Colorado Master Gardener Titles

	Colorado Master Gardenersm

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CMG Titles Colorado Master Gardener Apprentice Master Gardener Colorado Gardener Certificate "Temporary Inactive" Status Released Affiliate CMG CMG Emeritus Transfer to another county in Colorado Transfer to Colorado from another state Colorado Master Gardener, CMG The title Colorado Master Gardener is a registered service mark of Colorado State University Cooperative Extension and is used to identify volunteers as representatives of CSU Cooperative Extension. It may be used ONLY in connection with official Cooperative Extension activities. In situations where the CMG volunteer is not officially representing CSU Cooperative Extension, please use the generic term “Master Gardener” without any verbal connection to the CSU Cooperative Extension System. When working as a CSU Cooperative Extension representative, introduce yourself as a “Colorado Master Gardener Volunteer with CSU Cooperative Extension” or a “CSU Cooperative Extension Master Gardener”. In print materials, the first use of the title Colorado Master Gardenersm needs to be followed with a small “sm” after Gardener. This is easy to make in typing with a superscript. To receive the title “Colorado Master Gardener”, the volunteer must complete the following requirements: Be accepted into a county/area CSU Cooperative Extension, Colorado Master Gardener Program. Complete the Colorado Gardener Certificate Training (CMG basic training course). Attend a minimum of 80% of the training classes. Participants are expected to attend all classes and are responsible for content and exams/quizzes in all sessions. When a situation arises that prevents attendance (e.g., illness or weather related travel issues), participants should coordinate with staff to make up quizzes and subject matter content (to the extent possible). Passing grade on quizzes and exams Complete 50 hours minimum Colorado Master Gardener volunteer service (considered part the training process). Turn in reports After the first year, to continue as a Colorado Master Gardener, volunteers must participate in the following activities: Volunteer service: 24 hours minimum per year Turn in reports Continuing education: 12 hours minimum per year. A minimum of 6 hours must be in Cooperative Extension sponsored Master Gardener events. For example: County, regional and state Colorado Master Gardener updates Clinic training Re-attend basic training sessions Volunteer development training Writer’s workshop Other educational activities may count as 1) it relates to horticulture and the Master Gardener role, AND 2) with prior approval of the designated staff. For example: Green industry trainings (e.g., ProGreen Expo, Turfgrass, CALCP, and ISA Conferences, etc.) Public garden classes Academic classes Garden club speakers Job–related inservice Special research projects Independent projects Volunteer hours or continuing education hours -- Volunteer hours are counted when the Colorado Master Gardener serves to provide educational programs to clients. Continuing education hours are counted when the CMG is in the student role, receiving the training. Return to top of page Return to CMG Administration Return to CMG home page Apprentice Master Gardener New volunteers, who have not completed basic training and their first 50 hours of volunteer service, are identified by the title “Apprentice Master Gardener”. Failure to complete the pay back agreement Apprentice Master Gardeners receive the training at a reduced fee in partial exchange for their volunteer service (i.e., non-paid work). The volunteer service is considered part of the training received by Colorado Master Gardeners. Those who fail to complete the minimum pay back hours by September 30th of the training year will be billed for the class tuition. Billing rate is $10.00 per uncompleted hour, up to $300 maximum. Individuals with special situations may be given an extension (up to 12 months) at the discretion of the agent. Return to top of page Return to CMG Administration Return to CMG home page Colorado Gardener Certificate, CGC Colorado Master Gardener Training is also open to individuals who desire the classroom training only, without a volunteer commitment. These students pay state and county program fees (the same as CMG volunteers) PLUS $300 tuition (in-lieu-of the return service). They receive the Colorado Gardener Certificate upon completion of the class work. In the Colorado Master Gardener Program, volunteer service is considered a vital part of the training program. Colorado Gardener Certificate students do not become Colorado Master Gardeners. Since the Colorado Gardener Certificate implies training only, it may be used by individuals to establish their training credentials and market their expertise. Any CMG volunteer who has complete the basic training and 50 hours minimum volunteer service may also request a Colorado Gardener Certificate, and may use the Colorado Gardener Certificate title for marking purposes. Return to top of page Return to CMG Administration Return to CMG home page “Temporary Inactive” Status It is recognized that CMG volunteers may need to be temporarily inactive in the program due to personal needs (illness, marriage, divorce, births, deaths, moves, job changes, travel, etc.). Upon consultation with designated agent, a CMG volunteer may be given Temporary Inactive status for up to 12 months. Temporary Inactive status should be arranged when the life conflict comes up (that is prior to the inactive period). It cannot be used at the end of the CMG year as a means to carry on less committed volunteers. During the temporary inactive period, CMG volunteers: Will continue to receive mailings and fact sheets Will pay CMG fees May attend meetings and participate in outreach activities However, no volunteer outreach, continuing education, or reports are required. Return to top of page Return to CMG Administration Return to CMG home page Released “Released” individuals are no longer active or affiliated with the CSU Cooperative Extension CMG program. They must avoid identifying themselves as affiliated with CSU or the Colorado Master Gardener Program. Volunteers may be released: At the request of the CMG volunteer Due to failure to complete volunteer hours, educational hours, or turn in reports Due to problems associated with volunteer performance, including people skills and their ability to represent CSU Cooperative Extension in a professional and positive manner. Due to failure to honor volunteer commitments At the discretion of the agent The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that volunteering with an organization is a privilege, not a right. Organizations may release volunteers at the discretion of the organization. Return to Colorado Master Gardener service If a CMG volunteer left the program at their own request, they may APPLY for readmission with in 3 