Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc. HANDBOOK. Revised Member of National Garden Clubs, Inc. 1.

Transcription

1 Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc. HANDBOOK Revised Member of National Garden Clubs, Inc. 1 Central Region

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3 MICHIGAN GARDEN CLUBS, INC. HANDBOOK Revised Clubs 6105 Members MEMBER OF NATIONAL GARDEN CLUBS, INC. NGC, INC. CENTRAL AND REGION 3

4 ? Questions? Contact your MGC, Inc. District Director or Board Member. The Board Directory may be found on the Members Only side of the website. Information in this Handbook may be subject to change. Where to find Help: Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc. National Garden Clubs, Inc. Central Region Social Media: Facebook Page: Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc. 4

5 INTRODUCTION This Handbook is intended to serve as a general guideline for Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc. (MGC, Inc.) Members. A printed copy of the 2015 Revised Edition will be made available to every MGC, Inc. President to be kept in their official records. A copy will be provided to new Clubs in the formation process. Please note the Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc. Bylaws and Rules of Policies and Procedure take precedence over all other MGC, Inc. documents and over Robert s Rules of Order, Newly Revised (RONR). A special acknowledgement to the 2010 Committee for their contributions and references. 5

6 TABLE OF CONTENTS HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL Title Page Questions? Where to Find Help... 4 Introduction... 5 Table of Contents... 6 MICHIGAN GARDEN CLUBS, INC History NGC, Inc. Presidents from Michigan Central Region Directors from Michigan MGC, Inc. Presidents NATIONAL GARDEN CLUBS, INC Facts About Eight Regions of State Affiliations National and Regional Annual Meetings Map NGC, Inc. Regions NGC, Inc. Headquarters NGC, Inc. Publications The National Gardener Magazine Keeping in Touch Vision of Beauty Calendar Free Publications Shop Online Cooperate Partnerships NGC, Inc. Projects Ongoing Blue Star Memorial Markers Butterfly Garden at U.S. Botanic Garden Energy Conservation Flower Shows Garden Therapy National Garden Week Penny Pines Plant It Pink Photo Archiving Rain Gardens Recycling Sage and Roses Water Projects Youth Programs School Gardens Youth Garden Clubs Youth Gardening Programs Gardens for Children... Girl Scout Patch... 6

7 Youth Award Opportunities Smokey Bear/Woodsy Owl High School Essay Contest Poetry Contest High School Distinguished Service Award Youth Sculpture Contest National Garden Clubs, Inc. Outreach.. 19 Habitat for Humanity Landscaping Disasters Relief Global Partners Running Water MICHIGAN GARDEN CLUBS, INC Mission Statement Membership Objectives Symbols Official Seal and State Symbols, State Motto Structure of Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc Fiscal Year Districts Board Meeting, Finance and Executive Committee.. 22 Procedure to Become a Board Member.. 22 Bylaws and Policies and Procedures (Where to Find) Map Districts by Michigan Counties Club Member Registration How Garden Clubs Join MGC, Inc What MGC, Inc. Expects from Member Clubs What MGC, Inc. Does for Member Clubs MGC, Inc. Annual Meeting (State Convention).. 26 MGC, Inc. Website Member Registration on Website. 27 MGC, Inc. State Publications Purpose Administration Subscription Guidelines for Article Submission 29 Photographs Advertising Financial Contributions and Donations Permanent Projects (Four) Loda Lake Wildflower Sanctuary. 30 Scholarships for Michigan College Students 31 Life Memberships Scholarship Donations... Scholarship Applicants.... Other Life Memberships 7 Available...

8 World Gardening (Belize) Ongoing and Completed Projects Leadership Training MGC, Inc. (Contributions to Gardens) Education (Accredited Classroom and Self-Study) Environmental Studies School Flower Show School (Horticulture and Design) Gardening Study School Landscape Design School Multiple Refreshers Symposium (Advanced Study for Flower Show Judges) Four and Five Star Programs Michigan Association of Accredited Judges (MAAJ) Michigan Consultants Council (MCC)...37 Other MGC, Inc. Chairmen Arboriculture Artistic Crafts Bees, Birds and Butterflies Blue Star Memorial Markers Civic Beautification Environmental Awareness Floral Design Course Garden Therapy Habitat for Humanity Historic Preservation Historian Horticulture Legislation Marketplace (Ways and Means) Wildflower/Roadside Beautification World Gardening Youth Activities Sponsorship Requirements for Youth Clubs Awards - Why It is Important to have Awards Why It is Important to have Awards General Awards Information Combined Club of Distinction and President s Report Form Special Member Awards Member of Honor Award Award of Excellence for Non-Members Award of Excellence for a State Garden Club Club Information Dues and Rosters

