Organizational Structure

A Cooperative Extension consumer horticulture educational program can be conducted by employing a variety of delivery methods (radio, television, newsletters, meetings, demonstrations, etc.). An Extension Master Gardenersm (EMG) volunteer staff can be trained and utilized to enhance program delivery.

The county horticultural Extension agent should assess both the advantages and the disadvantages before developing a volunteer staff. While there are many advantages in developing a volunteer staff it can be a major undertaking ---- especially the first few year. In addition to the basic training, time must be planned for volunteer supervision and leadership development.

Agents Responsibility
Regardless of the size of the county Extension Master Gardenersm (EMG) volunteer staff, the county Extension agent will be responsible for the day to day activities, as well as, the long range goals and activities of the county EMG program.

Screening and selecting potential volunteers
Planning the training program
Placement and supervision of the volunteers
Compiling and reporting program impacts
Assessing program needs
Volunteer recognition
Volunteer evaluation and feedback
Volunteer leadership development

In a new or small county program, the agent will be able to work closely with individual MGs. As a program grows, the agent will need to develop a organization structure that utilizes volunteers in leadership roles to assist in managing portions of the program. Options include: MG middle mangers for specific areas/projects and utilization of a EMG advisory committee. The agent will still be responsible for all aspects of the program -- volunteers will assist in specific areas under the agents supervision.

MGs AS MIDDLE MANAGERS
As the program grows Extension support staff and experienced MGs can be utilized in management and leadership roles under the guidance of the county Extension agent. Examples include but are not limited to the following:

Plant clinic coordinator
Phone duty coordinator
Speakers bureau coordinator
Personnel records manager
School garden coordinator
Demonstration garden coordinator
4-H/youth project leader
Literature filing/distribution coordinator

The volunteer project coordinators should work closely with the Extension staff concerning planning, implementation, and evaluation. It is critical that volunteer project coordinators be familiar with Extension's mission, policies, and long range plan of work.

EMG ADVISORY COMMITTEE
An EMG advisory committee may be formed to assist in program planning, implementation, and evaluation. An advisory committee does not have the same authority to make policy decisions as a board of directors. The Extension agent should compare recommendations with available resources, Extension's mission, policies, and plan of work before implementing advisory committee recommendations.

As the county program grows, the EMG advisory committee may increase their leadership role in planning and conducting specific education programs offered to the public or activities for MGs, as well as, conduct fund raisers to support the EMG and consumer horticultural programs. Continent upon county policies regarding funds, the EMG advisory committee may be able to open a checking account (after obtaining a Federal Tax ID number).