4-H Legislative Connection provides Illinois 4-H teens a unique opportunity to promote the Illinois 4-H program to elected state officials and learn about the state legislative process. You’ll share your personal 4-H stories with legislators and discuss the benefits of 4-H and local University of Illinois Extension programming in your home communities.

We’re on the Capitol for 4 days each spring. You can choose how many days you wish to attend. It’s a full day of activities as you work in teams to cover every legislative office. It’s your responsibility to contact the offices of the State Representative and State Senators you’ve been assigned and schedule a time for your visit. We’ll also be introduced in both the House and Senate Chambers during the day.

Legislative Connection will put your leadership skills to test as you communicate the value and impact of 4-H. We’ll help you practice persuasive public speaking techniques and show you how to use data and examples to enhance personal 4-H stories with legislators

Members of the Illinois State 4-H Youth Leadership Team and those 4-H members trained through the Speaking for Illinois 4-H program will tell the 4-H story to legislators in two sessions; March 4-5 and May 6-7.

Eligibility

By invitation only to 4-H youth age 14 to 19 years of age who have completed Speaking for Illinois 4-H training and are on the current roster and members of the Illinois State 4-H Youth Leadership Team.