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). 

4-H youth development programs and other program areas within Extension depend heavily on adult volunteers and provide extensive education to volunteer leaders through the Kentucky Volunteer Forum. 

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.  

The Bullitt County Extension Service had 7 individuals participate in the Kentucky Volunteer Forum! Two 4-H volunteers completed a rigorous training hours to become accredited volunteers in the areas of 4-H Embroidery and 4-H Foods. The same two volunteers completed the additional hours required to receive Master Accreditation in the 4-H Family & Consumer Science program area. 

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.
• Re-energize 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.

When all participants were 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.”

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.