URBANA, Ill. — National 4-H Week 2023 begins Oct. 1 and celebrates the nation's largest youth development organization. 4-H began in 1915 in Illinois with the first 4-H club, the Union Pig Club, in Macoupin County. Today the organization celebrates 108 years of 4-H youth development programming and the lasting impacts on millions of youth that are now considered 4-H alumni.

The Illinois 4-H Alumni Association was established in 2016 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. 

The Illinois 4-H Alumni Association seeks talented leaders to serve on a new Illinois 4-H Alumni Advisory Committee to represent a diverse alumni population, increase alumni engagement, recognize alumni accomplishments, and support the Illinois 4-H Alumni Association's strategic goals.  

“The Illinois 4-H Alumni Advisory Committee will be comprised of nine regional directors, three young alumni directors, two student ambassador representatives, one Collegiate 4-H ambassador, and a liaison to the 4-H Alumni Staff Advisory committee,” said Tina Veal, University of Illinois Extension 4-H alumni and constituent engagement manager. “We look forward to engaging 4-H alumni to continue to create a lifelong connection and to support the next generation of leaders.”

For more information about the Illinois 4-H Alumni Advisory Committee expectations and to download the nomination form visit: go.illinois.edu/il4halumniadvisory

The completed application form must be submitted electronically no later than November 15, 2023 with a resume attached and two letters of recommendation.  The Illinois 4-H Alumni Advisory Committee will launch in the Spring 2024.

The Illinois 4-H Alumni Association continues to seek to identify 4-H alumni who were "Illinois 4-H Grown" to join the Illinois 4-H Alumni Association at go.illinois.edu/4halum and share their stories and how 4-H has impacted their lives.

For information on joining 4-H or the Illinois 4-H Alumni Association, contact your local Extension office or Tina Veal 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.