9 Your responsibility to your President The President s responsibilities to Board Members Each Board Member has a responsibility to the Community Duties of the Club President Club President s File Suggested Basic Agenda MGC, Inc. Tax Exemption Local Garden Club Bank Accounts Club Liability Insurance Duties of a Program Chairperson Program Yearbooks Ideas for Club Yearbooks Format (Book Structure, Cover, Title Page) Subsequent Pages (Officers, Rosters) NGC/MGC Options, Programs Meetings (Seven, Date/Location/Time, Speaker s Name) Projects (List Continuing/New, Donations, NGC Products) Ideas to Individualize Yearbooks Publicity Photographs, Use of Social Media, Sample Press Release.. 54 Flower Shows Horticulture, Design, Special Exhibits Flower Show Award Applications Courtesies to Judges Plants Protected by Michigan State Law MGC, Inc. Protected Plant List Michigan Special Plants Endangered Species Guidelines for Planning a District Meeting Responsibilities of the Host Club and District Director Responsibilities of the Host Club Publicity/Registrar Treasurer, Host/Hostesses, Staging Program Booklet, Decorations Responsibilities of the District Director Protocol is a Matter of Courtesy MGC, Inc. Speakers Contract MGC, Inc. Site Contract Installation Ceremony Suggested Bylaws for a Garden Club Articles I XII Name, Objectives, Membership, Dues, Duties of Officers Board of Directors, Committees. Meetings, Elections Parliamentarian and Parliamentary Authority, Amendments

10 MICHIGAN GARDEN CLUBS, INC. HISTORY Founded June 30,1931 Largest organization of Garden Clubs in Michigan 171 Clubs with 6,105 Members Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc. had its origins in the vision of Ann Arbor Garden Club members that a state organization with membership in a national organization could have great influence in conserving and protecting Michigan s natural beauty and to improve the quality of Members gardens. Mrs. James Inglis of Ann Arbor Garden Club and Mrs. Renville Wheat of the Little Garden Club of Grosse Pointe conferred with Officers of the National Council of State Garden Clubs, Inc. and attended a National Convention. Because of their enthusiasm, a committee was formed and invitations were sent to the known Garden Clubs in Michigan. Forty representatives from 15 of those clubs registered at the Women s League Building of Ann Arbor. On June 30,1931, the Federated Garden Clubs of Michigan, Inc. had its beginning. A constitution was adopted with the objectives of: 1. Coordinating the interests of the Garden Clubs of the State and bring them into closer relationships of mutual helpfulness by association, conference and correspondence. 2. Coordinating with the educational agencies furthering the interests in gardening, conservation, and highway improvement. The Federated Garden Clubs of Michigan accepted the invitation to join the National Council on March 17, 1932 with 34 Clubs and 1800 Members. 10

11 NATIONAL GARDEN CLUBS, INC. PRESIDENTS MICHIGAN Mrs. Joseph H. Brewer (7th)* Mrs. Jamie Johnson (16th)* Mrs. William H, Barton (21st)* Mrs. Joseph H. Brewer* Mrs. Thomas T. Leonard* Mrs. Claude G. Wirick* Mrs. Jack E. Gray Nancy Goulette Florence Smith MICHIGAN GARDEN CLUBS, INC. PRESIDENTS Mrs. Joseph H. Brewer* Mrs. George Petrides* Mrs. H. B. Earhart* Mrs. Jack E. Gray Mrs. Ormand E. Hunt* Mrs. Denton B. Emmert* Mrs. J. Shirley Symons* Mrs. John Schaeffer* Mrs. Clarence W. Avery* Mrs. William Heerman Mrs. William I. Wilson* Josephine R. Russell* Mrs. Thomas Y. Leonard* Nancy Passfield (Mrs. John F.) Mrs. Earl W. Delano* Lyn Butus (Mrs. Peter H.) Mrs. Charles A. Shierson* Marge McGoff Mrs. Jamie Johnson* Nancy Goulette Mrs. S. L. Wing* Miriam Sanford Mrs. Robert P. Briggs* Jean Moran* Mrs. Frederick J.Schumann* Sharon Yantis Mrs. Phyllis M. Evans* Mary Lou Fox Mrs. A. George Coulton* Connie Snell* Mrs. John R. Hoinville* Florence Smith Mrs. Charles T. Campbell* Dolores J. Stouwie Mrs. Donald H. Smith* Lynn J. Dinvald Mrs. Claude G. Wirick* Nancy Stark Higgins Mrs. Robert C. Palmer* Deannie Picciotti Mrs. Bernard F. Oakes* Mrs. William Sullivan* * Deceased 11

12 NATIONAL GARDEN CLUBS, INC. First Garden Club of America was The Ladies Garden Club of Athens, Georgia in 1891 Thirteen Federated States were charter members at an organizational meeting in Washington, D.C. in 1931 First Headquarters at the Rockefeller Center in New York City Largest non-profit organization of gardeners in the world Parent organization of federations in 50 states and District of Columbia Nearly 190,000 Members with 6,000 Clubs, 70 National Affiliated organizations in the United States and nearly 300 International Affiliates Eight Regions The organization is structured on State and regional levels with member clubs having complete freedom in their own activities. Each registered garden club member is automatically a member of Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc. and National Garden Clubs, Inc. The United States is divided into eight regions (see Page 11). Central Region Michigan is a Member of the Central Region comprised of seven States (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin). A Regional Director and an Alternate Director are elected by the governing body of the stated on a rotation basis for a two year term coinciding with the National President s. Each of the seven states is eligible to elect a Regional Director and Alternate Director every fourteen years. A Regional Convention is held each year rotating between the seven states. Therefore, each state is responsible for the Regional Convention every seven years. The Director sits on the National Executive Committee, Scholarship Committee, and is a liaison between National and States. The seven presidents are under the guidance of the Regional Director. The Director also appoints a Regional Board to coincide with major chairmanships of the National Board. National Conventions are held annually rotating the location around different states. The Call to this Meeting is through State publications and The National Gardener. Michigan hosts the National Convention in May 2016 in Grand Rapids. 12

