NYAAE & FFA Committees
Advocacy/Legislative:
The goals and objectives of the Public Policy Committee is to identify key public policy issues at the State and National level and suggest ways for the NYAAE to more effectively advocate for issues related to and having influence on agricultural education. Purpose Statement: Monitor and influence local, state, and national policies and state budget initiatives that impact agricultural education on behalf of NYAAE, FFA, and AITC.
Goals:
Develop a plan for legislative efforts on state and national levels
Review policy books for CAO and FB and propose revisions as necessary through resolution process
Monitor and influence ACTE/NYSACTE efforts relating to Ag Ed and CTE
Assist state staff in planning of Ag Ed Day (SLE) in Albany
Coordinate letter writing campaign to address current issues
Encourage individual legislative activities / visits.
Coordinate advocacy efforts with CAL, New York Farm Bureau, and CAO
Committee Chair- Johanna Bossard
Staff Liaison Contact- Shari Lighthall
Member Experience:
The goals and objectives of the Membership committee are to promote valuable programs and services that promote research, management, and curriculum for members in their service areas. Purpose statement: Educate new agriculture teachers about the importance of being a NYAAE member and retain the membership of current ag teachers.
Goals:
Encourage ag programs and schools to replace retiring teachers.
Recruit & retain members who did not attend conference
Work to get new members to attend conference
New Membership – work in conjunction with adhoc Star Committee
Young Ag Teacher Support Initiative
Teach Ag Campaign
Pair new teachers with mentors
Committee Chair- Carol Wright
Staff Liaison Contact- Catie Rowe
Professional Development:
The committee will be engaged in defining model professional standards, publishing and promoting these standards, attracting and engaging diverse individuals in professional activities, and recruiting, educating, supporting, and providing transition services for new educators. Purpose Statement: Provide professional development to NYAAE members that are relevant to their curriculum, program, and professional responsibilities.
Goals:
Develop Rigorous and Relevant PD workshop offerings
Plan annual June Conference meeting and in-service
New teacher development & mentoring
Summer PD during Oswegatchie Educational Center weeks
Assist in planning PD at 212/360, virtual PD offerings, and others as needed by the membership throughout the year.
STAR Committee (Postsecondary and other stakeholders invited to STAR meetings)
NYAAE Banquet Planning
Professional recognition & awards (President-elect facilitates application process)
Review awards policy
Create and implement awards recognition program and podium book
Staff Liaison Contact- Catie Rowe
Recruitment, Retention, Recognition
The purpose of the Teacher RRR committee is to provide insight and recommendations on topics and initiatives related to attracting, engaging, supporting, and celebrating agricultural education professionals.
Goals:
Develop the plan to meet the National State Teach Ag Results (STAR) Initiative
Develop and implement the Recruitment and Retention Funds Program
Development and implement a program for National and State Professional Awards
NYAAE Banquet Planning
Professional recognition & awards
Review awards policy
Create and implement awards recognition program and podium book
Years of Membership Recognition
Committee Chair: Melvin Phelps
Staff Liaison Contact: Crystal Aukema
CDE/LDE
Ensure that the FFA is providing rigorous and relevant career and leadership development event opportunities for students that help them to develop 21st century skills for career and college readiness.
Goals:
Ensure high level of rigor in all CDE/LDE Events that best reflect rules of the national events
Improve quality of CDEs, utilization of resources, etc. at the NYS Fair
Evaluate the number of students moving on from districts to substates and substates to states.
Determine CDE/LDE coordinators for each region in order to streamline communication, recruit state level coordinator replacements and to have “experts” in a contest area that can provide a high quality workshop for students with goal of improving their skills.
Ensure consistency of judging and that judges are providing quality feedback to help FFA members improve
Collect data relevant to CDEs/LDEs.
Committee Chair: Carlie Bossard
Staff Liaison Contact: Kelsey Noel
Constitution/Bylaws:
This committee will strive to keep the constitution and bylaws current and timely for our organization and membership. The committee will keep in mind fairness and ethical treatment to all members and associations. Purpose Statement: Review constitutions and bylaws for NYAAE and the NYSFFA on an annual basis.
