Factors related to motivating adult somalis with refugee status to volunteer for 4-H

Abstract

Focus group interviews were held with adult Somali immigrants to assess their likelihood of volunteering for 4- H in Maine. This qualitative study was undertaken to identify best practices for engaging the growing Somali- Mainer population as a volunteer base. Results of the study demonstrate that Somali immigrant adults are willing to volunteer for 4-H when the outcome will be higher academic achievement for their children and when volunteering matches their cultural expectation of helping others. Additionally, Somali adults reported limitations related to their ability to volunteer, particularly language barriers and child-care commitments.