The success of the Cooperative Extension Service programming is due, in part, to the dedication of a large cadre of volunteers (Smith, Dasher & Klingborg, 2005).  The 4-H Youth Development Programs within Extension especially depend heavily on adult and teen volunteers to play integral roles in 4-H programming by performing a wide variety of duties and functions.  To better prepare these volunteers for their various roles, the Kentucky 4-H Volunteer Forum was established. 

The Kentucky 4-H Volunteer Forum is Extension’s flagship event for adult and teen volunteers in the Commonwealth.  This forum benefits volunteers and Extension professionals as well as the 4-H program at the county, district and state levels.  The 2022 Kentucky 4-H Volunteer Forum was held February 24-26 in Lexington, KY at the new Central Bank Convention Center at Rupp Arena.  This was the largest forum in the history of the event with over 1200 people registered.  Campbell County had the fourth largest county delegation with 40 delegates. Highlights of this event included speakers, tours, displays and workshops about volunteering in today’s society and about building leadership skills and information about youth development through 4-H projects and activities.  The Campbell County delegates reported learning new things and gaining new ideas to implement back in their clubs and communities.   Furthermore, five volunteers completed the Kentucky 4-H Master Accreditation Process for 2022. 

Volunteer recognition is an important part of the forum activities also.  The Kentucky 4-H Hall of Fame Awards serve as a state wide recognition for volunteers.  Campbell County was proud to have volunteers recognized with eleven awards at this year’s event.  They were:   Kelly Downs-Conrad Feltner Leadership Award, Patricia Parker- Certified Horse Volunteer Award, Gary Downs- Certified Livestock Volunteer Award, Patricia Parker and Tim Webster- for completing the Master Volunteer Accreditation Program in 2020, and Kentucky 4-H 10 Year Membership Awards went to Maria Ehlman, Alexus Ford, Sierra Simon, Anna Spaulding, Mitch Webster and Weston Wolf. 

This agent’s role included working with these volunteers, recruiting delegates to attend the forum, working with the RC Durr Foundation and the 4-H Council to secure funding for our delegates to attend the forum and in securing a $3500.00 county sponsorship to support the event.  I also wrote and submitted the award nominations for our volunteer’s recognition and served as a room host for workshops.