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 motivation and retention of volunteers are increasingly important to organizations that depend on adult volunteers (Van Horn, Flanagan, & Thomson, 1999). Effective training programs enable volunteer leaders to develop sets of skills, receive rewards, and experience social affiliation. These are all key motivators for adult volunteer leader participation and retention (Hall, 1995; Rouse & Clawson, 1992). 

Some studies have shown that adult volunteer leaders appreciate and recognize their need for effective training programs (Cook, Kiernan, & Ott, 1986) and value the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge relevant both within and outside the context of 4-H (Van Horn, Flanagan, & Thomson, 1999). Specific evaluations of new leader training enable 4-H staff to assess the knowledge and skill base of new volunteers and measure particular training outcomes. 

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 KVF provided a variety of volunteer recognition opportunities.  Henderson had two volunteers get recognized for their hard work and dedication to the 4-H program, one in the camping program and one as a certified livestock volunteer. Henderson County 4-H also had a 4-H member recognized for being an active 4-Her for 10 years! Henderson County brought 23 attendees this year to the Kentucky 4-H Volunteer Forum: 2 Extension Agents, 2 program assistants, 3 Master Gardeners, 3 youth, and 12 volunteers. 

Determining the factors that motivate volunteers to participate in the Forum is important in order to more effectively market and recruit for the event.  Respondents indicated that their primary motivator for attending the Forum included:

·The workshop offering (20.99%)

·Attended previous forums (17.15%)

·13.72% attended because their 4-H agent encouraged them to do so.  

·Becoming motivated and re-energized (11.80%), 

·To network (10.43%).

·Recognition events (9.60%)

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% benefitted 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.