MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEER MANUAL

Transcription

1 MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEER MANUAL

2 OBJECTIVES This guide will help yu answer the fllwing questins: What is the Iwa Master Gardener Prgram? What is the cnnectin t Iwa State University Extensin and Outreach? Wh can becme a Master Gardener? What can Master Gardener vlunteers d? What are the respnsibilities f Iwa Master Gardeners? Pht by Cleen Myers Learn mre abut the Iwa Master Gardener prgram Visit the Iwa Master Gardener website at Find us n Facebk: Sign up fr News & Views, the Iwa Master Gardener newsletter: mastergardener.hrt.iastate.edu/news.html Cntact the Iwa State University Extensin Master Gardener Staff: Crdinatr Denny Schrck, , dennys@iastate.edu Prgram Assistant Susan DeBlieck, , deblieck@iastate.edu 1

3 ISU EXTENSION & OUTREACH S MASTER GARDENER PROGRAM... 4 MISSION STATEMENT... 4 HISTORY OF THE MASTER GARDENER PROGRAM... 4 HISTORY OF IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION AND OUTREACH... 5 USING RESEARCH-BASED INFORMATION... 5 STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR... 5 MASTER GARDENER STAFF AND SUPPORT... 7 PROGRAM GUIDELINES, POLICIES & PROCEDURES... 8 AGE REQUIREMENT... 8 TRAINEE APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS... 9 EXTENSION MASTER GARDENER INTERNSHIP... 9 CERTIFICATION & RE-CERTIFICATION... 9 USING THE MASTER GARDENER TITLE VOLUNTEER CATEGORIES COMMUNICATIONS AND STATEWIDE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES STATE VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION VOLUNTEER SERVICE AND CONTINUING EDUCATION HOURS VOLUNTEERS TRANSFERING BETWEEN STATES USING IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION AND OUTREACH BRANDING AND LOGO EXTENSION NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT FUNDRAISING AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT FUNDRAISING BY EXTENSION MASTER GARDENERS FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP TAX DEDUCTABLE DONATIONS USE OF UNIVERSITY SALES TAX EXEMPTION APPENDICES A. MASTER GARDENER ADVISORY COMMITTEE B. POSITION DESCRIPTION: MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEER

4 C. NETIQUETTE: ETIQUETTE FOR THE INTERNET, , SOCIAL MEDIA & LISTSERVS D. HORTICULTURE PLANT AND PEST SPECIALISTS

5 ISU EXTENSION & OUTREACH S MASTER GARDENER PROGRAM MISSION STATEMENT The purpse f the Iwa Master Gardener prgram is t prvide current, research-based, cnsumer hrticulture infrmatin and educatin t the citizens f Iwa thrugh Iwa State University Extensin and Outreach prgrams and prjects. The Iwa Master Gardener prgram is an educatinal and vlunteer service rganizatin 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 and envirnmental tpics f special value t hme gardeners. 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 amng campus-based ISU specialists and staff lcated in Ames, the United States Department f Agriculture, and lcal Extensin districts. This partnership cperates with lcal gvernments and citizens t extend infrmatin frm the research dne at the university t citizens thrughut Iwa. HISTORY OF THE MASTER GARDENER PROGRAM Natinally the Master Gardener prgram began in 1972 in respnse t high public demand fr hrticultural infrmatin frm lcal extensin ffices in the state f Washingtn. The pilt prgram prvided interested individuals with specialized hme garden hrticulture training in exchange fr prviding vlunteer assistance t extensin service persnnel in delivering individualized infrmatin t clients. Pht by Susan DeBlieck The successful prgram in Washingtn prvided a pattern, which was eventually replicated in all 50 states, the District f Clumbia, fur Canadian prvinces, and several ther freign cuntries. 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 Davenprt, in Sctt Cunty in 1979 with a class f 17 trainees. Mre than 13,000 Iwans representing nearly all f Iwa s 99 cunties have been trained as Master Gardeners since the inceptin f the prgram. In a typical year, training is ffered in apprximately 30 lcatins arund the state, and between 300 and 400 new trainees participate in the prgram. 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. 4

