial and financial expertise.
5. Have earned and productively invested at least $7,500 or earned and invested at least $1,500 and worked at least 2250 hours in excess of scheduled class time. Any combination of hours x $3.33 plus dollars must be equal to or greater than the number 9000. Hours used for the purpose of producing earnings reported as productively invested income shall not be duplicated as hours of credit to meet the minimum requirements of the degree.
6. Have a record of outstanding leadership abilities and community involvement and have achieved a high school scholastic record of "C" or better as certified by the principal or superintendent.
7. Submit an application and supporting documentation pursuant to the deadlines and requirements described in Texas FFA policies and procedures. ARTICLE VI – Officers and Executive Committee
Section A.
The offices of an FFA chapter shall be: president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, reporter and sentinel. Other officers may be elected as deemed appropriate by the executive committee. The teacher(s) of agriculture, food and natural resources shall be the FFA advisor(s). Chapter officers shall be elected annually by the membership in compliance with the election procedures found in the By-Laws. Procedures for electing officers and specific duties of each office are described in the bylaws of this chapter.
Section B.
Pursuant to the provisions of the national and state constitutions, all chapter officers shall be eligible to receive the chapter FFA degree prior to the State FFA Convention of the school year elected.
Section C.
Officers shall serve from the end of the chapter meeting at which they are installed to the end of the next succeeding chapter meeting at which newly elected officers are installed.
Section D.
The elected officers of the chapter shall constitute the executive committee which shall convene to plan the activities of the chapter. Standing committee chairpersons may also be named as members of the executive committee. The executive committee has full power to act as necessary on behalf of the membership in making business and management decisions in regards to the chapter.
Section E.
Pursuant to the applicable constitutional, bylaw and policy provisions of the district, area and state associations and of the National FFA Organization, this chapter may nominate candidates for offices above the chapter level in a manner consistent with the provisions of its bylaws and policies. Candidates for district and area office shall have attained the chapter degree at the time of the district or area election. Candidates for state office shall hold the state degree at the time of the state election. Candidates for national office shall hold the American Degree at the time of their election to office.
ARTICLE VII - Committees
Section A.
The standing committees of the chapter shall be described in the bylaws. The chapter may, at any meeting, create additional standing committees.
Section B.
The executive committee shall appoint all standing committees and committee chairs. Unless specified by the chapter or the chapter executive committee, the terms of all committees shall run concurrently with chapter officer terms. The executive committee shall have the authority to remove any committee chairperson, with the consent of the advisor.
Section C.
No committee shall have the authority to expend chapter funds (unless expressly authorized to do so), amend the chapter’s constitution, bylaws or policies, appoint or remove a committee member, or take any action outside the scope of authority delegated to it by the chapter or executive committee.
ARTICLE VII - Dues
Section A.
Local dues in this chapter shall be fixed annually by a majority vote of the executive committee.
Section B.
Full local, district, area, state and national dues shall be paid by all active members.
Section C.
No member shall be considered as active and in good standing unless he/she pays full local, district, area, state and national FFA dues.
ARTICLE VIII - Meetings
Section A.
Regular meetings shall be held monthly, excluding June, July and August, unless extenuating circumstances prevent convening a regular meeting. Special meetings may be called by a majority vote of the executive committee or by the chapter advisor(s) with a minimum 10 days posted notice.
Section B.
A quorum shall consist of the membership present at regular or special called meeting.
Section C.
Proxy and cumulative voting are prohibited.
ARTICLE IX - Amendments
Section A.
This constitution may be amended or changed at any regular or special chapter meeting by a two-thirds vote of the votes cast by a quorum of active members present providing it is not in conflict with the National FFA Organization or Texas FFA Association constitution, bylaws or policies Amendments must not conflict with the policies and/or regulations of the Conroe Independent School District. Members shall be notified by mail, electronic mail, electronic media/networking or classroom announcement at least 30 days prior to a Chapter meeting at which any constitutional amendment is to be considered. A member must present any Amendments to the Executive Committee at least 40 school business days prior to presentation of the Amendment to the membership.
Section B.
Bylaws may be adopted to fit the needs of the chapter at any regular or special chapter meeting by a majority vote of a quorum of active members present providing such bylaws do not conflict in any way with the constitution, bylaws or policies of the Texas FFA Association, National FFA Organization or the Conroe Independent School District. Members shall be notified by mail, electronic mail, electronic media/networking or classroom announcement at least 15 days prior to a Chapter meeting at which any amendment to the bylaws is to be considered. A member must present any Amendments to the Executive Committee at least 30 days prior to presentation of the Amendment to the membership.
ARTICLE X – Parliamentary Procedure
Section A.
The Parliamentary Guide for FFA by Jarrell D. Gray shall be used as a guide for all chapter meetings. The latest edition of Roberts Rules of Order shall be the final authority in governing the actions of all chapter meetings.
Bylaws
ARTICLE I. – Relationship to Constitution
The Bylaws shall be a part of the Constitution of the Caney Creek Chapter of FFA.
