Ideas for improving the membership experience to attract the next generation of YFC members were under discussion at NFYFC’s annual Summit in February.
The event, which involved more than 60 YFC members, is focused on challenging the way the organisation operates and making positive changes for the future.
With Generation Alpha now joining the organisation, YFC members were tasked with considering their needs and aspirations.
Throughout the day members took part in discussions and interactive challenges, including reviewing findings from the recent membership survey, questioning YFC’s external perception, and suggesting community campaign ideas for National Young Farmers’ Week.
The survey, which was completed by 10% of NFYFC’s membership, showed that 98% of those members who responded, would recommend YFC to friends. It also revealed that the main reasons for becoming and staying a YFC member are building friendships, developing confidence and creating community.
Angharad Thomas, Wales YFC Vice Chair said:
“We had a really interesting session on how people perceive YFC clubs from a club, county and national level as well. It’s really interesting to hear other counties’ views about the organisation and to see what they are doing compared to what everyone else is doing.”
Summit also included a session for members to discuss the future of the NFYFC Council and its steering groups. Members were asked to suggest ways to make these groups work more effectively and ensure all members’ voices are represented.
Kayleigh Lovegrove, from Devon, took part in the Summit and said it was important that NFYFC held events like this to ensure the organisation continued to evolve.
“I was interested to see some of the subjects that we’re talking about and hopefully to get some positive change that will help the Federation as well as County.”
NFYFC President John Lee OBE DL was among those who took part in the Summit and said he was delighted to be part of the event.
“It has been fantastic to listen to Young Farmers debating the future of the movement at the Summit today. That debate is something that has happened for generations but dealing with the challenges that the countryside and young people face at the present time, there’s been nothing more important than to hear the movement deciding its future.”
