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4-H Members

Leadership Opportunities

Speaking for Illinois 4-H (SFI4-H)

Speaking for Illinois 4-H offers older 4-H members an opportunity to give back to the 4-H program by assisting local Extension staff with reporting to elected officials and stakeholders, recruiting volunteers, and identifying and speaking to potential funders. To be listed on the state SFI4-H roster, members must attend annual training provided by the Illinois State 4-H Youth Leadership Team.

Purpose

The SFI4-H program was developed to provide older 4-H teens an advanced leadership opportunity focused on utilizing and enhancing their public presentation skills. It was also designed to assist local Extension staff by providing them with a cadre of trained teens who can provide presentations to elected officials (i.e. county board members and state legislators), civic groups, and potential donors and supporters.

Objectives

Teens who become involved in SFI4-H will:

Receive advanced training in public presentation skills;
Learn how to contact and provide appropriate reports to elected officials;
Learn about the benefits of 4-H in relationship to Positive Youth Development factors;
Learn appropriate information to collect before contacting potential donors;
Practice their skills;
Become part of a statewide network of certified SFI4-H members; and,
Be first contacts for assistance at state legislative events.

Target Audience

Speaking for Illinois 4-H is designed for current 4-H members ages 14-19. Final selection is determined by the local Extension Unit staff.

Dates and Location

Full-day trainings will be held annually at 3-4 locations across the state. Information will be provided to local Extension staff and promoted on the Illinois State 4-H website. (See below for requirements.) Annual up-date trainings for already certified SFI4-H members will be held via Meeting Place, the University of Illinois teleconferencing system.

Cost

Registration for this training is $10, which covers program supplies and lunch. Payment must be made via credit card when completing the on-line registration for the training.

Expenses associated with local follow-up activities such as visits to key stakeholders are to be discussed with local Extension staff.

Requirements of Participants

The on-line registration process must be completed in order to attend a training. Youth wishing to be part of the SFI4-H roster must complete an application (including 2 reference evaluations) and attend one of the full-day training sessions. SFI4-H members who have already received the one-day training must attend up-date trainings via teleconference each year.