6 HISTORY OF IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION 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. Iwa State University was part f Cperative Extensin frm the very beginning. 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 USING RESEARCH-BASED INFORMATION Prviding research-based infrmatin is at the cre f Extensin s wrk, purpse and missin. As Extensin vlunteers, Master Gardeners are expected t uphld university research-based findings even when the infrmatin is new r different frm a vlunteer s persnal experience r pinin. Master Gardener vlunteers are prvided with cre curse educatin, resurces and ther infrmatin funded n the research f ISU experts t help them and the public they assist t make infrmed chices. Vlunteers wrk with gardeners f differing philsphies. While it is imprtant t respect individual beliefs, Master Gardeners are expected t make recmmendatins based n scientifically defensible infrmatin frm Iwa State University r ther reputable surces. This is especially true in the case f use f fertilizers r pest cntrl where the label is the law. Vlunteers may answer hmewner questins, but must refer questins cncerning cmmercial prductin r cmmercial pest cntrl t an Extensin staff persn. While infrmatin frm Iwa State University Extensin & Outreach is always the first chice as a resurce, infrmatin frm ther state extensin services and academic surces may be used. The internet gives Master Gardeners access t numerus resurces. Hwever, vlunteers must reference websites that are reputable based n respnsible research that preferably is academic, and apprpriate t Iwa s climate, cnditins, and cld hardiness znes. STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR Extensin Master Gardener vlunteers are representatives f Iwa State University and their lcal cunty Extensin prgram, and serve at the discretin f ISU. Just as it is a privilege fr Extensin t wrk with vlunteers wh ffer their time and talents, it is a privilege nt a right t be an Extensin vlunteer. Participants must understand and accept respnsibility fr their actins, wrds and deeds when vlunteering n behalf f ISU. Master Gardener vlunteers are expected t review and abide by the standards f behavir as listed belw. These imprtant plicies are designed t ensure the safety and wellbeing f all Master Gardener participants (audiences, staff, prfessinals, and ther vlunteers) and prmte a psitive, enjyable experience fr all.. Extensin vlunteers are representatives f the Iwa State University and must cnduct themselves accrdingly. Extensin Master Gardener Vlunteer Standards f Behavir: 1. Uphld vlunteerism as an effective way t meet the hrticultural educatin needs f Iwa citizens. 2. Accept supervisin and supprt frm extensin staff while invlved in the prgram. 5

