URBANA, Ill. – Each year, 4-H members across the nation celebrate National 4-H Week, joining 6 million other 4-H members of the country’s premiere youth development program. This year, the celebration runs Oct. 4 to 10.
University of Illinois Extension 4-H wants to use the celebration to connect with former members. Nationally, there are 25 million Americans who share this unique alumni bond.
“Illinois 4-H is proud of both current and alumni members,” said Tina Veal, Illinois 4-H alumni and constituent engagement manager. “We’re hoping to create a lifelong connection to our 4-H alumni with a free membership in the Illinois 4-H Alumni Association.”
The Illinois 4-H Alumni Association was established in 2016. Its mission 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.
One may register online at https://go.illinois.edu/4halum to stay current on Illinois 4-H programs, learn about alumni opportunities, engage as volunteers, or network with others. Members receive a quarterly newsletter.
The Illinois 4-H program has a strong history of making an impact on youth, building leaders, and preparing youth for success.
“4-H continues to build responsible and caring adults who are more likely to give back to their communities,” Veal says. “We want to remain connected to our 4-H alumni to see the impacts they made in their careers and communities.”
For information on joining 4-H or about the Illinois 4-H Alumni Association, contact your local Extension office or Veal at the Illinois State 4-H office at vealt@illinois.edu.
SOURCE: Tina Veal, Alumni and Constituent Engagement Manager, Illinois Extension 4-H
WRITER: Judy Mae Bingman, Extension Communications and Marketing Manager
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.
ABOUT 4-H: Illinois 4-H prepares and empowers youth for success. University of Illinois Extension provides 4-H programs in every county in Illinois. Illinois 4-H impacts the lives of 200,000 youth each year through sustained learning clubs and groups and short-term programming.