Iowa Master Gardener Coordinator s Guide

Transcription

1 0 Iwa Master Gardener Crdinatr s Guide

2 1 OBJECTIVE Fr use by Iwa State University Extensin and Outreach staff when develping and crdinating a cunty- r areabased Master Gardener Prgram. This guide will help yu answer the questins: What is the Iwa Master Gardener Prgram? Hw is the cre training cnducted? What can Master Gardener vlunteers d? What are effective ways t rganize and manage the prgram? What resurces are available t supprt the Master Gardener prgram? Learn mre abut the Iwa Master Gardener prgram Visit the Iwa Master Gardener website at Cntact the Iwa State University Extensin Master Gardener Staff: Prgram Crdinatr: Denny Schrck, dennys@iastate.edu Assistant Crdinatr: Susan DeBlieck, deblieck@iastate.edu

3 2 ABOUT THE MASTER GARDENER PROGRAM... 4 Fcus n educatin and vlunteers... 4 Histry f the Master Gardener prgram... 4 Histry f Iwa State University Extensin and Outreach... 4 Hw is the prgram administered?... 5 State staff respnsibilities... 5 Lcal respnsibilities... 6 Annual schedule fr crdinatrs... 6 Prgram Funding... 7 Wh can becme a Master Gardener?... 7 Vlunteer Categries... 8 TRAINING GUIDELINES... 9 Cmmunicating abut the training... 9 What is the training schedule?... 9 What is the registratin prcess?... 9 Abut Backgrund Checks Selecting trainees Abut the Pr-Hrt ptin Materials fr the training What is included in the training? Are students required t attend all the classes? Hw are fees handled? Managing Training Sessins MANAGING VOLUNTEERS What are the Master Gardener service requirements? Hw des a Master Gardener Intern becme a Master Gardener? What are the requirements t cntinue as an active Master Gardener? Hw is vlunteer service defined? What cunts as cntinuing educatin? Vlunteer Reprting System Backgrund Checks Search fr Excellence Award When can the Master Gardener title be used? Hw d Master Gardeners transfer int the Iwa prgram? Reinstating Master Gardeners wh have been inactive... 19

4 3 What rights and respnsibilities d Iwa Master Gardeners have? Can an Iwa Master Gardener be fired? Wrking with Master Gardener finances Using the Iwa Master Gardener lg Helping vlunteers interact with the public Celebrating achievements Creating a lng-term prgram APPENDICES Appendix A: Sample Lcal Master Gardener Advisry Cmmittee Guidelines Appendix B: Sample Master Gardener Applicatin Frm Appendix C: Vlunteer Backgrund Screening Authrizatin Frm Appendix D: Vlunteer Backgrund Screening Disclsure Appendix E: Sample Interest Inventry Appendix F: Sample Master Gardener Vlunteer Training Agreement... Errr! Bkmark nt defined. Appendix G: Sample Recruiting News Release Appendix H: Sample Master Gardener Semester Schedule Appendix I: Objectives f Iwa Master Gardener Training Units... Errr! Bkmark nt defined. Appendix J: Guidelines fr Iwa Master Gardener Interns and Master Gardener Appendix K: Sample Master Gardener Cmmunity Prject Agreement Appendix L: Sample Master Gardener Letter f Intent fr Client Appendix M: Sample Master Gardener Mini-grant Prpsal Frm Appendix N: Hrticultural Plant and Pest Specialists Appendix O: ISU Insurance Liability Plicy... 0 Appendix P: Master Gardener Standards f Behavir... 1 Appendix O: Available Prmtinal Materials... 3

5 4 ABOUT THE MASTER GARDENER PROGRAM Fcus n educatin and vlunteers The Iwa Master Gardener rganizatin is an educatinal and vlunteer service prgram f the Iwa State University (ISU) Cllege f Agriculture and Life Sciences and ISU Extensin and Outreach. Thrugh the Iwa Master Gardener prgram, interested vlunteers receive training in hrticulture. In exchange fr this training, Iwa Master Gardeners share their time and knwledge n apprved prjects within their cmmunities. Thrugh the leadership, instructin, and hands-n assistance prvided by Master Gardeners, the brad resurces f Iwa State University are extended t benefit Iwans at the lcal level and enhance the quality f life in Iwa cmmunities. Iwa State University Extensin and Outreach is a partnership including Iwa State University, the U.S. Department f Agriculture, and lcal Extensin districts. This partnership cperates with lcal gvernments and citizens t extend infrmatin frm the university t citizens thrughut Iwa. Histry f the Master Gardener prgram The Master Gardener prgram began as a respnse t public demand fr hrticultural infrmatin frm lcal extensin ffices in the state f Washingtn in The pilt prgram prvided interested individuals with specialized hme garden hrticulture training in exchange fr vlunteer assistance t extensin service persnnel in prviding individualized infrmatin t clients. The successful prgram in Washingtn prvided a pattern, and nw, all states, the District f Clumbia, and fur Canadian prvinces have rganized Master Gardener prgrams. It is estimated that there are nearly 100,000 active participants in the Master Gardener prgram natinwide. The Iwa Master Gardener prgram was first ffered in Sctt Cunty (Davenprt) in 1979 with 17 trainees. Mre than 14,000 Iwans in nearly all f Iwa s 99 cunties have been trained as Master Gardeners. In a typical year, training is held in apprximately 30 lcatins arund the state. The Master Gardener prgram als has been used as a mdel fr several ther vlunteer training prgrams, including the Master Wdlt Managers, Master Cmpsters and Master Cnservatinists. Histry f Iwa State University Extensin and Outreach Iwa State University Extensin and Outreach is part f the Cperative Extensin Service. Cngress established this natinal prgram in 1914 t distribute infrmatin develped by land grant universities and research statins t citizens. Fr mre details n the histry f Iwa State Extensin and Outreach g t Fr mre infrmatin n the histry f Iwa State University g t

6 5 What is the Master Gardener prduct? Extensin and Outreach s prduct is infrmatin. The lng-term credibility f that infrmatin depends n everyne wh represents ISU Extensin and Outreach. The cnfidence that clientele have that the infrmatin they receive is reliable and credible is the fundatin upn which the Extensin Service is built. As Extensin vlunteers, Master Gardeners are expected t uphld university research-based findings even when the infrmatin is new r different frm the vlunteer s persnal experience r pinin. If using the Internet as an infrmatin surce, vlunteers must reference nly websites that are reputable based n respnsible research that preferably is academic, and apprpriate t Iwa s climate, cnditins, and cld hardiness znes. Hw is the prgram administered? The state Master Gardener prgram is administered and crdinated by ISU Extensin and Outreach faculty and staff. They develp and prvide curriculum and prgram materials, and als versee the technical details related t curse delivery. At the lcal level, the ISU Extensin and Outreach cunty ffice administers the Master Gardener prgram. Lcal staff members crdinate training and prvide supprt t Master Gardener vlunteer educatin and service prjects. State staff respnsibilities. Denny Schrck, lecturer and part-time state crdinatr f the Master Gardener prgram is respnsible fr scheduling the Master Gardener training sessins and assuring that the training materials are current, accurate, and available t all training sites at the apprpriate time. He wrks with ISU faculty and extensin staff t set bjectives and prepare the training materials. Susan DeBlieck, prgram assistant is respnsible fr supprting crdinatrs and statewide cmmunicatins The State Master Gardener Advisry Cmmittee advises the state crdinatr n plicies fr the prgram and assists with planning state and reginal cnferences. The grup s bjectives are t develp prgramming strategies and gverning plicies that are in the best interests f the Iwa Master Gardener prgram and its vlunteers. Each member f the advisry cmmittee serves as an ambassadr f the Iwa Master Gardener Prgram by prmting its missin in wrd and deed as a vlunteer and with particular attentin tward cmmunicating this missin t lcal, cunty, reginal and state fficials in rder t assure the cntinuance and effectiveness f the prgram thrughut the state. This grup meets at least twice per year. Membership cnsists f five Master Gardeners and five cunty crdinatrs representing five gegraphic regins f the state. In additin, an Extensin & Outreach reginal directr and members f the state Master Gardener staff serve n the cmmittee. Fr mre details n the cmmittee, including minutes frm past meetings, see the State Advisry Cmmittee website page

