Kentucky 4-H Youth Development, part of the Cooperative Extension Service at the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, is hosting the 2026 Kentucky Volunteer Forum Feb. 26-28 at the Central Bank Convention Center and Hyatt Regency in Lexington.   

The biennial event — themed “Be the Difference: Motivate. Educate. Celebrate.” — attracts participants from across Kentucky and 20 states. It aims to inspire, equip, and honor 4-H and Extension volunteers, professionals, and community partners from across the Commonwealth and beyond.    

The forum will feature more than 225 workshops spanning 25 content tracks, including professional development sessions, seminars on wheels, networking opportunities, and a trade show with 60 vendors. Two recognition events will also highlight the contributions of volunteers and youth, celebrating their impact on the 4-H program.  

“We are excited to offer this unique opportunity to help educate, inspire, and recognize the amazing service of our Kentucky 4-H and extension volunteers,” said Ken Culp, III, principal specialist for volunteerism, evaluation and curriculum for 4-H Youth Development. “We’ve found that the quality and breadth of the workshops, informal networking, and sharing opportunities are some of the biggest factors motivating people to attend.”  

Volunteers attending the forum can also complete the necessary accreditation requirements in nine content areas, including agriculture and animal sciences, camping, clover buds, communications and expressive arts, family and consumer sciences, health and wellbeing, leadership, natural resources and science, and engineering and technology. Accredited volunteers will receive lesson plans and educational materials to support club leadership and educational activities for the next two years.

Kentucky 4-H Master Volunteer accreditation begins with four core workshops: an introduction to 4-H; 4-H club and risk management and involving parents and volunteers; ages and stages of youth development; and teaching methods and learning styles.

Additionally, 76 award recipients, comprised of volunteers and community partners, will be recognized and inducted at the Hall of Fame banquet ceremony for their contributions to the Kentucky 4-H Program and their impact on youth. One recipient is the late George Heersche, Jr., a Kentucky volunteer and dairy specialist who was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame in 2024.

Kentucky 4-H ranks second nationally for those inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame. Kentucky 4-H will also recognize 176 youth who have completed 10 years of 4-H membership at the Saturday Recognition Brunch. 

Palladium, platinum, and gold sponsors include The R.C. Durr Foundation, Department of 4-H Youth Development, Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Dr. George A. Duncan and the late Ruth H. Duncan, Martin-Gatton CAFE and UK Cooperative Extension. A full list of sponsors can be found here.   

“This year’s theme appropriately acknowledges what 4-H volunteers and Extension professionals are doing every day,” Culp said. “They motivate, educate, and celebrate. This event will empower everyone to make a difference in their communities.”   

For more event information and to register, visit https://4-h.ca.uky.edu/core-program-areas/kentucky-volunteer-forum or contact your local county extension office at https://extension.ca.uky.edu/county. Registration deadline is Friday, Jan. 19.     

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Writer: Jennifer Elwell, jennifer.elwell@uky.edu 

The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment is an Equal Opportunity Organization with respect to education and employment and authorization to provide research, education information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without regard to economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.