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).

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. A study of Ohio 4-H agents revealed that they believed orienting volunteers is important but lack information on whether their training programs or teaching strategies are effective (Deppe & Culp, 2001). Non-systematic training and the lack of volunteer recognition are two problems identified as crucial to the management of Extension volunteers (Navaratnam, 1986). Although the training received by Extension volunteers has been rated as "quality" when compared to other organizations (Braker, Leno, Pratt, & Grobe, 2000), the need to strengthen the design and implementation of 4-H training programs is ongoing. 

The Kentucky Volunteer Forum (KVF) celebrated its 20^th anniversary in 2020.   KVF 2020 offered 183 workshops, organized in 18 tracks.

When asked what components of the forum they most enjoyed, the two most popular responses included workshops (29.97%) and networking opportunities (17.69%).

When asked to identify what they had gained from attending the KVF, 21.40% of attendees reported “learning about new programs” 19.74% gathered new information, 17.71% developed new skills, while 17.53% were “motivated or inspired,” and 16.24% benefited from “networking.”

A total of 350 answers were collected in response to the question “what are your plans for the information, tools, knowledge and skills that you collected at the 2020 KVF?”  Of these, 36.29% indicated that they would teach new information at a 4-H Club meeting, 33.43% planned to share information with other 4-H volunteers, while 26.86% planned to introduce a new project, program, or activity in their club or county.

Conference attendees were asked to respond to six agree-disagree statements, that queried their aspirations following the forum.   (1 = Strongly Agree, 5 = Strongly Disagree).  These included:

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)

Using a post-pre-post scale, respondents were asked to rate their level of knowledge prior to and after attending the KVF.   Using a 5 point scale, (1=Excellent, 5=Terrible) respondents assessed their knowledge level as a 2.16 prior to attending KVF 2020, and a 1.56 after attending KVF 2020.

The Kentucky Volunteer Forum is Extension’s flagship event for adult and youth volunteers in the commonwealth. The forum benefit volunteers, Extension professionals, 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: Introduce new programs, projects, events, activities, and rule or procedure changes, provide continuing education, provide networking opportunities for volunteers from different counties, share cutting-edge information and re-energize and inspire volunteers.

In February 2020, Taylor County 4-H and Extension were represented with a record attendance of 8 at the Kentucky 4-H Volunteer Forum.  This included four volunteers attending for the first time, two Master Accreditation's, one fulfilled his Livestock re-certification hours and two workshop presenters.  After attending the conference, the adult volunteers continue to improve their clubs at the county level.  The 4-H Volunteer Forum is a critical component in preparing, energizing, and retaining the volunteers who are integral to the success of 4-H.