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Overview and Components This study examined the relationship between the leadership skills of adult community leaders in rural Montana and their participation in 4-H as youth.
Start Date March 2008
Scope state
Type afterschool, summer/vacation, weekend
Location rural
Setting community-based organization
Participants adult community leaders who participated in 4-H as youth
Number of Sites/Grantees 44 rural counties with populations of 15,000 or less
Number Served A sample of 256 rural community leaders were identified for the study.
Study Details Surveys were administered to selected community leaders in rural Montana, asking them about their involvement in 4-H as youth, community activities, and how their involvement in 4-H impacted their leadership skills as adults. While surveys examined factors contributing to their success beyond 4-H, the information in this profile focuses on the influence of 4-H on respondents’ leadership skills.
Funding Level Not applicable.
Funding Sources Montana State University Extension
Researchers Allison Flynn, Montana State University

Martin Frick and Douglas Steele, Montana State University
Research Profiled Relationship Between Participation in 4-H and Community Leadership in Rural Montana
Research Planned None.
Reports Available Flynn, A., Frick, M., & Steele, D. (2010). Relationship between participation in 4-H and community leadership in rural Montana. Journal of Extension, 48(2). Available at: www.joe.org/joe/2010april/rb1.php


Contacts

Program Allison Flynn
4-H/Youth Development Extension Agent
Montana State University
Helena, Montana
Tel: 406-447-8346
Email: aflynn@montana.edu
Research Allison Flynn
4-H/Youth Development Extension Agent
Montana State University
Helena, Montana
Tel: 406-447-8346
Email: aflynn@montana.edu
Profile Updated March 31, 2011

Research Study: Relationship between Participation in 4-H and Community Leadership in Rural Montana


Research Description

Research Purpose To examine rural community leaders who were former 4-H participants in terms of their level of community involvement (compared to that of non-members) and their perceptions of leadership skills acquired through 4-H.
Research Design

Quasi-Experimental and Non-Experimental: A survey was mailed to 256 rural community leaders, 75% of whom responded (n = 196). The average age of respondents was 55. The majority were Caucasian (96%) and male (62%), and had a bachelor’s degree or higher (64%). In addition, 34% were employed full time in agriculture and 65% pursued agricultural interests outside of their regular line of work. On average, 25% of respondents’ income was attributed to agricultural activities. Over half of the respondents were involved in civic, luncheon, or service clubs (65%); church groups (64%); community affairs organizations (59%); and agricultural groups (51%).

Of respondents, 58% indicated they were enrolled in 4-H as youth. Half of those enrolled in 4-H were enrolled in the community in which they currently resided. More than half of the 4-H alumni in the sample (55%) participated in 4-H for at least 5 years, with many participating 9 years or more (38% of the sample). 4-H alumni most commonly indicated that they participated in the following 4-H activities as youth: fairs (83%), demonstrations (83%), judging various contests (73%), holding office (67%), and being a committee member (67%).
Data Collection Methods Surveys/Questionnaires: The survey was modified from a study conducted by Tharp (1998). Survey items included information on respondents’ demographics, involvement in community activities, factors that contributed to successful leadership, and participation in 4-H as youth. Respondents were scored on their level of participation in community activities: 1 point if they participated in a community group, 2 points if they were a committee member, and 4 points if they were an officer.

Reference:
Tharp, A. (1998). The relationship between participation in 4-H and community leadership in rural Indiana (Unpublished master's thesis). Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana.
Data Collection Timeframe 2008


Findings:
Summative/Outcome Findings

Community Development

Former 4-H participants had significantly higher average agricultural group participation scores than respondents who had not participated in 4-H (mean = 2.25 vs. 1.34 respectively, p = .002). There were no other significant differences on average participation scores between former 4-H participants and non-participants for any of the other community involvement activities (civic, luncheon, or service groups; chamber of commerce; community affairs organizations; school organizations; local or county political offices or organizations; church groups; and educational groups).

For former 4-H participants, 4-H was ranked as the second highest contributor to their success as leaders, after “learning from others.” The average score for the degree to which 4-H contributed to their leadership success was 3.81, on a scale of 1 (“none”) to 5 (“great”).
Workforce Development 4-H alumni were asked to rank the impact of their 4-H experiences on their adult life, on a scale of 1 (“none”) to 5 (“great”). Most items had an average rank between “some” and “much” (i.e., between 3 and 4 on the scale), including: “taught you how to participate in the conduct of meetings” (mean = 3.89), “influenced you to participate in community activities” (mean = 3.86), “helped you in developing leadership skills” (mean = 3.73). “prepared you in assuming leadership roles” (mean = 3.69), “involved you in planning club activities” (mean = 3.67), “helped you become a more effective community leader” (mean = 3.64), “has been of value in your career” (mean = 3.64), “influenced your decision to become a leader” (mean = 3.63), “gave you the opportunity to lead others” (mean = 3.51), and “helps you in your present occupation” (mean = 3.42). One item had an average rating below “some” (3 on the scale): “helped you in obtaining a job” (mean = 2.80).

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