years of activity participation. Acceptance is at the discretion of the local agent based on pervious volunteer experience and the need for additional volunteers in the local program. Readmission is not guaranteed. In most situations it will be only feasible to accept returning CMG volunteers near the beginning of the CMG activity year (October 1st to September 30th) when volunteer opportunities are readily open. If a CMG volunteer has been released for more than 3 year, readmission is not an option. They may start the process over, i.e., go through the application/selection process, attend training, and return minimum volunteer hours. Reacceptance is not guaranteed. If a CMG volunteer was released at the discretion of the Cooperative Extension Agent, readmission is generally not reasonable. When released at the discretion of the CE Agent, individuals may not apply for the CMG program in another county. Return to top of page Return to CMG Administration Return to CMG home page Affiliate Colorado Master Gardener The title Affiliate Colorado Master Gardener identifies Master Gardeners who’s role has evolved from the traditional CMG activities (including 24 hours minimum volunteer work and 12 hours minimum continuing education) but CONTINUE to serve a valuable role in the program as a community contact or collaborator. Examples of Affiliate Colorado Master Gardeners include the following: A CMG who speaks up for the CMG program interests on an advisory board. A CMG in a green industry role who continues to support the program as a consultant, collaborator, or instructor for a specific project. A CMG whose primary role is the contact for another organization in collaboration with the CMG program The intent of this status is to keep these individuals, in their supportive roles, in the CMG loop. This status is not intended as recognition for past work, or as a way for individuals to continue to receive program benefits without a program commitment. Affiliate CMG status is assigned by the county agent. Affiliate Colorado Master Gardeners must have completed basic Colorado Master Gardener requirements (i.e., training and 50 hours minimum volunteer service). Affiliate Colorado Master Gardeners continue to receive the same privileges as other CMG volunteers (i.e., newsletters and fact sheet updates, training opportunities, outreach opportunities, etc.). Return to top of page Return to CMG Administration Return to CMG home page Colorado Master Gardener Emeritus The title Colorado Master Gardener Emeritus serves as a transition from full activity (i.e., 24 hours minimum volunteer service and 12 hours minimum continuing education) to continued limited activity. It is intended to support individuals who: Have made a substantial contribution to the CMG program, and Desire to continue in full activity, But must now limit full participation due to circumstances beyond their control (such as personal health or family health care needs). It is not intended for individuals who elect to pursue other interests or activities (such as job/career needs, raising a family, serving in other organizations, etc.). It is not intended for individuals who elect to be less active in the CMG program. Criteria for CMG Emeritus This title is award by the CSU Cooperative Extension, State Master Gardener office, after nomination by the county agent. The individual must have a desire to continue his/her affiliation with the program; however, due to limitation beyond their control (such as health issues or family care issues) he/she must now limit participation in the CMG program. The individual will have completed a minimum of 5 years and 500 hours CMG volunteer work. The individual will have made a substantial contribution to the program, giving some long-term leadership and definition to the program. The local agent submits a letter of recommendation (outlining the individuals contributions and situation) to the state MG office for consideration. The title will be awarded judiciously based on the CMG’s contribution and individual situation. Emeritus CMGs continue to receive full program benefits (such as newsletters and updated fact sheets, training opportunities, outreach opportunities, etc.). They continue to serve the program as limitations allow. However, reporting of activities is encouraged but not required. The local agent should periodically visit with the Emeritus CMG to inquire about their interest to continue in the CMG program. Return to top of page Return to CMG Administration Return to CMG home page Transfer to another county, within Colorado Colorado Master Gardeners may request to transfer to another county’s program. Consideration will be based on recommendations of previous county staff and need for additional volunteers in the local program. In most situations, a transfer may be feasible only at the beginning of the CMG calendar year (October 1st to September 30th) when volunteer opportunities are readily open. Transfers will be denied for volunteers who have failed to complete volunteer commitments (50 hours volunteer service the first year and 24 hours additional years, plus continuing education requirements). Under ruling of the US Supreme Court, volunteering is a privilege not a right. A transfer is not guaranteed. Return to top of page Return to CMG Administration Return to CMG home page Transfer from another state to Colorado Individuals who completed Master Gardener training in another state, may APPLY to the Colorado program as follows: May apply as an Apprentice CMG, going through the application and acceptance process, basic training, and volunteer service. If they were active within the past 3 years, they may APPLY to transfer as a CMG volunteer. Acceptance is based on: Recommendations from agent in previous state Interest and availability for volunteer work Gardening background CMG volunteers should understand that they may request a transfer, but that there is nothing automatic or guaranteed in the process. Volunteering is a privilege not a right. In most situations, a transfer may be only feasible near the beginning of the CMG year (October 1st to September 30th) when volunteer opportunities are readily available. Nationally, MG training is not coordinated between states. States do not automatically accept training offered in other states. Each state varies in the amount of training and subject matter covered. In Colorado, important skills for CMG work include being familiar with local soils, insects and diseases. Our training content is very Colorado based. Content even varies to some degree within difference areas of the state to focus on local needs. Based on what part of the nation the volunteer is moving from, the agent will required that the CMG volunteer participate in basic training sessions that would be different in Colorado content. Return to top of page Return to CMG Administration Return to CMG home page Prepared by David Whiting Updated and printed July 16, 2004