7 6 Lcal respnsibilities Lcal Master Gardener prgrams require effrt and cmmitment. Extensin cunty staff will need t be invlved in crdinating and hsting the training, cllecting requests fr help, prviding guidance and supprt t vlunteers, and verifying service hurs and activities. Intrducing the Master Gardener prgram may create mre demand fr hrticultural infrmatin resulting in a selfperpetuating effect f increased demand. Lcal prgrams may encmpass ne r mre cunties. A lcal crdinatr is expected t: Training: Oversee the training site, Direct trainee recruitment and selectin, Verify Master Gardener service hurs, and Supprt Master Gardener vlunteer prjects. The lcal crdinatr may be an Extensin educatin directr, an Extensin agriculture r hrticulture field specialist, a lcally paid prgram assistant, r a Master Gardener vlunteer. Master Gardeners and interns may fulfill service hurs by helping the crdinatr. Where t find Master Gardener Crdinatr materials & infrmatin: Website: Iwa Master Gardeners Facebk: Iwa Master Gardeners Twitter: mgardener_ia Fr mre infrmatin abut handling finances related t the Master Gardener prgram see Wrking with Master Gardener Finances. A lcal advisry cmmittee may be established t discuss prgram activities and needs, plan recruitment f future Master Gardener trainees, and develp cmmunity vlunteer activities. See Appendix A fr an example f the structure f a lcal Master Gardener advisry cmmittee. Master Gardeners in sme parts f the state have rganized int grups that meet n a regular basis t wrk n prjects and plan educatinal prgrams fr their wn benefit and t help the public learn abut hrticulture. Annual schedule fr crdinatrs Mnth, January February March September Octber Nvember December Activity Verify Master Gardener hurs Hrticulture In-Service meeting fr crdinatrs in Ames Search fr Excellence Award submissins due Start f cre curse training Fall Saturday class-n-campus training sessin Cre curse training sessins cnclude Vlunteer service and cntinuing educatin hurs are due

8 7 Prgram Funding Funds fr the Iwa Master Gardener Prgram cme frm cre training fees, cntinuing educatin webinar fees, cnference registratin fees, and sales f Master Gardener prmtinal items such as shirts. While ISU Extensin and Outreach indirectly supprts the Master Gardener prgram thrugh staff salaries, n direct line item budget exists fr Iwa Master Gardener prgram peratinal expenses in the verall ISU Extensin and Outreach budget. The Master Gardener management team seeks external grants fr specific prgrams that invlve Master Gardeners. Similarly, many lcal Master Gardener prgrams apply fr and btain grants fr specific prjects. In additin, fund-raising events such as plant sales and class fees help supprt lcal Master Gardener grups. The table belw utlines varius Master Gardener funding surces and where thse funds are used. Funding Surce: What the Funding Surce Supprts: supprt: Iwa State University Extensin & Outreach and Department f Hrticulture thrugh Federal and state funds State Extensin Master Gardener ffice thrugh cre curse fees; PrHrt class fees; cntinuing educatin class fees; sale f prmtinal items; cnference fees; grants; dnatins Cunty Extensin funds based n cunty Extensin budget allcatin Lcal Master Gardener Prgram: lcal prgram generated fees thrugh classes; hrticulture events; sales, gifts, grants; dnatins. Wh can becme a Master Gardener? Master Gardener state crdinatr and assistant crdinatr psitins; state Extensin faculty psitins that supprt the Master Gardener prgram; peratinal expenses (facilities) fr the abve psitins Operatinal expenses fr the state Master Gardener ffice and staff including prductin f educatinal materials fr vlunteers; vlunteer cntinuing educatin classes, cnferences, events; vlunteer recgnitin; prgram prmtin and marketing; newsletters; telephne, printing, pstage and materials handling fees; IT supprt fr the cre curse and webinars; sme state crdinatr and assistant crdinatr travel csts; supprt fr selected educatinal prgramming activities. Lcal extensin staff and Master Gardener crdinatr psitins; cunty extensin supprt staff psitins; cunty extensin ffice peratins. Lcal Master Gardener educatinal events, classes, etc.; lcal Master Gardener peratins; pssibly lcal Master Gardener revenue share tward lcal extensin staff psitin and/r peratins All adults (18 years f age r lder) with an interest in gardening are eligible t apply fr Iwa Master Gardener training. A ptential Master Gardener must demnstrate interest in gardening, enthusiasm fr acquiring and sharing knwledge, and sincere cmmitment t vlunteerism and cmmunity betterment. Applicants wh d nt intend t vlunteer shuld be directed t apply as a PrHrt student rather than as a Master Gardener trainee.

9 8 Vlunteer Categries Master Gardener Trainee An applicant wh has been accepted int the Master Gardener cre curse prgram r ne wh has nt yet cmpleted the cre curse, class n campus, and passed (scre f 70/100 r higher) the cre curse final assessment is cnsidered a Master Gardener Trainee. Master Gardener Intern Vlunteer-in-training wh has successfully cmpleted the cre curse training prgram and has passed the final class assessment with a scre f 70/100 r higher May need t cmplete internship befre taking n leadership rles in cunty Has access t all prgram & Extensin resurces, staff, website, educatin, events, etc. Inactive Master Gardener Intern Vlunteer-in-training wh has nt cmpleted the 40-hur internship by the due date (December 31 st f the year after the Master Gardener Training is cmpleted) May reactivate by: Lgging 40 hurs f vlunteer service, and Lgging 12 hurs f cntinuing educatin within 12 mnths. Active Master Gardener Successfully cmpleted initial internship f 40 hurs Annually fulfills and reprts n-line a minimum f 20 vlunteer service and 10 cntinuing educatin hurs Signs the annual vlunteer agreement Is eligible fr vlunteer activities Has access t all prgram & Extensin resurces, staff, website, educatin, events, etc. Inactive Master Gardener Has nt reprted the minimum required vlunteer and/r cntinuing educatin hurs during the past calendar year If the length f the inactive status is tw years r less, may reactivate by lgging 24 vlunteer hurs and 12 hurs f cntinuing educatin. If the length f inactive status is lnger than tw years, additinal cntinuing educatin may be required t reactivate (see Reinstating Master Gardeners wh have been inactive). Years in inactive status d nt cunt tward years f Master Gardener service awards Has access t all prgram & Extensin resurces, staff, website, educatin, events, etc. Lifetime Master Gardener Cnsidered in gd standing with the prgram at the time f such designatin Has accrued 10 r mre years and 1500 vlunteer hurs as an active Master Gardener May cntinue t vlunteer and reprt hurs as able, but is nt required t lg vlunteer hurs r meet minimum hurs requirements Has access t all prgram & Extensin resurces, staff, website, educatin, events, etc.

10 9 Hnrary Master Gardener Smene wh has cntributed significantly t the lcal r statewide Iwa Master Gardener prgram, but wh is nt an active Master Gardener and may nt have taken the Master Gardener cre curse TRAINING GUIDELINES Cmmunicating abut the training Materials are available n the staff side f the Master Gardener website t prmte the training including: press releases (see Appendix G: Sample Recruiting News Release), brchures, banners, pstcards, and newspaper ads. What is the training schedule? Master Gardener training is ffered in the fall (running September thrugh Nvember). March Training dates fr the fllwing fall are annunced, nline registratin pens August Online registratin is due. Cunty training hsts must place an rder with the MG state ffice t rder materials fr the class. Training begins. December Training cncludes What is the registratin prcess? T register fr the Master Gardener training, wrk with applicants t cmplete the fllwing steps: 1. Individuals cmplete an nline applicatin frm n the Vlunteer Reprting System (VRS). Cunty staff get an cnfirming the new applicatin. The list f applicants can be viewed in the VRS, n the Applicants tab. 2. Cunty Extensin & Outreach staff send messages t applicants letting them knw their status (accepted, n the waiting list, r denied). 3. Cunty Extensin & Outreach staff cllect $195 fee fr the MG training (checks g t the cunty ffice). 4. Cunty Extensin staff mail backgrund check materials t accepted applicants by a week prir t the state registratin deadline. (see Appendix C: Vlunteer Backgrund Screening Authrizatin Frm and Appendix D: Vlunteer Backgrund Screening Disclsure). Allw 5 business days fr the backgrund checks t be prcessed. 5. The list f wh is accepted int the MG Training shuld be shared with the state MG Assistant Crdinatr. 6. Based n the list f accepted trainees, ISU Extensin & Outreach Stre will send training materials directly t cunty ffices. Mst rders are shipped within tw t three business days after the list is received. Any registrants submitted after the published deadline will be charged a $25 late fee. 7. Based n the list f accepted trainees, the Assistant Crdinatr will send an with the pre-assessment t cmplete befre the first day f class. 8. ISU Extensin & Outreach Stre will send an invice fr the cst f materials ($145) plus shipping fees. Alternatively, cunty staff may pick up the training materials at Extensin Distributin t save shipping csts.