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14 NGC HEADQUARTERS CONTACT INFORMATION Monday-Friday 9:00 A.M. 4:30 P.M. CDT 4401 Magnolia Avenue St. Louis, Missouri Tel: Fax: Internet: Facebook: National Garden Clubs, Inc. This aesthetically beautiful building, dedicated on May 10, 1959, is financed entirely by contributions from Garden Club Members. The Headquarters contain records of all 50 state garden clubs, books of commemoration, 10th Anniversary Books and the Roll of Honor Book. The land and gardens around the building contain many dedicated plantings. The NGC Headquarters is managed by salaried staff who keep records, provide information, handle Online Shopping orders, and greet visitors from around the world. Garden Club Members are always welcome at the Headquarters during visiting hours. NGC PUBLICATIONS The National Gardener Magazine (TNG) is the flagship quarterly publication of the organization that is now available in both print and download form from the NGC, Inc. website on their Members Only side. It features articles and photographs of current interest on all phases of Garden Club activities, complete information on NGC, Inc. Award Requirements, the latest on NGC, Inc. Study Schools (Flower Show, Gardening, Environmental and Landscape Design), as well as information on National, State organizations and Affiliate Member Club projects and activities. Each registered Club President in our MGC, Inc. Data Base receives a complimentary subscription to share with their Club. The Study Schools use articles for required reading. Keeping in Touch (KIT) is a quarterly supplement to The National Gardener. It is made available through download from the NGC, Inc. website in the free publications section and is provided to all Clubs along with The National Gardener Magazine. It contains Presidential 14

15 updates, Regional News, Awards Recipients, Chairman updates and more. Vision of Beauty Calendar is one of the most used and desired publications from NGC, Inc. It is an annual publication featuring photographs of the best Member submitted floral designs from the previous year. It is not only a calendar but a reference book used in NGC, Inc. Flower Show Schools and a keepsake as well. Other materials may be found on the NGC, Inc. website s Free Publications section. These include brochures for potential new Members, Parliamentary Tidbits, Yearbook plans, Blue Star Memorials and others. SHOP ONLINE (Formerly Member Services Catalog) Available on NGC, Inc. website, under Shop Online and formerly Member Services are featured items, books of interest and required reading for Study Schools, Educational Tools, Gift Ideas, Award Certificates, Flower Show Ribbons, The National Gardener Magazine by subscription, Vision of Beauty Calendar and Official jewelry. Official jewelry includes pins for Club Presidents and Past Club Presidents and special pins designed for successful completion of Flower Show School, Landscape Design, Gardening Study, and Environmental Studies. Jewelry hangers with a ribbon to wear one or more pins are available. CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS (Providing Support and Outreach) Corporate Partnerships afford organizations the opportunity to share Ames Tools Oasis Floral Products Brent and Becky s Bulbs Patriot Seeds Crown Bees Flower Magazine Gardener s Supply Company 15

16 NGC, Inc. Members Ongoing Projects of NGC, Inc. MGC, Inc. Members, Clubs and Districts support these Ongoing and Outreach projects. For details on each, see the NGC, Inc. website. Blue Star Memorials Among the most visible and popular service projects nationally, there are nearly 3,000 Memorial Markers dedicated to service men and women along U.S. highways, National cemeteries, parks and government facilities. Butterfly Garden at the U.S. Botanic Garden The NGC, Inc. Butterfly Garden is within the three acre National Garden in Washington, D.C. Funds support the educational butterfly booklet for children. Energy Conservation Clubs address current issues locally such as climate effects, watersheds, recycling, highway beautification, and other concerns. Flower Shows NGC, Inc. s Standard Flower Shows are colorful, enjoyable events that continue to draw crowds while giving Garden Club members an opportunity to exhibit plants, floral arrangements and educational displays. Flower Shows help spread the word about the joys of gardening and serve as forums for learning design trends for the home, new cultivars in horticulture and what trees, shrubs and plants grow well locally. Garden Therapy Encouraging the development of local programs that use gardens therapeutically. Growing tactile fragrance gardens for the blind, teaching gardening skills to the developmentally challenged and planting and maintaining a healing garden in a Nursing Home are examples. National Garden Week Use this week to encourage pride in communities and cooperation among groups interested in educating the local public on the importance of general gardening information. Penny Pines NGC, Inc. and the USDA Forest Service are 16

17 partners in this reforestation education program. Contributions to a Penny Pines tree plantation are $68 or in multiples of $68. Plant It Pink Show of support for Breast Cancer Awareness through planting pink flowers at hospitals, treatment centers, private gardens, etc. Photo Archiving Celebrates the projects, events and activities of Members, Clubs, States and Districts. Flickr, Instagram and Pinterest sites may be used as idea books and photographic scrapbooks. Visit the sites and find photos for your newsletters, flyers, ideas for projects and plantings, staging and events. Rain Gardens Urban areas are built in such a way that when it rains, most of the water is directed to storm sewers. A rain garden with a shallow depression strategically located in a landscape can capture water runoff from roads, driveways, patios and parking lots. Recycling Individual Garden Clubs and Districts are asked to look beyond curbside pick up for local organizations that will take discarded every day items for reuse or recycling. Sage and Roses Encourages Members to send friends holiday greetings. The saved cost of cards and stamps can be donated to erect a Blue Star Memorial to honor service men and women. Water Projects Imperative to support and undertake proactive initiatives to protect, conserve and restore our coastal waters, wetlands, aquifers, watersheds, lakes, rivers and streams. Water projects accomplish this through educational programs, conservation efforts and partnerships with governmental agencies and other water coalitions. Youth Programs Goal to provide educational opportunities for youth at the pre-school, elementary, middle and high school levels. The purpose is to introduce gardening, conservation, protection of wildlife, recognition of plants, trees, shrubs, basic flower arrangements and a love and appreciation of nature. School Gardens Found across the United States and in countries in Central and South America that are a result of NGC, Inc. Members. These gardens can beautify school 17

