Policies and Core Values that Guide the MG Program

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1.      Education, not service

2.      Teach practical and usable skills that are neutral and unbiased toward specific commercial products

3.      Avoid conflicts of interest

4.      MGs are guides to learning and respect others viewpoints

5.      Activities are inclusive, not exclusive

6.      MGs only extend researched based information and knowledge

What is required for your appointment as a Master Gardener?

1.      Pass exam by 70%

2.      Background screening

3.      Sign the Code of Conduct

4.      Driver’s license and insurance (if driving)

5.      Annual Agreement

6.      Your appointment is good for one year.

Code of Conduct

All University of California Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Program (UCCE MGP)  volunteers and volunteer trainees shall act in ways that promote and support the UCCE MGP goals and shall not be in conflict with the UCCE MGP policies and procedures. The following are prohibited when acting on behalf of the UCCE MGP:

1. Failure to demonstrate a supportive and cooperative attitude to UCCE staff, MG volunteer peers, home gardeners, and/or other program stakeholders, as well as failure to adhere to the programmatic goals established by the UCCE MGP staff.
2. Violation of the signed Annual Volunteer Agreement or of the UCCE MGP Code of Conduct.
3. Possession or use of illegal drugs or alcohol (or to be under the influence thereof) when involved in a UCCE MGP event or activity.
4. Use of abusive, obscene and discriminatory language at any UCCE MGP activity or event.
5. Direct personal attack or harassment (visual, verbal or physical) on another person.
6. Behavior that is illegal, unsafe, or contrary to the highest standard of ethics.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Maintain a professional presence and dress when acting as a MGP volunteer and agent of the University of California.
2. Recognize the responsibilities of the UCCE MGP staff in setting program priorities, standards and direction.
3. Be committed to the core values, educational goals, and standards of the UCCE MGP at the various organizational levels.
4. Avoid conflict of interests.
5. Respect and safeguard the individual rights, competencies, safety, and property of UCCE MGP participants.
6. Prohibit discrimination in any policies, procedures, or practices on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics), ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship or status as a covered veteran.
7. When driving on UCCE MGP business, possess a valid California driver’s license and carry proof of the minimum automobile liability insurance required by UC, and ensure that all passengers use seat belts.
8. Report your UCCE MGP volunteer hours on a regular basis as required by UCCE MGP staff.
9. Provide receipts for any money collected in the name of the UCCE MGP.
10. Adhere to and help enforce the program policies and procedures referred to in the UCCE MGP Administrative Handbook for Program Staff.
11. Be recognized as an agent of the UCCE MGP when working in a MG volunteer capacity by wearing your UCCE MGP name badge.

What if I have to become inactive?

1.      Can become inactive for up to 13 months and then be reinstated with County Director Approval

2.      Can have, alternatively, “limited Active” status not to exceed one year.

What Counts as volunteer hours?

1.      Any approved activity that is educational in nature

2.      Service on an MG committee

3.      Setting up or cleaning up after an MG event or activity

4.      Research projects under supervision of UCCE

What is not likely to count?

1.      Attendance at MG Social Events

2.      Work for outside organizations

3.      Any paid work

4.      Physical labor except if the purpose is demonstration

5.      Travel time to and from volunteer activities unless travel  is the job.

Pesticide Use and Recommendations

1.      May use pesticide products in demonstration gardens but they must be used in accordance with the label and all state and federal laws.  UCCE staff should approve any pesticide applications an provide adequate training for such applications.

2.      Home remedies may not be recommended for use as pesticides unless UC has a published recommendation

3.      All pesticide recommendations to the public must be UC published recommendations

Confidentiality and Privacy

1.      Please do not share address lists of MGs with public

2.      Do not share client lists with public

Conflicts of Interest

1.      UC Policy requires that we not engage in any activity that places us in a conflict of commitment

2.      May not use title of UC Master Gardener as part of a commercial interest

Contracts, Grants and other Administrative Polices

1.      Cannot sign contracts or obligate UC in any way

2.      MGs may write grants on behalf of UC but may not be the Principle Investigator

3.      All UC MGP meetings are to be open to all MG volunteers unless the County Director deems the meeting to be confidential or sensitive.

4.      Master Gardeners may not engage in active fund raising

5.      You may participate and sponsor events that allows for cost recovery and program support.

Gifts to the MG Program

1.      Refers to both gifts of cash and in-kind

2.      Refer all potential donors to UCCE County Director

3.      Recognition of gifts may be made by listing name in printed material or banners but no logos, active web links or promotions.

4.      Specific amount may not be stated, though broad categories may be….

Gifts to the MG

1.      With CD approval, non-cash gifts valued at no more than $75.00 may be given to a volunteer or other key stakeholders.

2.      Master gardeners may not receive honoraria

Insurance and Liability

1.      UC maintains self-insurance for general liability that protects MGs from 3^rd party suites or claims when working as a volunteer.

2.      UC doesn’t provide worker’s compensation.

3.      When using your personal car, you auto insurance is primary and UC self insurance is secondary.  Make sure limits are up to UC standards…50/100/50.  California requires is 15/30/5

Financial Policies

1.      All monies received by UCCE in support of local MGP are considered public funds and must be handled according to UC policy’

2.      MGs must collect and pay sales tax on all retail items sold except consumables.

3.      MGs may be reimbursed for out of pocket expenses associated with service with prior approval of MG Staff

Where can I find out more?

•        The Master Gardener Administrative Handbook

•        Talk to your local UC Cooperative Extension MG Program Representative, County Director or the UC Statewide Master Gardener Director, Pam Geisel at pmelam@ucdavis.edu or (530) 875-1154.