Date of Graduation

8-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Agricultural & Extension Education (MS)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Agricultural Education, Communications and Technology

Advisor/Mentor

Estepp, Christopher

Committee Member

Miller, Jefferson D.

Second Committee Member

Cox, Cassandra

Keywords

Agricultural education; Agriculture; Experiential learning; Nonprofit management; Nonprofit teaching farm; Volunteer management

Abstract

Non-profit teaching farms (NPTFs) represent a unique intersection of mission-driven non-profits, agricultural education, and sustainable food production. Despite their growing presence, research on NPTFs, particularly regarding volunteer management, remains limited. This thesis examines volunteer management practices at Cobblestone Farms (CF), a prominent NPTF in Northwest Arkansas, focusing on its strategies to engage and retain volunteers. Through qualitative methods including semi-structured interviews with staff and volunteers, the study identifies, describes, and evaluates key components of CF's volunteer management program. Major findings reveal that CF leverages digital media, online platforms like Give Pulse, and strategic partnerships to recruit and maintain volunteers. The farm's approach emphasizes experiential learning, agricultural education, and fostering a strong organizational culture aligned with its mission of sustainable agriculture and community food security. Recommendations include enhancing digital outreach, cultivating a supportive organizational culture, and implementing structured volunteer recognition to optimize volunteer engagement and retention. This research contributes to filling the gap in understanding effective volunteer management strategies tailored for NPTFs, offering insights applicable to similar organizations seeking to maximize volunteer impact and organizational sustainability.

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