Involvement and Programming, the Keys to Making the Best Better Through Longer Participation. Extension Rural Sociology, Occasional Paper #1 / Meredith Scales.

The purpose of the 4-H membership study conducted in Garrard County, Kentucky, was to determine why a large percentage of individuals discontinue 4-H between their 8th and 9th year of school. Thirty-four individuals completed questionnaires designed to measure the extent of their participation when they were 4-H members and to learn the reasons for termination of their membership. Examination of the data collected showed that many had been relatively inactive members, that 4-H lost in competition with other clubs, and that some thought members should have more responsibility for program planning. The major recommendations for membership retention were (1) more active participation on the part of the members, (2) more dedicated leadership by qualified leaders and parents, (3) better timing of meetings to prevent conflict with other clubs, and (4) better programming. (PS)

Microfiche. [Washington D.C.]: ERIC Clearinghouse microfiches : positive.