7 3. Represent the lcal cunty prgram and the Iwa Master Gardener prgram with dignity and pride by being psitive spkespersns and mentrs fr thers. 4. Be curteus, civil and respectful, refraining frm prfanity and behavir that physically, verbally, r emtinally abuses, threatens r harms any Extensin prgram participant. 5. Abstain frm the use r the influence f alchlic beverages r ther cntrlled substances when interacting with the public as an Extensin Master Gardener vlunteer. 6. Cmply with equal pprtunity and anti-discriminatin laws and the plicies f Iwa State University Extensin and Outreach. 7. Perfrm duties in a respnsible, prfessinal and timely manner. 8. Dress prfessinally and wear the Iwa Master Gardener nametag whenever serving as a vlunteer. 9. Reprt immediately any threats t the vlunteer s emtinal r physical well-being t the cunty r state extensin staff crdinating the Extensin Master Gardener prgram. 10. Be respnsible and accuntable fr persnal actins. 11. Prmte and supprt Extensin Master Gardener activities and vlunteer peers in rder t develp an effective cunty and state prgram. 12. When applicable, perate machinery, vehicles, r ther equipment safely and respnsibly. Failure t fllw the standards f behavir listed abve can result in terminatin frm the prgram and lss f all privileges assciated with the status f an Iwa Master Gardener vlunteer. Shuld an issue arise, the vlunteer will be placed n temprary leave, and the lcal Master Gardener crdinatr will infrm and wrk in cncert with the state crdinatr and/r prgram assistant t reslve the issue and determine what, if any, disciplinary steps need t be taken. While attempts may be made t crrect disqualifying behavir, reslutin may lead t reinstatement, reassignment f vlunteer duties, reinstatement with limitatins, r terminatin frm the prgram. The vlunteer may als be terminated immediately. The state crdinatr must authrize any terminatin frm the prgram. NETIQUETTE Netiquette refers t etiquette displayed while using the internet. As mre web-based tls and prgrams are used t cmmunicate and share infrmatin electrnically, it is imprtant that vlunteers fllw gd netiquette standards. Inapprpriate cmmunicatin r misuse f the internet as a vlunteer can lead t restrictins n using Master Gardener internet-based tls and prgrams. Fr mre detail cnsult Appendix C. PUBLIC BENEFIT OF THE EXTENSION MASTER GARDENER PROGRAM In 2014, Iwa Master Gardeners reprted mre than 105,000 hurs f vlunteer service. Accrding t the Independent Sectr the value f this service t the state f Iwa is mre than $2.4 millin dllars. By anther measure, the hurs f Master Gardener vlunteer service are equal t the wrk f 52.5 full-time Extensin and Outreach staff. Other scietal benefits are mre difficult t measure, but are significant nnetheless. Amng the thusands f hurs f vlunteer service, are numerus hurs f teaching adults and yuth abut sustainable gardening techniques that lead t a safer, cleaner envirnment, ecnmic sustainability, strng, vibrant cmmunities, better nutritin fr cnsumers f the prduce grwn in hme and cmmunity gardens, and a better quality f life. As public rganizatins, ISU Extensin and Outreach and the Master Gardener prgram have a respnsibility t undertake prjects and activities that deliver public benefit r value. Public value accrues when a prgram imprves the quality f life f thse wh d nt directly benefit frm the prgram. Fr example, if yu teach 20 hmewners t build rain gardens and they d s, the amunt f runff in lcal waterways is reduced. The public benefit is 6

8 cleaner water fr the general public. When planning Master Gardener prjects fr yur lcal prgram, be intentinal abut selecting thse prjects that prvide public benefit in additin t persnal benefit fr the prgram participants. Mre and mre, stakehlders request public benefit frm prgrams they fund. D yur lcal prjects have public benefit? PROGRAM 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. 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: 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. What the Funding Surce Supprts: supprt: Master Gardener state crdinatr and prgram assistant 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 prgram assistant 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 MASTER GARDENER STAFF AND SUPPORT The Iwa Master Gardener prgram is supprted by an array f Iwa State University Extensin and Outreach staff. These include state Master Gardener prgram staff, Department f Hrticulture faculty, Extensin hrticulture and pest management prfessinals, and cunty level staff. The Iwa Master Gardener prgram receives guidance and supprt frm the State Master Gardener Advisry cmmittee. 7

9 STATE STAFF 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, Master Gardener prgram assistant is respnsible fr statewide cmmunicatins and scial media as well as supprting state and lcal crdinatrs. EXTENSION EDUCATORS & FACULTY Select faculty members with Extensin appintments teach and prvide expertise t supprt the Master Gardener prgram. The specialists are hused nt nly in the Department f Hrticulture, but als in the Departments f Entmlgy, Agrnmy, and Plant Pathlgy & Micrbilgy, See Appendix D fr a listing f Extensin Specialists. COUNTY EXTENSION STAFF Iwa has 100 Extensin & Outreach cunty ffices. T find ut wh the Master Gardener crdinatr is fr yur cunty, please cntact the lcal cunty Extensin and Outreach ffice. STATE MASTER GARDENER ADVISORY COMMITTEE The State Master Gardener Advisry Cmmittee prvides advice and cnstructive input t the state Master Gardener staff members n plicies fr the prgram, judges Search fr Excellence award applicatins, 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. The advisry cmmittee 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 Additinal infrmatin abut the advisry cmmittee is fund in Appendix A. PROGRAM GUIDELINES, POLICIES & PROCEDURES AGE REQUIREMENT Any adult (18 years f age r lder) with an interest in gardening is eligible t apply fr Iwa Master Gardener training. A ptential Master Gardener must demnstrate interest in gardening, enthusiasm fr acquiring and sharing knwledge, and a sincere cmmitment t vlunteerism and cmmunity betterment. 8

