Everyone knows that 4-H helps youth develop a practice of lifelong learning and that 4-H volunteers are role models for this important life skill. We wondered how 4-H volunteers prepare for their roles, and where and how they find information to continue their own learning.

The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, Developing Volunteer Capacities Workgroup (DVC WG) embarked on a project to conduct a needs assessment that asked volunteers to report on their history and needs of professional development using online platforms, and asked where volunteers receive pertinent information. Our team sent out survey invitations through 4-H online to all the currently registered volunteers and over 30%...