URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H is calling all 4-H alumni to raise their hands if they are “4-H Grown.” More than 25 million Americans who share this unique bond as former 4-H members.

As part of the “Are You Illinois 4-H Grown?” campaign which runs from June 1 to August 31, alumni who have not yet registered for the alumni association are encouraged to register for a free Illinois 4-H Alumni Association membership.

“We want to continue to build lifelong connections and identify 4-H alumni near and far," says Tina Veal, University of Illinois Extension 4-H constituent and engagement manager. "We do not have a list of past 4-H members of the Illinois 4-H program, so 4-H alumni will need to self-identify, regardless if they were a member for one year or more than 10 years.

"We hope to find 5,000 new 4-H alumni during this campaign. 4-H alumni know the positive impact made on youth, and we hope they will help us continue to create a lifelong connection to support the next generation of leaders.”

Show your support for your local 4-H program through this new initiative. 4-H Alumni must not be currently registered as a member of the association. If you raise your hand and register, your vote will help your county. First place will receive $300. Second place will receive $200. Third place will receive $100 towards local program support. Individuals registered will be entered to receive one of four prizes of $50 in credit towards Illinois 4-H alumni apparel. 

Illinois 4-H Alumni Association members will receive information on the current 4-H program, learn about 4-H alumni opportunities, and receive a quarterly newsletter.

“We have thousands of 4-H alumni that have participated in the 4-H program, and we want to connect with them, share about the current goals of the Illinois 4-H program and hear how 4-H impacted their lives,” says Veal.

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. To reconnect with Illinois 4-H and register as 4-H alumni, go to go.illinois.edu/4halum.  

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. 

For information on joining 4-H or the Illinois 4-H Alumni Association, contact your local Extension office or Tina Veal, 4-H alumni and engagement manager, at the Illinois State 4-H office at vealt@illinois.edu. 

SOURCE: Tina Veal, 4-H Alumni & Constituent Engagement Manager, State 4-H Office, vealt@illinois.edu

WRITER:  Tina Veal, 4-H Alumni & Constituent Engagement Manager, State 4-H Office, vealt@illinois.edu

About Illinois 4-H: Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension and administered through the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. 4-H grows true leaders, youth who are empowered for life today and prepared for a career tomorrow. The hands-on approach in 4-H gives young people guidance, tools, and encouragement, and then puts them in the driver’s seat to make great things happen. Independent research confirms the unparalleled impact of the 4-H experience, demonstrating that young people are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.