Factors affecting length of service of adult volunteer 4-H leaders in Indiana

Kenneth Culp, Purdue University

Abstract

13 Indiana counties were randomly selected to satisfy three stratification layers: CES Area, County Population and Extension Educator stability. 494 current and 40 former 4-H Leaders returned a mail survey which identified the "typical" leader as a 41 year old married woman whose children are in 4-H. Raised on a farm, she has 14 years of education, was a 4-H member and has been a 4-H leader for 7 years. This profile has remained stable for at least 45 years. 4-H Leaders are likely to serve in multiple leadership roles in the 4-H program and their community. Special Interest Leaders serve half as long as either Township or Project Leaders. Volunteers in rural counties are more likely to serve as Township rather than Project or Special Interest Leaders. Rural leaders spend considerably less time volunteering than do suburban or urban leaders. County population differences had no effect upon demographic indicators, except that rural leaders raised larger families. Leaders in low stability counties are motivated to serve youth whereas leaders in high stability counties are motivated to service the 4-H Organization (cause vs. affiliation). 4-H Leaders are motivated to volunteer for personal and not financial reasons. Factors causing 4-H Leader resignation included: being unwanted, unappreciated, burned out; lack of help and low completion rate; lack of time, job, retirement; own children leaving the 4-H program. All leaders identified "an assistant leader, upgrade facilities or provide a regular meeting place" as their primary unmet need, followed by problems with CES personnel, rules or policies. "Training" was most often cited as the issue to make the 4-H Leader position more positive. Negative motivators include lack of member and parental support and reduced leader longevity. Leaders in high stability counties perceived a greater level of support from the Extension Educator and CES Staff than those in moderate or low stability counties, however, leaders in low stability counties perceived greater parental support than those in moderate or high stability counties. 4-H Leaders in high stability counties reported the best relationship with their Extension Educator and CES Staff, while those in moderate stability counties reported the worst. Length of service for Township and Project Leaders is positively correlated to support levels by all groups and individuals in the 4-H Program. The relationship between support level and leader longevity is stronger for Project than Township Leaders. For Township Leaders, 4-H members' support has the strongest relationship with length of service. Length of service for Special Interest Leaders was found to be highly related to parental support.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

McInerney, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Agricultural education|Adult education|Continuing education|School administration|Labor relations

COinS