The Extension Master Gardener Program develops leadership skills and contributes to the community.   A strategic plan was developed by the Extension Master Gardeners, with the help of Dr. Nicole Breazeale, Department of Community and Leadership Development, and the horticulture agent to make the most impact with the volunteers’ time in the community through horticultural programs. The plan was started with a Ripple Effect Mapping session attend by 29 Green River Area Extension Master Gardener Association (GRAEMGA) members in early 2019, followed by follow-up focus groups.  A member strengths assessment survey was completed by 46 members during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.  In addition, six members were trained and conducted key partner interviews with 5 community partners in the summer of 2020.  All of the data was integrated into a comprehensive strategic plan.  The membership prioritized the goals for the first year of the multiyear plan in January 2021.

As a result, the Extension Master Gardeners formed four committees to address the four major goals of 1). Increases diversity and number of participants involved, 2). Strengthen the involvement, commitment, and leadership of participants involved in GRAEMGA; 3). Strengthen GRAEMGA relationship with partner organizations; and 4). Increase the visibility of GRAEMGA and promote its contributions in the wider community.  To address the first goal of increasing diversity and number of participants, Extension Master Gardeners started an educational raised bed garden in the Northwest Neighborhood Alliance at a city park in Owensboro.  Another goal addressed was continuing relationships with partner organizations through a second interview to start planning educational activities.  A committee developed handbooks describing leadership roles in different committees and activities and work on increased visibility was started.

Another outcome included a key GRAEMGA leader, the horticulture agent, and Dr. Breazeale co-presenting this work at the 2020 National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals conference.  As a result, a team of Extension professionals at the University of Florida were inspired by this presentation and are now leading a group of Extension Master Gardeners through a similar process.

The skills gained by Extension Master Gardeners while creating and starting the strategic plan not only helped with this project but can be used in the future in community programs and outreach.  During the COVID-19 pandemic, 53 Extension Master Gardeners safely contributed 3,749 hours to the community through horticultural projects, leadership opportunities, and sharing science-based information.  The value of the volunteer hours contributed was $86,608 to the community.  Through the continued implementation of the multi-year strategic plan, Extension Master Gardeners aim to increase this impact on the community.