Author: Andrea Stith
Planning Unit: Barren County CES
Major Program: Master Gardener
Plan of Work: Leadership & Volunteerism Development
Outcome: Initial Outcome
After meeting with a few of those involved in the pre-existing Barren County Extension Master Gardener groups leadership it was brought to light that they have been struggling to keep interest and maintain their hours requirements. The Extension Master Gardeners work with the County Extension agents to provide consumers with up-to-date, reliable knowledge so they can enjoy and protect the plantings around their homes. Master Gardening also has become a fun and useful volunteer activity that has given its participants a sense of community spirit, accomplishment, and intellectual stimulation. By working with the groups leadership and encouraging them to brainstorm and offering suggestions from previous experience, it was determined that the group would move from as needed or quarterly meetings to monthly meetings. The Extension Master Gardener program is coordinated by the county Horticulture agent and the agent works with specialist to continually educate their volunteers. With the monthly meetings there has been an educational presentation at each meeting. Some of these presentations have been given by the Barren County Extension Master Gardener volunteers others by guest experts in their respective fields. By the leadership making this small change the Barren County Master Gardener group has seen increase in member attendance and has developed structure for their groups continued growth. This initial impact is hopeful to lead to the long-term outcome of increased volunteer members and hours completed. Through this step the group has created committees such as the program planning committee, the member retention committee, the publicity committee, and they continue to grow their leadership.
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