Factors that aid in the retention of trained Tennessee shooting sports volunteers

The purpose of this study was to determine the level of involvement of trained Tennessee Shooting Sports Volunteers and their perceptions regarding the program. All ninety-one trained volunteers were surveyed in the fall of 2000. The survey was developed by the author and pilot tested and approved by the Agricultural and Extension Education Department at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Information recorded includes personal characteristics of volunteers, their perceptions of various aspects of the Shooting Sports Program, and their perceived importance of those various aspects. The data were analyzed using mean scores, standard deviation, and percentages. Descriptive statistics were used to describe responses of those choosing to participate. No influences should be drawn from this study regarding the perceptions of those who chose not to participate. Major findings include the following; 1. There was a low response to the survey with only 28 of the 91 trained Shooting Sports volunteers returning their survey and only 50% of the 28 had volunteered since their training. 2. The volunteers were most dissatisfied with their working relationship and support from their agent. Volunteers also expressed the need to be financially sponsored for shooting sports activities. 3. Volunteers stressed the need to understand youth and their needs. 4. Volunteers stated that having a child/children in 4-H and being given a job description did not affect their decision in volunteering.