Goals:
Make recommendations for revisions to constitution and bylaws
Review the NYAAE policy book and recommend changes to student and teacher boards
Committee Chair- Renee Johnson
Staff Liaison Contact- Juleah Tolosky
Diversity & Inclusion:
NYAAE & FFA remains steadfast in our commitment to civil discourse, reasoned thought, sustained discussion, and constructive engagement without degrading, abusing, harassing, or silencing any. This committee will be working with both NYAAE and NYS FFA in order to have uniformity for our teachers and students. Purpose Statement: The choice to create a just and equitable organization is not accidental, but intentional. In order for our plans to move forward, we will have to work together as an organization. We strive to equip teachers with the skill sets to lead student conversations in the realm of diversity and inclusion.
Goals:
Create an organizational culture where every person can belong, and every person can engage and succeed in an experience that is relevant to their future.
Prioritize interpersonal and intercultural competence as core leadership and employability skills for students developed through agricultural education.
Empower adult leaders to better lead students in the areas of culture, belonging and engagement with resources that remain relevant and applicable in today’s school communities.
Maintain a place for every student and a belief in their potential for growth. Utilize restorative, critical conversations as part of all corrective actions or incident responses.
Gather information that tells us how we are really doing at culture, engagement and belonging - and use that data in decision making.
Committee Chairs- Chloe Fuentes, Kim Doyle
Staff Liaison Contact- Amber Thibodeau, Catie Rowe
Finance:
The mission of the Finance Committee is to ensure that the NYAAE has an accountable monetary policy and a stable financial future. Purpose Statement: Develop the financial future of NYAAE. Set priorities for annual budget.
Goals:
Work with foundations regarding investment accounts
Work with State staff to develop a budget for the NYAAE
Work with state staff to evaluate our financial services agency fees and paid services
Committee Chair- Mandi Mullen
Staff Liaison Contact- Shari Lighthall, Catie Rowe
Public Relations:
Showcase and highlight achievements for FFA
Goals:
Develop plan/strategy for showcasing FFA association
Further develop relationships with other CTE Associations
Highlight achievements for Ag Education.
New promotional videos and marketing resources that represent our rural and urban chapters
Committee Chair: Chelsey Mahany
Staff Liaison Contact: Catie Rowe
State Convention
To select an appropriate site to host the convention. The committee works closely with state staff to ensure that convention is an exciting, positive, memorable experience for students, advisors, and sponsors.
Goals:
Select convention site, tours
Assist with logistics including a safety plan, meals
Secure sponsors & service activities
Engagement Expo
CDE/LDE coordination & logistics
Committee Chair: Chris Kelly, Julia Hudyncia Davis
Staff Liaison Contact: Juleah Tolosky
State Fair:
Is a committee that meets regularly to consider how to consistently grow and develop the FFA’s presence at the NYS State Fair. Purpose Statement: Showcase and highlight achievements for NYAAE and Ag Education.
Goals:
Establish NYS FFA as a main attraction at the Fair
Increase public awareness of New York FFA
Promote Agricultural Education opportunities to local schools
Committee Chair- Kylie Torres, Julia Hudyncia Davis
Staff Liaison Contact- Kelsey Noel
Strategic Planning:
Develop a robust calendar of events for NY FFA members that develop premier leadership, personal growth and career success and appeal to diverse members in new and existing communities.
Goals:
Annually review the FFA Program of Work and publish in June
Review existing Program of Activities for effectiveness and needs.
Provide feedback and guidance for FFA's leadership development conference series.
Identify needs for programming to serve an evolving FFA association.
Reflect on needs to engage 100% of NY's Agricultural Education students in relevant, personally meaningful experiences each year.
Committee Chair- Mikayla Gates, Lesley Arsenault
Staff Liaison Contact- Juleah Tolosky
Oswegatchie Committee:
Provide feedback and support for the implementation of high-quality, sustainable FFA programming at Oswegatchie Educational Center.
Goals:
Review youth leadership programming and make recommendations
Encourage growth and attendance of new FFA Chapters to attend Oswegatchie
Promote and recommend OEC programming outside of the summer camp season
Committee Chair-Stephanie Rhoades
Staff Liaison Contact- Amber Thibodeau