The image of 4-H as perceived by selected Tennessee seventh graders

The 4-H organization for youth ages 9-19, is the youth education program of the Cooperative Extension Service. Tennessee's 4-H program had 185,000-plus members in 1993-94, up from 171,685 in 1992-93. Even though there has been an overall increase in enrollment, there has been an average 38 percent decrease in membership from the sixth to seventh grades during the past five years. One reason which could have an effect on the decreasing membership is the perception of the image of 4-H to these students. The purpose of this study was to look at relationships between 4-H membership and selected personal and family characteristics, and respondents' attitudes regarding the image of 4-H; to study the relationships between selected demographic variables and the 4-H members' level of participation in 4-H; to study the relationship between the level of parental support and the 4-H members' level of participation in 4-H; and to determine nonmembers' and drop-out members' perceptions of why they did not join or dropped out of 4-H, respectively. A questionnaire was developed with these objectives in mind. The surveys were administered by 4-H agents to seventh grade students at one school in each of six randomly selected counties. The findings in this study indicated that 4-H'ers who were more involved in 4-H made better grades (A's and B's), lived on a farm, were influenced by a 4-H agent to join, and had strong parental support for their participation in 4-H. The findings also indicated that 4-H members in general made better grades (A's and B's), had a mother/guardian working outside the home, had parents who were previous 4-H members, had friends who were 4-H members, and had positive attitudes toward 4-H. However, the findings also indicated that those 4-H members making better grades (A's and B's) were less likely to remain in 4-H—as were those 4-H members who were 14 or older. Findings also indicated the three main reasons nonmembers never joined 4-H and drop out members left 4-H were: 4-H didn't meet their interests, they didn't have time, and there were "other reasons." Nonmembers also felt they didn't know enough about 4-H. Another finding was that more than 50 percent of the 4-H members either agreed with or were undecided about the statement that 4-H was boring. Based upon these findings, it is recommended that: 1) more activities be developed which deal with more current issues facing the 4-H members or needed life skills; 2) more activities be developed for the older 4-H members in order to retain their membership; 3) a more aggressive program be implemented where the older members provide leadership, activities, and support for the younger 4-H members; 4) family activities be provided to encourage parental support of 4-H; and 5) 4-H agents should work with 4-H members in this age group to see what aspects of 4-H the members feel are boring and obtain suggestions and ideas for improvement.