18 Youth Garden Clubs All Clubs may organize and/or sponsor a Youth Garden Club. The benefits to students include: Introduces the art and science of gardening using fundamental math, reading and writing skills, as well as practical applications. Increases awareness of the environment, natural resources, ecology, conservation, composting and recycling. Helps raise test scores, especially science. Encourages creativity through observing the cycles of life. Develops leadership skills. Provides opportunities for participation and recognition with nationally sponsored contests. May lead to future hobbies and career opportunities. Youth Gardening Programs Members may work with youth in settings other than a Youth Garden Club. Youth Gardening can be affiliated with a school, church, neighborhood, day care center or established youth organizations such as 4-H, Scouts, Science and Ecology Clubs, Master Gardeners and Future Farmers of America. Gardens for Children Gardening opens whole new areas of exploration, awareness, enjoyment, amazement and learning. Download a listing of some of the Children s Gardens across the United Stats created to spark interest and the love of gardening in children. See the NGC, Inc. website. Girl Scout Patch Nurture the Earth, Plant Natives This program encourages partnerships between Girl Scouts and local Garden Clubs to teach the Girl Scouts about native plants in their area. Girl Scouts of all age levels are eligible to earn this badge. Badges are available at NGC Online Shopping. Smokey Bear/Woodsy Owl Poster Contest First through fifth grade students are invited to demonstrate through original drawings of Smokey Bear or Woodsy Owl their understanding of fire prevention and basic environmental conservation principles. First place: Trip for four including air fare to Washington, D.C. and $50 to National winners in each grade level by NGC, Inc. 18

19 High School Essay Contest The contest is open to all High School students. A $1000 National Garden Club Scholarship is awarded to the National winner. If the winner is an underclassman, the $1000 Scholarship will be held without accrued interest until such time that student enters college. Second place receives $100. Poetry Contest Open to students Kindergarten through ninth grade. This contest allows youth to embrace their creativity through the art of writing. The winning entries are compiled into a booklet and made available to the winners. High School Distinguished Service Award This award is for an outstanding civic project making a significant improvement for public benefit, e.g. environment, conservation, landscape, horticulture, recycling, horticulture therapy, etc. Grades 9-12 are eligible. A single Member Club, group of Member Clubs, Districts or State Garden Club must sponsor the contest. $100 to first place winner and $50 to second place winner. Youth Sculpture Contest Encourages students to keep our planet green and get involved with saving the environment. Grades 4-8 are eligible to create a sculpture of recyclable, reused and reduced materials. OUTREACH PROJECTS Habitat For Humanity Landscaping In 1999, a partnership was formed between NGC, Inc. and Habitat for Humanity (HFH). The project is called Open Your Heart and Hands. HFH s mission is to eliminate poverty housing. NGC, Inc. s goal is to encourage Garden Clubs to participate in landscaping HFH homes. Emphasis is on the environment using native trees, shrubs and plants and educating the homeowner on care and maintenance. Disaster Relief The Natural Disasters USA Project provides grants to Garden Clubs to help replant, restore and beautify public areas that have been damaged or destroyed by hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, ice storms and fires. Global Partners Running Waters NGC, Inc. is in partnership with Global Partners Running Waters, Inc. a non-profit to build collaboration on water, food, and health projects in Latin America. Emphasis is on simple filters to deliver clean, life giving water. 19

20 MICHIGAN GARDEN CLUBS, INC. MISSION STATEMENT Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc. mission is to provide leadership in education, resources and networking opportunities for its members to promote the love of gardening, floral design, landscape design, civic and environmental responsibility. MEMBERSHIP Membership is open to adult groups of men and women who are interested in promoting the objectives of MGC, Inc., and to Junior Gardening/High School Garden Clubs. Honorary membership may be conferred by the Board of Directors upon individuals who have given outstanding service toward the advancement of MGC, Inc. objectives or who merit recognition for distinguished accomplishments in horticulture, conservation or related fields. OBJECTIVES (from Bylaws) 1. To operate on a non-profit basis and solely for the benevolent, charitable, scientific and educational purposes useful to the public and conducive to the well being of the community. 2. To coordinate the interests of the Member Clubs and to bring them into closer relations of mutual helpfulness by association, conference and correspondence. 3. To promote the organization of new Clubs and affiliate them with MGC, Inc. 4. To aid in the protection and conservation of natural resources, to protect civic beauty, encourage the improvement of roadsides and parks, and promote solid waste management. 5. To encourage and assist in the establishing and maintaining of botanical gardens and horticultural centers for the advancement of science and the enjoyment and education of the public. 6. To advance the fine art of gardening, landscape design, floral design, environmental concerns and the study of horticulture. 7. To cooperate with other organizations in the furtherance of the foregoing objectives and in such activities as may be determined by the MGC, Inc. Executive Board. 20

