Master Gardener Volunteer Program
Volunteering During COVID Updates
March 25, 2021
Please continue to complete all activities remotely.
When an activity cannot be done remotely, consult the Exemption Process. For further questions, reach out to your local coordinator or email mgweb@umn.edu.
*NEW* Updated exemption process to allow volunteering in-person in collaboration with other UMN units or other organizations: Volunteering with Collaborating Organizations
Consider these low-contact, work-from-home volunteer opportunities for 2021:
Leaders: Keep track of approved and signed forms using the Google folder designated for your county.
2020 Interns: Interns who did not complete their 50 hours in 2020 have had their internship extended into 2021. After interns have reached 50 hours and completed the Core Course, they will then receive their badge. While encouraged, no further volunteer hours will be required to maintain active MG status for 2021.
As things change, we will update this portion of the website and share news in the Volunteer Newsletter. Email mgweb@umn.edu if you have any questions.
Our Mission and Vision.
The mission of the University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program is to use research-based horticultural knowledge and practices to deliver educational outreach and project-based efforts that inspire change and promote healthy people, healthy communities and a healthy planet.
Our vision is that University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener Volunteers are community members respected and valued for their research-based horticultural expertise and community-strengthening capacity.
Our Guiding Principles connect us and our work statewide.
We are connected to the University of Minnesota, and use evidence-based research and best practices to inform our community engagement efforts, educational outreach, and horticultural expertise. We strive to make scientific knowledge understandable and accessible to all and inspire and encourage lifelong learning through continued scientific exploration and discovery.
We are connected to people, and committed to learning, becoming leaders in our communities, and contributing to improving lives. We collaborate and work across geographical and organizational boundaries to create viable and vibrant results.
We are connected to our communities, and their needs drive the work of our program. We are empowered to create change in our communities through educational engagement in alignment with our program priorities.
We are connected to our earth, and strive for stewardship and sustainability through horticultural best practices and a conscientious approach to volunteer work in alignment with our program priorities. We aim to improve not only the lives of the people within our communities, but also the land which sustains us.
Through all, we strive to be accessible and welcoming to all, regardless of what separates us.
Our Program Priorities
The Mission, Vision, and Principles of the Master Gardener Volunteer Program were developed through the 2018-2022 Master Gardener Volunteer Strategic Plan. You can see a summary of these guiding values on the Master Gardener Volunteer Mission, Vision, and Guiding Principles Overview (pdf).
