Transcript Document

Michigan
Master Gardener Program
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History
Mission
Roles
Survey Results…What We’ve Learned
Michigan Master Gardener Program
1978
• First training in Michigan
2008
• Changes in statewide leadership
• Develop centralized & sustainable program model
Michigan Master Gardener Program
2011
• Budget cuts (federal, state and local)
• Statewide staff reductions
• (Extreme) tightening of operations
Michigan Master Gardener Program
2011
• Associations become independent
• Liability changes
• Elimination of background checks
• Educators unable to provide day–to-day
oversight of MSUE volunteers
• Need to provide financial stability of program
Michigan Master Gardener Program
2012 – Moving forward….
• Transition team of local association members
formed
• Statewide standardization of training curriculum
& delivery
• New online volunteer mgt. system (VMS) piloted
• Michigan Master Gardener Association born!
Michigan Master Gardener Program
2013
• Full launch of the Volunteer Mgt. System (VMS)
• Implementation of the re-certification process
• Sustainability model implemented for training
• New curriculum for training launched
• Distance technology piloted (fall)
Michigan Master Gardener Program
2014
• MMGA receives IRS determination letter that
includes Affiliate chapters
• MSUE leadership changes
• Grant received for strategic visioning process
(joint effort with MMGA)
So where are we now?
Extension Master Gardener Program
• National / International Program
• National Mission:
Extension Master Gardener programs educate people, engaging them in
learning to use unbiased, research-based horticulture and gardening
practices through a network of trained volunteers directed and
supported by land-grant university faculty and staff.
Michigan Master Gardener Program
• Mission statement:
The mission of the MSU Extension Master Gardener Program is to further
the land-grant university goal of disseminating scientifically based
information via a network of trained volunteers who receive support and
guidance from MSU Extension specialists and educators in providing
Michigan residents with the most current and environmentally sound
horticulture information.
Consumer Horticulture
Team Members
MSU $
-Hal Hudson
-Rebecca Krans
-Mary Wilson
MSU / COUNTY $
-Bob Bricault
-Diane Brown
-Elise Carolan
-Rebecca Finneran
-Gretchen Voyle
-Vacant
COUNTY STAFF $
-Mary Gerstenberger
-Carol Lenchek
-Shawn Turner
-Linda Whitlock
CONSUMER HORTICULTURE TEAM
Position & Funding:
Educator – MSU
Educator or PI – MSU / county
County employee – county
Extension Master Gardener Program
• National / International Program
• National Mission:
Extension Master Gardener programs educate people, engaging them in
learning to use unbiased, research-based horticulture and gardening
practices through a network of trained volunteers directed and
supported by land-grant university faculty and staff.
Michigan Master Gardener Assoc. Inc.
MI Master Gardener Association, Inc.
Purpose
This Association is organized exclusively for charitable,
religious, educational and scientific purposes under section
501(c)(3) of the IRS Code, or any corresponding section of any
future federal tax code: specifically
• To instruct adults and youth in horticulture science
• To educate communities about environmentally sound
practices through horticulture-based activities
• To promote food security
• And improve the aesthetics of the community
MI Master Gardener Association, Inc.
Mission:
The Association shall carry out the following:
• Coordinate, encourage, and foster opportunities for Members of the
Association to further the goal of education others through the
dissemination of environmentally sound, research-based horticulture
information, enhance the beautification of the communities of the
Members through volunteering, and related activities;
• Provide appropriate assistance and support to local chapters and
affiliates of the Association;
• Facilitate certification and recertification of members as Master
Gardeners in conjunction with MSUE;
• Coordinate with MSUE in providing educational opportunities in
horticulture to Members and the general public; and
• Provide topical communications with Members of the Association.
Strategic Visioning
Assessment Survey
Focus Groups
Visioning & Planning Retreat
Follow up
• Two-week review & comment
• May 4th gathering
Clare: plug critical issues here
Assessment Survey
Demographics:
• 1,345 MSUE Master Gardeners (46% return
rate)
• 70 out of 83 counties represented
• 77% respondent 55 + years
• 84% female
• 55% involved with program over 6 years
Why people enroll in the MSUE Master
Gardener training course:
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88% - to learn more about plants
66% - for fun
64% - to earn the MSU Extension MG certification
62% - to gain knowledge for a hobby
59% - to volunteer & give back to their community
Why people stay certified:
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85% - to continue to learn for personal growth
79% - for enjoyment
74% - to volunteer & give back to their community
71% - to interact with others with similar interest
Experience with the VMS:
• 43% - It’s easy to use
• 29% - It’s somewhat easy to use
• 18% - I’m still getting familiar with it
Training course suggestions:
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88% rated program excellent to very good
48% - more hands-on
33% - combination of face-to-face and online,
24% - no changes
23% - online training options
Comments
How do people currently feel about the MI
Master Gardener Program?
I love it
I'm satisfied and comfortable
I'm uncertain
I'm dissatisfied and unhappy
I'm confused
I'm frustrated
Perception of MSUE support of the MMGP
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36% - very supportive
23% - moderately supportive
18% - extremely supportive
10% - slight supportive
4% - not at all supportive
9% - uncertain
What would make the MMGP more valuable
to you & what would you like changed?
• Answers to both questions centered on critical
issues:
• Recognition, relationships
• Communications / roles
• Equity
• Program Delivery
• Funding / Program Sustainability
MMGA Survey Results:
Based on 850 self-identified MMGA members who
responded:
• Valued benefits of MMGA:
• 65% - Access to additional information/resources
• 63% - Networking with other Master Gardeners
• 50% - Access to MMGA newsletter
• 41% - Liability insurance cover
• 37% - Part of collective voice for MSUE Master
Gardener Program
MMGA Survey Results
Best vehicle for contacting MMGA members:
• 78% - Email
• 6 % - Newsletter
How members contact MMGA:
• 49% - Email MMGA
• 23% - website
• 13% - VMS/MMGA site
Michigan
Master Gardener Program
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History
Mission
Roles
Survey Results…What We’ve Learned