11 10 Abut Backgrund Checks All applicants t the Master Gardener training must underg a backgrund screening check cnducted by First Advantage thrugh the Iwa Assciatin f Cunty Extensin Cuncils. Find mre details here. The cst f the backgrund check is apprximately $35 and is charged t the cunty by First Advantage. The $50 f the $195 training fee that remains with the cunty ffice shuld mre than cver the cst f the backgrund check. Keep cmpleted backgrund check frms n file in a lcked filing cabinet in the cunty ffice. Please keep a list f Master Gardeners that have cmpleted and passed the backgrund checks with the date cmpleted (see Appendix C: Vlunteer Backgrund Screening Authrizatin Frm and Appendix D: Vlunteer Backgrund Screening Disclsure). Selecting trainees Selecting mtivated learners and willing vlunteers can be difficult and demanding. Sme crdinatrs use an applicatin frm (see Appendix B fr a sample) alng with a persnal interview. N minimum number f participants is required fr a cunty t ffer the training, hwever, in rder t have state hrticulture staff present ne f the face-t-face class sessins, a minimum f 12 participants is required. T meet the minimum requirement fr face-t-face assistance, yu may pair with a neighbring cunty and hld jint face-tface sessins. Cunty ffices select the best vlunteers after they have applied t the Master Gardener prgram. Interviews may r may nt be useful when selecting participants wh are mtivated t be successful vlunteers fr the lcal extensin ffice. Ntify applicants as sn as pssible regarding their status as accepted, n the waiting list, r denied. Despite initial appearances, sme individuals may drp ut f the training prgram r disappear after graduatin. This ccurs in every prgram. A drput rate f 10 percent r fewer is utstanding fr any prgram. One f the crdinatr s tasks is t maintain cntact with thse individuals and draw them back t the prgram if pssible. It may take just ne phne call t bring them back. Cnsideratin f the fllwing factrs als may be helpful: Desired number f vlunteers N minimum number f participants is required by the state Master Gardener ffice fr a cunty t ffer the training. Cunty Extensin Cuncils r the lcal Master Gardener crdinatr may, hwever, set a minimum class size. Lcal crdinatrs have fund that a class size f 15 t 25 is a manageable number t train and supervise. Larger classes require mre time and a greater number and variety f vlunteer prjects. Diversity Recruiting frm all cmmunities and ethnic grups increases the ptential fr brad vlunteer diversity. T learn mre, please view the nn-discriminatin statement n page 21.

12 11 Desired vlunteer jbs r tasks Deciding hw Master Gardeners can mst help lcal prgrams may influence the qualities sught. While all applicants are likely t have a basic understanding f gardening, a particular cmmunity may have a need fr vlunteers t wrk with a specific audience (fr example, 4H yuth). Individual mtivatin Experience demnstrates that the applicant s interest and mtivatin is ne f the mst significant factrs in their success as a Master Gardener. The primary reasn many vlunteers enter the Master Gardener prgram is t receive additinal training and educatin in gardening and hrticulture. The individual wh als willingly shares infrmatin r wh easily wrks with ther peple tends is a preferred applicant. Thse individuals wh want t receive the training t better manage their prperty r t get a better jb in a nursery r ther hrticultural business are nt as likely t cmplete a vlunteer internship. Als, applicants wh are encuraged t apply by their emplyers (garden centers r landscaping businesses) ften fail t cmplete a vlunteer internship. Yu may wish t encurage applicants with a cmmercial fcus t apply as a Pr-Hrt trainee rather than as a Master Gardener trainee. Many f these individuals fail t fllw thrugh n their vlunteer cmmitment nce the training is cmpleted. Sme lcal prgrams require participants t sign a vlunteer training agreement similar t the state-wide annual agreement. MG Guide and Wrkbk Abut the PrHrt ptin Individuals can participate in the cre curse training as PrHrt trainees. They may be lking fr a prfessinal training and learning best practices, but are nt interested in vlunteering. PrHrt trainees pay a higher registratin fee ($550, f which 20% r $110 stays with the lcal cunty) and receive a PrHrt certificate upn cmpletin f the cre curse training. T receive the certificate, they must pass the training pst-assessment with a scre f 70/100 r higher. They are nt Master Gardeners and are nt allwed t use the title Master Gardener. PrHrt trainees d nt need a backgrund check. Bks fr the training Each participant receives tw bks: the Iwa Master Gardener Wrkbk (MG 5) and the Resurce Guide fr Iwa Master Gardeners (MG 15). Bks are shipped frm ISU Extensin & Outreach Stre directly t the lcal crdinatr s ffice after the state ffice receives the cunty registratin list. Self-study guide review questins (frm the Wrkbk MG 5) are t be cmpleted after the lecture t test knwledge. Crrect answers are prvided t crdinatrs in CyBx t share. Study guide review questins in the wrkbk help emphasize main pints frm class sessins, encurage interns t becme familiar with the training materials and ther resurces, and help

13 12 interns gain cnfidence in answering questins they might be asked by the public. The state ffice des nt cllect results frm the self-study guide materials. Additinal educatinal materials are available in the frm f hrticulture publicatins frm Extensin Online Stre ( Lcal site crdinatrs may want t rder r dwnlad and print pdfs f publicatins related t each week s training sessin. In additin t the wrkbk and resurce guide, a Master Gardener Vlunteer Manual is available fr dwnlad by trainees. Yu may wish t print ut hard cpies f the vlunteer manual fr use during the rientatin sessin f the training class. The link t the nline evaluatin tl fr the Master Gardener Training will be shared with trainees t cmplete fr each lecture. What is included in the training? The curse includes the fllwing: a) an pening rientatin sessin, b) 16 tpical lectures, c) class n campus, d) a wrap-up/graduatin sessin, and e) ptinal additinal educatinal classes prvided lcally. See Appendix G fr a sample schedule. Master Gardener classes use a curriculum develped and reviewed by ISU Extensin and Outreach specialists. A. One pening sessin The rientatin sessin prvides time fr intrductins t the Master Gardener prgram. A PwerPint is prvided in CyBx fr this sessin. The sessin includes a) ice breaker games fr flks t get t knw ne anther, b) explanatin f training and Master Gardener expectatins, c) passing ut wrkbks and handbks, d) cvering the histry f ISU Extensin and Outreach, and e) intrducing vlunteer prjects and the Vlunteer Reprting System. B. Sixteen lectures Vides f sixteen tpical lectures are prvided n YuTube fr use fr the Master Gardener Training. ISU instructrs prvide lectures n tpics including: Sils, Btany, Plant Pathlgy, Entmlgy, Landscape Trees & Shrubs, Sustainable Hme Landscape Design, Fruit Culture, Turfgrass Management, Animal Eclgy, Weeds, Integrated Pest Management, Pesticides, Vegetables & Herbs, Huseplants, Plant Prpagatin, and Herbaceus Ornamentals. All sessin recrdings remain the prperty f the Iwa Master Gardener Prgram and are intended nly fr Master Gardener training. C. Saturday class n campus Trainees are expected t attend the Saturday class-n-campus. The event runs frm 8:30 a.m. t 3:45 p.m. Cst f the catered lunch is included in the cre curse registratin fee. Registratin fr this event is required. Trainees are encuraged t bring their Master Gardener Wrkbk (nt Resurce Guide) t campus t cmplete wrksheets in class (i.e. Entmlgy wrksheet). The lectures fr Btany, Entmlgy, and Plant Pathlgy must be cvered befre the class n campus prvides hands-n activities fr the 3 tpics. The Saturday class n campus features a series f hands-n exercises related t btany, cmpst, entmlgy, and plant pathlgy. Participant grups will be assigned a class rtatin that they are expected t fllw. The Cmpst tpic is nly cvered in the class n campus.

