Councils 101

The Ohio County 4-H council relies on volunteers and extension staff to aid in planning, implementing and evaluating programs and activities. Volunteers that clearly understand their service role and their relationship to the Extension Service are more effective than those who do not.  This partnership with volunteers brings upon the necessity the Councils 101 training with the Ohio County 4-H Council to expand volunteer involvement on the county level and to reach under served audiences through volunteer delivery methods.

A SWOT analysis was used to determine the county’s program needs.  The survey was mailed to 184 community members. The results from 51 respondents determined a greater need for volunteer recruitment and youth opportunities.  Survey Results:  Strengths – Volunteer Involvement (40%), Community Pride (35%), Youth opportunities (25%); Weaknesses - Quality Volunteers (60%), Youth opportunities (20%) Fundraising (20%); Opportunities – Youth Opportunities (37%), Community Involvement (31%), Volunteer Recruitment (21%), Fundraising (3%); Threats to the 4-H Program – Quality Volunteers (30%), Time commitment, (21%), Apathy (17%), Risk Management (13%), Communication (7%).  

The SWOT Survey results were a starting point for discussion on how to improve the overall 4-H program in Ohio County.   The analysis is a tool to identify positive and negative aspects within the 4-H program.  The SWOT Survey helped determine goals and objectives for future program design and implementation.   2018 -2019 4-H Council Goals:  1) Recruit 3 new council members from under served areas in the county  2) Implement 3 new 4-H programs in the county 3) Implement youth lead programs/activities 4) Recruit volunteers to lead after school programs 5) Update Council Constitution and By-Laws, 5) Complete 501c3 designation.  Volunteer marketing packets assisted the volunteer recruitment process.  The packets include Volunteer risk management applications, position descriptions and Extension program descriptions. Twelve volunteer packets were distributed to potential program volunteers.  

It is difficult for volunteers to develop an understanding of the program they are delivering, their relationship to the organization and the University of Kentucky without an informative, educational orientation program.  Volunteer training/orientation was an issue discussed at the Councils 101 Training.  4-H On-Line training provides an opportunity for volunteers to receive the necessary orientation information at a time and location that is convenient for them.  Ten volunteers have completed at least two of the on-line training modules related to their volunteer position that are necessary to reach their potential success