Volunteer Research & Knowledge Competency (VRKC)

The Volunteer Research Knowledge and Competency Taxonomy Model (VRKC) is a research-based taxonomy that identifies volunteers’ competencies to effectively deliver 4-H Youth Development programs and activities.  This taxonomy provides 4-H professionals with a national focus and direction related to the levels of competency and the perceived needs of 4-H volunteers. In addition, the VRKC provides 4-H professionals with an outline and resources for volunteer development training. 

Based on research from a nationwide study, the original 32 competencies were finalized into 43 measurable skills. For each of these measurable skills, a fact sheet, presentation, and training activities were created to assist 4-H professionals nationwide in their volunteer training efforts. 

The VRKC taxonomy is expressed in six domains: communication, organization, 4-H program management, educational design & delivery, positive youth development, and interpersonal characteristics. Each of the six domains links to a website where the professional can access staff development tools, volunteer training materials, and additional resources. 4-H professionals may focus on one domain over a specific period for all 4-H volunteers in their county/state or may decide to assess the needs of individuals or groups and tailor their volunteer development plan specifically for each.  Learn more about the VRKC.

VRKC Domains

  • Communication
    • Speaking Skills
    • Listening Skills
    • Writing Skills
    • Non-Verbal Skills
    • Information Delivery & Dissemination
    • Marketing & Public Relations
    • Use of Technology

  • Organizational Skills
    • Planning & Organizing
    • Time Management
    • Parent Recruitment & Involvement
    • Delegating Tasks to Parents
    • Service to the Community
    • Marketing & Publicity
  • 4-H Program Management
    • Organization & Structure of Extension
    • Upholding the 4-H Mission
    • Risk Management/Risk Reduction
    • Liability Awareness and Reduction
    • Club Management
    • Behavior Management
    • Record Keeping
    • Financial Management
    • Technology Application

  • Educational Design & Delivery
    • Use of Age-Appropriate Activities
    • Utilization of Multiple Teaching Strategies
    • Understanding Differences in Learning Styles
    • Knowledge of Subject Matter
    • Team Building Skills
    • Application of Experiential Learning
    • Program Evaluation Methods

  • Positive Youth Development
    • Developing Life Skills
    • Leadership Skills
    • Understanding Ages & Stages of Youth Development
    • Empowerment of Others
    • Practicing Youth & Adult Partnerships
    • Ability to Motivate & Encourage Youth
    • Appreciating Diversity

  • Interpersonal Characteristics
    • Care for Others
    • A Compassionate Nature
    • Acceptance of Others
    • Honesty, Ethics, Morality
    • Patience
    • Ability to Develop & Strengthen Relationships
    • Flexibility

VRKC Evaluation

  • Evaluation to be completed by educators/facilitators utilizing VRKC Resources
  • Evaluation to be completed by volunteers who attend a training utilizing VRKC Resources (Coming soon!)
    • Note.  Be sure to inform your volunteers which domains you are covering in the training. This will ensure they will see the appropriate questions.
    • Evaluation data will be shared with the listed educator/facilitator.
    • The National 4-H Volunteer Charter Committee generally meets on the 4th Tuesday of the month and will review data during that time.

VRKC Original Research, Documents, and Presentations