ARTICLE II. – Location of Offices
The headquarters and principal office of the Caney Creek FFA Chapter shall be at:
13470 FM 1485
Conroe, TX 77306
ARTICLE III – Procedures for Electing Officers
Section A.
The election of officers shall include, but not be limited to, election committee interviews, filing deadlines, application forms, written examination, and campaign speech and election date.
Section B.
Qualified members shall declare intent to be considered for chapter office by filing the required forms by the prescribed filing deadline pursuant to the rules.
Section C.
The officers of the Caney Creek FFA shall be elected at the March meeting. The vice-president shall be the first runner-up to the president. The remaining officers shall be selected based on accumulation of points from the election process and positions designated to their office based on findings of the interview panel according to skill sets.
Section D.
The Caney Creek FFA Officer election of all Chapter, District, Area and State officer candidates will be broken down into a three-phase process.
1. Chapter Officers shall be selected by a combination of written exam score, twenty percent (20%), interview score, fifty percent (50%) and a score derived from a secret ballot vote of the active membership present a regular or called special chapter meeting, thirty percent (30%)
a. The first phase will be a speech given by each candidate that will last no more than five minutes. Time will be called at the end of five minutes. Each delegate will vote for candidates. The student vote will account for 30% of the total process.
b. The second phase will be a 50 question multiple-choice exam given to all candidates over the current FFA Manual and Parliamentary Guide. The exam will account for 20% of the total process.
c. The final phase will involve an interview by a panel consisting of agricultural science teachers, industry professionals, community members and\or campus teachers or administrators and one outgoing chapter member to serve as an ex-officio members this panel will serve as the interviewing committee. The panel will ask each candidate questions and score applications. The interview will account for 50% of the total process.
d. The candidates will be ranked by assessing the lowest number to the highest-ranking individual in each category. For instance: the candidate ranked highest in the interview will receive a 1 for that category, which will correspond to a .3 (30%) in the total tally. The student ranked highest on the exam will receive a 1 or (.3) which is 30%. The student receiving the most votes will receive a 1 in that category or .4, which is 40%. The candidate ranking second highest will receive a 2 or .6 and so forth. The candidate with the lowest number of points will be President; second lowest will be Vice President. The remaining officer shall be selected based on accumulation of points from the election process and positions designated to their office based on findings of the interview panel according to skill sets.
e. In the case of a tie in one of the categories, each candidate will be assessed the same score in that particular category. For example: Candidate one and two tie in the exam section, therefore each candidate will receive a 1 or .3. The third candidate would receive a 3 or .9 in that category.
f. In the case of a tie in the cumulative results, the tie will be broken based on the highest number of popular votes. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes will prevail in the tie.
2. Caney Creek FFA shall elect candidates for District, Area, State and National office in a manner consistent with the election policies and procedures of the District V, Area III Association related to each of these respective offices or candidacies. Section E.
All written materials related to a chapter election shall be deposited and retained in a secure location for no less than 30 days following the announcement of election results.
Section F.
Appeals or protests related to a chapter election shall be filed pursuant to the grievances procedures of the Conroe Independent School District.
ARTICLE IV – Duties of Officers
Section A.
It shall be the duty of all officers to fulfill the responsibilities described in the officer contracted adopted by the chapter and agreed to by each officer at the time of declaring candidacy for chapter office.
Section B.
The president shall preside at all of the chapter’s meetings, shall sign all official documents or authorize execution of said documents, and serve as an ex-officio member of all student committees, coordinate all chapter operations, represent the chapter in official functions and perform other such duties as usually pertain to the office of president.
Section C.
The vice president shall perform the duties of the president in the event of the disability, death, resignation, removal or other inability of the president to perform such duties, develop the chapter’s program of activities, coordinate the operations of all student committees, serve as an ex-officio member of all student committees and perform such other duties and further duties as may be imposed upon him or her by the chapter.
Section D.
The secretary shall make and keep correct records or minutes of proceedings of the chapter and executive committee, prepare and post meeting agendas, file reports, maintain member activity records, issue membership cards, update policy documents as directed and perform such other duties and further duties as may be imposed upon him or her by the chapter.
Section E.
The treasurer shall have responsibility for accounting of all funds and property of the chapter. The treasurer shall provide direction and oversight to any and all who handle the monies of the chapter, assuring that the financial policies of the chapter and School District Name Independent School District are followed completely, shall present a proposed budget at a regularly scheduled or called special chapter meeting, present monthly financial reports at chapter meetings, chair the budget and finance committee and perform such other duties and further duties as may be imposed upon him or her by the chapter.
Section F.
The reporter shall chair the chapter public relations committee and develop public relations strategies to accurately define the public image of the agricultural education program and FFA chapter, develop or cause to be developed press releases concerning chapter activities, maintain or cause to be maintained a chapter website, develop working relationships with all local and school district media, ensure a complete photographic record of all chapter activities and perform such other duties and further duties as may be imposed upon him or her by the chapter.