21 8. To further horticultural education, conservation and landscape design through gift scholarships. 9. To acquire real and personal property and any interest therein by purchase, gift and any other legal means as may be necessary and proper for carrying on its legitimate affairs. 10. To restrict the activities of the corporation so that it shall not be used or operated for private profit, and no property of the corporation shall go to the private profit of any Member or special group or be used for any purposes other than those enumerated in the first statement above. This organization is exclusively for charitable, scientific and educational purposes and all of the activities shall be in furtherance of such purposes. 11. In the event of its dissolution, any remaining assets will be distributed only to non-profit organizations that are related to our objective. OFFICIAL SEAL AND SYMBOLS The official seal of MGC, Inc. features Michigan s state flower, the apple blossom, and was adopted in 1954 and redesigned when the organization s name was changed in It appears on all official communications of the organization. Clubs and Districts are permitted use of the seal for official purposes. It may be photographed or silk screened with the expressed consent of the MGC, Inc. Board of Directors. The design provided the inspiration for the state s president pin, a symbol of the sitting president. State Bird State Flower State Tree State Stone State Fish Robin Apple Blossom White Pine Petoskey Stone Trout STATE OF MICHIGAN SYMBOLS STATE MOTTO: Si Quaeris Peninsulum Amoenam Circumspice (If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you.) 21

22 STRUCTURE OF MICHIGAN GARDEN CLUBS, INC. FISCAL YEAR The fiscal year of MGC, Inc. is between June 1 and May 31. DISTRICTS MGC, Inc. is divided into seven (7) Districts (see Page 23). Each District is represented on the Executive Committee and Board of Directors by an elected District Director. BOARD MEETINGS, FINANCE AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES Board Meetings are held at the Annual Meeting and three other times at the CALL of the President. B0ARD OF DIRECTORS Includes the EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE which is the Elected Officers - President, First, Second, Third and Fourth Vice Presidents, Recording Secretary, Treasurer and 7 District Directors. Board Presidential appointments include Corresponding Secretary, Parliamentarian, Historian, Database/Circulation Manager and Finance Chairman. Other Board Members are Chairmen of Standing and Special Committees, Former State Presidents and the Presidents of the Michigan Consultants Council (MCC) and the Association of Accredited Judges (MAAJ). PROCEDURE TO BECOME A BOARD MEMBER Nominations Members names may be submitted to the Nominating Committee for the elected positions in even years. Appointments There are approximately sixty Board Chairmen positions appointed by the President/President- Elect to fill vacancies. A term is two years beginning in an odd numbered year. The list of Chair titles can be found in the current MGC Directory. A Board Application can be found on the Members Only side of the website BYLAWS AND POLICIES AND PROCEDURES These documents can be found on the Members Only side of the website. 22

23 MGC, INC. DISTRICTS DISTRICT VI DISTRICT V DISTRICT V DISTRICT IV DISTRICT VI DISTRICT IIB DISTRICT I DISTRICT III DISTRICT IIA DISTRICT IV DISTRICT III DISTRICT IIB DISTRICT IIA DISTRICT I 23

24 CLUB MEMBER REGISTRATION In the spring of each year, the Club President receives a Registration packet from MGC, Inc. with instructions for reporting Members updated information. This information is MGC s only reference for providing NGC, Inc. with an accurate Membership count and maintaining current HOW GARDEN CLUBS JOIN MGC, INC. Requirements for membership: 1. Support the objectives of MGC, Inc. 2. Be mentored and sponsored by an established MGC, Inc. Garden Club. 3. Complete an Application for Membership available from the District Director or State Membership Chairman. 4. Submit an alphabetical list of all Members with address, zip codes + four, phone numbers and addresses. 5. Every new Member is required to pay dues at time of application. In case of an established Garden Club s application, all Members must join MGC, Inc. 6. The District Director presents the Club s application for Membership to the Board of Directors. Upon acceptance into MGC, Inc., the new Club receives a permanent Club Number, Letter of Welcome and Membership Charter. For Youth Activities Membership refer to the Youth Activities Chairman s section. WHAT MGC, INC. EXPECTS FROM MEMBER CLUBS 1. Support the objectives and programs of MGC, Inc. and NGC, Inc. 2. Encourage attendance of Members at District and State Meetings. 3. Payment of dues for all Club Members by deadline. 4. Periodically serving as hosts for District or State Meetings. 24

25 MGC, INC. DOES FOR MEMBER CLUBS 1. When a Garden Club becomes a Member of MGC, Inc., it automatically becomes a Member of the local District, Central Region and NGC, Inc. This Membership gives credibility to the Club s work on the local level and affords the opportunity to be involved in worthwhile state schools and national projects. 2. Guidelines and aids are provided for Club Program planning through the assistance of District, State and National Chairmen. 3. All Club Members may participate in State and National sponsored meetings and educational opportunities such as Flower Show Schools, Symposiums, Multiple Refreshers, Landscape Design, Gardening Study and Environmental Studies Schools. Also, available are workshops, studies and conferences in fields such as Leadership Training, Environmental Education, Wildflower Culture, Garden Therapy, Horticulture and Crafts using natural materials. 4. Opportunities for service are available in the following areas: promoting civic beautification, working with youth through gardening and environmental programs in schools and other organizations, aiding Senior Citizens and physically or mentally challenged through Garden Therapy. Clubs are encouraged to initiate their own service projects in the community and are eligible for State, Regional and National Awards for their local projects. 5. All Members receive MGC, Inc., publications and each Club President receives the national publication, The National Gardener. 25

