Urban and Rural 4-H Adult Volunteer Leaders' Preferred Forms of Recognition and Motivation

Authors

Susan Fritz, University of NebraskaFollow
Deanna Karmazin, University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension in Lancaster CountyFollow
John Barbuto Jr, University of Nebraska
Shawn Burrow, New Mexico Cooperative Extension

Volume

41

Issue

3

Abstract

The article describes a study comparing the motives of urban and rural volunteers and identified differences in recognition preferences. A survey sent to 714 leaders across urban and rural Nebraska yielded 326 usable responses. Urban and rural respondents identified affiliation as their primary motivation. Urban respondents were more positive about the state and county 4-H programs. Rural volunteers were less interested in recognition at the county fair. Both groups identified "Letters from 4-H members" as the most meaningful form of recognition. The article presents recommendations for broader volunteer recruitment strategies and more personalized 4-H volunteer recognition.

Recommended Citation

Fritz, S., Karmazin, D., Barbuto, J., & Burrow, S. (2003). Urban and Rural 4-H Adult Volunteer Leaders' Preferred Forms of Recognition and Motivation. The Journal of Extension, 39(3), Article 10. https://open.clemson.edu/joe/vol39/iss3/10