Since the beginning of my career as a 4-H Agent 2004, recruiting volunteers has been a very challenging part of the job.  Martin County is a very small community and the culture is very different than most places.  When it comes to volunteering, people choose to remain silent and help behind the scenes.  I have found creative ways to recruit and retain volunteers over the years but still need vast improvement in this area.  One recruiting tool over the years has been the Kentucky Volunteer Forum.  Participation numbers have been low from Martin County, however sometimes quality is better than quantity. 

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.

One Martin County attendee, Bruce Endicott, said that the conference gives him confidence that Martin County is doing the right things with youth development.  With this confidence he feels more comfortable leading programs and taking on leadership roles at 4-H camp.   A survey for the forum resulted in the following results:

I am more likely to continue volunteering.               

(86.13% SA or A; mean = 1.65) 

I am more likely to develop or offer a new program, project or activity.    

(84.17% SA or A; mean = 1.73)

I am more likely to increase my level of involvement in my county program.

(78.99% SA or A; mean = 1.77)

I am more likely to feel more energized and motivated to volunteer.

(89.06% SA or A; mean – 1.95)

I have increased my level of knowledge.                   

(96.43% SA or A; mean = 1.77)

I have developed a new skill.                                     

(83.57% SA or A; mean = 1.75)

The two Martin County participants answered yes to all survey questions.