Illinois 4-H

The 4-H Art Ambassador Team, also known as the "Creative Collective," is a dynamic group of youth aged 14-19 who demonstrate strong visual or performing arts skills and a commitment to leadership in the arts. Members serve two-year terms, participating in statewide events and activities developed by the inaugural team in which you are applying. Responsibilities include contributing to program planning, attending trainings, and supporting arts programming in local communities. The program offers opportunities to develop leadership and life skills, advance artistic abilities, and collaborate with a team passionate about the arts.

The Illinois 4-H Youth Influencer Team empowers high school age youth to build their skills in content creation, storytelling, and leadership while representing 4-H across social media platforms. This team works to inspire and engage the 4-H community by sharing authentic experiences, fostering connections, and celebrating achievements.

Expected Outcomes for the Team:

• Development of youth leadership and communication skills.
• Creation of engaging, diverse, and inclusive content to expand Illinois 4-H's reach.
• Representation of youth voice in statewide promotional efforts.
• Collaboration and team-building through hands-on projects and events.

Size of Team:
The team consists of 7-10 members, including seasoned and new influencers.

Meetings:

• We meet monthly, but there is an option to watch the recording if there is a conflict
• Meetings include social media skill building and content creation planning 
• Key gatherings coincide with major events like the Illinois State Fair.

Expectations/Requirements:

• Passion for creating content and storytelling.
• Active participation in meetings and events.
• Commitment to 4-H values 

From planning and leading the Illinois 4-H Jr. Leadership Conference, to walking the halls of the Illinois State Capitol talking to legislators, to representing Illinois 4-H at state and national events throughout the year, the Illinois State 4-H Youth Leadership Team provides an invaluable “youth voice” to our University of Illinois Extension State 4-H program. Application info is available on this page under "Eligibility"

The Illinois State 4-H Livestock Team consists of youth members to serve Illinois 4-H by informing people about the importance of livestock production and 4-H opportunities. The goal of the State Livestock Ambassador team is to further develop the teams leadership skills by having them act as roles models that advocate for the livestock industry as well as the State 4-H program. They accomplish this by planning, implementing, teaching, and evaluating events for other younger 4-H members that reflect their own ideas. 

Youth involved in the Illinois 4-H Mission Control Team SPIN (Special Interest) Club will have the opportunity to define, develop, and operate a space mission. An interdisciplinary collaboration between Illinois 4-H and LASSI (Laboratory for Advanced Space Systems at Illinois, Department of Aerospace Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign) makes it possible for middle and high school STEM students to participate in a real satellite program and see their experiments launched into space. 

National 4-H Shooting Sports Ambassador Program is designed to promote 4-H and 4-H Shooting Sports. Youth selected to serve as Ambassadors will receive training that will allow them to return to their homes and advocate for the program at the county, regional, and state level. Some Ambassadors may be asked to support national events as well. Ambassadors provide public relations support at special events such as donor/sponsor functions and also serve as spokespersons for the 4-H Shooting Sports Program, helping to make 4-H and the     4-H Shooting Sports Programs more visible.  The Ambassador’s further develop their skills in leadership, public presentation, citizenship, community service, public relations and team building.

You love 4-H. We need you to help tell that story to the public. 4-H members received advanced training in public speaking at Speaking for Illinois 4-H trainings held throughout the state. The training prepares you to meet with county and state elected officials, potential donors, civic groups, and new volunteers. You'll also be the state 4-H programs voice at state legislative events, such as 4-H Legislative Connection where 4-H members visit state legislators to tell their 4-H stories and educate the legislators about the benefits of 4-H and University of Illinois Extension.