Masters Theses

Date of Award

8-1975

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Agricultural Extension

Major Professor

Cecil Carter Jr.

Committee Members

Robert S. Dotson, Ben T. Powell

Abstract

This study was concerned with how various leadership organizations are related to junior 4-H membership. Data were collected from county Extension personnel in 72 counties in Tennessee by use of the Junior 4-H Audience Information Summary Survey. For purposes of analysis, data were classified into six sections according to the kind of volunteer leadership organizations and the numbers of leaders in each county. One purpose was to compare counties having selected types of volunteer leadership organizations with counties which did not have these leadership organizations as to differences in junior 4-H member enrollment, participation, leadership, sponsorship and recognition. Another purpose was to determine the relationship between the number of organizational leaders, project leaders and activity leaders for junior members and junior 4-H member enrollment, participation, leadership, sponsorship and recognition. Thirty-six independent variables were identified and used as a basis for determining the influence of volunteer leadership organizations on junior 4-H member enrollment, participation, leadership, sponsorship and recognition. Statistical tests used were the t-test and the Pearson's (r) correlation coefficient. The .05 level was accepted as being statistically significant. Computations were done by the University of Tennessee computing center. Major findings of the study were: 1. Counties with a volunteer 4-H leaders' organization had a larger number of clubs, total number of junior 4-H members and total number enrolled in 4-H. 2. More junior members participated in the breadbaking contest in counties that had a volunteer leaders organization. 3. More money was spent at the county level for junior members in counties that had a volunteer leaders organization. 4. Junior 4-H participation in the county public speaking contest, the demonstration contest and the district horse show was greater in counties that had a county 4-H council. 5. Counties with a citizens committee had more project leaders for junior members and more project leaders attending project leaders training meetings. 6. Counties with a citizens committee had more sources of funds for junior 4-H work. 7. Counties with a citizens committee recognized more teen and junior leaders. 8. Counties with project groups had more junior 4-H clubs. 9. Counties with project groups had a larger number of junior members participating in the public speaking contest, the demonstration contest, the breadbaking contest, and district 4-H camp. 10. Counties with project groups had spent more money at the local level for the junior 4-H members. 11. Counties wil project groups presented a larger number of awards on the local level to junior 4-H members. 12. Counties with a larger number of organizational, project and activity leaders also had a larger total enrollment, activity enrollment, project enrollment and total number of clubs. 13. Counties with a larger number of organizational, project and activity leaders also had higher junior 4-H participation in selected county events and activities. 14. Counties with a larger number of organizational, project and activity leaders also had a larger number of leader training meetings and had more leaders attending these training meetings. 15. Counties with a larger number of organizational, project and activity leaders also spent a higher amount of money for sponsorship of the total county program than did counties with a smaller number of leaders. 16. Counties with a larger number of organizational and activity leaders also provided more recognition for junior members and leaders. 17. Counties holding a larger number of leader training meetings also had greater participation in local, county, district and state 4-H events and activities. 18. Counties holding a larger number of leader training meetings also had a larger number of organizational, project and activity leaders. 19. Counties holding a larger number of leader training meetings also provided more recognition for junior members and leaders. Implications and recommendations were included.

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