Due to upcoming weather events the Jr. Federation meeting at 6:30 tonight has been canceled. We will look to re-schedule it in March. Thank you for your interest in Jr. Federation!!

The Great 4-H Debate, February 15-16, in Springfield IL – Attention High School Teen 4-Hers!

4-H'ers from across Illinois are invited to converge in Springfield to debate bills and learn about the legislative process. The Great 4-H Debate is for all high school age U of I Extension 4-H youth development program participants who are interested in learning about how Illinois state government works.

During the two-day event, youth will, learn persuasive speaking, learn how to find information on the legislative process, develop an understanding of the legislative process, and meet people from other areas of the state. Besides all the work, participants will tour the Illinois Capitol and have fun at the dance Friday night.

This conference is open to high school age youth in the East Central, West Central and Southern Extension regions. Registration fee for the conference is $55. The deadline for registration is January 23, 2008. Lodging will be at Lake Springfield Christian Academy. Delegates will need to bring bedding, towels, and toiletries in addition to clothing. For more information check out the website & you can register online: http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/mclean/greatdebate/index.html

Registration is January 23, 2008!!

Students Involved with Technology Conference, February 16, Heartland Community College

The B/N Educational Alliance & State Farm are presenting the 7th SIT conference. Youth from 3rd – 12th grades are welcome to present & participate in this event. The fee is $18, there are some scholarships available. See more information in the flier or go to the website: http://www.sitconference.org/

Registration deadline is February 1!!

Illinois 4-H Jr. Leadership Conference, February 25-26, Champaign IL

The Illinois State 4-H Youth Leadership Team plans and coordinates this event for the 4-H members who attend. Participants go to a variety of workshops - focusing on building delegates' skills and knowledge as young leaders in their local 4-H clubs and county 4-H programs.

While learning new things to take back, you'll also be having a great time meeting other junior high delegates at the other special events that are planned. Special entertainment, a speaker, a dance, and loads of fun will keep you smiling and motivated to go home and try all the things you learned!

The conference is open to Illinois 4-H members who are currently in 7th or 8th grade. There is a limit to how many people can attend, so register early! It's first-come, first-served -- We can only take the first 125 Junior High members who register! We even have some scholarships that are available.

The 2008 Illinois 4-H Junior Leadership Conference is February 23-24. 4-H Scholarship applications (for those attending for the first time) are due January 7. Registration will be taken until full or January 28. For more information look online: http://www.4-h.uiuc.edu/events/annual013jlc.html.

Registration deadline is January 28!!

4-H Technology Academy, March 8, Workforce Development Center, HCC, 9-3 pm

4-H Electricity school has been offered every other year for 4-H members to learn the skills they need to complete 4-H projects and increase awareness of electricity. This year with the new 4-H projects in the Engineering & Technology curriculum area the day is expanding to include computers, GPS/GIS, solar power, wind energy and robotics. Registration forms will be available online at our website under 4-H & Youth, Additional Resources. This hands-on educational event will be at the Workforce Development Center at Heartland Community College. Mark your calendar for March 8 and sign up by February 15. Registration information will be mailed with Learn & Fun Day information. Look for "Upcoming Workshops Information" under Resources for 4-H & Youth for more information on this event!

Registration ends on February 15th!!

International Fair is put on by several international student organizations as well as community organizations.

Here's the info:

International Fair

Saturday, February 23 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 24 noon to 5:00 p.m.

Ballroom of Bone Student Center on ISU campus entertainment, food and trinkets to buy, information booths, kid friendly information-scavenger-hunt and world map coloring page.

On Saturday the 23rd, there is also a Family Fest run by Catholic Charities and other community organizations that is also free and is held in the room next door to the Ballroom.

-special entertainment on Feb. 23 at 5:00 by a cappella men's group from U of I with students of Indian ancestry - Chai Town http://chaitown.illinexus.org/ -special entertainment on Feb. 24 by a Celtic group called Traveler's Dream

Free for children through 5th grade
$2 for 6th grade through university students
$3 for adults

For more information about this event contact:

Sarah Jome, Associate Director
International Studies and Programs
6120 International Studies, 308 Fell Hall
Illinois State University Normal, IL 61790-6120
(309) 438-5276
fax (309) 438-3987
www.internationalstudies.ilstu.edu

Are you taking a 4-H project related to Recycling?

Is your club looking for a community service activity related to going "green?"

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Both the Earth911.com site and 1-800-CLEANUP toll-free hotline are provided at no cost to the user or taxpayer. Earth 911 centralizes information and resources into a single user-friendly, neutral and non-governmental network.

4-H LEGISLATIVE CONNECTION – April 8

Illinois 4-H Legislative Connection XII will be held at the Illinois State Capitol Complex in Springfield on Tuesday, April 8, 2008. Both the House of Representatives and State Senate are scheduled to be in session.4-Hwill be the only group at the capitol on this date, which provides greater visibility and opportunities to meet legislators and other government officials.

The message that we will leave with lawmakers during 4-H Legislative Connection XII is "4-H makes a difference in the lives of Illinois youth, their families and the communities in which they live."

4-Hers, leaders, and other supporters hope to impress lawmakers with the tremendous talent, poise, leadership, communication skills, and personal achievements of our 4-H youth.

Highlights includethe superior 4-H project work of our 4-H members and the impact 4-H clubs have on their local communities. The large contingent of caring parents, 4-H alumni, volunteer leaders, Extension staff, and representatives of local Extension advisory groups will accompany the youth to bring a powerful message to Springfield.

Stay tuned for more information about this upcoming event!