Volunteers play integral roles in 4-H programs, performing a variety of duties, functions, and tasks and possessing varied and rich knowledge, skills, and backgrounds (Radhakrishna & Ewing, 2011). The success of Extension programming is due, in part, to the dedication of a large cadre of volunteers (Smith, Dasher, & Klingborg, 2005). 4-H youth development programs within Extension depend heavily on adult volunteers and provide extensive education to volunteer leaders. 

The motivation and retention of volunteers are increasingly important to organizations that depend on adult volunteers (Van Horn, Flanagan, & Thomson, 1999). Effective training programs enable volunteer leaders to develop sets of skills, receive rewards, and experience social affiliation. These are all key motivators for adult volunteer leader participation and retention (Hall, 1995; Rouse & Clawson, 1992). Education is critical in preparing volunteers for the role they accepted and should be designed to enhance their knowledge and skills (Kerka, 2003). Education benefits volunteers, programs, and organizations in many ways. Education increases volunteer satisfaction and leads to stronger organizational commitment (Anderson, 2005; Wilson et al., 2007). 

The Kentucky Volunteer Forum (KVF) celebrated its largest attendance in 2022. The purpose of KVF is to increase the capacity of volunteer and salaried staff to contribute to the achievement of the mission of 4-H Youth Development Education and the Cooperative Extension System as a whole, as well as, to provide the educational and technical resources that volunteers need in order to deliver the 4-H Youth Development program to meet 4-H members' needs (Culp, 2000).  The forum benefits adult and teen volunteers, Extension professionals, program assistants, as well as, the 4-H program at the county, district, and state levels.  

Programs and workshops offered at the KVF are continually updated, rules and policies are shared and explained, best practices are taught, and new teaching and learning techniques are introduced. The KVF seeks to:

1. Share cutting-edge information through workshops and educational opportunities.
2. Provide networking opportunities for volunteers from different counties.
3. Introduce new programs, projects, events, activities, and rule or procedure changes.
4. Provide opportunities for volunteers to receive Accreditation and Master Volunteer status.
5. Provide continuing education opportunities.
6. Reenergize and inspire volunteers.

This agent presented two of the offered workshops. One workshop covered “Starting a 4-H Sewing Program” and the other discussed the updated 4-H quilting categories.  Both workshops presented information, as well as many samples and directions for projects.   In addition, this agent planned and hosted an educational exhibit with a team of volunteers and state coordinator for the Master Clothing Volunteer program.  Follow-up emails indicate that eight counties will now start a sewing program or participate in the quilting projects when they had not done so before.  Thus, these educational workshops did inspire volunteers and extension staff to begin new programming.