MENTORING PROGRAM IMPROVES RETENTION OF MASTER GARDENERS
Extension Education
Matt Herring
AGRONOMIST
UNION
Abstract
Master Gardener training is designed to provide people horticultural education with the goal that they would in turn give back to their communities through volunteer service. Master Gardener training has been offered in Franklin County, Missouri since 1999. A Master Gardener organization was formed after the initial training to foster friendships, partnerships on projects and organize continuing education. Generally about 50 percent of the training classes in 1999 and 2000 joined the organization and completed their required volunteer service. A training class in 2002 resulted in only about four people completing the required volunteer service and only two are active today out of the original class of 24. A mentoring program was designed in preparation for a 2004 class matching an experienced Master Gardener with a graduating Master Gardener intern. Retention from the 2004 class was about 42 percent. Retention from the 2007 class was 50 percent. The Master Gardener mentoring program results in participants becoming involved in the Franklin County Master Gardener organization, getting a good start on their volunteer project and having an experienced Master Gardener to go to with questions.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: M.D. Herring
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Herring, M. Agronomy/Natural Resources Specialist, University of Missouri Extension, Missouri, 63084