MOTIVATION AND RECOGNITION PREFERENCES OF 4-H VOLUNTEERS

Abstract

This study explored motives and identified strategies for service recognition of a sample (714) of Nebraska 4-H organizational andproject volunteer leaders. On average, volunteers sampled were 43 years of age, parents of children in 4-H, and had been involved as a 4-H member more than 7 years. Respondents were predominately motivated by affiliation, and, therefore, identified most strongly with volunteering because of a desire to help others, associate with youth, and to be with their children involved in 4-H. Volunteers preferred to be recognizedfor their service by 4-H members in various forms. No relationship was established between motives to volunteer and preferred forms of recognition.