The Trouble with Traditions (2012)

Without question, traditions in our personal lives can be a source of great joy. When I reflect on my childhood and think of the traditions established long ago, I cannot help but smile. For the Mounce family, such traditions included being able open one Christmas gift on the night of our school music program (rather than waiting until Christmas Eve), drinking hot chocolate and playing card games (usually UNO or penny poker) on New Years Eve, competitive morel mushroom hunting on Mother's Day, and a family vacation the Iowa State Fair each year (this also included the traditional argument when getting sheep ready show). These traditions, and many others, helped shape me as an individual and serve as a foundation who I have become. Now, as a parent myself I am excited share (some of) these and other traditions with my own child.Similar our personal lives, the agricultural education profession is deeply rooted in tradition. Ask anyone list the most enduring traditions of agricultural education and FFA and without a doubt, the recognizable blue corduroy jacket, distinguished opening ceremonies, and members' overall commitment promoting and advancing the agricultural industry will surely be among the top traditions listed. On a local level, secondary agriculture programs and FFA chapters also develop rich traditions, which are meaningful members, schools, and communities. A number of those traditions are shared and reflected on throughout this edition of The Agricultural Education Magazine.There is no creation without tradition; the 'new' is an inflection on a preceding form; novelty is always a variation on the past. Carlos FuentesCertainly traditions can serve as a wonderful foundation individuals, families, professions, and organizations. They can link the past the present, and help provide direction the future. In some cases, they even provide a means to be known for something and ensure that specific needs are met. too much emphasis placed on maintaining traditions? When was the last time, personally or professionally, you evaluated the traditions you hold dear and asked yourself Why do we do this?, Is this necessary?, or Should this tradition be continued? Chances are it has been a while, or, maybe, you have never done that. The remainder of this article will challenge you do just that with specific regard your agricultural education program and FFA chapter activities.The less there is justify a traditional custom, the harder it is get rid of iL Mark TwainWhen you begin explore and evaluate your programmatic traditions it is quite possible that you will find some that are simply hard justify. For whatever reason, over time, the tradition was established. Now as you scramble tie loose ends the annual FFA toy show, mutton bustin' or petting zoo. . . you wonder yourself, Why did we agree this? Does this event really advance our mission and serve a purpose? definitely may, but, if not, it could be time re-evaluate.Circumstances like this are very similar a story I have heard about one family's celebration of Easter. The story goes something like this... a little girl watches as her mom prepares a ham their family's upcoming Easter dinner. She wonders why her mother cuts both ends off of the ham before putting it in the pot. Being a young child, of course she asks Why? The little girl's mom paused and realized that she doesn't really know why she cut the ends off. That's just the way her mother prepared the Easter ham. A phone call the grandmother doesn't provide any insight either; she admits not knowing the reason either. That's simply the way her mother did it. Finally, a call the great-grandmother yields an answer. With a laugh, she says, It was the only way I could get the Easter ham fit in the pot I had!Take a moment and think about the content included in your courses. …