10 TRAINEE APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS The applicatin and selectin prcess f an individual t becme a Master Gardener intern is made at the lcal/cunty level. Individuals are selected based n applicants interests, the need fr vlunteers in the lcal prgram, and the individual s successful cmpletin f the applicatin and selectin prcess. The prcess requires an individual t: 1. Cmplete a written applicatin and submit it t the lcal cunty Extensin & Outreach ffice 2. Participate in an interview t help determine the individual s fit within the prgram, and hw the prgram aligns with the applicant s interests in vlunteering 3. Successfully clear the vlunteer backgrund check as required by ISU Extensin and Outreach 4. Receive cnfirmatin f selectin including instructins fr beginning the cre curse training 5. Cmplete an assessment f current knwledge f gardening and hrticultural infrmatin Cmpleted applicatin materials are cnfidential infrmatin and are t be held in a lcked file in the cunty Extensin ffice. Generally, Master Gardeners participate in the prgram in their cunty f residence. In cases where a Master Gardener participates in a cunty prgram different frm their cunty f residence, they use the cunty f participatin fr all reprting and identificatin purpses. EXTENSION MASTER GARDENER INTERNSHIP When cre curse classes are cmpleted, trainees begin a ne-year-lng Master Gardener internship. During this perid, interns must prvide at least 40 hurs f vlunteer service n lcally apprved Master Gardener prjects within their cmmunities. Applicants wh d nt wish t vlunteer may pay a $550 curse fee instead f the regular curse fee f $195, and are cnsidered a PrHrt student nt a Master Gardener trainee. Fllwing the cmpletin f this vlunteer service cmmitment, Master Gardener Interns are recgnized as Iwa Master Gardeners. T remain active in the prgram, individuals must cmplete a minimum f ten hurs f cntinuing educatin and 20 hurs f vlunteer service annually after the year f internship. CERTIFICATION & RE- CERTIFICATION Fllwing successful cmpletin f the internship, the vlunteer becmes an Iwa Master Gardener and is cnsidered active. The vlunteer receives 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 a minimum f 20 hurs f vlunteer Pht by Rachel Summy 9

11 service by the end f the calendar year. The vlunteer must als cmplete and reprt a minimum f 10 hurs f cntinuing educatin during that year. Lcal Master Gardener prgrams may require additinal service r educatin hurs. USING THE MASTER GARDENER TITLE 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-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, research-based 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 ISU-sanctined recmmendatins and nt rely merely n their wn persnal experience, that f thers, r cmmn garden flklre. 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. VOLUNTEER CATEGORIES 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 the cre curse final assessment is cnsidered a Master Gardener Trainee. MASTER GARDENER INTERN Vlunteer-in-training wh has successfully cmpleted the lcal classrm sessins and class n campus segments f the cre curse training prgram and has passed the final class assessment with a scre f 70% 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. 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 10

