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Becoming a CMG Volunteer

CMG Outreach
CMG Training
CMG Application Process
CGC Enrollment
County Contact Information

CMG Outreach

Colorado Master Gardener Volunteers assist CSU Cooperative Extension staff in delivering knowledge-based gardening information to foster successful gardening. Annually, 1,400 CMG volunteers serving in 34 county-based programs generated $1.3 million in volunteer time.

The Colorado Master Gardener, CMG, audience is exclusively home gardeners. Examples of CMG volunteer service include answering phone calls at county extension offices, staffing diagnostic clinics, teaching gardening classes, writing newspaper articles, and mentoring community gardening and greening projects. Refer to CMG Outreach for additional details on activities.

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CMG Training

Colorado Gardener Certificate Training, the basic training course for CMG volunteers, is offered on a multi-county basis. See table below for details on locations and training days.

The basic curriculum includes 60+ hours of classroom instruction. Classes are held January through April, one day per week, for 10+ weeks. Class periods typically run from 9 to 12 noon and 1 to 4. However, contact the local office for county specific details. Refer to the 2006 Schedule for teaching day and breaks.

Refer to CMG Training for addition details on the curriculum.

Participants may enroll as CMG volunteers (that is apply to become a CMG volunteer). CMG activities include the training class plus 50 hours minimum volunteer CMG service. The training is also available without a volunteer commitment (classroom training only) for a higher fees as Colorado Gardener Certificate Students. Refer to Enrollment Options for additional details.

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CMG Application Process

To start the CMG application process, call or e-mail your county office of CSU Cooperative Extension. Contact information in listed in the table below.

CMG programs operate at the county level, with primary support from the county government. Applicants should generally apply to their home county. In special situations (such as the work location versus the home location) a potential volunteer may apply to a neighboring county. However, it should be understood that most counties give priority to county residents, being responsive to the local county budget and taxpayers. Applicants who apply to multiple counties will not be considered.

The program requires that the volunteer work be completed for the county/area program for which the applicant applied. For example, an application to the Boulder County CMG program necessitates that the volunteer work be completed FOR the Boulder County CMG program. An application to the Gilpin County CMG Program necessitates that the work volunteer work be completed FOR the Gilpin County CMG Program. Neighboring counties (like Boulder, Broomfield, and Gilpin) often collaborate on CMG outreach efforts.

Applications are processed in the fall of the year for the January-April training. Colorado Front Range Counties have a November 1st application deadline. Outside the Colorado Front Range, contact your county office for application deadline.

For the evening training taught in the fall of the year (September-December) for Boulder, Broomfield, and Gilpin Counties, applications are processed mid-summer. Contact the county office for application information and deadlines.

Since the applicant needs county specific information regarding the CMG program, CMG applications are NOT available on the web. Contact your local CSU Cooperative Extension office.

Steps in the CMG application process

1.      Contact your county office of CSU Cooperative Extension for program information and an application form. Office contact information is listed in the table below.

2.      Submit a completed CMG application form by the application deadline.

The application form asks for background information on gardening and volunteer experiences, general availability for volunteer work (used by program coordinators to help connect CMG volunteer with projects), criminal background information, contact information for three references, and a signed contract committing the CMG volunteer to 50 hours minimum volunteer work in exchange for the training. Some counties also require a criminal background check of potential volunteers.

3.      Preliminary screening will be off the application form. Primary consideration is based on 1) interest in volunteer work, 2) availability for volunteer work, 3) people skills (i.e., ability to assists Cooperative Extension in home horticulture educational efforts) and 4) gardening experience.

The Colorado Gardener Certificate option (to participate in the class for a higher fee without any volunteer commitment) provides educational opportunities for those not interested in the volunteer work.

Without fundamental gardening experience, it is unreasonable to expect that someone will develop the background and knowledge base required to work with our clientele by just attending the training.

Cooperative Extension programs are available to all without discrimination. Selection is not based on race, age, color, religion, national origin, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or veteran status, disability or handicap.

Students requesting handicap accommodations should directly contact the CSU Resources for Disabled Students Office , at 970-491-6385.

Staff will send a confidential reference letter to the references listed on the application. At least two must be returned before the applicant can be accepted into the CMG program.

4.      Interview -- Most counties will invite applicants in for a informal interview giving the applicant a chance to learn more about the CMG Program and ask questions about training and volunteer work. Some counties include a written exam in the application process.

5.      Applicants will be advised if they were selected for the CMG Program. In counties with a larger population base, significantly more people apply than can be accommodated. Applicants who are not selected as CMG volunteers, may elect to enroll as Colorado Gardener Certificate Students (non-volunteer enrollments).

6.      Pay program fees -- If accepted into a local CMG Program, payment of program fees is the final enrollment step.

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Volunteering is a privilege, not a right.

Under ruling of the US Supreme Court, volunteering for any organization is a privilege, not a right. So correctly stated, a person applies to become a CMG volunteer.

Under the Federal Volunteer Protection Act, we are expected to screen all applicants; selecting individuals whose interests, values, and availability are appropriate to represent CSU Cooperative Extension. Additionally, we routinely do not state the reasons why a person is being or is not being accepted into the program. In most counties, we have more qualifying individuals apply than the program can accommodate.

According to CSU Cooperative Extension policy, volunteers serve at the request of Cooperative Extension as non-paid staff. The request to serve as a CMG volunteer can be withdrawn at any time with or without reasons stated.

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Colorado Gardener Certificate Enrollment

Colorado Gardener Certificate Students (non-volunteer enrollment) should also contact their local office of CSU Cooperative Extension for registration information. Space for CGC students may be limited, on a first come (pay) basis.

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Sharon Moore
303-637-8100

Golden Plains Area
Washington, Kit Carson, Phillips Sedwick and Yuma

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Morgan