Section G. The sentinel shall have responsibility for all meeting related equipment and shall maintain an inventory of all such equipment, ensure that all meeting and social venues are ready to receive members and guests prior to each function, take charge of candidates for degree and award ceremonies, assist the president in maintaining order, ensure a welcoming environment for guests and perform such other duties and further duties as may be imposed upon him or her by the chapter.
Section H.
In the case that additional officers are added, responsibilities will be designated by the Official FFA Manual and\or executive committee.
ARTICLE V – Resignation, Removal of Officers, Officer Vacancies
Section A.
The advisor or the executive committee with the advice and consent of the advisor, may, with good cause, remove any officer elected by the chapter. Good cause shall include, but not be limited to, violation of the provisions of the chapter’s officer contract, violation of chapter or departmental rules of conduct, violation of the school code of student conduct or violation of state or federal laws.
Section B.
Any officer may resign at any time by giving written notice to the advisor(s). Such resignation shall take effect at the time specified in the notice, and, unless otherwise specified in the notice, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.
Section C.
Should the office of president become vacant, the vice president shall assume the title and duties of president. The executive committee may appoint an interim officer to fill any other vacancy. The length of time a member shall serve as an interim officer will be determined by the executive committee.
ARTICLE VI – Committees
Section A.
The standing committees of the chapter shall be in harmony with the National FFA Organization’s Quality Standards for Local Chapters. Each active member of this chapter shall be assigned to a committee which is deemed commensurate to the member’s interests, talents and skills. The chapter shall not be obligated to staff all committees, but any of the standing committees may be activated by the chapter president without the action of the chapter.
Section B.
Each standing committee shall develop and submit to the executive committee a plan within the committee’s scope of responsibility and a corresponding budget within the timelines prescribed by the president. Each committee shall make regular and timely reports to the chapter concerning progress towards its respective goals.
Section C.
The standing committees of the chapter and their respective duties are:
(1) Student Development-Leadership shall plan and execute strategies which help each member develop technical, human relations and decision-making leadership skills to enhance personal success.
(2) Student Development-Healthy Lifestyles shall plan and execute strategies which promote the well-being and self-esteem of each student, mentally and or physically.
(3) Student Development-Supervised Agricultural Experience shall plan and execute strategies which promote universal student engagement and growth through agriculture, food and natural resources related experiences and/or entrepreneurship.
(4) Student Development-Scholarship shall plan and execute strategies which develop a positive attitude toward lifelong learning experiences and which foster scholastic achievement and improvement.
(5) Student Development-Agricultural Career Development shall plan and execute strategies which develop occupational and career skills in agriculture, food and natural resources through a progressive learning environment.
(6) Chapter Development-Recruitment shall plan and execute strategies to increase agricultural education enrollment, FFA membership and student engagement.
(7) Chapter Development-Budget and Finance shall plan and execute strategies which encourage thrift and sound financial management among members through earnings, savings and investments, shall develop and present an annual budget to the executive committee, coordinate fundraising projects and present an annual financial report to the chapter.
(8) Chapter Development-Public Relations shall plan and execute strategies to promote a positive image of agricultural education and FFA and to inform students, parents, school officials and the community about chapter and member accomplishments.
(9) Chapter Development-Leader Development shall plan and execute strategies to develop fundamental leadership, teamwork and cooperation skills among chapter officers, committee chairs and all members.
(10) Chapter Development-Support Group Relations shall plans and execute strategies to develop and maintain positive relations among the FFA, parents, community leaders and industry.
(11) Community Development-Economic Development shall plan and execute strategies designed to improve the economic welfare of the community.
(12) Community Development-Environmental Awareness shall plan and execute strategies to conserve natural resources to develop more environmentally responsible individuals.
(13) Community Development-Human Resources shall plan and execute strategies intended to improve the welfare and well being of members and citizens of the community.
(14) Community Development-Citizenship shall plan and execute strategies to encourage members to become active, involved citizens in their school, community, county, state and nation.
(15) Community Development-Agricultural Awareness shall plan and execute strategies to help the public become better informed about the food system and related issues.
ARTICLE VII – Transactions of the Chapter
Section A.
The fiscal year of the chapter shall begin on September 1 and end on August 31.
Section B.
The chapter shall adopt policies and procedures consistent with the fiduciary policies, procedures and audit standards of the Conroe Independent School District.
ARTICLE VIII – Grievances and Appeals
Grievances and appeals shall be addressed under the auspices of the student grievance policies and procedures of the Conroe Independent School District.
ARTICLE IX - Miscellaneous
Section A.
Honorary Membership - Agriculture producers, school superintendents, principals, school board trustees, advisory committee members, chapter advisors, teachers, staff members in agriculture, food and natural resource education, business peoples, support group members and others who are helping to advance agricultural education and FFA and who have rendered outstanding service to Caney Creek.
Procedures for nominating and electing honorary members shall be: Executive committee nominates and selects honorary members.
Caney Creek FFA Constitution and bylaws Adopted – January 10, 2011