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 Youth Leadership Team involves 15-22 4-H members and recent 4-H alumni (ages 16-21) who coordinate and assist with various area and statewide 4-H activities. Team members are involved in planning and implementing the Illinois 4-H Jr. Leadership Conference; assisting behind the scenes with events such as Illini Summer Academies and Illinois State Fair; serving as the training team for the Speaking for Illinois 4-H program; and serving on various statewide 4-H committees and boards (i.e. Illinois 4-H Foundation Board of Directors, Illinois Farm Bureau Youth Education Committee), among other duties.
The Youth Leadership Team offers 4-H members and recent 4-H alumni an opportunity to give back to the 4-H program while further enhancing their leadership skills. The Team is actively involved in assisting the State 4-H Office in planning, implementing, and evaluating various 4-H events and activities; representing Illinois at National 4-H Conference; and serving as a youth voice of the Illinois 4-H Youth Development Program.
YLT Quarterly Reports:
As a Youth Leadership Team member, teens receive training in leadership development, team-building, public presentations and more. You actively participate in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the Jr. Leadership Conference, including planning and teaching workshops, leading mixers and recreational activities, reviewing budget, and developing marketing and promotional pieces. You also participate in at least two other regional or statewide events throughout the year or serve as a 4-H teen representative to a statewide committee. Youth assist at events such as Legislative Connection, Illini Summer Academies, Illinois State Fair, Salute to Ag Day, etc. Youth serve on the Illinois 4-H Foundation Board of Directors and Illinois Farm Bureau Youth Education Committee. Members have first opportunity to represent Illinois at National 4-H Conference in Washington, D.C. and, youth build communication skills as they work with staff in their region.
Eligibility
Team member serve on two year terms, if age eligible they can renew for additional term. Team members must be active participants in at least 2 statewide events, the Illinois State Fair, Leadership Retreat and the Junior Leadership Conference each year. Team members must attend at least 75% of both face-to-face meetings; 75% of the scheduled Zoom calls each year of their term and attend Speaking for Illinois 4-H training within the first year of team membership. Team members are required to make quarterly reports to Extension staff in their assigned counties. To apply you must be an enrolled 4-H member 16-21 years of age.
Application Process
Online applications are available here. Applications for the 2025 year are due on December 31, 2024. Applicants will be contacted after the deadline to set up an interview. At least two face-to-face meetings are held each year, including a 2-1/2 day retreat and the weekend of the Jr. Leadership Conference in November (Friday night through Sunday late afternoon). Zoom calls are held throughout the year. All members are also required to volunteer at the Illinois State Fair for two days. Other dates for commitments vary throughout the year. This is a two year commitment. If you have questions please contact Illinois 4-H Leadership Specialist Katie Duitsman at pilcher3@illinois.edu.
Benefits
As a Youth Leadership Team member, teens receive training in leadership development, team-building, public presentations and more. You actively participate in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the Jr. Leadership Conference, including planning and teaching workshops, leading mixers and recreational activities, reviewing budget, and developing marketing and promotional pieces. You also participate in at least two other regional or statewide events throughout the year or serve as a 4-H teen representative to a statewide committee. Youth assist at events such as Legislative Connection, Illini Summer Academies, Illinois State Fair, Salute to Ag Day, etc. Youth serve on the Illinois 4-H Foundation Board of Directors and Illinois Farm Bureau Youth Education Committee. Members have first opportunity to represent Illinois at National 4-H Conference in Washington, D.C. and, youth build communication skills as they work with staff in their region.