4-H youth development programs within Extension depend heavily on adult volunteers and provide extensive education to volunteer leaders. 4-H traditionally focuses on positive youth development, but adult volunteers are the mainstay of the programs. Non-systematic training and the lack of volunteer recognition are two problems identified as crucial to the management of Extension volunteers (Navaratnam, 1986). Education is critical in preparing volunteers for the role they accepted and should be designed to enhance their knowledge and skills (Kerka, 2003). Therefore, volunteers need meaningful education opportunities (Fox, Hebert, Martin, & Bairnsfather, 2009). 

The Kentucky Volunteer Forum is a bi-annual event for adult and youth volunteer education in the Commonwealth.  The primary goals of the forum for participants include: providing networking opportunities at a state level, introduce new educational programs as well as rules and procedures, opportunities for volunteers to receive Accreditation and Master Volunteer status, re-energize and inspire volunteers, and recognize those volunteers, businesses, and organizations that have made a significant impact upon the Kentucky 4-H program.

The Kentucky Volunteer Forum (KVF) celebrated its 20^th anniversary in 2020 and offered 183 workshops, organized into 18 tracks.  Meade County 4-H Youth Development had 2 adult and 2 teen volunteers attend the forum this year.  One volunteer earned their Master Accreditation in Horticulture and plans to start up a 4-H Horticulture Club in the next year or so.  County volunteers were surveyed 3 months after the forum for feedback. The results were:

Q1 – What did you gain from your attendance at the 2020 KY Volunteer Forum?

              Response: “I feel like I gained knowledge in several areas; how to incorporate fund activities with learning.”

              Response: “Ways to help the kid’s associate sayings and songs to learn breeds and anatomy.”

              Response: “I learned new information about forestry and entomology.”

              Response: “Better understanding of the dog program and expectations.”

Q2 – Are you more likely to increase your level of involvement in county programs?

              Response: “If my schedule will allow, I would be willing to take on a small demonstration or class.”

              Response: “Yes because talking with other volunteers [in our county] will increase ideas and contacts.”

Q3 – Did you develop a new skill or knowledge?  If so, what?

              Response: “What is required to put on a dog show and ideas to include in club activities.”

Overall, the response of the county attendees was 100% positive and all indicated they would return to future forums to learn more and network with volunteers from other counties and will begin planning on program implementation at the county level.