May is Asian American Pacific Islander month. This month celebrates Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States and their heritage, traditions, culture, and achievements. During the month of May, 4-H members will be exploring the history and the accomplishments of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage. This is a state-level, 4-H Experience awards-eligible activity.

Following are seven ideas from Illinois 4H and University of Illinois Extension of how you and your family and friends can help celebrate this month:

Number 1: Learn – Learn more about Asians and Pacific Islanders (or AAPI) in the United States, and why it is celebrated, its history and impact online or at your local library. Research the countries included in the AAPI.

Number 2: Read – Check out a book written by an Asian or Pacific Islander author. Ask for recommendations at your local library. Make it a mini book club and discuss your pick with friends or with your 4-H club.

Number 3: Watch – We can learn much through film and cinema. Choose movies to watch that help celebrate the Asians and Pacific Islanders and their culture and experience. You can ask for recommendations at your local library. You can also host a viewing party with your 4-H club or friends.

Number 4: Explore –Visit a local Asian restaurant, or research Asian grocery stores in your area,

and if possible, plan a visit. Share your experience with your club or classroom.

Number 5: Cook – Prepare a traditional dish. Make it as authentic as possible by researching the dish’s origin and different recipe versions. Ask for recipe books or resources at your local library.

Number 6: Experience - Try a new game like China’s national sport, Jianzi. You can also learn to play the game “Go,” which is a game invented in China over 2,500 years ago and is still in play today.

Number 7: – Create – Explore examples of AAPI artwork and then make your own piece of art that reflects the work of an AAPI artist. Will you sketch, paint or try something else? Also, try your hand at writing and creating a haiku. This Japanese poem style is three lines with a five-syllable line, a seven-syllable line, and a five-syllable line.

We hope you enjoy learning about Asian American and Pacific Islander Month. Illinois 4-H encourages you to explore these activities and learn more about the world around you. Plan to take some time this month to check out a new website, taste a new recipe or watch a movie!

Youth interested in 4-H can contact the local University of Illinois Extension office in Carroll, Lee and Whiteside County, or search for more information on-line at go.illinois.extension/clw https://4h.extension.illinois.edu

About 4-H: Illinois 4-H empowers and prepares Illinois youth for success. University of Illinois Extension provides 4-H programs in every county in Illinois, affecting the lives of 200,000 youth each year through sustained learning clubs, groups and short-term programming. For Further Information Contact: Martha Ebbesmeyer, U of I Extension Educator, Youth Development, 815-632-3611, ebbesmey@illinois.edu