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). Although highly valued, volunteer involvement does not guarantee achievement of Extension's goals and fulfillment of learners' needs (Bolton, 1992).

Extension professionals are well positioned to assess volunteer needs and provide educational and developmental opportunities that serve both volunteer and program needs (Boyd, 2004; Dillivan, 2013). When planning development opportunities, Extension professionals should consider volunteers' training preferences. Fox et al., (2009) identified volunteers' preferred delivery modes as group meetings and electronic communication. Additionally, Fox et al. (2009) determined that 4-H volunteers were most interested in learning about 4-H opportunities and leadership development.

The Kentucky Volunteer Forum provides Extension volunteers with professional development opportunities to provide both introductory and continuing education to develop and enhance the skills and knowledge necessary for their volunteer role, to answer questions, and to provide a means to complete volunteer accreditation requirements as well as continuing education requirements for certified volunteers.

The Kentucky Volunteer Forum has been held during the even-numbered years since 2000.  Originally a professional development conference targeting 4-H volunteers in Kentucky, it has been expanded to include all Extension program areas and opened its doors to 4-H volunteers and staff nation-wide.  

Final registration counts included the following:

• 1229 people registered from 120 Kentucky counties and 13 states
• 223 workshops were offered in 23 content tracks
• 10 seminars on wheels
• 9 Master Accreditation Content Areas; 63 volunteers completed accreditation requirements.
• 70 volunteers were recognized in 13 recognition categories
• 150 youth were recognized for completing 10 years of 4-H membership.

Respondents ranged in age from 13 to 85 with an average of 48.03, 73.01% female, 62.30% were former 4-H members, 58% are current volunteers serving an average of 10.75 years, 84% adults.

The Forum evaluation instrument asked respondents to indicate the factors that motivated them to attend.  The top four responses included workshops (17.8%), previous attendance (17.12%) networking opportunities (11.96%) and becoming motivated (11.01%).

Respondents indicated that they most enjoyed workshops (30.43%), networking opportunities (18.86%), and visiting the trade show (11.89%).

39.46% of respondents indicated that they usually attended workshops in one track.  Those attending a track completed a post-pre-post self-assessment to determine knowledge gained.  Using a Likert-type scale, (1 = Excellent and 5 = Terrible), respondents indicated that their knowledge level in the track pre-Forum was 2.28, as compared with 1.65 post-Forum, an increase of 0.63

Of the 63 people who received volunteer accreditation, they were motivated by the following factors: assist the agent (27.17%), lead my club (26.59%), learn about the subject (17.92%), become an expert (15.61%), receive a certificate / status (12.72%).

Respondents indicated that they gained many things from their KVF experience.  These included programming ideas (22.24%), becoming motivated and inspired (20.31%), gathering new information (18.03%), networking (17.69%), and developing skills (16.29%).

Respondents indicated that they would use the information, tools, knowledge, and skills gathered at the Forum in the following ways: sharing with other volunteers (33.93%), teaching at a club meeting (32.74%), introducing a new project (31.25%).

As a result of attending the Forum, 89.47% of respondents indicated that they were more likely to volunteer; 85.71% are likely to offer a new program, project, or activity; 86.59% are likely to increase their county volunteer involvement; 82.12% are likely to feel motivated to volunteer; 85.64% increased their level of knowledge; 81.56% developed a new skill.