This Zoom-based training is open to 4-H volunteers and youth leaders from Boone, DeKalb, Ogle, Lake, McHenry, Carroll, Lee, Whiteside, DuPage, Kane, and Kendall Counties
Re-igniting the 4-H Spark! Build your knowledge and skills with other adult and youth volunteers from around the region at this FREE training!
Saturday, February 26 | 9-NOON | Online Training
Select from a variety of workshop sessions to customize your experience to fit your needs and interests.
Session 1: 9:30-10:15 | Choose one breakout
Shooting Sports
Curt Sinclair, State 4-H Youth Development Extension Specialist, Shooting Sports and Environmental Education
Learn the reasons Illinois 4-H is involved in the National 4-H Shooting Sports program to understand why it is successful Positive Youth Development technique. We will review the 2022 state training and event schedules for Illinois 4-H Shooting Sports and briefly discuss the important policy and standards involved.
Teen Opportunities
Illinois 4-H Youth Leadership Team Members
In this session we will explore the endless opportunities for teens available through 4-H! Learn more about state, national and international leadership opportunities, conferences and teams. We will also be discussing the selection process for each of these events and hearing from past Illinois 4-H participants.
Your Thoughts Matter
Alcha Corban, 4-H Youth Development Educator, Livingston and Woodford Counties
Health is an important part of 4-H. After all, an entire H is devoted to it. Just like exercise and nutrition are a part of good health, mental health plays an important role in our daily living. University of Illinois Extension hosted a six-part online series for youth ages 13 and older called Your Thoughts Matter. This program aimed at helping teens learn to define mental health, how to talk about it with family and friends, and how to help themselves and others.
Youth Adult Partnerships which Strengthen 4-H Club Experiences
Patricia McGlaughlin, State 4-H Youth Development Extension Specialist, Volunteer Development and Military 4-H
To grow and strengthen 4-H clubs during the next five years, 4-H club leadership must embrace a model of open communication and club management strategies which support current and future teens leaders as they grow their skills and make a positive difference in both their club and community.
During this workshop participants will 1) learn how to build multigenerational teams where Gen Z, the current 12-18 year old 4-H members, feel valued and engaged; 2) explore planning tools, both paper and digital formats which align with diverse work and learning styles; and 3) discuss multiple communication plans that support digital and in-person needs. The workshop will also explore relationship building techniques as a component of leadership which stimulates a thriving 4-H club experience for members, teen leaders, and 4-H volunteers.
Session 2: 10:20-11:05 | Choose one breakout
Livestock Superior Young Producer Award
Dan Jennings, State 4-H Youth Development Extension Educator, Animal Science
Would you like to earn a $1,000 scholarship based on your knowledge with livestock? Come to the session to learn what all is involved in the State 4-H Superior Young Producer Award and learn what you can do at your county level to prepare youth for this contest opportunity.
Reignite YOUR Spark with Mindfulness
Karla Belzer, Family Life Educator, Carroll, Lee and Whiteside Counties
We all lead such busy lives that our mental, emotional and physical health suffers from the disconnect that can happen between ourselves and life. Mindfulness is the act of paying purposeful attention to the present moment. It offers us a way to enjoy our lives more and reduce stress through a few simple practices. This session will help you explore benefits of mindfulness meditation and teach techniques that reduce stress and increase life satisfaction. Learn how to be mindful in a busy world!
Working with New Audiences in 4-H
Roxana Cejada, State 4-H Youth Readiness and New Audiences Outreach Assosciate
Step outside the box and explore different opportunities and strategies to make your 4-H club more inclusive!
Session 3: 11:10 – 12:00 | Choose one breakout
Just in Time Equity Dialogues
Michelle Cox, 4-H Youth Development Educator, Lake and McHenry Counties
The Just in Time Equity Dialogues provides a research-based method for facilitators to have honest and transparent conversations with youth on current social justice issues. Drawing from news headlines and current events, participants will be challenged to critically think about topics such as race, bias, and marginalization. The goal of the workshop is to provide a format to help youth learn and understand of current social justice and equity issues we are facing as a nation. The Just in Time Equity Dialogues is meant to stimulate conversations and spark greater questions for all participants.
Expanding Social Horizons
Illinois 4-H Youth Leadership Team Members
In this session we dive into the endless opportunities teens have to connect with a variety of people! Learn how to break the ice between group members while enjoying some leadership based games!
Boost Your 4-H Alumni Volunteer Engagement
Tina Veal, State 4-H Alumni and Constituent Engagement Manager
Volunteers are an essential element to the Illinois 4-H program. Once 4-H members graduate from the 4-H program, what strategies do you have to keep them engaged? Let’s explore how to engage 4-H alumni to support club efforts, serve as volunteers or assist in a short term opportunity. 4-H alumni continue to have passion for the program they were involved in, let’s tap this alumni community to support your efforts! We will review the lifecycle of a 4-H alum and have small group discussion about opportunities to engage our best kept secret, our 4-H alumni.