14 13 D. Clsing sessin A final class sessin is a time fr wrap-up, including discussin f expectatins fr vlunteer intern service. Sme cunties schedule a graduatin/recgnitin event fr new interns t help them get acquainted with active Master Gardeners. The state ffice will print and mail MG intern certificates fr everyne wh cmpletes the MG Training. Master Gardener interns are t receive their intern certificates after they pass the pst-assessment with a scre f 70/100 r abve. E. Optinal/additinal classes Sme cunties ffer additinal class sessins and charge additinal fees t cver material nt included in the state training. Tpics may include hands-n wrkshps such as tree pruning and greenhuse management. Pre- and Pst-Assessment T align with natinal Extensin Master Gardener standards, the Iwa Master Gardener prgram is required t measure the knwledge gained in the Master Gardener Training. A test including 100 questins cvering training tpics was created t meet this bjective. Bth the pre- and pstassessment cntain the same 100 questins. The link t the pre-assessment will be shared with Master Gardener trainees. Trainees may nly take the pre-assessment nce. They are nt required t pass the test. The link t the pst-assessment will be shared with trainees at the end f the training. Trainees must pass with a scre f 70/100 questins r higher within the defined timeline (i.e. Nvember 16 thrugh December 16, 2016) t becme a Master Gardener Intern. The trainees can take the pst-assessment as many times as they like. The pst-assessment is pen-bk; trainees are encuraged t use ISU Extensin & Outreach and Iwa Master Gardener materials t answer the questins. Are students required t attend all the classes? Yes. Crdinatrs are asked t track attendance fr each f the sessins. Other arrangements fr extenuating circumstances can be made at the discretin f the lcal crdinatr. If a trainee is unable t attend class n campus, the sessin shuld be made up at a future class-n-campus date r the trainee shuld cmplete the alternate class n campus materials. Hw are fees handled? The established statewide fee fr Master Gardener training is $195 per vlunteer trainee. Each student enrlls as an individual with full privileges and respnsibilities, including cmpleting his r her wn class assignments and vlunteer service. There are n discunts fr family members enrlling tgether. The cst t PrHrt trainees is $550. Of the basic $195 fee, $50 remains in the lcal ffice t cver lcal prgram csts and the cst t cnduct the backgrund check ($34.85). The remaining $145 per trainee appears as an expense n a mnthly statement t cunties frm the ISU Extensin Stre. Fr PrHrt trainees, 20% f the fee, r $110 remains in the cunty ffice; the remaining $440 is billed t cunties frm the ISU Extensin Stre. Sites may enrll additinal participants after the training September deadline, but must pay a late fee f $25 per participant. N additinal participants will be accepted after the secnd week f the training (i.e. this des nt include the rientatin sessin).

15 14 Refunds are available nly in rare circumstances. If a trainee has nt attended class and has nt marked n r in his/her student wrkbk, they may be returned (with state crdinatr apprval) fr a maximum credit f the $145 fee assessed by the ISU Extensin Stre. It us up t the cunty Extensin ffice t determine whether the $50 fee that applies fr backgrund check and lcal supplies is refunded. If a trainee started the curse but drpped ut in the first tw weeks, and he/she has marked n r in the Master Gardener Wrkbk r Master Gardener Resurce Guide, they cannt be returned. A charge f $25 fr each bk applies. Therefre, the maximum credit fr drpping the curse wuld be $95 (the $145 fee minus the $25 fee fr each bk). It is acceptable fr the cunty t buy the trainee s wrkbk and resurce guide fr the $25 fees if desired. If a trainee finds it necessary t drp the curse after the secnd week f training, n refund is likely. Hwever, lcal cunty Extensin staff may negtiate with the student accrding t individual circumstances. PrHrt: If a PrHrt trainee drpped in the first tw weeks, the maximum (with bks returned in mint cnditin) refund is $365. In the case f a refund, unmarked wrkbks and resurce guides can be returned t the ISU Extensin Stre. Managing Training Sessins In additin t prviding essential prgram cntent, grup training sessins ffer an pprtunity t share infrmatin abut ISU Extensin and Outreach, and fr participants t begin wrking tgether. COMMUNICATION: Build a strng cmmunicatin link with interns. Keep trainees infrmed f class lcatins, times, and pssible travel arrangements. Prvide a reminder f lcal expectatins fr participatin and fr reprting their participatin. Adding participant names t the lcal newsletter mailing list helps them becme aware f cmmunity Master Gardener prjects and successes. Slicit their suggestins fr imprving the prgram. COMMUNITY: Encurage cmmunicatin amng interns. Prvide nametags at every sessin. Arrange tables and chairs s participants can easily cnverse with ne anther. Because peple tend t sit in the same place time after time, it may be helpful t prvide an ice-breaking activity t make it easier fr all participants t meet each ther.

16 15 MANAGING VOLUNTEERS What are the Master Gardener service requirements? Trainees receive apprximately 40 hurs f researchbased classrm training. When training is cmpleted, trainees begin a ne-year Master Gardener internship. During this perid, interns must cmplete a minimum f 40 hurs f vlunteer service n apprved Master Gardener prjects within their cmmunities. Fllwing the cmpletin f this vlunteer service cmmitment, the intern is recgnized as an Iwa Master Gardener. Many cunties celebrate with a ceremny t recgnize New Master Gardener Materials new Master Gardeners. T remain active in the prgram, individuals must cmplete a minimum f 10 hurs f cntinuing educatin and 20 hurs f vlunteer service annually after their first year f internship. Hw des a Master Gardener Intern becme a Master Gardener? A Master Gardener Intern must cmplete at least 40 hurs f apprved vlunteer service by the end f the calendar year fllwing cmpletin f the cre curse training in rder t becme a Master Gardener. Fr example, a trainee wh begins training in September 2018 and finishes the classes in Nvember 2015 must cmplete a 40-hur internship by December 31, Vlunteer hurs are t be lgged in the nline Vlunteer Reprting System by the intern. What are the requirements t cntinue as an active Master Gardener? Fllwing successful cmpletin f the internship, the vlunteer becmes an Iwa Master Gardener and is cnsidered active. Based n vlunteer recrds in the Vlunteer Reprting System, the cunty crdinatr shuld place an rder t recgnize the new MG n the Materials Order Frm. Once the rder is placed, the vlunteer will receive a certificate, an fficial Master Gardener name badge and lapel pin with the Iwa Master Gardener lg. Active status is valid fr ne calendar year. Recertificatin f active status as a Master Gardener requires the vlunteer t sign an annual vlunteer agreement and t cmplete and reprt vlunteer service and cntinuing educatin hurs by the end f the calendar year. The annual vlunteer agreement is shared nline n the Vlunteer Reprting System (VRS). The vlunteer must cmplete and reprt a minimum f 10 hurs f cntinuing educatin and 20 hurs f vlunteer service during the calendar year. Lcal Master Gardener prgrams may require additinal service r educatin hurs. Hw is vlunteer service defined? 10 hurs f Educatin State guidelines define apprpriate Master Gardener vlunteer service as any hrticulture-related educatinal activity, public service, and/r activity that is spnsred by ISU Extensin and Outreach r apprved by the lcal ISU Extensin and Outreach 20 hurs f Service

17 16 ffice. This definitin is purpsefully brad in rder t accmmdate the largest pssible range f activities. The pprtunities fr Master Gardener invlvement are as varied as the individuals wh are trained. In additin t traditinal Extensin-spnsred functins (garden classes, fairs, and answering phne calls at the Extensin ffice), ther activities may be cmmunity-based r schl-related, such as infrmatin bths at farmers markets. Ultimately, what cunts as vlunteer time is a lcal decisin made by the lcal crdinatr, Extensin educatin directr, r lcal advisry cmmittee. Hwever, Master Gardener activities shuld include an educatinal cmpnent, as ppsed t activities that are just labr r cmmunity beautificatin. Sharing lcal guidelines with trainees is ne way t clarify expectatins and ensure cnsistency in recrdkeeping. Sme examples f vlunteer service prjects are prvided in Appendix G. What cunts as cntinuing educatin? Cntinuing educatin is expected t advance the Master Gardener s knwledge and understanding f hrticulture. It must be factual, accurate, and prvided by a surce generally recgnized as research based. Mst training pprtunities ffered by educatinal institutins, public gardens, and educatinfcused gardening rganizatins meet this requirement. Sessins ffered by entertainers and sales peple are less likely t d s. Listening t radi prgrams, watching televisin prgrams, and reading bks d nt cunt as cntinuing educatin. Ultimately, which activities cunt as cntinuing educatin is a lcal decisin made by the cunty crdinatr, extensin educatin directr, r lcal advisry cmmittee. Sharing lcal guidelines with trainees and with active Master Gardeners will help clarify expectatins and ensure cnsistency in recrdkeeping. Sme examples f cntinuing educatin pprtunities are given in Appendix I. Vlunteer Reprting System The Iwa Master Gardener prgram features an nline Vlunteer Reprting System (VRS). Master Gardener interns and vlunteers use this tl t enter their vlunteer hurs, cntinuing educatin hurs, and cntacts made while vlunteering. Hw-t vides abut the VRS are available here. The reprting year fllws the calendar year; vlunteer and cntinuing educatin hurs are due by December 31 st f each year. Vlunteers may reprt their hurs thrughut the year n an nging basis. Late submissins are nt included in state r federal reprts abut the MG prgram. By January f each year, the MG cunty crdinatr needs t verify the hurs in the VRS t mark that yes, these are verified vlunteer and cntinuing educatin hurs. Recrds f Master Gardener vlunteer and cntinuing educatin hurs are

