SPIN clubs. 4-H Junior Leadership Conference. STEM groups. Illinois FFA Convention. National FFA Week. It’s hard for Judy Mae Bingman, Illinois 4-H media and communications specialist, to list all the new opportunities through 4-H. Mindy Bunselmeyer, Illinois FFA Center, echoes that busy sentiment as Illinois FFA members gear up for several upcoming events.

What’s going on with Illinois FFA?
Illinois' state FFA officers joined nearly 70 other state officers in South Africa for the International Leadership Seminar in January, Bunselmeyer notes. After returning to Illinois, state officers jumped right into planning National FFA Week activities, Illinois FFA Convention and Ag Legislative Day in Springfield.

FFA chapters throughout the state will celebrate National FFA Week, held Feb. 19-25, with activities like Tractor Day, Teacher Appreciation Breakfast, Ag Olympics, and Blue and Gold Day.

On March 30, Ag Legislative Day, Bunselmeyer says nearly 1,000 FFA members will take over the south wing of the state capital to assemble donated items from several state commodity organizations into baskets and box lunches for members of the Illinois General Assembly. FFA members will also meet with senators and representatives to talk about ag education and other issues important to them.

FFA membership numbers remain steady despite the shortage of ag teachers, Bunselmeyer says.  Provisionally certified teachers — professionals with a bachelor’s degree but not in ag education — have filled many openings in Illinois and nationwide.  Check out the Illinois agricultural education annual report for more information about openings and qualified applicants.

What’s new with Illinois 4-H?
The number of unique 4-H club members, in rural and residential areas, is up by 21% over the last five years due to new programs that align with the changing interests of Illinois’ youths, says Bingman. The key, she notes, is adding new programs without taking away long-standing projects, like cooking and sewing.

What are the new programs reaching different audiences? Tech-savvy youth who enjoy do-it-yourself projects can join a robotics or 3-D imaging STEM group, which incorporates science, technology, engineering and mathematics. “This helps introduce 4-H to a new generation,” Bingman explains. “It’s increased outreach to youth across the state in both rural and metro areas.”

Other new programs focus on life skills, Bingman notes. A pilot program called “Ready 4 Life” teaches skills such as interpersonal communication, organization and time management to help kids transition to college or a career.  

From life skills to real-life issues, Bingman says a new program called “4-H Feeding and Growing Our Communities” was established to help address hunger. 4-H Hunger Ambassadors study their local communities to determine the best way to meet local needs, Bingman explains. Since 2013, 4-H meal-packaging programs have produced 500,000 meals for families. Clubs coordinate meal-packaging events with local food pantries by providing funds and manpower. Volunteers typically spend two to three hours measuring and packaging the raw ingredients, and each event yields from 10,000 to 15,000 meals, Bingman notes. 4-H members interested in becoming a Hunger Ambassador should contact the Illinois 4-H Office for more information.

What’s one of the fastest-growing special interest, or SPIN, clubs? Shooting sports. Bingman says volunteers for shooting SPIN clubs have the hardest requirements, yet every year Illinois 4-H certifies 100 to 200 instructors. “There are volunteers who are really passionate about shooting sports and are willing to do the extensive training required by the program,” she explains.

Illinois 4-H alumni who’d like to share their own 4-H story, hear more about what’s new, or volunteer for a SPIN or STEM club can register at go.illinois.edu/4Halumni.

Check out the infographic below for more information about these youth organizations.