Progressive Agriculture Foundation® Promotes Mental Health at 2024 National FFA Convention
[November 4, 2024; Indianapolis, IN] – The Progressive Agriculture Foundation® (PAF) made a significant impact at the 2024 National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, IN, by promoting mental health awareness through an interactive Tumbling Tower game at their booth. From October 23-26, 2024, tens of thousands of attendees flocked to one of the largest conventions in North America each year. Students, advisors, and partners engaged with PAF to learn about managing stress and wellness within their daily lives. Additionally, a survey conducted at the event provided valuable insights into the mental health support systems of FFA students.
Tumbling Tower Game Sparks Conversations About Mental Health
The centerpiece of PAF's booth was an interactive Tumbling Tower game designed to foster discussions about mental health, self-care, and stress management. Each block was labeled with a number that corresponded to a question or prompt related to mental well-being, encouraging FFA members to openly share their thoughts and experiences. The game created an inviting atmosphere for participants to reflect on how they cope with stress and who they turn to for support.
“Our goal was to make mental health conversations accessible and engaging, especially in an environment like the FFA Convention,” said Jana Davidson, Program Manager at Progressive Agriculture Foundation®, as well as showcase one of the hands-on ways we deliver vital messages through our PAF Safety Day program. “We were impressed with how many students embraced the opportunity to talk about this important issue.”
Survey Reveals Key Support Networks for Students
In addition to the interactive game, PAF conducted a survey of FFA students, gathering insights into any safety and health programming currently offered within their chapter and their support networks when dealing with stress. The survey revealed that 35% of respondents named a parent as the person they could always talk to when feeling stressed. Close behind, 24% reported turning to a friend for support while 20% reported turning to a teacher, advisor, or counselor. These findings highlight the importance of family and peer connections in the lives of young people as they navigate mental health challenges.
“The survey results reaffirm the role parents and friends play in providing emotional support for students, but they also show the need for ongoing conversations about mental health resources,” added Davidson. “We want to ensure that students know where they can turn, whether that’s a trusted family member, friend, or professional resource.”
After participating in the interactive game, each FFA student was given a postcard containing 10 self-care tips everyone should know to help keep mental health at the forefront when returning home from the convention. Tips included keeping a journal, exercising, finding a hobby, getting adequate sleep, taking a break from social media, and volunteering. The postcard was developed in partnership with the North Central Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Center, a 12-state, 15-partner collaborative to create and expand stress management and mental health resources and services for agricultural producers and stakeholders in the North Central region led by the University of Illinois Extension.
FFA Members Embrace Mental Health Advocacy
The response to the Tumbling Tower game and survey was overwhelmingly positive. Many participants shared personal stories and learned new strategies for managing stress and supporting their peers. By providing both a fun, engaging activity and meaningful educational resources, PAF succeeded in helping students start important conversations about mental health.
When FFA members were asked to share an achievement or accomplishment they were most proud of, many commented on experiences within their FFA chapter. Developing various leadership skills by holding an officer position within their chapter to advancing in various local, state, and national FFA contests was often mentioned. When asked if they knew of someone involved in a farm-related incident, several shared a story of a friend or relative severely injured in a tractor rollover or an encounter with a hay baler or PTO (power take-off). Procrastination was a common answer when the FFA teens were asked about a habit they want to improve on and hope to replace it with better time management skills. The FFA teens were also eager to share their experience at a local PAF Safety Day program, whether as a past participant or a recent volunteer.
Continuing Commitment to Safety and Wellness
PAF’s involvement at the National FFA Convention underscores its commitment to promoting both physical and emotional safety in rural communities. Through initiatives like the Progressive Agriculture Safety Day® program, PAF reaches thousands of children annually, teaching them how to stay safe and prioritize their well-being.
“We're proud of the engagement we saw at this year’s convention, and we hope these conversations will continue long after the event,” said Brian Kuhl, President and Chief Executive Officer at the Progressive Agriculture Foundation®. “Mental health is a critical part of safety, and we’re dedicated to raising awareness and providing support in our agricultural communities.”
For more information on the Progressive Agriculture Foundation and its ongoing work in rural safety and wellness, visit progressiveag.org.
About Progressive Agriculture Foundation®
The Progressive Agriculture Foundation® (PAF) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization with the mission to provide education, training, and resources to make farm, ranch, and rural life safer and healthier for all children and their communities. PAF builds partnerships to secure resources for the Progressive Agriculture Safety Day® (PAF Safety Day) program, recognized as the largest rural safety and health education program for children in North America.
Since its inception in 1995, the Foundation has touched the lives of millions across North America. For more information about PAF, the PAF Safety Day program, and its staff, visit http://www.progressiveag.org.
Progressive Agriculture Foundation® and Progressive Agriculture Safety Day® are registered trademarks of Progressive Agriculture Foundation®.