26 A Call Letter is mailed to all Member Clubs 60 days prior to the Annual MGC, INC. ANNUAL MEETING (STATE CONVENTION) Districts accept the responsibility to host an Annual Meeting on a rotating basis. The NGC, Inc. President and Central Region Director are invited guests of the Annual Meeting. All registered Club Members are urged to attend the Annual Meeting of their organization. The quota of voting representatives from each Club is designated in the MGC, Inc. Bylaws. Two Delegates from Clubs with 50 Members or less Three Delegates from Clubs with 51 to 100 Members Delegates from Clubs over 100 Members add one additional Delegate for each 10 Members Former MGC, Inc. Presidents and Members of the current Board of Directors MGC, INC. WEBSITE The State s website ( was established in December 2007 and continues to grow. The site became a reality through the generous gift of Edna Rosenfield in a Memorial established at the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation in Traverse City, Michigan. It was decided to utilize the gift for the benefit of many and especially those interested in joining a Garden Club. The website is a comprehensive tool to make our organization more visible to the public and to serve the MGC, Inc. Members and Clubs in a variety of ways. The site is poised for expansion for years to come. One main goal of this site is to acquire potential New Members. The site supports CONSTANTLY both a public and Members Only side. All UPDATED Members are encouraged to register on the VISIT MGC, Inc. website to access important information. See the step- by-step directions on Page

27 The Members of MGC, Inc. affiliated Clubs are served by having readily available information. It provides timely data on events and programs happening statewide, as well as pictures and stories of interest to Members. Information is posted primarily through the MGC, Inc. Webmaster and follows guidelines similar to those for the MGC, Inc. publication Thru the Garden Gate. Public Side No Password President s Highlights About Us Calendar of Events Education Forms Public Join a Garden Club Memorial Dedications Blue Star MGC Marketplace Photo Gallery Projects Publications & Events Scholarships and Awards Links Contact Us and Help Info Plant Database Member Registration Private Side Need Password A Guide to our Website Facts and Information for Members (Board Minutes, Bylaws, Directories, Handbook, etc.) Forms Members only Club of Distinction, Expense Reimbursement, Financial Report Forms, New Member, Youth Gardening Registration, etc. Ideas to Increase Membership Member News and Events Photo Gallery Writer s Corner MEMBER REGISTRATION ON WEBSITE (Three clicks away to get started on website.) If a Member has not already signed up to gain access to the Members Only private side of the website, open scroll down to the bottom left side. The first click is on Member Registration. The second click is on the name of your Garden Club - click Join. Fill out the form and select I am a Member of this Club; and third click is Register. You need to put on your Name and create a 27

28 PURPOSE MGC, INC. STATE PUBLICATION The organization s quarterly Thru the Garden Gate, began in 1942 with a July-August issue. Currently, the state s publication is ed, sent by mail via US Postal Service to those without computer access and/or server download ability, or is available on the website ( to MGC Members. Every Member is eligible to submit articles to the state publication. To communicate and to promote the goals and objectives of National Garden Clubs, Inc. (NGC, Inc.) thereby providing a liaison service through current news articles, educational topics, and project information provided by National, Regional and State Chairmen, Clubs and Members sharing knowledge. To provide a Calendar of Events of Club, District, MGC, Inc. and NGC, Inc. activities. To feature Award and Rules Issue, Convention Issue, and Directory Issue. This information is also provided to the MGC, Inc. website. To keep Circulation/Database services for Membership contact information. To publish an annual Directory which includes: MGC, Inc. Board of Directors roster including Advisors, Club Presidents by District, Michigan Accredited Flower Show Judges, Gardening, Environmental Studies and Landscape Design Consultants. ADMINISTRATION Editor and Publisher of the state publication are appointed Chairmen reporting directly to the President, oversees the publication and appoints and directs the following staff: First Vice President is responsible for featured articles on Garden Clubs (Clubs in the Limelight) and District Director s biographies. Business-Advertising Chairman is in charge of display, order forms and advertising rate information. Display advertising is necessary to help defray publication expenses. 28

29 Calendar Chairman provides a list of dates in chronological order to the state publication of all submitted articles of MGC, Inc., Central Region and NGC, Inc. Roster Processing Manager enters any information change occurring after the paid Membership List is returned from Clubs. Database Chairman oversees the Membership/Mailing Query and maintains a current, accurate Membership file accounting for all Members. Forwards an annual Club President list for District Directors and supplies data for the Directory. All Clubs belonging to MGC, Inc. are entitled to have their events listed in the state publication. Calendar information may be sent to the Calendar Chairman by copy deadline date. Include pertinent information (who, what, where, when), contact person s name, address, phone number, area code and address if possible. SUBSCRIPTION Each registered Club Member will receive the state publication via , US Postal Service or download via the MGC, Inc. website. GUIDELINES FOR ARTICLE SUBMISSION Electronic submissions in final form ( words or less) are encouraged proofread and ready to print. copy to the Editor, including author s name, title, , phone number, Garden Club and District Number by deadline date. Begin with Title, Author and Board or Club position. Paragraph should be written in order of descending importance. Answer questions: who, what, why, where and how. Do not abbreviate words or titles. Photographs may be submitted by a Club Member for consideration to print either alone or accompanying an article. Digital photos may be sent via and should be of good resolution. Include caption with Club Name, Member Names, Location, Date and Event and written permission from the individuals featured. Advertising Working through the MGC, Inc. Advertising Manager copy 29

