For those attending Ag Legislative Seminar & Reception, click here for the schedule of events that has been shared in previous listservs.
For those attending Ag Legislative Day next Tuesday, please note that many legislators will be coming into Springfield on Ag Legislative Day itself rather than already being in town as has been common in previous years based on the legislative schedule. With this in mind, if you are hoping to meet with your legislator prior to lunch, please be sure to schedule those appointments directly with their offices to ensure your legislators are available.
Parking reminders:
State Capitol Complex Visitors Lot (must arrive early to get a spot, 425 S College St);
SW Corner of Edwards & Spring Streets; Pay to Park by Credit Card:
Fourth & Madison (Lot #24 at Convention);
President Abraham Lincoln Museum ($10-6th & Madison-Pay When Leaving by Credit Card)
Please plan to arrive to the Capitol by 10am (finding a place to park and walk by 9:45am) and report first to the steps on the East side of the State Capitol. The Governor and Director of Ag are scheduled to join the group on the steps to kick off the day with a full group photo around 10:15-10:30am. Please note that baskets and lunches will not be available to pickup until after this photo.
After the group photo, PLEASE WAIT TO BE DISMISSED BY FFA STATE OFFICERS. Section presidents will need to get through security first to assist chapters with basket and lunch pickup.
Once inside the Capitol complex, all chapters should report to committee room A1 in the Stratton building to pickup commodity baskets and lunches to deliver to legislators. Each basket/lunch to be delivered will come with a sheet of paper to be signed by the legislative office staff accepting the basket/lunch and should then be returned to Stratton A1.
We are thankful to have a great group registered to attend and hope that your day is filled with great interactions with legislators in the Capitol.
For anyone looking for resources to prepare students for the day, please remember to check out virtual materials shared last year when the Seminar had to be switched to a virtual format (here).
Please share the following reminders with your students attending these events:
FFA students,
As you prepare to meet with legislators during your Advocacy Day at the Illinois Capitol, remember that your voice matters! Legislators want to hear directly from students like you - those who are experiencing agricultural education firsthand. You don’t have to be an expert; just speak from the heart. Share your story: what FFA means to you, how it’s impacted your goals, and why agricultural education is important in your community and across the state.
One of the key things you're advocating for is increased funding for the Agriculture Education line item in the state budget. This funding is essential, and you can help legislators understand why by pointing out that it supports:
Grants to high schools to strengthen and expand ag education programs;
Professional development and support for agriculture teachers across Illinois;
Resources for teacher recruitment and retention to help address the ag teacher shortage.
When you’re in the room with a legislator, introduce yourself with confidence. Let them know your name, your school, and what part of Illinois you’re from. Keep your message clear and positive. Thank them for their support of FFA and ag education. Most importantly, be respectful, listen as much as you speak, and don’t forget to say thank you at the end. Your presence makes a difference - and you’re helping shape the future of agriculture in Illinois!