Tools + Tidbits for Volunteerism
Extension Education
T. Ashley Burns
State 4-H Leader
Clemson University
Clemson
Abstract
Southern Region 4-H Volunteer Specialists collaborated to develop and deliver the Tools and Tidbits for Volunteerism virtual professional development webinar series for Extension professionals. The objective of this educational program was to strengthen volunteer management practices and increase the capacity of 4-H professionals to effectively recruit, engage, organize, and support volunteers who contribute to positive youth development. The series was developed in response to professional development needs identified by Extension personnel following previous regional virtual trainings. The series consisted of four synchronous, 60-minute webinars delivered using a flipped classroom instructional model designed to promote peer learning, discussion, and resource exchange. Each session focused on a key component of volunteer management: club management, county-level volunteer engagement, volunteer organization and risk management procedures, and project judging as a strategy for youth development. An average of 70 Extension professionals from 21 states participated in each session. Participants reviewed curated resources and engaged in facilitated discussions centered on real-world program scenarios. Networking opportunities were incorporated to encourage collaboration and sharing of effective practices among Extension professionals. Each session included a post-session reflective evaluation, and participants could optionally earn a digital completion badge. Evaluation data (n = 75) indicated 85% of participants gained ideas to enhance volunteer engagement, 75% increased knowledge of volunteerism resources, 89% indicated greater confidence in supporting volunteers, and 89% planned to implement at least one strategy or resource shared during the series. Additionally, 36% actively exchanged contact information with another Extension professional to continue networking. These results demonstrate that collaborative, regionally delivered virtual professional development can expand training reach, strengthen volunteer management capacity among Extension professionals, and enhance the effectiveness of volunteer-supported 4-H youth development programs.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: T. Ashley Burns
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Burns, T. State 4-H Leader, Clemson University, South Carolina, 29634