AFA Leaders Conference Badging

At AFA Leaders Conference, students are immersed in a high-quality leader development experience. Each student is assigned to a specific Track, designed for their level of experience and year in school. Each track is centered around the six AFA Leader Competencies, which have been identified as key indicators for early career success.

Starting in 2023, AFA Leaders Conference delegates can earn a badge which indicates their growth and proficiency in the six AFA leader competencies , and their commitment to lifelong learning. The badge they earn aligns with the specific Track they completed. Students can earn a new badge each year.

Motivated Learner Badge

Track 1 delegates are awarded a badge highlighting their motivation for learning and self-exploration in meaningful areas (competencies) that can lead to long-term success.

Specific AFA Leader Competency benchmarks connected to this experience:

• Uses professional goals and interests to discern useful development opportunities

• Gain familiarity with appropriate networking tactics

• Practice active and engaged listening

• Focuses energy on opportunities that feed into personal goals

• Works to create resources and profiles that depict personal strengths and values

• Practices asking for guidance for personal and professional decision-making

• Aware of triggers that may hinder self-confidence

• Practicing self-control

• Gaining comfort with reflecting and making connections between mindset and actions

• Able to guide self toward professional growth
  

Skilled Learner Badge

Track 2 delegates are awarded a badge highlighting their motivation and ability to build the skills and behaviors needed to be a successful leader in agriculture. These students are well on their way towards proficiency in the six AFA Leader Competencies. 

Specific AFA Leader Competency benchmarks connected to this experience:

• Practicing solution generation within a group

• Examining issues within the context of system parts

• Practices innovative solutions for problems, products, processes or services

• Recognizing barriers in communication

• Making the connection between thoughts and actions

• Growth in self-control

• Individual financial management

• Practices building personal development plans

Committed Learner Badge

Track 3 delegates are awarded for their commitment to expanding their knowledge and skills outside of the classroom to enhance their collegiate experience holistically. These students are approaching or have accomplished benchmarks that display proficiency in the six AFA Leader Competencies.

Specific AFA Leader Competency benchmarks connected to this experience:

• Examining issues within the context of a larger system

• Deconstructing complex issues

• Using analytical skills to identify root causes

• Leading a team/organization through change effectively

• Able to use energy, focus and attention to work toward goals

• Builds development plans for self and others

Accomplished Learner Badge

Track 4 delegates are awarded for their commitment to personal growth and leadership. These badge-earners are considered to have accomplished and/or exceeded crucial benchmarked behaviors related to the six AFA Leader Competencies that are central for their ability to lead successfully as young professionals in the agriculture industry.  

Specific AFA Leader Competency benchmarks connected to this experience:

• Takes on opportunities to practice skills that benefit professional growth for self and others

• Works to build culture and environment important for group success

• Presents with organized, concise and polished messaging to a team or audience

• Articulating preferred culture or environment for personal success

• Proactively seeking and utilizing various viewpoints

• High ability to discern useful feedback and coaching to apply across environments

• Recognizing the impact that they can have on a system from any level of authority (entry-level and beyond)

• Is genuine, open and authentic

• Demonstrates integrity

• Maintains positive relationships

Here’s how you can earn your badge: 

Step 1. Complete the PAIRIN assessment. This doesn’t take long, but it is important that you take your time and answer honestly. This assessment MUST be completed before AFA leaders Conference. If you have not yet received an email with a link to your PAIRIN assessment, please let us know! 

Step 2. Attend AFA Leaders Conference. Every delegate has a unique schedule at conference; designed for your level of experience and year in school. These schedules are packed with valuable takeaways and competencies for you! There will be further direction at the event for how to ensure that you are in the right place at the right time.  

Step 3. Complete the PAIRIN assessment. Just one more time! You will be prompted to complete the assessment after AFA Leaders Conference (in December). This helps us see the impact that AFA Leaders Conference has on your growth as a leader!  

Step 4. Claim your Badge! Once we confirm that you have completed steps 1-3, AFA will release your badge through a platform called “Credly.” When the badge is released, you can claim it and connect it to your LinkedIn profile! More directions will be provided regarding this process after conference.