Munro was also on a team selected at the state level for a Communicator Award on an educational piece entitled “Hei ja hyvἂἂ ruokahalua! Hello and Bon Appetit.” This educational piece was designed by the team Munro served on for the program called “Culture, Cuisine and Conversations.” This program was also selected at the state level for the Excellence in Global Citizenship Programming. The program was designed to expose youth to other cultures through cuisine and cooking. For six weeks, a different country was featured, and Munro and her team created Power Points that featured facts, pictures and cultural aspects of each country. Youth participating in the program were able to watch videos made by actual people living in the country. The videos showed actual kitchens, grocery stores and how to make a recipe from that country.
Munro’s awards did not end here, as she and a team of fellow 4-H Youth Development Educators were selected at the state level for the Excellence in Peer Professional Development Award. This award was given for their work in developing a series of virtual trainings for new 4-H Extension Program Coordinators. This series offered and continues to offer monthly training for new 4-H staff, where they introduce specific topics relevant to the 4-H program. These training series also offer a comfortable setting where new staff can address questions or concerns amongst peers in the same position. Staff participating in these trainings have found the series helpful and informative.
Based upon all of these awards, it is easy to see how Munro is a huge asset to the University of Illinois Extension in her role as a 4-H Youth Development Educator. For more information about programs provided by Munro and the 4-H Youth Development team, visit https://extension.illinois.edu/cfiv/4-h-youth-development.
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.
About Extension: Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities.