Volunteer leaders strengthen 4-H clubs across four Midwest states—and this study shows how time, training, and junior leaders drive success.
This research looks at how local volunteer leaders support 4-H clubs in Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin. It explains what leaders do, how they are selected and trained, and how their time and dedication impact club outcomes. The book also compares clubs led only by adults with those that include junior leaders, showing how mentorship and youth participation can boost enrollment, completion of projects, and re-enrollment.
What you’ll experience
- A clear picture of how volunteer leaders contribute to club strength and youth development.
- Data on time spent by leaders, training methods, and the kinds of support leaders value most.
- Insights into the role of junior leaders and how their presence affects club outcomes.
- Practical findings for organizers seeking to improve 4-H clubs and volunteer programs.
What to expect from the study: a structured look at duties, training, and the balance of adult and junior leadership; measurements of club activity and success; and conclusions drawn from surveys of over a thousand leaders guiding 412 clubs.Ideal for readers who work with 4-H, extension services, or youth programs, and for anyone interested in how volunteer leadership shapes community clubs and youth learning.