WASHINGTON, D.C. (FFA Today) — Each year, the National FFA Organization hosts the Washington Leadership Conference, where thousands of members travel to the nation’s capital to develop leadership skills and learn how to make a difference in their communities.
A key part of the experience is creating a “Living to Serve” plan, which encourages members to identify a need and take action.
For Blake Van Der Kamp, a Diamond Trail FFA alumnus from Iowa, that plan turned into a long-term commitment. Seven years after attending the conference, the service project he launched is still making an impact.
Van Der Kamp said that what started as a social media post to help students quickly get school supplies grew into a larger community project.
FFA members interested in attending the Washington Leadership Conference can contact their chapter advisor for registration information.
This week in Washington, National FFA members are advocating for the agriculture industry on Capitol Hill for National Ag Day.
March 23, 2026 01:54 PM
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FFA Program Specialist Ashli Weinrich highlights how the FFA Next Gen Conference helps ag students explore career opportunities and build skills for the future.
March 16, 2026 03:59 PM
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Success requires more than talent — on this week’s FFA Today, agriculture students show us the hard work, dedication, and teamwork required to gain important skills outside of the classroom through the National FFA Organization.
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Auction manager and West Texas A&M University student Presley Graves joined us to discuss the growth of StockShowAuctions.com and its impact on youth in agriculture.
January 27, 2026 06:00 AM
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Lily Pryer’s passion shows how National FFA members are making an impact in classrooms and communities all across Rural America.
January 05, 2026 12:39 PM
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