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.
Citation
Scholten, A. (2024). Cobblestone Farms, Fayetteville: A Study of a Non-Profit Teaching Farm’s Volunteer Management Programs. Graduate Theses and Dissertations Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/etd/5519