SACRAMENTO LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
The Sacramento Leadership Experience was
a life changing experience for those who were
given the chance to attend and engage in an
experience that embodies the FFA motto.
Learning to Do. Before the conference,
students were given a legislative district, as well
as a mock bill to research in preparation for
their journey at SLE. Upon arrival in Sacramento,
students were given ample time to gain a more
comprehensive understanding of our state
government and the law-making process.
Doing to Learn. Participants were granted
by Ashlee Pike
the
opportunity
to engage with their own Senate
Tracy - Delta FFA Chapter
and Assembly members to truly grasp their
mission at SLE. By day two, legislators began an in-depth research of their bill, and
through breaks and other assigned off-time, we were able to lobby our bills with other
Senators and Assembly members.
Earning to Live. By the evening of day three, committee sessions were held in
hopes of passing the bills for approval in the other house. Our final day of SLE was
devoted to debating our bills on the Senate or Assembly floor, in the chambers of the
appropriate house. This was our chance to gain support for our cause.
Living to Serve. SLE may have taught us how to make a change in our state. But
what is more important is that for many of us, it has inspired, motivated, and instilled
the confidence to be a vehicle to make change happen. Having the opportunity to
meet our legislators, agriculturists, and FFA seniors across the state through these four
days was unforgettable.
Having been
chosen
along
with 74 other
seniors throughout
California, I found
the Sacramento
Leadership
Experience to be
one of the most
extraordinary
and
unique
conferences
by Logan Lee
California
FFA
Rio Linda FFA Chapter
offers. Prior to the
conference, the students were assigned a bill that they
would research to learn what views their political party
had. Upon arriving, we learned that the next four days
would be challenging yet rewarding, having to work
with people some of us didn’t know. Starting up the
week, Senate and Assembly Members were sworn in,
in the actual Senate and Assembly Chambers. Next,
we broke off into groups to do more research on our
sections. In between, Assembly Members and Senators
were able to hear inspirational words and stories
from past members who attended SLE, and workers
from the government who worked in the agriculture
sector. Members also learned more about debating
and advocating for their bill. By day four, Assembly
Members and Senators were given a once in a lifetime
chance to debate in the actual chambers. At the end of
the conference, members were able to reflect upon their
week of hard work getting a taste of what advocates
face daily in support of Agriculture. We also made
new friendship that will last a lifetime.•
California FFANEWS • PAGE 3 • Summer 2019