Volunteer leaders, like Ernie Barnes featured in this image, offer hundreds of hours of their time and their expertise to support youth programs. His passion for agriculture is so strong, he put on a colorful hat at this event at the Iowa State Fair. In the ring behind him, a young man offers his winning lamb for sale. Ernie and the volunteers around the ring help coax a few extra dollars from the bidders in the stands. It is not about the money; it is about encouraging youth to stay in agriculture.
The shift of population from rural to urban communities has not had a positive impact on neighborhood-based programs in either culture. Leaders and volunteers in both cultures know how important community based programs are to maintaining a vibrant community.