The Influence of Past Experiences on the Motivation of Adult Volunteers

Authors

  • Marcus Eason University of Georgia
  • A. Christian Morgan University of Georgia
  • Dennis W. Duncan University of Georgia
  • John C. Ricketts Tennessee State University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/jyd.2011.198

Abstract

From its’ conception, 4-H has encouraged volunteerism and utilized volunteers to accomplish its’ mission - to assist youth in acquiring knowledge, developing life skills, and forming attitudes that will enable them to become self-directing, productive and contributing members of society. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the factors that motivated [state] 4-H camp volunteers to volunteer with 4-H youth. The Volunteer Functions Inventory was used as the theoretical base for this study. The Values construct (M=3.68) of the VFI was the highest motivating factor of adult 4-H volunteers. The Understanding construct (M=3.39) ranked the second highest motivational factor in volunteerism followed by Social construct (M=3.28), the Enhancement construct (M = 3.05) and the Protective construct (M=2.78). The Career construct (M=2.61) was the least motivating factor to adult volunteers. It was also found that participants that were not involved with 4-H as a youth volunteered more days per year than did participants who were former 4-H members.

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Published

2011-03-01

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 1 (2011)

Section

Feature Articles

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