It is important to provide leaders with opportunities for growth through new challenges. Not only will such challenges help keep leaders active, they will serve as a way to enhance their leadership skills. They should be involved as fully as possible in all aspects of the projects they undertake. Recognizing volunteers' contributions publicly is an important way to acknowledge what they have done and to thank them. Most volunteers do not become active in groups because they anticipate awards or recognition, but recognition serves as an incentive for future volunteer efforts.
People recognize that others like themselves can make valuable and appreciated contributions.
Public acknowledgment of achievements helps leaders grow, because it increases their confidence in what they are doing and it serves to identify these leadership accomplishments for the membership. Involving local people in Extension program development increases the capacity of persons involved. When leaders have opportunity to make decisions and learn how to direct a strong local educational program, they become more skilled in deciding and conducting the program they choose. They are able to use these skills beyond the Extension program - they reach out in widening circles to exert leadership in all facets of life. Our model for program development centers on people involvement.