18 imprtant fr dcumenting vlunteer status, recgnizing milestnes in a vlunteer s histry, and are an imprtant part f Extensin s annual reprts t federal and state funding agencies. Data cllected frm nline reprting is used t generate reprts abut MG impact and help illustrate the value f the prgram. New Master Gardener trainees are entered int the VRS autmatically when they register. If a vlunteer des nt have a cmputer r internet access, it is their respnsibility t wrk with the lcal cunty Master Gardener crdinatr t receive in-persn assistance in reprting hurs. Backgrund Checks Because they are vlunteers n behalf f Extensin and Outreach, all Master Gardener vlunteers need t pass the backgrund check by September Vlunteers that are cnsidered high risk need t be re-screened every 3 years. Learn mre here: Search fr Excellence Award Each spring, the Master Gardener Advisry Cmmittee seeks submissins fr Search fr Excellence (SFE) Awards. The SFE Awards recgnize grup prjects that have had a cmmunity impact. Categries f grup prjects include: Yuth Prgrams, Demnstratin Gardens, Wrkshp r Presentatin, Cmmunity Service, Innvative Prject, Special Needs Audience (Senir, Disabled r Hrticultural Therapy), and Research (applied scientific methdlgy). Thrugh the Search fr Excellence recgnitin prgram, Master Gardeners can demnstrate their utstanding cntributins t their cmmunities, prviding significant learning and impact in the lcal area. All SFE applicatins must shw that significant learning tk place, with the fcus n educating the general public rather than individual Master Gardeners. All SFE winning prjects must be a team effrt. Usually the awards are presented t individual cunty grups, but cperatin acrss cunty lines is encuraged as well. SFE Award submissins are made by the Master Gardeners t the Advisry Cmmittee by March 15 th. Fr mre infrmatin and t see the guidelines and applicatin, visit ur website: 17 When can the Master Gardener title be used? The title Iwa Master Gardener is t be used nly and exclusively in the ISU Extensin and Outreach Master Gardener Prgram. Iwa Master Gardeners are expected t identify themselves as Master Gardeners nly when ding unpaid public service wrk fr ISU Extensin and Outreach-

19 spnsred prgrams. Master Gardeners shuld nt advertise r prmte their places f business while vlunteering as a Master Gardener nr slicit business because f their training as a Master Gardener. Appearing at a cmmercial activity, having assciatin with cmmercial prducts, r giving implied university endrsement f any prduct r business is imprper. ISU Extensin and Outreach, f which the Master Gardener Prgram is a part, must be viewed as a surce f unbiased, researchbased infrmatin. Hwever, an individual may list his r her Master Gardener educatin and vlunteer service experience n a resume. When perfrming Master Gardener activities, Iwa Master Gardeners are agents f Iwa State University. When it is necessary t make recmmendatins that include the use f pesticides, Master Gardeners must fllw ISU and label recmmendatins. Master Gardeners are expected t give ISUsanctined recmmendatins and nt rely merely n their wn persnal experience, that f thers, r cmmn garden flklre. 18 Experienced Master Gardeners may receive invitatins t give educatinal presentatins t varius grups and rganizatins. Any payments r hnraria received can be accepted if ffered at the discretin f the grup r rganizatin spnsring the presentatin. Hwever, Master Gardeners shuld nt seek payment fr such activities. Many Master Gardeners cntribute the hnrarium mney back t their lcal prgram t purchase reference materials r t supprt ther lcal hrticulture prgrams. It is apprpriate fr Master Gardeners t seek reimbursement frm prgram spnsrs fr the cst f travel r materials needed t cnduct the class. Hw d Master Gardeners transfer int the Iwa prgram? Transferring t Iwa frm anther state Active Master Gardeners trained in ther states are welcme t becme active in Iwa. Active Extensin Master Gardeners frm adjining states (Minnesta, Suth Dakta, Nebraska, Missuri, Illinis and Wiscnsin) wh mve t Iwa and decide they wuld like t be a part f the Iwa prgram must: Apply t and be accepted int a new lcal prgram including successfully clearing the vlunteer backgrund check required by Iwa State University Extensin and Outreach. Request that their previus Master Gardener prgram crdinatr send a letter t the crdinatr r leader f new lcal prgram. The letter shuld include the fllwing: Cnfirm that the individual has been an active Master Gardener in gd standing t-date The year the individual cmpleted training and internship Ttal years in the frmer prgram Any additinal infrmatin abut the individual s vlunteer histry such as special certificatins r leadership psitins Transfers frm the adjining states are nt required t take the Iwa cre curse, but are welcme t review the cre curse webinars. Transferring members als will be expected t pay a fee f $75 t cver the cst f a backgrund check, a cpy f the Resurce Guide fr Iwa Master Gardeners (MG 15) and an Iwa Master Gardener name badge. Transfers frm states ther than thse adjining Iwa: Active Extensin Master Gardeners frm ther states wh mve t Iwa and decide they wuld like t be a part f the Iwa prgram must meet the same criteria as thse frm adjining states, but must als cmplete the Iwa Master Gardener Cre Curse pst-assessment test and pass with a scre f at least 70%. Once an individual cmpletes the abve requirements, they may then assume the title, benefits and

20 19 respnsibilities f an active Iwa Master Gardener. Transferring between Iwa cunties An active Master Gardener in gd standing may transfer t anther cunty in Iwa. The prcess t d s is as fllws: 1. Apply and be accepted int the new lcal prgram including passing a required vlunteer backgrund check if ne is nt already cmpleted. 2. Request that a letter frm the riginal lcal prgram be sent t the crdinatr r leader f new lcal cunty prgram. The letter shuld include the fllwing: a. Cnfirmatin that the individual has been an active Master Gardener in gd standing t-date. b. The year the individual cmpleted training and internship. c. Ttal years in the frmer prgram. d. Any additinal infrmatin abut the individual s vlunteer histry such as special certificatins, leadership psitins 3. Current cunty crdinatr: Update vlunteer recrds in the Vlunteer Reprting System t the new cunty. a. G t MG Accunt List b. Click n the vlunteer s red ID number c. In the Persnal Inf tab, select the cunty field and chse new cunty frm drp-dwn menu Iwans training in ther states It is preferred that individuals take the cre curse training frm Iwa State University. Hwever, individuals wh have taken the training in anther state may transfer t Iwa by ne f the methds utlined abve. Sme Master Gardeners live part f the year in anther state and participate at sme level in that state s Master Gardener prgram. The fllwing addresses sme cmmn situatins. Vlunteers active in tw states: Master Gardener Vlunteers may belng t mre than ne state prgram. Hwever, they must fulfill all vlunteer and educatin requirements in bth state prgrams. Vlunteer hurs in ne state cannt be cunted tward the vlunteer hurs in the ther state withut special apprval frm ne r bth state crdinatrs. An Iwa Master Gardner vlunteer wh des nt belng t a secnd state prgram, but vlunteers fr that prgram: A Master Gardener wh belngs t the Iwa prgram may vlunteer in sme capacity in anther state. Hwever, these hurs d nt cunt tward required hurs in Iwa withut special apprval frm the state crdinatr and lcal crdinatr. Depending n the tpic and pssible applicatin tward Master Gardener vlunteer activity, cntinuing educatin hurs earned in states ther than Iwa may fulfill requirements in bth states with permissin frm the lcal cunty crdinatr r the state crdinatr. Reinstating Master Gardeners wh have been inactive Frmer Iwa Master Gardeners wh have been inactive r ut f the prgram fr tw years r fewer may return t the prgram by cmpleting a minimum f 24 hurs f service and 12 hurs f cntinuing educatin during the first calendar year f reactivatin. If the length f inactive status is lnger than tw years, additinal cntinuing educatin may be

