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January 2010
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-Former Members Reflect: Dr. Dwight Armstrong
-Levy Randolph
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November 2009
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June 2009
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May 2009
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April 2009
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-Cowboy Book With a Cause
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-FFA as an Art Form
-Wild About Animals
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-Finding Balance
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December 2008
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March 2008
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November 2007
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Be a PAL

PAL teaches kids about going green

Be a PAL


February 2009

A few decades ago, Earth Day was the only time of year most people thought about “green” practices like recycling and conserving energy. But times have changed, and now the “go green” movement is everywhere you look – in the news, politics and even at the grocery store (paper, plastic or an eco-friendly reusable bag?).

Water shortages, global warming, land development, and air and water pollution are just a few of the problems that have caused society to pay more attention to green practices. And the PALS (Partners in Active Learning Support) program is helping chapters across the country get on board.

PALS is a mentoring program that matches high school agriculture students with elementary school students. By exploring their interests in plants, animals and the world around them, the students develop one-on-one relationships, stronger social skills, trust and positive self-esteem.

The PALS program has been in existence since 1991, but it took on a new direction in 2008 and is now incorporating sustainability and green practices into its efforts to reach young people.

“In August 2008, Campbell Soup Company officially became the PALS sponsor,” says Damon Spight, National FFA Organization program manager for PALS. “In October 2008, through the coordination of the National Association of Agricultural Educators and funding from Campbell Soup Company, three PALS chapters were awarded $7,000 grants to implement or advance a greenhouse project as part of their educational outreach to elementary school children.”

The three award-winning chapters were in Kismet, Kan.; Mapleton, Iowa; and Lamar, Ark.

In April, PALS will be releasing the second edition of the PALS Activity Handbook, which includes activities for third- and fourth-graders. It also includes enhancements to 50 teaching and training modules, adapting them to incorporate the latest and greatest teaching and learning strategies.

“New, first-time modules on renewable energy, technology and recycling are also being added to the handbook,” Spight says. “Our release date will be close to Earth Day.”
There are countless other opportunities for PALS chapters to help promote green practices in their communities as well.

“Numerous PALS chapters utilize Food For America activities; greenhouse and garden projects; recycling activities; and general land, water and food programs to educate and raise sensitivity among both students and adults on the importance of meaningful, ongoing sustainability and green practices,” Spight says. “We believe PALS is an invaluable outreach program, and we envision FFA membership and agricultural education broadening at the high school, middle school, elementary and collegiate levels.”

Talk to your FFA advisor about starting a PALS chapter at your school. For more information, visit ffa.org and click on Award Programs, then PALS.

This spring, you can request free Campbell’s tomato seeds. Visit www.HelpGrowYourSoup.com to learn more. This will help Campbell and FFA donate seeds to plant gardens in communities and schools across America.

“Through this campaign, Campbell will donate 22.5 million tomato seeds to national FFA, which could help FFA chapters nationwide grow more than one billion tomatoes,” Spight explains.

Story by Jessica Mozo


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The National FFA Organization is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Visit ffa.org