30 FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS AND DONATIONS Individual, Club and District gifts of financial support are welcome at anytime. All contributions are acknowledged and gifts received from individuals are deductible for tax purposes. Definition of funds (from IRS 990 Form): ENDOWMENT: Funds are raised and set aside with the stipulation that the original endowment cannot be spent down, unless there is a stipulation that allows for spending the original endowment. PERMANENTLY RESTRICTED/ENDOWMENTS: Funds given to MGC, Inc. for a purpose, such as an endowment. Corpus/endowment are not to be spent down, only earned interest is to be used to further the purpose. TEMPORARILY RESTRICTED ENDOWMENTS: Includes endowment funds established by donor restricted gifts that stipulate its use and use of interest earnings. DONOR ADVISED FUNDS: Donor stipulates use of the funds and interest earnings. BOARD DESIGNATED ENDOWMENTS OR QUASI-ENDOWMENTS: Are endowments established by the organization itself, either for unrestricted donor or organization funds, over which the organization itself imposes restrictions on their use, and which restrictions can be temporary or permanent in nature. 4 PERMANENT PROJECTS Donation forms are available on website for all four projects. 1. Loda Lake Wildflower Sanctuary In the 1930 s, a number of Michigan Garden Club Members desired to find a place in Michigan to preserve the natural beauty and native plants of the state. The Loda Lake area was found to have many ecological associations making it an ideal environment for native plants to thrive. The sanctuary encompasses about 70 acres of wooded area, a 14-acre lake, a marsh, high ground and an open dry area. A long boardwalk takes visitors over the marsh for a closer look at wetland plants. The trail continues on for over a mile, crossing the spring-fed creek, through a pine plantation to a pollinator garden and monarch way-station planted in an old farm field. Along the way, the trail passes the foundation of farm buildings constructed over 100 years ago. The trail is self-guided. Maps can be found at the trailhead and numbered posts along the way match the included plant list. As a result of the improvement project completed in the spring of 2014, there is ample parking, a new toilet facility and a covered pavilion 30

31 Loda Lake Wildflower Sanctuary is located 7 miles north of White Cloud, just off highway M-37. From M-37, turn west on 5 Mile Road. At the first intersection, turn right and travel north on Felch Avenue for 1 mile. The site is located on the right. All intersections are well marked with the brown and tan U.S. Forest Service signs. 2. Scholarships for Michigan College Students Scholarships are funded two ways: Life Memberships: $100 Checks are made payable to MGC, Inc. Scholarship donations Checks are made payable to MGC, Inc. and forwarded to the MGC, Inc. Scholarship Chairman who will work with the Treasurer to distribute Scholarship designated funds to the colleges and universities. 3. Life Memberships (with a Pin available) MGC, Inc. s Life Membership program has grown from four in 1935 to hundreds of Members. Any Member of MGC, Inc. may become a Life Member. An application form is obtained from the Life Membership Chairman or the website, filled out and returned to the Chairman with the tax-deductible fee of $ and a brief description of the honoree s garden club work. Often Life Memberships are given to honor Members and friends who have given outstanding service to their Club, District or State organization. Individual Club Members may purchase a Life Membership for themselves or as a gift. All fees are invested in the Life Membership Fund where the annual earned interest of this money supports the MGC, Inc. Scholarship Program available at most of the State s Universities. Scholarship Donations Member Garden Clubs are encouraged to make annual charitable gifts to the Scholarship Fund. Donations are also made by Club Members and Districts, often to honor and thank specific individuals for their service, or in memory of Members or friends. 31

32 Michigan Universities currently offering eligible majors are: Central Michigan University MGC, INC. SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM The MGC, Inc. Scholarship Committee includes a Chair and 10 Agents, each assigned to work with a specific university. Eastern Michigan University Ferris State University Sophomore, Junior, Senior or Graduate Students with Majors consistent with the objectives of MGC, Inc. may apply for MGC Scholarships. Grand Valley State University Michigan State University Applications are evaluated in terms of academic achievement, career goals and financial need. Michigan Technological University Northern Michigan University University of Michigan Wayne State University Western Michigan University Eligible majors include Horticulture, Landscape Design, Environmental Science, Forestry, Botany, Conservation, or related field of study. Each Scholarship is $1000. NGC, Inc. offers competitive scholarships with an annual grant. MGC, Inc. is entitled to submit one candidate chosen by the Michigan NGC, Inc. Scholarship Chairman, MGC, Inc. Scholarship Chairman and the current State President with the winner announced at the National and State Annual Meetings. 32

