VATAT News
UPDATE Notes From the Executive Secretary Don Beene, Texas Young Farmers Executive Secretary I want to remind everyone that each chapter must adding monetary donations, or sponsoring the file an eCard each year with the IRS. Every January winning prizes, etc. I receive a letter with all of the active chapters listed, There are a lot of different ideas on how to attract however I am having problems this years. There members. Sometimes setting up an informational seem to be 10 active chapters not on the IRS roll, booth at your local stock show may work. Other and it is not easy to get them placed back on the list. times it is addressing the FFA members and their When you receive this newsletter I will be in parents about what your chapter does. To me the Washington DC attending the National Young easiest way to get new members in your chapter is Farmers Ag Promise Program with two of my by simply asking them. Don’t use the same ol’ adage granddaughters. This leadership program primarily of “Do you want to come to a meeting?”. That might targets our youth and we are planning on incorporating scare some off or you might end up with a variety it into our State Convention next January. I am of 100 excuses as to why someone cannot make a hoping my granddaughters will be able to assist us meeting. Instead, ask a prospective member if they with the program at convention, Tanner is a junior would like to help with one of your fundraisers and ag education major at Texas Tech University and explain how and who the funds will be benefitting. McKenna is a freshman elementary education major Even better show them how the funds are being at the University of Arkansas. used. If you are going to ask them to a meeting, Also, I want to remind everyone that the Texas make sure it is a fun meeting, maybe a meet and Young Farmers scholarship application deadline is greet with food and fellowship. April 1, 2016. The process is very easy to complete While stock show season can be a long and due to the resume format. I encourage you to start tiresome four month stretch, it also presents a early and put some though into your application. We great opportunity for your chapter to expand upon will be awarding five $1000 scholarships this year. its membership. As always, if at any time the state Good luck! board can be of assistance with helping you with any matter dealing with the Young Farmers, please feel to contact me either by email at rbland@gvec.net Howdy From Your President or by telephone at (830) 672-2437. I can get you in Robert W. Bland, Texas Young Farmers President contact with a state board member or our Executive Stock show season is upon us. From major stock Secretary, Don Beene. shows to local county fairs, Young Farmer chapters will be out in force supporting the youth of our great state. This allows for a great opportunity to help grow your Young Farmer chapter. I think all chapters, and TEXAS YOUNG FARMERS for the most part all civic organizations, are always SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION trying to grow their chapters or clubs so they can expand the services they provide. Having your local Young Farmer chapter actively helping the youth that participate in stock shows, allows others to see the good in which you are bringing to your community. This could include actually running the stock show,
DEADLINE APRIL 1, 2016
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