FFA is an integral part of the agricultural education program. To join the FFA you must be enrolled in an Agricultural Education course in your local school. Contact your school’s counselor or Agricultural Education instructor to enroll in an agricultural class and join the FFA. FFA is not a “club.” It is one of three integral components of an agricultural education program: classroom instruction, supervised agricultural experience (SAE), and life skills. Students between the ages of 12 and 21 who are enrolled in a systematic course of instruction in agricultural education are eligible for membership. Your local school system must offer agricultural instruction and have an active FFA chapter for you to join.

If your school doesn’t have an agricultural education program, take steps to open a program in your school. In order to accomplish this task we strongly recommended that you contact your state agricultural education staff to express your interest and ask for assistance on regulations, requirements and resources for planning the new program.

Step 1. Complete the Chapter Charter Application

The Chapter Charter Application collects all of the information required to get your chapter started.  The start a chapter, you are required to have the following at the time of application:

  1. At least 10 FFA members

  2. List of Agricultural Education Courses taught at school

  3. FFA officers

  4. An adopted constitution (see step 2)

  5. Dues collected

This application is submitted to Washington FFA for processing.  Upon receiving your charter, you will be asked to submit (1.) the names of your members using the National FFA membership system (FFA.org) and (2.) an electronic Program of Activities (POA) by November 1st, or within 30 days of receiving your charter notice if after November 1st.

Step 2.  Create and adopt a Chapter Constitution

Each chapter is required to develop and adopt a chapter constitution, which outlines the operations of the FFA chapter. A sample constitution is provided for your convenience.  It is imperative that the constitution is adopted by the members of the FFA chapter and is shared with your school administration.  

Step 3. Collect Dues and Submit

We want you to be able to participate in all of the exciting opportunities available as soon as possible.  Submit your chapter charter application, adopted chapter constitution, and dues to Washington FFA for processing.  We will be in touch with you as soon as your charter is approved.  Additionally, we’ll send you your account information for the online membership system and add your contact information to our mailing lists. We will also recognize your chapter on stage at the state convention immediately following your submission.  Welcome to membership!