NC State Extension Master Gardener Program Guidelines - Extension Master Gardener Volunteers

This document provides guidance and direction for conducting an Extension Master Gardener (EMG) program in North Carolina. It seeks to clarify roles and NC State Extension policies and procedures to maximize program success while minimizing potential liability issues.

View the NC State Extension EMG Program Guidelines

Chapters and information found within the Guidelines include:

Forward

Introduction

I. N.C. Cooperative Extension

A. History

B. Mission

C. Vision

D. Organization

E. Annual Impact

F. Funding Sources

II. NC State Extension Master Gardener Program

A. History

B. Purpose

C. Core Values

D. Organizational Structure

E. Funding

III. NC State Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Training and Certification

A. Program Promotion

B. Application and Fees

C. Selection

D. Initial Training

E. Internship and Certification

F. Annual Recertification

G. Continuing Education Opportunities

IV. NC State Extension Master Gardener Program Roles and Responsibilities

A. Master Gardener Volunteer Role and Responsibilities

B. Master Gardener Volunteer Project Coordinator Role and Responsibilities

C. Extension Agent Role and Responsibilities

D. State Coordinator Role and Responsibilities

E. State Director Role and Responsibilities

F. Association Role

V. NC State Extension Master Gardener Program Operations

A. Titles, Service Marks, and Logo

B. Participation

C. Evaluation

D. Recognition

E. Management Teams

F. Considerations for New Projects

G. Communications

H. Liability, Legal, and Financial

VI. NC State Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Fundraising

A. Examples of Revenue Generation

B. Rules and Regulations

C. Gifts and Honorariums

VII. Sources of Additional Information

Appendices

A. Master Gardener Volunteer Titles and Role Descriptions

B. Examples of Master Gardener Volunteer Opportunities

C. NC State Extension Master Gardener Program Student / Intern Code of Conduct Form

D. NC State Extension Master Gardener Program Volunteer Recertification Code of Conduct Form

E. State and Local Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Associations

F. Social Media Policy

ABOUT THE EMG PROGRAM GUIDELINES

The NC State EMG Program Guidelines provide direction and expectations for conducting an EMG program and volunteering with the EMG program in North Carolina. Originally published in 2015, the Guidelines are based upon previous North Carolina Master Gardener Program Operating Procedures, as well as the Washington State University Extension Master Gardener Program Handbook. Limited updates were made in May 2019 to provide alignment with the NC State Extension and EMG program brand.

A full review of the Guidelines was initiated in October 2018, under the leadership of the NC State EMG program coordinator. The review team was composed of Extension agents and Master Gardener volunteers. Proposed updates were shared with Extension agents and Master Gardener volunteers during a webinar held on July 18, 2019 (recording available on YouTube). This was followed by a comment period during which agents and volunteers were invited to anonymously share concerns, suggestions, or feedback on the proposed updates. The review team met for a final time in November 2019 to discuss feedback received during the comment period and finalize the updates.

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Written By

Charlotte Glen NC State Extension Master Gardener℠ Program Manager