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 within Extension depend heavily on adult volunteers and provide extensive education to volunteer leaders. 

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). Education is critical in preparing volunteers for the role they accepted and should be designed to enhance their knowledge and skills (Kerka, 2003). Education benefits volunteers, programs, and organizations in many ways. Education increases volunteer satisfaction and leads to stronger organizational commitment (Anderson, 2005; Wilson et al., 2007). 

The Kentucky Volunteer Forum (KVF) celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2020. 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 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.

KVF 2020   offered 183 workshops, organized in 18 tracks.  The most 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.  Kenton County had 3 agents, 11 adult and teen volunteers participate in the Forum. One Kenton County volunteer completed requirements for Volunteer Accreditation in Foods.   The Durr Foundation supported volunteers’ attendance with a monetary contribution.

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.”  Kenton County volunteers echo these responses.   Many volunteers brought back to the county the information they gained at the Forum.  A series of Art classes were conducted by volunteers that attended the volunteer forum.