Urban and Rural 4-H Adult Volunteer Leaders\u27 Preferred Forms of Recognition and Motivation

The article describes a study comparing the motives of urban and rural volunteers and identified differences in recognition preferences. A survey sent to 714 leaders across urban and rural Nebraska yielded 326 usable responses. Urban and rural respondents identified affiliation as their primary motivation. Urban respondents were more positive about the state and county 4-H programs. Rural volunteers were less interested in recognition at the county fair. Both groups identified Letters from 4-H members as the most meaningful form of recognition. The article presents recommendations for broader volunteer recruitment strategies and more personalized 4-H volunteer recognition