12 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 cmpleting a minimum f 24 hurs f service 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. 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 r mre hurs f service as an active Master Gardener May cntinue t vlunteer and reprt hurs as able, but is nt required t reprt vlunteer hurs r meet minimum hurs requirements Has access t all prgram & Extensin resurces, staff, website, educatin, events, etc. HONORARY 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 COMMUNICATIONS AND STATEWIDE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES With thusands f Master Gardeners in Iwa and apprximately 100,000 arund the wrld, strng cmmunicatin skills are imprtant. Technlgy prvides many tls fr keeping interns infrmed and in tuch with the prgram and each ther while creating a supprtive and helpful netwrk. WEBSITES, LISTSERVS, & SOCIAL MEDIA Iwa Master Gardener Website G here t get access t prgram resurces and upcming events ( Master Gardener News and Views newsletter Sign up t receive the mnthly Iwa Master Gardener newsletter t stay up t date n what is ging n arund the state. T sign up fllw the jin ur mailing list link n the Master Gardener website. Iwa Master Gardeners Facebk page Visit the Iwa Master Gardener Facebk page t see daily updates ( Cntact yur cunty crdinatr t find ut hw t cnnect t lcal Master Gardener listservs, Facebk pages, and/r e-newsletters The Natinal Extensin Master Gardener prgram blg (blgs.extensin.rg/mastergardener) prvides Master Gardener related articles frm arund the cuntry. TYPES OF VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES The fcus f all Master Gardener prjects shuld be educatin. Prjects receive the supprt f ISU Extensin and Outreach and the lcal Cunty Extensin Cuncil. Prject selectin is based n cmmunity need, availability f vlunteers and educatinal impact. The pprtunities fr 11

13 Master Gardener invlvement are as varied as the individuals wh are trained. Here are a few vlunteer activities that might happen near yu: Teaching cmmunity gardening classes and wrkshps Answering phne inquiries cncerning hme hrticulture Assisting with cunty hrticulture events Teaching and demnstrating hrticultural techniques in demnstratin, cmmunity, and schl gardens Teaching yuth and judging hrticultural prjects Prviding media interviews and articles n hrticulture prjects Speaking t schls and yuth grups n gardening tpics Hlding plant clinics at garden centers and farmers markets Representing the Master Gardener prgram at cunty and state fairs Organizing garden cnferences and sympsiums ANSWERING HORTICULTURE QUESTIONS When seeking infrmatin r answers t hrticulture questins: 1. Search thrugh materials frm cre curse training r ther Extensin resurces. 2. Search Extensin s websites, natinal Cperative Extensin nline databases, r ther states Extensin websites. 3. Use the cunty ffice hrticulture reference library. 4. Seek assistance frm lcal Extensin educatrs. 5. Seek assistance frm reginal r state Extensin specialists when yu ve exhausted ther surces. 6. It is kay t say, I dn t knw, but I will find ut. STATE VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION Master Gardener vlunteers are recgnized with name badges and pins t reflect their cmmitment and service. Milestnes f recgnitin include ttal hurs (i.e. 500, 1000, 2000, & 3000 hurs), and years f service (10 years & 1500 hurs fr Lifetime Master Gardener). These awards are determined by the hurs reprted nline by vlunteers fr each calendar year. Lcal Master Gardener crdinatrs are respnsible t track milestnes and request the recgnitin certificates and pins fr presentatin t individuals frm the state Master Gardener ffice. VOLUNTEER SERVICE AND CONTINUING EDUCATION HOURS Ultimately, what cunts as vlunteer time is a decisin made by the lcal crdinatr, cunty extensin directr, and/r lcal advisry cmmittee. Hwever, Master Gardener activities shuld include an educatinal cmpnent, as ppsed t activities that invlve nly garden labr r cmmunity beautificatin. Lcal crdinatrs shuld share lcal guidelines with trainees as a way t clarify expectatins and ensure cnsistency in recrdkeeping. Pht by Marlene Olsn 12

