Often when people think of 4-H they focus on the opportunities provided for the youth enrolled in the program when in fact it is really about the youth/adult partnerships that are formed along the way. Adult volunteers play a major role in a county’s 4-H program, performing a variety of duties, functions and tasks.  Extension 4-H youth development programs are heavily dependent on adult volunteers and work to provide educational opportunities to help them achieve their goals.   Although 4-H traditionally focuses on positive youth development, it is the adult volunteers that are the mainstay of the program.  

Goals and objectives will vary with the individual counties as they identify and develop programs based on their needs.  Hardin County has been fortunate in retaining a strong leadership base with their 4-H council as well as their county extension council and district board, all having a strong appreciation and support for the 4-H program.   According to a study done by Van Horn, Flanagan & Thomson in 1999, the motivation and retention of volunteers is increasingly important to organizations that depend heavily on their involvement.  Effective training enables volunteer leaders to develop skills, receive rewards and experience social affiliation that are all key motivators for leader participation and retention.  

2020 has been an extremely unusual year for 4-H programming.   Fortunately, prior to the COVID 19 impact, the Kentucky Volunteer Forum celebrated it’s 20^th anniversary with 1138 in attendance from 112 counties across the state.  The KVF serves as a flagship event for adult and youth volunteers offering educational and networking opportunities in addition to becoming more energized and motivated to continue, with their efforts.   Over the last 20 years Hardin County has averaged 17.8 volunteers in attendance and this year having 23 adults and teens attending the event.   The importance of adult/teen relationships is somewhat reflected in the following statement from Dr. Ken Culp regarding KVF: “Demographically, the “typical” attendee was a 44-year-old female, former 4-H member, having volunteered for 11.4 years. 59.28% of attendees were former 4-H members and 78.06% of them were female.” 

Since March of 2020, COVID 19 has impacted the normal way of doing business for many of our program councils.   Face to face meetings cease to exist and VIRTUAL has come to be the word of the year.   Once again, the “Learn by Doing” 4-H slogan has come to life as volunteer leaders, youth and agents have learned to conduct business meetings and educational opportunities via the internet or Zoom.   In doing so everyone has demonstrated a willingness to learn new ideas by applying their leadership skills in these difficult times