The Cumberland County Extension Service dedicates a considerable amount of resources towards volunteer development and program administration. Volunteers play an integral role in many Extension programs, performing a variety of duties, functions, and tasks. The success of Extension programming is due, in part, to the dedication of a large cadre of volunteers (Smith, Dasher, & Klingborg, 2005). The Cumberland County 4-H  Youth Development program provides extensive educational opportunities to volunteer leaders such as the Kentucky Volunteer Forum, certifications, plus local orientation and workshops that include the most current research about the science of learning and brain development.  

Effective leadership training can be an important mechanism for strengthening 4-H organizations (Van Horn, Flanagan, & Thomson, 1999). Education is critical in preparing volunteers for the role they accepted and should be designed to enhance their knowledge and skills (Kerka, 2003). Volunteer education develops the knowledge and skills volunteers need to execute their roles effectively (Brudney, 1990; Culp, 1997; Cumming, 1998; Wilson, 1976). Volunteers respond more favorably to roles and responsibilities when they understand and can perform the tasks required of them (Hoover & Connor, 2001). 

The Kentucky Volunteer Forum is Extension’s flagship event for adult and youth volunteer education in the commonwealth. The purpose of Kentucky Volunteer Forum is to increase the capacity of volunteer and salaried staff to contribute to the achievement of the mission of the Kentucky 4-H. Programs and workshops offered at the KVF provide updates about rules, policies are shared and explained, best practices are taught, and new teaching and learning techniques are introduced. The KVF seeks to:

• Share cutting-edge information through workshops and educational opportunities.
• Provide networking opportunities for volunteers from different counties and states.
• Introduce new programs, projects, events, activities, and rule or procedure changes.
• Provide opportunities for volunteers to receive Accreditation and Master Volunteer status.
• Provide continuing education opportunities.
• Reenergize and inspire volunteers.
• Recognize those volunteers, businesses, and organizations that have made a significant impact upon the Kentucky 4-H program and the lives of youth in the commonwealth.

The Kentucky Volunteer Forum (KVF) in Lexington, Kentucky at the newly renovated  convention in February 2022. Thirteen people from Cumberland County attended the 2022 KVF. that include local school administrators, afterschool program coordinators, teachers, and 4-H project leaders. While at the conference one volunteer completed all the requirements to become an official Master 4-H volunteer.  

Seven volunteers attended the forum for the first time. In follow up discussions with new volunteers, when asked about what they had gained from attending the KVF, volunteers attendees reported they “liked learning about the different programs that I did not even know existed ” “Now that I understand what it is about, I want to get more people to attend”.