14 Many hrticulture assciatins, clubs and scieties can be educatinal and enriching fr Master Gardener vlunteers. Master Gardeners may vlunteer fr these ther rganizatins and cunt these as vlunteer service hurs prviding the fllwing criteria are met: 1. The individual is clearly identified and vlunteering primarily as an Iwa Master Gardener. 2. The activity is educatinal and nt fr prfit. Vlunteer questins abut whether an activity may be cunted tward Master Gardener hurs shuld be directed t the lcal crdinatr. 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 educatin-fcused gardening rganizatins meet this requirement. Sessins ffered by entertainers, mass media and sales peple are less likely t d s. REPORTING VOLUNTEER HOURS ONLINE Recrds f Master Gardener vlunteer and cntinuing educatin hurs are 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 Master Gardener impact and help illustrate the value f the prgram. The Iwa Master Gardener prgram uses an nline hurs reprting system. It can be fund at After setting up an accunt, vlunteers use this tl t enter their hurs by selecting frm the drp dwn menu and specific vlunteer activities. The vlunteer year fllws the calendar year; vlunteer and cntinuing educatin hurs are due by December 31st f each year. Vlunteers are encuraged t reprt their hurs thrughut the year n an nging basis. Late submissin f hurs may nt be included in state r federal reprts abut the Master Gardener prgram r cunt twards cunty vlunteer hur summaries. and internet access is required f all new interns t reprt their cntinuing educatin and service hurs. If a vlunteer des nt have a cmputer r internet access at hme, it is their respnsibility t wrk with the lcal cunty Master Gardener crdinatr t receive in-persn assistance in reprting hurs at the cunty ffice r ther site such as a public library. REPORTING CONTACTS The gal f asking vlunteers t reprt cntacts they make is t gain an accurate picture f the effectiveness f the prgram. Vlunteers reprt the number f peple they interact with as a Master Gardener, NOT the number f questins they answer. When several vlunteers interact with an individual at an event such as a cunty fair, nly ne cntact shuld be reprted fr all. While each vlunteer reprts his r her wn vlunteer hurs fr the event, the cntact number shuld be reprted nly nce. Examples: 1. A lcal Master Gardener Hrticulture Day draws a ttal f 320 peple. This is the number f peple that this prgram event reaches. Althugh peple attend varius classes taught by several vlunteers thrughut the day, nly the ttal number f peple attending the event shuld be reprted. The lcal crdinatr / leader r a designated vlunteer reprts the 320 peple nline when they reprt vlunteer hurs fr the event. 2. Tw vlunteers answer questins at a plant clinic. During the day, 40 peple bring plant samples and 13

15 questins and bth Master Gardeners wrk tgether t help the 40 peple. The plant clinic is the Master Gardener service that reached 40 peple. One Master Gardener may be respnsible t reprt all 40 cntacts r each Master Gardener may reprt 20 cntacts. In the end, nly the number f peple wh attended the clinic shuld be reprted, in this case Three Master Gardener vlunteers team up t teach a cmmunity educatin class n vegetable gardening. Twenty-fur peple attend the class. Only 24 ttal peple shuld be reprted. This can be dne by ne f the Master Gardener vlunteers reprting 24 cntacts, r each Master Gardener may reprt ne-third f the attendees, in this case, eight peple. TV, radi, newspaper and magazine articles: When vlunteer activities invlve the media, reprt the number f articles/bradcasts prduced fr a given media utlet. Then reprt the circulatin r audience f that media utlet. Examples: 1. A vlunteer writes a mnthly gardening clumn fr a lcal newspaper. The circulatin f the paper is 15,000, s reprt this ne time as twelve articles with a circulatin f 15, A vlunteer hsts a weekly ne-hur-lng radi shw fr eight weeks during the summer n a lcal statin. The statin has a listening audience f 45,000, s in this situatin, reprt eight ne-hur radi shws n a statin with an audience f 45,000. Diversity: There are numerus ways t define diversity and diverse grups f peple. Iwa State University designates a number f diverse grups in its equal pprtunity and emplyment statement, which are mandated by law r plicy. Fr Master Gardener reprting purpses, vlunteers reprt diversity by entering the number f cntacts they reach by defined race/ethnicity. Vlunteers may use their best judgment in determining the racial diversity f prgram participants. Only face-t-face cntacts shuld be used t reprt diversity. N assumptins shuld be made abut race, ethnicity r gender fr cntacts reached by phne, , r ther indirect means. VOLUNTEERS TRANSFERING BETWEEN STATES TRANSFERRING TO IOWA FROM ANOTHER 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 nline 14

