Volunteer leaders believe that their leadership experiences made their lives fuller,

increased their self-esteem and expanded their horizons (Kajer, 1996).

 In a study of volunteer leaders in agricultural organizations, the motivations to

serve in leadership roles in agricultural organizations were found to be a concern for

people, the responsibility to support their profession, it's something they believe in, it's

an outlet for their talents, it's a source of enjoyment and satisfaction, it's their duty to use

their talents in service to others, and they believe they owe it to their industry (Kajer,

1996).

 In Kajer's study of volunteer leaders (1996), the importance of being asked to

take on a particular leadership role was emphasized. When individuals are asked to

serve, it affirms the confidence of others in their leadership abilities, which also raises

their individual self-confidence and firms their resolve not to let the people down who

asked them. Those that participated in this study felt that the "asking" could be improved

by treating it as a grooming process for leadership rather than a single request.

 Respondents to the study of volunteer leaders in agricultural organizations felt

there is little involvement of women in most agricultural organizations as active members

and especially as leaders. There is a great deal of leadership potential being wasted with

the absence of women. Increased involvement of women would increase the pool of

leaders and make available the special talents and interests that women have. The "good

old boys network" continues to be a barrier for women with the stereotyping of women's

roles continued to be reinforced by both genders at the family, community, and

organization levels. A general consensus has been found that the process of breaking