Extension
It Starts With Us
Volunteerism
4-H
4-H Agents
Camping
Civic Engagement
Leadership
According to the Corporation for National & Community Service (CNCS), Kentucky ranks 48th in Teenage Volunteer Rate and 39th in Adult Volunteer Rate. Kentucky’s Teenage Volunteer Rate was 17.9%, as compared to other states which ranged from 14.1% to 42.2%. Conversely, 28.1% of adults volunteer. Meanwhile, volunteer rates among teens, nationwide are increasing. Finally, teens engaged in service activities during their high school years are twice as likely to serve as volunteers during their 20’s and 30’s. Clearly, in order to develop the next generation of volunteers in Kentucky, Extension must be more proactive in engaging teens in volunteer service.
Social:Teens will become more active as volunteers; increasing the amount of unpaid service that they provide throughout their communities. Adults will increase their rate of volunteer involvement in their communities and in Extension.
Economic: UK CES and non-profit organizations will experience an increased rate of volunteer involvement as more people select community organizations in which to contribute their time, talents and energies. Additional volunteer involvement reduces the stress on staff and extends the outreach of the non-profit organization to individuals and audiences which would otherwise be unserved.
Environmental: Teens and adults will make a positive contribution as community volunteers. This increased level of community involvement will continue throughout their twenties and thirties. Additionally, communities will experience an increased retention rate as people who are engaged in their communities experience a heightened sense of belonging and are more likely to settle and reside in that community.
·Youth will develop a sense of belonging in their communities, as they become more strongly affiliated with the community through service to a non-profit organization.
·Youth will master skills related to their specific volunteer role.
·Youth will experience a feeling of generosity as they serve non-profit organizations, their programs and clientele in a volunteer role.
·The number of youth and adults reported to be serving on 4-H Councils and Leadership Boards will increase by 2024.
·Youth and adults will increase their knowledge of the types of volunteer and service opportunities that are available to them in their communities.
·Youth and adults will increase their knowledge of the non-profit organizations in their communities and the services that they provide.
·Youth and adults will identify non-profit organizations in their communities and the specific types of volunteer roles which they aspire to fulfill and serve.
Initial Outcome
Indicator: Youth and adults will increase their knowledge of types of volunteer and service opportunities that are available to them in their communities.
Method: Each club will have a civic engagement requirement for members to complete that includes volunteerism.
Evaluation: Youth will complete before and after surveys.
Timeline: July 2024
Intermediate Outcome
Indicator: Increased youth and adult participation on 4-H council and leadership boards.
Method: Recruitment and retention of quality volunteers and volunteer orientation for youth and adults.
Evaluation: Quantitative results will be measured at the beginning and end of each program year regarding council and board participation.
Timeline: June 2024
Long-term Outcome
Indicator: Teens will become more active as volunteers; increasing the amount of unpaid service that they provide throughout their communities. Adults will increase their rate of volunteer involvement in their communities and in Extension.
Method: Volunteer education through orientation that will feature volunteerism opportunities throughout the county.
Evaluation: Volunteers will complete a survey at the beginning and end of volunteer orientation.
Timeline: June 2024
Audience: Teens
Project or Activity: 4-H Camp
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Camp Training Manual
Inputs: 4-H camp orientation, Multi-County Orientation/trainings and Extension Agents and Staff
Date: July 2025
Audience: Teens & Adults
Project or Activity: Volunteer Orientation
Content or Curriculum: Volunteer Bootcamp
Inputs: Volunteer binders with specific information related to their position description, UKY Volunteer Specialist and Extension Agents and Staff
Date: 2025
Audience: Youth, Teens, and Adults
Project or Activity: Kentucky Volunteer Forum
Content or Curriculum: Kentucky Volunteer Administration Academy and Extension Agents and Staff
Date: February 2025
Audience: Elliott County youth attending 4-H camp
Project or Activity: 4-H Camp (several classes)
Content or Curriculum: several
Date: July 2025
