URBANA, Ill. – Illinois 4-H is proud of the rich history of 4-H and the network of 4-H alums near and far. Alums of the Illinois 4-H program share a unique bond with over 25 million Americans across the country.

Illinois 4-H has launched a new initiative for the Illinois 4-H History project and is seeking to reconnect with Illinois 4-H alumni to hear their 4-H stories and share their 4-H memories.

Illinois 4-H has a strong history dating back to 1899 with the start of W.B. Otwell forming the first boy's corn club in Macoupin County, Illinois, followed by A.B. Graham, founding the first 4-H club of boys and girls with officers and projects, and record requirements in Clark County, Ohio in 1902. Illinois then established the first 4-H club, Union Pig Club, organized by C.C. Coots, in Macoupin County in 1915.

4-H has impacted each member differently, during a different time of life and often has provided skills or memories that have lasted a lifetime. Illinois 4-H is interested in gathering memories, photos, or photos of memorabilia of those special moments in which 4-H made an impact. The Illinois 4-H Alumni Association will seek opportunities for storytelling, video history, and developing a new history website.

“Illinois 4-H has a well-founded history and each generation may have a different perspective of 4-H but the values and goals remain the same to build our next generation of capable young adults," says Tina Veal, University of Illinois Extension 4-H alumni and engagement manager. "We look forward to hearing 4-H alumni stories and the impact 4-H has made on their lives.”

The Illinois 4-H Alumni Association also provides opportunities for members to keep up to date on Illinois 4-H, learn about 4-H alum opportunities to engage as volunteers, or through networking opportunities and quarterly newsletters by registering as an alumni. 

“We have thousands of 4-H alumni from past decades we hope will register and reconnect with us. National 4-H week is a great time for a call to action,” says Veal.

The mission of the Illinois 4-H Alumni Association is to create a lifelong, statewide community of 4-H alumni and provide increased opportunities for meaningful engagement to increase awareness, pride, participation, volunteerism, and philanthropic commitment to Illinois 4-H.

Those interested may share their 4-H story online and participate in reunions to be held by the 4-H Decades. 

About Illinois 4-H Alumni Association: The Illinois 4-H Alumni Association seeks to create a lifelong connection with our 4-H alums through free membership in the Illinois 4-H Alumni Association. The Illinois 4-H Alumni Association was established in 2016 and sought members to build a network of 4-H alums throughout Illinois and beyond.

For Further Information, Contact:

Source:  Tina Veal, 4-H Alumni and Engagement Manager, at the Illinois State 4-H office, vealt@illinois.edu.

Writer:  Carissa Nelson, Media Communications Manager, 4-H State Office, carissa@illinois.edu