21 required t reactivate. In additin, the fllwing criteria must be met: Apply and be accepted int the lcal prgram including successfully clearing the vlunteer backgrund check required by Iwa State University Extensin and Outreach. Cmplete the Master Gardener Cre Curse pst-test nline and pass with a scre f at least 70%. Purchase f the current versin f the Resurce Guide fr Master Gardeners (MG 15) is nt required, but is an ptin fr a fee f $25. Als, if a new Iwa Master Gardener name badge is needed, the lcal crdinatr can rder a replacement badge fr $5. Once an individual cmpletes the abve requirements, he r she may assume the title, benefits and respnsibilities f an active Iwa Master Gardener. What rights and respnsibilities d Iwa Master Gardeners have? Master Gardener vlunteers have the right t: Have rewarding, suitable assignments with clear expectatins and supprt; Be prvided with rientatin, training, supprt, supervisin, and evaluatin; Be kept infrmed and be listened t by ISU Extensin and Outreach staff; Be trusted and respected by ISU Extensin and Outreach staff and ther vlunteers; Be recgnized apprpriately fr their effrts; Be treated as a c-wrker; & Be valued as a persn capable f unique cntributins. Master Gardener vlunteers als have the respnsibility t: Accept assignments suited t their persnal interests and skills; Participate in rientatin and training prgrams; Learn abut ISU Extensin and Outreach plicies, prgrams, and staff; Uphld all the plicies f ISU Extensin and Outreach; Act in a prfessinal manner, which includes respecting cnfidences; Be accuntable t and supprtive f ISU Extensin and Outreach when invlved in extensin wrk; Cmplete assignments nce assumed; Participate in staff and prgram evaluatins; & Be willing t use and teach new ideas, Can an Iwa Master Gardener be fired? Master Gardener vlunteers are expected t fllw the same persnnel rules as ther Iwa State University Extensin and Outreach emplyees. Iwa State University, and hence the Iwa Master Gardener prgram, des nt tlerate discriminatry behavir, sexual harassment, r alchl r drug use n the jb. Vlunteers whse actins indicate they are pr representatives f the university may be asked t leave the prgram. EXTENSION NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT The fllwing nndiscriminatin statement (als knwn as the justice statement) is required n all publicatins created by Iwa State University Extensin campus and field staff. The shrt versin is t be used nly when space is limited. In additin, use the apprpriate cperating statement. 20 NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT - FULL VERSION

22 21 Iwa State University Extensin and Outreach des nt discriminate n the basis f age, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, genetic infrmatin, marital status, natinal rigin, pregnancy, race, religin, sex, sexual rientatin, sciecnmic status, r status as a U.S. veteran. (Nt all prhibited bases apply t all prgrams.) Inquiries regarding nn-discriminatin plicies may be directed t Rss Wilburn, Diversity Officer, 2150 Beardshear Hall, 515 Mrrill Rad, Ames, Iwa 50011, , wilburn@iastate.edu. NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT - SHORT VERSION Fr use nly n small materials with limited space Iwa State University Extensin and Outreach des nt discriminate n the basis f age, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, genetic infrmatin, marital status, natinal rigin, pregnancy, race, religin, sex, sexual rientatin, sciecnmic status, r status as a U.S. veteran. Direct inquiries t Rss Wilburn, , wilburn@iastate.edu. MEDIA RELEASE Images, vide, film r ther media used fr ISU Extensin and Outreach prgrams requires a signed media release t be n-file. The release shuld list all identifiable individuals (including ther Extensin emplyees) wh are principal players in the media and include a descriptin f hw the signer s image will be used. Als use the release when private prperty is recgnizable. A mdel release frm, accessible by ISU Extensin staff, is lcated at Signed media release frms must be held n file at the apprpriate lcal extensin prgram ffice. As part f their applicatin prcess Master Gardener trainees are asked t sign a blanket media release. Here are additinal guidelines regarding release frms: Individuals under the age f 18 need the signature f a parent r guardian. The names and addresses fr minrs shuld be btained and releases sent t parents/guardians befre the phts are taken; therwise, btain signatures befre the images are used in Extensin materials. Individuals wh are identifiable in a grup shuld sign releases whenever pssible. This includes individuals visible in the fregrund f large grups being phtgraphed r videtaped in a public place (utside n the sidewalk r street) r in a public building (a big meeting). When phtgraphing persnal r private prperty (a garden, huse, place f business, a cmmercial building, etc.), ask the wner t sign the release. If yu are shting images f public prperty, there is n need t btain written cnsent. Sme examples: 1. A pht f a plant sale n a public street may require a release frm peple in the crwd if they are recgnizable, but des nt require a release frm the wners f the businesses in the backgrund. 2. A pht f a mther and child in a garden center requires ne release frm the mther fr herself and the child, and anther frm the strewner r manager. COPYRIGHT Cpyright is a frm f prtectin prvided by the laws f the United States (title 17, U. S. Cde) t the authrs f riginal wrks f authrship. It gives Extensin the right t say hw thers use Extensin materials. It prvides legal recurse if the materials are used in unintended r unendrsed ways. It

23 discurages cpying in lieu f purchasing which helps recver prductin csts and prduces incme t fund future material develpment. Many publicatins and resurces that vlunteers may want t use t create teaching materials such as presentatins, articles and handuts, may have a cpyright. Cpyright can pertain t written material, phtgraphs, website cntent and music whether in hard cpy r fund nline. Materials authred r created by the United States Gvernment are by law in the public dmain, and therefre, nt cpyrighted. Befre using materials in creating a dcument, make certain that the references have n cpyright prtectin. If they are cpyrighted, get permissin frm the authr(s) r creatr(s) prir t using them. Check with yur lcal crdinatr r the ISU Technlgy Transfer Office ( fr mre details abut cpyright requirements frm the university, fair use f cpyrighted materials, and acquiring cpyright permissin. It is always imprtant t acknwledge authrs, phtgraphers, and musicians when quting them r using their wrk in finished materials. Plagiarism is a separate issue frm cpyright infringement, but the tw may verlap. Plagiarism is cpying smene else s wrk and passing it ff as yur wn. Cpyright infringement means the illegal use f a wrk. If a pht r article is in the public dmain, it is nt cpyrighted, but using it withut attributin certainly is plagiarism. Fr mre explanatin n plagiarism vs. cpyright infringement, cnsult LIABILITY AND ACCIDENT COVERAGE AS A VOLUNTEER As an agency f the State f Iwa, Iwa State University is self-insured fr liability. Claims against the State f Iwa are handled accrding t prvisins in the Iwa Trt Claims Act (Iwa Cde, Chapter 669), which als sets frth the prcedures by which trt claims may be filed. In general, Iwa State University des nt purchase cmmercial liability insurance. The majrity f liability issues fr the university are cvered under Chapter 669 f the Cde f Iwa. Hwever, unique circumstances may warrant the purchase f cmmercial liability insurance. 22 POLICY STATEMENT Claims Against the State Under Chapter 669, claims may be filed against the State n accunt f wrngful death, persnal injury r prperty damage (including reasnable attrney fees) incurred by reasn f the negligence f the University r its emplyees while acting within the scpe f emplyment. The State will defend, indemnify, and hld the University r its emplyees harmless against any and all trt claims under the U.S. Cnstitutin, statutes r rules f the United States and/r any ther state, but will nt cver willful r wantn acts, missins, r malfeasance in ffice. The abve prvisins apply t all emplyees f Iwa State University including faculty, staff, and graduate assistants n appintment, r any ther individual full- r part-time, including students, vlunteers, and agents acting in a temprary r permanent capacity n behalf f the institutin. COMMERCIAL LIABILITY INSURANCE The University may purchase liability insurance r participate in self-insured liability pling r ther

24 arrangements fr prfessinal liability, mtr vehicle liability, r ther liabilities if required by statute, cntract, r special circumstance. Purchases must be made thrugh the Office f Risk Management. 23

25 24 TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL MASTER GARDENER PROGRAM Wrking with Master Gardener finances The Iwa Master Gardener prgram is a branch f Iwa State University Extensin and Outreach. As such, lcal Master Gardener grups are clsely tied t the missin and gals f ISU Extensin and Outreach. Lcal Master Gardeners functin as an arm f the lcal extensin ffice and reprt t the lcal Extensin Cuncil. As part f the lcal extensin ffice, Master Gardener grups are subject t the plicies and prcedures f ISU Extensin and Outreach. Mney is handled thrugh the Extensin ffice accrding t University accunting and audit plicies (similar t ther Extensin prgrams). The Master Gardener bard r steering cmmittee is fiscally respnsible t the lcal Extensin Cuncil. All financial recrds shall be kept by the lcal Extensin bkkeeper.. FUNDRAISING BY ISU EXTENSION MASTER GARDENERS While the primary rle f an Iwa State University Extensin and Outreach Master Gardener is t prvide hrticulture educatin, it is becming increasingly necessary fr state and lcal prgrams t generate funds frm private sectr dnatins and fundraising. Lcal cunty Master Gardener prgrams need t generate and manage financial resurces t supplement grup activities, supprt lcal prjects and meet prgram needs. Mst ften revenues are generated thrugh fees fr services (class fees, event admissin fr hrticulture days, garden turs) and sales f prducts (plants, calendars). Because the Iwa Master Gardener prgram is under the umbrella f Iwa State University Extensin and Outreach, and is nt a separate 501(c)3 nnprfit rganizatin, prgrams are prhibited frm cnducting fundraisers using games f chance such as raffles r bing where a gambling license is required by Iwa law. As part f the cunty ISU Extensin ffice prgram, lcal Master Gardeners grups are expected t fllw cunty Extensin fiscal plicies: FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP Iwa State University Extensin and Outreach plicies and prcedures prvide the basis fr Iwa Master Gardener prgram financial stewardship guidelines. As a public prgram f Iwa State University Extensin and Outreach, it is imprtant that mney raised t supprt lcal cunty Extensin Master Gardener prgrams is handled with the greatest stewardship. Prcedures fr handling Master Gardener funds shuld be transparent and fllw sund financial management practices. TAX DEDUCTABLE DONATIONS The Iwa Master Gardener prgram is nt an independent 501(c)3 nnprfit rganizatin. Therefre, it des nt qualify t receive dnatins as tax-deductible charitable gifts. Fr the purpse f receiving such gifts, the Iwa State University Fundatin, a 501(c)3 nnprfit rganizatin, can serve as a fiscal agent fr this purpse at the statewide level.

