Texas Master Gardener Volunteer Agreement 

 Texas Master Gardener Volunteer Agreement 

We appreciate your commitment to the Texas Master Gardener program. Your satisfaction and progress in this volunteer position is important to us. Please read the following expectations and indicate your willingness to cooperate by entering your name and email at the end of this form. Submitting this form signifies your willingness to abide by this agreement and will need to be submitted annually. Volunteers not adhering to all items in this agreement may forfeit their certification as a Master Gardener volunteer.

I understand that I am trained by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in the field of Horticulture and I am expected to extend research-based information to the public on behalf of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. In exchange for the minimum of 50 hours of Master Gardener Training provided by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, I will:
-Commit to a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer service to the horticultural programming efforts in Comal County within one year to become a certified Master Gardener.
-I understand that in order to maintain active status as a Master Gardener Volunteer, I must volunteer 12 hours annually after my intern year and gain 12 hours continuing education hours annually.
-Provide a record of this service as directed by the Master Gardener Program Coordinator.
-Comply with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Background Check policy. The background check is to be renewed every three years. Members must maintain a current background check per the direction and guidelines from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Only background checks conducted through Texas A&M, using approved processes and/or services, will be accepted.

When acting as a Texas Master Gardener volunteer I agree to:
– Consistently exhibit a positive professional manner toward and about Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, the Master Gardener Program, the Master Gardener -Coordinator, other Master Gardener volunteers and clients.
– Carry out and discharge all duties in a responsible and timely manner.
-Avoid conflict of interests.
-Not use my Master Gardener status to promote any commercial activity or private business.
-Volunteer’s efforts for their place of employment will not be considered as volunteer service to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
– Recommend and use (when functioning as a Master Gardener) only Texas A&M AgriLife approved information for any public pesticide, herbicides, fertilizer, or cultural practices.
– Provide my own transportation and pay my own expenses incurred as part of official volunteer activities. (Expenses may be tax deductible with proper documentation.) Some County Master Gardener Associations may assist volunteers with expenses to certain types of events. Check with your local Master Gardener Program Coordinator for more information on specific association policies and procedures.
-Act in accordance with the highest standard of ethics:
-Not physically, verbally or sexually harass/abuse anyone
-Refrain from illegal or unsafe behavior
-Dress appropriately and not use harsh language

In regard to Master Gardener Coordinators, Master Gardener volunteers will:
-Recognize the responsibilities of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service staff/Master Gardener Coordinator in setting program priorities, standards and direction. Specific projects for the performance of the volunteer work are determined locally and should reflect local needs.
-Refer all commercial horticulture inquiries to the Master Gardener Coordinator or other Extension staff.

In regard to Master Gardener Colleagues, Master Gardener volunteers will:
-Welcome volunteers from all backgrounds
-Respect and safeguard the individual rights, competencies, safety, and property in regard to Clients.

Master Gardener volunteers will:
-Provide quality service to the public without regard to socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, or national origin.

I further understand that Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will:
-Provide training, supervision, and direction to Master Gardeners through the local county Extension office.
-Communicate expectations and responsibilities of the program to volunteers.
-Match volunteer skills and interests with volunteer opportunities within the county.
-Support Master Gardener volunteers and the local Master Gardener Association.
-Provide continuing education opportunities.
-Provide access to Extension horticulture reference materials and reasonable access to Extension professionals.
-Uphold and cultivate a trustful relationship between staff and volunteers.
-Reassign and/or terminate, if necessary, any volunteer who does not uphold Texas Master Gardener policies, procedures, guidelines, and/or values.

I understand that, as a volunteer, I will not be acting as a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service employee and will not receive pay or employee benefits. I also understand that I am not covered by workers’ compensation laws in connection with my volunteer affiliation. I understand and agree that Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and I both have the right to end my volunteer relationship with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service at any time, for any reason, and without advance notice.