Illinois 4-H will celebrate the more than 11,000 4-H adult volunteers supporting and guiding 4-H members during National Volunteer Week, April 19-25. 4-H volunteers are the caring adults who are empowering and preparing youth for success as 4-H members provide service to others and in their communities. Today’s 4-H youth are engaged in diverse learning experiences where they practice skills employers want; grow and distribute food to communities in need; steward our natural resources; identify local issues and initiate positive change in local, state, national, and global issues; and they make and influence positive choices for healthy living. All of these things happen because of engaged volunteers in local communities.

National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to celebrate the impact of volunteer service and the power of volunteers to tackle society’s greatest challenges, to build stronger communities and be a force that transforms the world. Each year, we shine a light on the people and causes that inspire us to serve, recognizing and thanking volunteers who lend their time, talent and voice to make a difference in their communities.

National Volunteer Week was established in 1974. Today, as people strive to lead lives that reflect their values, the expression of civic life has evolved. Whether online, at the office, or the local food bank; whether with a vote, a voice, or a wallet – doing good comes in many forms, and we recognize and celebrate them all.