26 25 Fr mre infrmatin abut tax-deductible cntributins t lcal Agricultural Extensin Districts, fllw the tax-deductible cntributins link at USE OF UNIVERSITY SALES TAX EXEMPTION Even thugh part f the Iwa State University cmmunity, cunty Extensin Master Gardener prgrams are nt typically eligible t use the University tax-exempt status t avid having t pay sales tax n purchases fr the prgram. In rder t use Iwa State University s sales tax exempt status when purchasing items, the University must pay directly fr the items using (1) a University purchasing card, (2) payment by University check whether at the time f purchase r n an invice. (Nte: the state Master Gardener ffice des nt have the capacity t place rders and prcess invices n the behalf f the many cunty Master Gardener prgrams.) Hwever, Cunty Agricultural Extensin Districts d have tax-exempt status thrugh the state f Iwa. When Master Gardener finances are run thrugh the lcal Cunty Extensin Cuncil, as they shuld be, tax-exempt status n purchases may be pssible if certain criteria are met. Details are at Using the Iwa Master Gardener lg T raise awareness abut the Master Gardener prgram it is imprtant t keep marketing materials current and cnsistent. All prmtinal materials fr the Master Gardener prgram shuld include: a) the mst recent Master Gardener lg, b) clrs as identified by the ISU visual identity system, c) fnts frm the ISU visual identity system, and d) the ISU justice statement. Previus Iwa Master Gardener lgs shuld nt be used. The visual identity guidelines can be fund here: Yu can find templates fr prmtinal materials fr yur Master Gardener prgram n the Fr Staff webpage. These include press releases, banners, brchures, and mre. If yu wuld like t rder new materials, please cntact the Extensin Agriculture & Natural Resurces Cmmunicatin ffice at Master Gardener shirts and ther prmtinal materials can be rdered thrugh the Iwa State University Extensin Stre. The Master Iwa Master Gardener lg may be used in prmtinal materials, brchures and prgram materials directly assciated with events managed by lcal Master Gardener grups. Hwever, use f the lg n clthing, nametags, awards r ther similar items requires prir apprval frm the Iwa State University Trademark Licensing ffice and use f a University apprved vendr. A list f apprved vendrs and links t the frms t cmplete are lcated at Helping vlunteers interact with the public As interns becme mre cnfident and willing t interact with the public, g ver the fllwing sectins in the General Infrmatin sectin f the Iwa Master Gardener Wrkbk (MG 5): Writing Hrticultural News Articles Diagnsing Hrticultural Prblems by Phne Sample Client Infrmatin Frms Thirteen Steps t Better Instructinal Visuals fr Electrnic Presentatin

27 26 Sme crdinatrs als have fund it helpful t share these tips fr wrking with the public with interns. Our clients are nt always right, but they always have rights. Each persn yu interact with has the right t curteus treatment, a respnse based n respect, and an hnest answer even if the answer is I dn t knw. Our clients d nt have the right t abuse yu r t be discurteus. If yu d nt feel cmfrtable handling a questin r respnding t an individual, refer the questin r the persn t an extensin staff member. Using phts Include pht release language in the applicatin fr all new Master Gardener trainees and cllect frms fr existing Master Gardeners where pssible (see Appendix B: Sample Master Gardener Applicatin Frm). Please nte, yu can track wh has signed the pht release in the Vlunteer Reprting System (MG Accunt List Click n red ID number Click n Prgress). Sharing phts f Master Gardener activities thrugh the media and yur lcal ffice website is a gd way t prmte yur prgram. Hwever, publishing phtgraphs f peple and their names is a thrny issue, which invlves cncerns n everything frm privacy rights t child prtectin. Emphasis is being given t cncerns abut child welfare and safety making sure we d nt reveal infrmatin that culd be used t harm children. Similar cncerns may apply t adults. Is their privacy being invaded r are they put at risk by revealing infrmatin abut them? The Office f University Cuncil at ISU (Legal Services) has infrmatin abut when and hw yu shuld btain signed releases (permissin) t use phts, images, r vices f prgram participants. Nte that using a pht t reprt a public event des nt usually require permissin. Permissin shuld be btained fr any use that is mre extensive, cmmercial in nature, r is intended fr prmtinal purpses. A pht release frm is available here: Rle as hrticulture judges Frm time t time Master Gardeners may be asked t serve as a judge at lcal fairs r hrticulture shws. This is a special hnr and recgnitin, as well as a cnsiderable respnsibility. Master Gardeners must have specialized training beynd the basic Master Gardener curriculum in rder t be qualified t be hrticulture judges. It is nt fair t exhibitrs, nr is it educatinal fr the public when entries are judged imprperly. All judges must be knwledgeable and articulate abut published exhibitin criteria, skilled and practiced in unifrm judging and scring practices, and able t clearly cmmunicate and educate the public as t why ne entry is better than anther. Master Gardeners, by their training, have taken an imprtant first step but must have additinal training and/r experiences t be cnsidered qualified judges. Judging yuth and 4-H exhibits invlves additinal skills and abilities. 4-H judges supprt yuth, affirm their effrts, and help yuth grw and learn thrugh the 4-H exhibit experience. Initiating and managing cmmunity prjects Sme lcal Master Gardener grups use prject prpsal frms t define the rle f the grup in cmmunity prjects. Others use mnies raised frm plant sales and garden prgrams t ffer minigrants t help supprt hrticulture educatin in their cmmunities. See these examples: Sample

28 27 Master Gardener Cmmunity Prject Agreement (Appendix I), Sample Master Gardener Letter f Intent (Appendix J), Sample Master Gardener Mini-grant Prpsal Frm (Appendix K). Celebrating achievements Shwing appreciatin can range frm simply saying Thank yu, t nminating veteran Master Gardeners fr state awards. Printed certificates are available frm the state crdinatr fr recgnizing interns and veteran Master Gardeners (see Materials Order Frm). A ptluck dinner and graduatin ceremny that includes spuses and guests is a great way t recgnize new and existing Master Gardeners. Master Gardener vlunteers are recgnized with name badges and pins t reflect their cmmitment and service. If desired, these can be presented at a special awards ceremny. The Certificates t Celebrate Achievements cst is included in the Master Gardener training. A list f existing recgnitin materials is: VOLUNTEERS - service pin, certificate, and engraved name badge are given t interns wh have cmpleted their 40 hurs f vlunteer service. SERVICE HOURS service pins are available t vlunteers wh have cmpleted 500 vlunteer hurs, 1000 vlunteer hurs, 2000 vlunteer hurs, r 3000 vlunteer hurs. Cntinuing educatin hurs d nt cunt twards these ttals. LONG TERM COMMITMENT 10-year service certificate and lifetime certificate (cmpleted at least 10 years & 1500 vlunteer hurs) HONORARY MASTER GARDENER certificate fr hnrary Master Gardeners, cmmunity members wh have cntributed significantly t the Master Gardener prgram, but have nt taken the classes. T place an rder, crdinatrs shuld use the Materials Order Frm t prvide the infrmatin abut the apprpriate recgnitin pins and certificates n the Fr staff page f the Iwa Master Gardener website Accurate recrdkeeping is an integral prerequisite f such celebratins. Remind interns and veteran Master Gardeners t regularly reprt their hurs thrugh the Master Gardener Vlunteer Reprting System. Remind interns and veterans t submit their cmpleted service recrds bth fr dcumenting their wn earned credit, and fr shwing what lcal Master Gardeners accmplish. Ask vlunteers t make mnthly r quarterly reprts t help minimize cnfusin at the end f the year. Regular reprting t the lcal crdinatr als helps develp the habit f writing dwn the service activity and client cntacts befre they are frgtten. Creating a lng-term prgram Management is the mst challenging and rewarding phase f a successful Master Gardener prgram. The lcal crdinatr assumes a variety f rles: cach, supervisr, leader, decisin-maker, educatr, and cheerleader. Hurs f Service Pins

