A delicate elastic line between the agent and volunteers defines the roles and tasks. As volunteers perform more program management tasks, they want more authority and ownership of the 4-H program. Both volunteers and agents must recognize and manage this dynamic tension. The tension created can be positive or negative, depending on the individuals involved. I observed mostly positive influences.
Several factors are instrumental in the expanded involvement of key volunteers.
Agent self-confidence . Agents need self-confidence to allow and enable volunteers to successfully assume more ownership of the program. Belief in volunteerism . A clear understanding by the agent and Extension administrators in the value of a leader-centered program is a must. This will provide a consistent, purposeful framework needed for implementation.