This spring we will be collecting data statewide to answer three critical questions: 

• Are we incorporating the essential elements of positive youth development programming into our 4-H club experiences?  We will be asking about one-third of our clubs to complete a survey and will analyze the data statewide.
• Have we positively influenced youth's aspirations and interest in 4-H Science?  Youth attending science rich events for 4-H members and non-members will be asked to participate in the evaluation.

• As 4-H members graduate, we want to know how 4-H has influenced their career decisions.  4-H members 17 and 18 years of age will be asked to complete an online survey.

I look forward to visiting the 4-H community clubs in our four county area so we can learn more about 4-H member's experiences.

Over the course of my career, it has been a pleasure to work with so many great volunteers who care so deeply about youth and their communities. They give of their time and energy to make other people's lives and communities better. It is amazing what they accomplish!

According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, about 62.7 million Americans, or 26.5 percent of the adult population, gave 8.1 billion hours of volunteer service worth $173 billion in 2010. Some people may believe that volunteer time can be correlated to minimum wage. However, the estimated value of volunteer time for 2011 is $21.79 per hour for a national viewpoint whereas in Illinois it is $22.77 per hour. That's because volunteers extend what professionals do at many agencies and organizations to continue to save costs for many of us who have tight budgets.

In 4-H youth development, volunteers have been the backbone of our program since its' inception in the early 1900's. Volunteers lead community clubs, host various events, are superintendents, lead special interest clubs, and so many other things to contribute to our 4-H youth development programs. Without them, well, we could never get everything accomplished! How could we possibly meet with youth from everywhere in our counties and be at all the meetings and workshops? Thank you volunteers!

During National Volunteer Week it is a great time to celebrate people in action!