16 and pass with a scre f at least 70%. Once an individual cmpletes the abve requirements, they may then assume the title, benefits and respnsibilities f an active Iwa Master Gardener. TRANSFERING BETWEEN IOWA COUNTIES An active Master Gardener in gd standing may transfer t anther cunty in Iwa. The prcess t d s is as fllws: Apply and be accepted int the new lcal prgram including passing a required vlunteer backgrund check if ne has nt already been cmpleted. Request that the 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 IOWANS TRAINING IN OTHER 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/leader, r the state crdinatr. RETURNING TO THE IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY MASTER GARDENER PROGRAM 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 required t reactivate. In additin, the fllwing criteria must be met: 15

17 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. USING IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION AND OUTREACH BRANDING AND LOGO Iwa State University claims the right and wnership t the names, symbls, graphics, lgs, trademarks and service marks assciated with the university. Mst f ISU s marks are federally registered and all are mnitred t ensure prper use and prtectin. The marks listed at cannt be used withut permissin frm ISU Trademark Licensing and/r a license agreement in place with the Licensing Resurce Grup. Generally, external use f the lgs must be licensed except fr use by news media, supprtive messages, printed publicatins fr event prmtin, r materials fr internal r educatinal use. ( The 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 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. NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT - FULL VERSION and justice fr all The U.S. Department f Agriculture (USDA) prhibits discriminatin in all its prgrams and activities n the basis f race, clr, natinal rigin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religin, sexual rientatin, genetic infrmatin, plitical beliefs, reprisal, r because all r part f an individual s incme is derived frm any public assistance prgram. (Nt all prhibited bases apply t all prgrams.) Persns with disabilities wh require alternative means fr cmmunicatin f prgram infrmatin (Braille, large print, auditape, etc.) shuld cntact USDA's TARGET Center at (vice and TDD). T file a cmplaint f discriminatin, write t USDA, Directr, Office f Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washingtn, DC , r call (vice) r (TDD). USDA is an equal pprtunity prvider and emplyer. Issued in furtherance f Cperative Extensin wrk, Acts f May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cperatin with the U.S. Department f Agriculture. Cathann A. Kress, directr, Cperative Extensin Service, Iwa State University f Science and Technlgy, Ames, Iwa. 16

18 NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT - SHORT VERSION Iwa State University Extensin and Outreach prgrams are available t all withut regard t race, clr, age, religin, natinal rigin, sexual rientatin, gender identity, genetic infrmatin, sex, marital status, disability, r status as a U.S. veteran. Inquiries can be directed t the Directr f Equal Opprtunity and Cmpliance, 3280 Beardshear Hall, (515) COOPERATING STATEMENT - FIELD VERSION Cperative Extensin Service, Iwa State University f Science and Technlgy, and the United States Department f Agriculture cperating. Spanish language versins f these statements are available at MEDIA RELEASE Images, vide, film r ther media used fr Extensin 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 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 17

19 materials are used in unintended r unendrsed ways. It 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. 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 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. 18

20 VOLUNTEER REIMBURSEMENTS FOR MASTER GARDENER PROGRAM EXPENSES The Iwa Master Gardener prgram is vluntary, and thus participants receive n mney fr their services. If an individual des cllect a stipend fr smething they d, they are n lnger cnsidered a vlunteer and thus are nt cvered fr liability purpses fr that activity. Extensin Master Gardeners may submit and be reimbursed by their lcal cunty prgrams and the state ffice, as apprpriate, fr actual ut-f-pcket expenses supprting Master Gardener activities. A fee r dnatin can be paid t the Extensin Master Gardener prgram in exchange fr the services f Master Gardener vlunteer; hwever, n individual may persnally receive financial gain as an Iwa Master Gardener vlunteer. 19

21 FUNDRAISING AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT 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 EXTENSION MASTER GARDENERS While the primary rle f an Extensin 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 lcal 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. Fr mre infrmatin abut tax-deductible cntributins t lcal Agricultural Extensin Districts, fllw the taxdeductible 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 20