A considerable amount of time and resources, on the part of both volunteer and paid staff in, are dedicated annually to the planning, coordination, and execution of educational volunteer events. These may include workshops, in-services, conferences, or forums that may range in duration from a few hours to several days. 4-H Volunteer Forums are held during the even-numbered years in Kentucky (Culp, 2000). 

The purpose of Kentucky Volunteer Forum is to increase the capacity of volunteer and salaried staff to contribute to the achievement of the mission of 4-H Youth Development Education and the Cooperative Extension System as a whole as well as to provide the educational and technical resources that volunteers need in order to deliver the 4-H Youth Development program as well as to meet 4-H members' needs (Culp, 2000).  

The Kentucky Volunteer Forum is Extension’s flagship event for adult and youth volunteer education in the commonwealth.  The forum benefits adult and teen volunteers, Extension professionals, program assistants, as well as the 4-H program at the county, district, and state levels.  

Programs and workshops offered at the KVF are continually updated, rules and policies are shared and explained, best practices are taught, and new teaching and learning techniques are introduced. The KVF seeks to:

·Share cutting-edge information through workshops and educational opportunities.

·Provide networking opportunities for volunteers from different counties and states.

·Introduce new programs, projects, events, activities, and rule or procedure changes.

·Provide opportunities for volunteers to receive Accreditation and Master Volunteer status.

·Provide continuing education opportunities.

·Reenergize and inspire volunteers.

·Recognize those volunteers, businesses, and organizations that have made a significant impact upon the Kentucky 4-H program and the lives of youth in the commonwealth.

The Kentucky Volunteer Forum provides varied and targeted ongoing education and networking opportunities.  For those counties who take advantage of its benefits, the KVF is a critical component in preparing, energizing, and retaining the volunteers who are integral to the success of 4-H.

The Kentucky Volunteer Forum (KVF) celebrated its 20^th anniversary in 2020.  KVF 2020offered 183 workshops, organized in 18 tracks. Christian County saw four adult or youth volunteers attend the 2020 KVF.