Academics | Extension | Research

•    MD MG Handbook is required.  It is to be used as the primary training resource.  Every trainee receives a copy as part of course fee.

•    At least 50 % of the curriculum and final exam is uniform throughout the state.  This addresses the core competencies required of every individual to become certified. The five core subjects are ecology, soils, botany, entomology and plant pathology.

•    Implement a basic training course every year

•    Strive to train a minimum of 20 interns each cycle. Interns are adequately screened and mentored.

•    Provide supervision of volunteers.

•    Provide UME volunteer policy training to interns before the completion of basic training.

•    Maintain a folder for each volunteer in a locked file cabinet that contains all required forms and contact information.  Information will be kept current and confidential.

•     Required forms include:

   o     volunteer orientation checklist
   o     volunteer application
   o     volunteer interview form
   o     volunteer appointment                 agreement
   o     job description
   o     2-3 reference letters or notes      from phone conversations with            references.

•    Approve all official MG activities and projects (before the activity) to be sure they are consistent with the mission and goals of the program.

•    Review volunteer hours, before entering them into the database, to be sure they are consistent with the mission and goals of the program.

•    Send MG certificates to state office after MG interns complete first 40 hours of volunteer service.  Certificates with the MG’s name printed on them are sent to the state office where the hours are verified.  The certificate will be signed by State Coordinator and Dean of our College and then mailed back to the local program.

•    Develop an organizational and communications structure (e.g. active committees, regularly scheduled meetings, phone tree, e-mail lists, newsletter).

•    Ensure that active volunteers meet their minimum service and continuing education requirements (see “MD MG Policies and Guidelines”.)

•    Ensure that program is managed according to the affirmative action and diversity guidelines of MCE; increase diversity in MG base and clientele.

•    Provide supervision of paid or volunteer MG coordinator

•    Provide adequate office and storage space and access to computers, AV equipment, copier, office supplies, administrative support staff, and other resources commensurate with other UME programs.

•    Maintain MG sub-accounts in EAC or EAB account.  Share income and expense reports with  volunteers on a regular basis.  (This could be done by the MG coordinator or designated volunteers.)

•    For programs without a paid coordinator- work with volunteers and county officials to secure county funding for a paid MG Coordinator position.

•    Paid coordinator or volunteer coordinator-leader will attend MG Advisory Committee meetings each quarter (or send a designee when unable to attend).

•    Send the state office an electronic or printed copy of each edition of county and city MG newsletter.

•    Include designated information sent from state office in county and city newsletters and web sites.

•    Remit $20 of the training fee for each MG intern to the state office to support the program.

•    Provide statewide leadership and coordination of program

•    Develop, revise, and distribute policies, guidelines and standards for volunteers and local programs.

•    Liaison to AGNR and UMCP administrators and to UME programs (Ag, 4-H, FCS, etc.)

•    Liaison to Maryland IPM Program and Maryland Nutrient Management Program.

•    Produce annual reports and impact statements for stakeholders and supporters.

•    Promote and represent the MD MG program with media, USDA, state MG coordinators, non-profits, and the green industry.

•    Help get new local programs established.

•    Provide guidance and support to existing programs.

•    Convene and conduct four MG Advisory Committee meetings each year.

•    Work as a partner with MG Strategic Planning Committee.

•    Make available to all local programs- MG logo, name badges, recognition pins, certificates, banners, branded apparel, etc.

•    Produce and distribute the Maryland Master Gardener Handbook.

•    Produce and update an MG Administrators Handbook that will be available on the website.

•    Manage the MG volunteer database.

•    Develop and maintain the MD MG web site- including local program impacts and highlights.

•    Recognize volunteer service and accomplishments.

•    Produce and mail out a MD MG newsletter once each year to all volunteers.

•    Facilitate the exchange of ideas and information between volunteers from different county and city programs through trainings, events, and interest group meetings.

•    Keep volunteers informed about important subject matter updates.

•    Keep volunteers informed of training opportunities through UME and other agencies and organizations.

•    Provide Advanced Level II training course opportunities.

•    Provide advanced training opportunities, including the all-day training at UMCP.

A.    Basic Training Classes
•    Submit training syllabus to state office by first class to state coordinator.

•    Enter roster of trainees (name, address, telephone, e-mail) into MG database as soon as possible.

C.  Volunteer Hours and Contact Information- November 1,  and February 1.
•    Enter all volunteer hours and contact information (race and gender included where feasible) into the state MG database.  All hours for a single calendar year must be entered by February 1 of the following year (e.g. all volunteer hours given in 2008 will all be entered by February 1, 2009)

•    Update all contact information by Nov. 1 of each year- change of address, email or phone numbers, MG status (active, hiatus, emeritus).

•    If you need help sending your data to campus, contact Ann Lavigna at UMCP.

•    (Note: we do not track continuing education hours at state office.  This is done at the county/city level.)