Volunteers are the heart of the 4-H program. Extension offices across the state rely on volunteers to extend the reach of their Cooperative Extension programs. It is imperative that volunteers get the proper resources, tools and information to have the confidence, knowledge and skills to teach 4-H members and other extension clientele. To answer the call of providing expert training to volunteers across the state, a Kentucky Volunteer Forum was created 20 years ago.  This forum has grown from a few hundred volunteers at the start of the 21^st century to over 1100 volunteer participants in 2020. For the past six years, this reporting agent has been actively involved on the planning committee for this forum and has served as workshop committee chairman for the past four years. The forum is a three day volunteer experience to increase knowledge and skills, motivate and provide networking opportunities. Volunteers were able to attend 12 workshops selected from an offering of over 180 subject matter workshops. New this year included an accreditation program where 105 volunteers completed requirements to be accredited in a specific project area, giving them the confidence and tools to start a new 4-H project in their home counties. 

While workshops are the main thrust of the forum, participants also interacted with 43 educational, commercial and 4-H entrepreneurial exhibitors. They attended two recognition banquets in which 180 teens and adults were recognized for outstanding accomplishments as a 4-H member or leader. And networked with volunteers from across the state gaining new ideas and perspectives.

The Warren County 4-H Agents recruited 32 adults and teens to participate in this year’s forum. Of these participants, 10 volunteers were workshop presenters, 7 were award winners, and 9 completed accreditation for 11 different subject matter projects.  After attending the forum, participants reported that they strongly agreed or agreed to the following: 96 % increased their level of knowledge, 89% felt more energized and motivated to volunteer, 84% plan to develop or offer a new program, project or activity.  One Warren County volunteer who is club leader for a natural resources club stated, “I learned a lot about water testing and was able to talk to other volunteers around the state about what they do in their clubs. I am much closer to my goal to try water testing with my club. I can’t wait until we start 4-H clubs again so I can try the new ideas I learned”.