ABSTRACT

Volunteers add public value to the communities where they live and work leading to changes in community conditions. This study assessed volunteers’ beliefs about perceived public value in the Extension 4-H Youth Development Program (YDP). Research results document Extension

4-H volunteers take active leadership roles, which leads to public value in communities. There is a direct application of skills gained as a result of their volunteer experience. Results provide evidence of how volunteers make a difference building social capital in four areas: increased civic involvement, better-connected communities, stronger communities, and improved community health.

Contributions by 4-H volunteers not only make communities stronger; they benefit individuals beyond those involved in the 4-H program. Leaders are encouraged to further substantiate and communicate to stakeholders the public value of volunteer impact by assessing how volunteers contribute in public and private organizations throughout their communities.

摘要

志愿者为他们生活和工作的社区增加公共价值，从而改变社区状况。本研究评估了志愿者对扩展 4-H 青年发展计划 (YDP) 中感知到的公共价值的看法。研究成果文件扩展

4-H 志愿者发挥积极的领导作用，从而在社区中创造公共价值。由于他们的志愿者经历而获得的技能可以直接应用。结果证明了志愿者如何在四个领域发挥社会资本的作用：增加公民参与、建立更好的社区联系、更强大的社区和改善社区健康。

4-H 志愿者的贡献不仅使社区更强大；它们使参与 4-H 计划的个人受益。鼓励领导者通过评估志愿者如何在整个社区的公共和私人组织中做出贡献，进一步证实并向利益相关者传达志愿者影响的公共价值。