29 28 Frequent cmmunicatin is vitally imprtant, nt nly as a means t encurage active lcal Master Gardener participatin, but als as a way t maintain cntact with the statewide netwrk f ther Master Gardener crdinatrs. Cmmunicatin can happen thrugh lcal newsletters and/r meetings. As a lcal crdinatr, be sure t ask the state crdinatr t prvide access fr yu t the Master Gardener crdinatr CyBx where materials relating t Master Gardener management and training are shared with crdinatrs. Als, make sure t participate in the regularly scheduled reginal Master Gardener crdinatr cnference calls. The best way t keep interest high and t have a dynamic lcal Master Gardener prgram is t ffer a variety f vlunteer pprtunities and t encurage grup gatherings fr turs and educatinal presentatins. Large grups may benefit frm divisin int smaller interest r activity grups. Interest areas will be evident frm surveys received as part f the applicatin prcess r cllected during training sessins (see Appendix E fr a sample). Sme prgrams develp a lcal Master Gardener directry that lists names, addresses, phne numbers, and addresses, as well as interests and talents. Iwa State University Extensin and Outreach des nt discriminate n the basis f age, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, genetic infrmatin, marital status, natinal rigin, pregnancy, race, religin, sex, sexual rientatin, sciecnmic status, r status as a U.S. veteran. (Nt all prhibited bases apply t all prgrams.) Inquiries regarding nn-discriminatin plicies may be directed t Rss Wilburn, Diversity Officer, 2150 Beardshear Hall, 515 Mrrill Rad, Ames, Iwa 50011, , wilburn@iastate.edu.

30 29 APPENDICES Appendix A: Sample Lcal Master Gardener Advisry Cmmittee Guidelines Purpse: T serve in an advisry capacity t the lcal Master Gardener prgram it represents regarding prgram directin, develpment, planning, delivery, and evaluatin. Objective: T advise lcal extensin staff in develping functinal, relevant hme hrticulture prgrams and services invlving Master Gardener vlunteers. Cmmittee members: Chairpersn Cnducts meetings (selects site, sets time, prepares agenda, etc.) Secretary/treasurer Recrds minutes and maintains mailing list as well as recertificatin and financial recrds t assist cmmittee members t fulfill their respnsibilities Public relatins cmmittee representative Helps prduce lcal newsletter, press releases, scial media effrts, and advertises prgram activities Educatin cmmittee representative Crdinates annual training prgram (schedule), recertificatin activities, and educatinal prgrams at Master Gardener grup meetings; interviews Master Gardener training applicants Prjects cmmittee representative Receives prgram requests and prject prpsals and recruits vlunteer(s) t fulfill accepted requests Vlunteer service crdinatr Oversees reprting f vlunteer service and educatin hurs. Makes certain that all Master Gardeners recrd their ttal number f service hurs and years f service in the Master Gardener Vlunteer Reprting System. Liaisn Represents lcal extensin staff Suggested guidelines: Hld meetings at least every ther mnth. Cmmittee representatives reprt the activities f their respective cmmittees. They may need t attend nly when their cmmittee is active, especially if planning, delivering, r evaluating a specific event. Terms f ffice shuld be at least tw years with members rtating ff the cmmittee in manner that prvides cntinuity frm year t year. The cmmittee may be selected by lcal extensin staff r elected by the grup. If multiple cunties are invlved, representatives frm all cunties shuld participate. The extensin staff representative is the liaisn between the Master Gardener grup, the lcal extensin cuncil, and the state Master Gardener ffice. He/she shuld advise the grup but nt be the decisin-maker fr the cmmittee. A member f the advisry cmmittee r a Master Gardener selected by the cmmittee may represent the cmmittee and lcal Master Gardeners n the state advisry cmmittee.

31 30 Appendix B: Sample Master Gardener Applicatin Frm Name: Street Address: City, State, Zip: Phne: Check ne: mbile wrk hme List invlvement in current and previus vlunteer prgrams: Describe yur interest in gardening: List related hbbies r areas f gardening specializatin: Permissin release: I understand that t be cnsidered fr The Iwa Master Gardener prgram I will be required t cmplete the apprpriate frms, including a backgrund check, prvided by the cunty extensin ffice. Furthermre, I hereby grant my cnsent t ISU Extensin and Outreach, and/r its representatives t use my image and/r vice as they see fit fr educatinal purpses r fr advertising/marketing f ISU Extensin and Outreach and its prgrams. I waive any right t inspect, apprve r therwise restrict the use f my image, vice r musical recrdings nw r in the future and I will nt seek further cmpensatin r ryalties frm their use. I als understand that if accepted fr Master Gardener training, I will be expected t prvide a minimum f 40 hurs f apprved public service t ISU Extensin and Outreach within ne year f cmpleting this training. Signature: Date:

32 31 Appendix C: Vlunteer Backgrund Screening Authrizatin Frm Dwnlad frm here:

33 32 Appendix D: Vlunteer Backgrund Screening Disclsure Dwnlad frm here:

34 33 Appendix E: Sample Interest Inventry Name: Street Address: City, State, Zip: Phne: Check ne: mbile wrk hme In rder t best match Master Gardeners with prjects and activities, and knw mre abut the talents and special interests we have in ur grup, please cmplete the fllwing questinnaire. Be hnest, nt humble. Interest Questinnaire: List yur garden special interests (vegetable gardening, perennial flwers, trees, huseplants, etc.): List yur special talents r skills (carpentry, wrking with children, drawing, painting, writing, etc.): List activities yu particularly enjy (wrking with yung peple, writing, teaching, public speaking, etc.): Check the activities belw that yu wuld like t be invlved with. Yu are nt required t d all f the activities yu check. If needed, yu may be asked t help with activities yu dn t check. Answer telephne questins Any type f planting activities Assist with yuth grups (schls, 4-H, etc.) Assist with rganizing the Master Gardeners Wrk with the elderly Write garden clumn r newsletter articles Set up and/r wrk at displays Assist with cmmunicatins Plant and help with demnstratin gardens Wrk with cmmunity garden prjects Assist with ffice wrk Other, please explain:

35 34 Appendix F: Sample Recruiting News Release [DATE] [lcal cntact name, title, phne number, address] ISU Extensin Annunces Master Gardener Training in [cunty name] Master Gardeners are members f the lcal cmmunity wh take an active interest in grwing flwers, vegetables, fruits, shrubs, trees and lawns. What really sets them apart frm ther hme gardeners is their cmmitment t learning and sharing what they learn with thers, said [name, title]. Master Gardener trainees attend 40 hurs f classes taught by Iwa State University Extensin staff and specialists in tpics ranging frm lawn care; flwer and vegetable gardening; rnamental trees and shrubs; fruit crps and huseplants t insect, disease and weed cntrl; sil; plant nutritin and pesticide safety. In exchange fr training, participants are asked t vlunteer 40 hurs f service t their lcal extensin prgram. The service pprtunities are wide-ranging, said [last name]. Master Gardeners supprt cmmunity gardens, speak t lcal grups, and plan r assist with annual hrticulture events. T sign up fr the next Master Gardener class in this area, cntact the [cunty name] Extensin ffice at [phne and ]. Or, visit their Web site at [url]

36 35 Appendix G: Sample Master Gardener Semester Schedule DATE Tuesday, September 4 Tuesday, September 11 Tuesday, September 18 Tuesday, September 25 Tuesday, Octber 2 Tuesday, Octber 9 Tuesday, Octber 16 Tuesday, Octber 23 Tuesday, Octber 30 Saturday, Nvember 3 Tuesday, Nvember 6 Tuesday, Nvember 13 Tuesday, Nvember DRAFT SCHEDULE TOPIC Orientatin Sils and Btany Vegetables & Herbs Herbaceus Ornamentals Plant Pathlgy and Entmlgy Landscape Trees & Shrubs Huse Plants and Plant Prpagatin Turfgrass Management Weeds, IPM and Pesticides Class n Campus at Iwa State University Sustainable Hme Landscape Design Fruit Culture Animal Eclgy CONTACT INFORMATION: [Cunty name] [Extensin staff name] [Extensin staff ] [Extensin staff phne]