The Kentucky Volunteer Forum is a developmental and educational conference geared towards 4-H and Extension volunteers from all program areas.  The forum offers 220 workshops in 25 content tracks, professional development sessions, seminars on wheels, networking opportunities, a trade show, and three recognition events.  Volunteers work to complete requirements necessary for accreditation in Agriculture, Camping, Cloverbuds, Communications & Expressive Arts, Family & Consumer Sciences, Health, Leadership, Natural Resources, and Science, Engineering & Technology.  Additionally, volunteers, community partners, and 10-year 4-H members are recognized for their contributions to the Kentucky 4-H program, and their impact on the lives of Kentucky youth.

 During the 2024, Volunteer Forum, Edmonson County was represented by 12 amazing volunteers, shadowing the counties previous 22 year record.  Of those wonderful 12 volunteers, 8 of those received 4 KVF Hall of Fame Awards for their dedication and service to our youth in Edmonson County in categories for innovation and creativity, teamwork, horse leaders, and community service. One of those was also honored for receiving their Master Volunteer Accreditation at the previous volunteer forum. The other volunteers that attended the forum deserve just as much honorable mention.  They are directors and program assistants for the Edmonson County Family Resources and Youth Service Centers.  The Kentucky Volunteer Forum offers workshops that correlate to the work that our FRYSC partners attend in professional development areas for their work as well.  One of those ladies, was a presenter for the forum teaching volunteers and agents about how to use the platform Canva to create flyers, social media posts, and various other projects.

Kentucky State University was also well represented at the Forum.  For the first time in Forum history, KSU had an educational exhibit stationed with 4-H agents to share with volunteers and stakeholders about the work being done at KSU in cooperative extension and land grant.  There also were many presenters representing KSU with topics in fine arts, agriculture, drone technology, livestock clubs, etc.  Not to mention, Assistant Director Noel Novelo spoke during the 10-year member recognition luncheon honoring the youth 4-H members who had been active members for 10-years.

This year's volunteer forum was a tremendous success with almost 1300 individuals attending the forum, 8 states represented, records were broken, 3 of our volunteers achieved their Master Accreditation at this year's forum, and so much knowledge and enthusiasm came home with our volunteers to make our 4-H programs even better than they were before.  Because of their dedication, we received a grant from the KVF Grant program to start a new club where the idea came from the forum.  This is why the Volunteer Forum is so valuable; the knowledge, relationships, renewal, and validity it gives to the individuals who give tirelessly to the youth of our community.