Volunteers play integral roles in 4-H programs, performing a variety of duties, functions, and tasks and possessing varied and rich knowledge, skills, and backgrounds (Radhakrishna & Ewing, 2011). The success of Extension programming is due, in part, to the dedication of a large cadre of volunteers (Smith, Dasher, & Klingborg, 2005). Although highly valued, volunteer involvement does not guarantee achievement of Extension's goals and fulfillment of learners' needs (Bolton, 1992).

Effective leadership training can be an important mechanism for strengthening 4-H organizations (Van Horn, Flanagan, & Thomson, 1999). 

Extension professionals are well positioned to assess volunteer needs and provide educational and developmental opportunities that serve both volunteer and program needs (Boyd, 2004; Dillivan, 2013).

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 2020   offered 183 workshops, organized in 18 tracks.  The well-attended tracks included livestock, horticulture, leadership, FCS, other animals, crafts, shooting sports, and horse.)  1138 people from 112 counties registered for KVF 2020, making it the largest volunteer forum in Kentucky’s history, and the largest 4-H volunteer forum held anywhere in the world during this year, to date.   Thirty-eight (38) counties broke or tied their 20 year historic attendance records.  Three districts (1, 2, and 4) had 100% county participation.   Eleven states were represented, including Colorado, Indiana, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia.   Additionally, 37 Family Resource Youth Service Center Directors attended the KVF, receiving Continuing Education hours.   Finally, 42 youth completed Leadership Boot Camp at the Forum.

The KVF provided a variety of volunteer recognition opportunities.  Sixty-five volunteers or groups were recognized in the Kentucky 4-H Hall of Fame, 106 10-year 4-H members were recognized, and nine current and former National 4-H Hall of Fame laureates were acknowledged.

Metcalfe County 4-H had one Kentucky 4-H Hall of Fame, Three 10 Year Member Awards and one Master Accreditation Volunteer that received awards at the KVF.

When asked to identify what they had gained from attending the KVF, 100% of Metcalfe attendees reported “learning about new programs” 98% gathered new information, 99% developed new skills, while 95% were “motivated or inspired,” and 92% helped with networking.