33 OTHER LIFE MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE 4. World Gardening in Belize Checks are payable to MGC, Inc. and forwarded to the State World Gardening Chairman. Any size contribution is welcome. As in many undeveloped countries, agriculture is an important occupation in Belize. In 1984, MGC, Inc. began a partnership with the National 4-H Youth Development Center in Belize to provide high school scholarships for low income, at risk students who attend the 4-H Center s ten-month high school preparatory program. These students study both core subjects (academic preparation, personal development, communication skills and small business development) and elective courses (such as food preparation, building technology and tourist industry) as well as, receive valuable on the job training experience. The Center s Director selects our scholarship recipients from these students, who then go on to high school and complete their education. These young people are very grateful for our scholarships that give the 33

34 ONGOING AND COMPLETED PROJECTS Leadership Workshops are conducted in Districts for local Garden Clubs by members of the Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc. Board. The purpose is to provide useful tools and information to Presidents, their Boards and future Club Leaders and Committee Chairmen. The training is through power point, discussion, exercises and written material participants receive to take back to their Clubs. Topics have included National, State and District level connections, Website Overview, Effective and Efficient Meetings, Roles of Club Officers, Projects, Awards, Forms, Yearbook Planning, Parliamentary Procedure and New Member development. Gardens One of the MGC, Inc. objectives is helping to establish Public Gardens. Funds were given for the establishment of the Dr. Liberty Hyde Bailey Memorial in South Haven, Michigan and the Frederick Meijer Garden in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Contributions were made to the Lincoln Memorial Garden in Springfield, Illinois and the landscape of Area #1 of the John Kennedy Center Botanic Gardens in Washington, D.C. with a contribution of $1,500 raised through a Ways and Means Booth at the Ann Arbor Flower and Garden Show. Donations helped establish the Butterfly Garden of the U.S. Botanic Garden and the water segment of the 4-H Children s Garden on the campus of Michigan State University with a pledge of $20,000 in Most recent contributions have been $7,000 to Delaware s Dover Air Force Base Memorial Garden at the Center of the Fallen and $5,000 to The Botanic Garden at the Historic Barns Park located on the grounds of the Traverse City Commons formerly the State Hospital. Dover is the home to the nation s only state side military mortuary. National Garden Clubs, Inc. embraced developing a healing garden for families as every single military casualty no matter what rank, branch of service or manner of death is transported to Dover to be prepared for burial. In Traverse City, renovation of the Granary as a Visitors Center is one of the first steps in the development of the Botanical Gardens. The internationally acclaimed landscape architectural firm, Nelson, Byrd, Wolfe has developed the Master Site plan which includes edible, healing and children s gardens and other educational and recreational activities. 34

35 EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND SCHOOLS Accredited Classroom And Self Study for Members and Non- Members Opportunities are afforded to Members through the National Garden Clubs, Inc. Gardening Study, Environmental Studies, Landscape Design and Flower Show Schools, Symposiums, National and Regional Conventions and through District Meetings, State programs *All Schools are four two day courses held two consecutive years in Spring and Fall. Each course is followed by a general examination or can be audited. Passing grades are necessary for Consultant status. Although the courses are intended primarily for Garden Club Members, they are open to the general public. Courses may be sponsored by a Club, group of Clubs or District. Attendees from the general public may achieve Consultant status by joining a Garden Club. and Annual Meetings (State Conventions). Dates and locations are available on the MGC, Inc. website. Environmental Studies School* The mission statement of Environmental Studies is to teach environmental literacy, appreciation of the natural world, encourage action for sustainable development and the interrelation of all natural things. Particular emphasis is presently placed on land conservation, water conservation and air quality. Flower Show School* Flower Show School is not only for prospective flower show exhibitors and judges, but also for all Garden Club Members and persons interested in floral design and horticulture. While the primary purpose of these courses is to train those wishing to become flower show judges, many people come for information only and those do not have to take the examinations. Horticulture Curriculum Consists of basic general information on 35

36 proper gardening techniques from seed/plant selection to plant culture and control problems. Information is also presented on cultural needs of specific perennials, annuals, trees and shrubs, as well as fruits, vegetables and nuts and how to grow superior plants. Design Instruction Covers traditional floral arrangements through contemporary styles. Many attendees are interested in table settings and vignettes for ideas in interior designing. Gardening Study School* (Helping Members Become Accomplished Horticulturists) In 1977, NGC, Inc. adopted the Michigan Plan for Schools of Horticulture known as Garden Study courses. Information consists of all aspects of growing from understanding soil structure to pruning techniques, plant propagation, pests and diseases, plant identification including basic botany, growing annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs, fruits and vegetables, and selected topics of local interest. Landscape Design School* (Helping Members Become Accomplished Landscape Designers) The courses cover the history of design as well as instruction from Landscape Architects in the use of design techniques in a variety of settings. Students acquire the tools for making their own gardens beautiful and easier to maintain. Members are encouraged to become involved in community projects and may be motivated to serve in political decision-making areas where awareness of a well-designed landscape will enhance the beauty and enjoyment of life in the public arena. Multiple Refreshers (Continuing Education for Consultants) NGC, Inc. offers the schools for education, personal growth and to increase Club skill levels. After completion, Members must maintain their accreditation for Environmental, Gardening and Landscape Design to continue their Consultant status. The multiple refresher allows Consultants to refresh in more than one completed school at these events due to overlapping subjects. These optional events enhance knowledge acquired, explore current trends and promote interest in school subjects. Four and Five Star Programs Represent a significant individual accomplishment and recognized by NGC, Inc. and MGC, Inc. A Four Star Member has successfully completed all four schools listed above. A Five Star 36