Identification of Volunteer Screening Practices for Selected Ohio Youth Organizations

This qualitative study identified volunteer screening practices for selected Ohio youth organizations. Programs were selected based on current volunteer screening in place and involvement of adult volunteers giving leadership to youth-focused programs. Eight volunteer coordinators were interviewed using an interview schedule focused on program screening procedures, liability issues, and volunteer responsibilities. Use of selected screening devices, specific volunteer screening policies, and potential volunteer non-acceptance and liability issues were identified as overall patterns from the data. The researcher concluded that screening procedures are being implemented but that additional focus on consistent policies, implementation of advanced screening devices, and strengthening of current practices should be addressed

Youth Program Risk Management: A Case Study of the 4-H PetPALS Program

Risk management has been an especially important topic in the 4-H youth development program over the past 15 years. Traditional programs face challenges as risks are identified and new programs are under increased scrutiny to ensure that youth and volunteers are in a safe environment. 4-H PetPALS serves as an example of a program designed and implemented with risk management strategies incorporated throughout the process. In this article we describe the risks associated with this type of program and the management strategies that must be considered and implemented in order to ensure that a positive learning environment is achieved

4-H Youth Development Professionals\u27 Perceptions of the Importance of and Their Current Level of Competence with Selected Volunteer Management Competencies

The descriptive research reported here investigated Extension 4-H Youth Development professionals\u27 perceptions of the importance of, and their current level of competence with, 127 selected contemporary volunteer management competencies organized into nine constructs. A census of NAE4-HA members was used to collect data using a Web-based questionnaire. While respondents indicated that all nine constructs were important in their management of volunteers, corresponding levels of competence were not as high. We conclude that a framework for professional development for NAE4-HA members related to the management of volunteers be developed and implemented focusing holistically on the nine volunteer management constructs

Is There Justice? Seeking Fairness in Cooperative Extension Programs During Times of Change

Cooperative Extension Service administrators on the federal, state, regional, district, and county level will be challenged in the coming years to provide leadership as their organizations are defined in a changing society. Recognizing and implementing strategies to ensure positive perceptions of organizational justice will reap tremendous rewards in the form of increased satisfaction, commitment, trust, and citizenship. At the same time, positive perceptions of justice will reduce employee turnover and workplace aggression issues. This article defines organizational justice, including its four constructs; raises the importance of the issue; and offers strategies to address fairness/justice in the workplace

Ohio 4-H Youth Development Extension Agents\u27 Use of Volunteer Screening Tools

While volunteers are needed for youth development programs, it is imperative that a sound selection process is in place so that the most appropriate individuals are selected to work with young people. The article outlines the results of a research project undertaken to describe the current use of volunteer selection tools with the Ohio 4-H Youth Development program. The authors describe the level of use of specific selection tools and the extent to which specific volunteers are screened prior to placement. The authors offer recommendations and implications applicable to any Extension program using volunteers to deliver programs to vulnerable audiences

2 nd Runner-Up Outstanding Paper presented at the 19 th Annual Association for International Agricultural and Extension Education Conference

Abstract This descriptive-correlational study investigated Ohio State University (O.S.U.) Extension county agent