The University of Florida 4-H program evaluated volunteer perceptions of behavior adoption resulting from the completion of training focused on best practices that promote positive youth development. The evaluation effort was a quasi-experimental design that surveyed all enrolled volunteers electronically. The survey was designed to determine the types and frequency of training that 4-H volunteers participated in, their satisfaction with the training, the volunteer’s role of service, and outcomes of adopting best practices of program quality. A response rate of 27% (n = 340) provided a representative sample of the enrolled volunteers across demographic categories and geographical regions of the state. The results show that volunteers report practicing elements of positive youth development as categorized by the Essential Elements framework and that correlations between the type of training volunteers participate in and their implementation of quality practices are significant. Implications for volunteer trainings include the consideration of frequency, expanding opportunities beyond traditional delivery, and incorporating training elements that promote high-quality youth programming. This evaluation effort provides baseline data that informs future research for the Florida 4-H program.

This paper is the sixth in a series of articles on planning programs to effectively outreach to diverse audiences. This series will include specialized papers on enhancing cultural competence, recruiting diverse volunteers, planning culturally appropriate marketing strategies, and other topics that are integral to the design and implementation of culturally relevant Extension education programs. This document is FCS9222, one of a series of the Family Youth and Community Sciences Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Original publication date September 2005.

Revised! This document is FCS9223, one of a series by Lisa A. Guion and David C. Diehl that includes articles on planning programs to effectively reach diverse audiences. Published by the Family, Youth and Community Sciences Department, June 2010.

A successful county Shooting Sports program is not possible without screened and trained volunteers to lead clubs. Before instructing youth in any Shooting Sports discipline and/or assisting on the range, a volunteer must meet the Florida 4-H youth protection screening requirements and complete the Florida 4-H Shooting Sports Level 1 Instructor Training. This 3-page fact sheet discusses volunteer recruitment, training, certification in other Shooting Sports disciplines, Level 2 certification, and job duties. Written by Julie P. Dillard, Heather C. Kent, and Julia S. Kelly, and published by the UF/IFAS 4-H Youth Development Department, January 2018.  http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/4h382

This paper is the eighth in a series of articles on planning programs to effectively outreach to diverse audiences. This series will include specialized papers on enhancing cultural competence, recruiting diverse volunteers, planning culturally appropriate marketing strategies, and other topics that are integral to the design and implementation of culturally relevant Extension education programs. This document is FCS9224, one of a series of the Family Youth and Community Sciences Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Original publication date Septmeber 2005.