Recruitment Toolkit
CLASS OF 2023
RECRUITMENT MATERIALS
Share the application
Share this online application link with applicants: z.umn.edu/mg2024onlineapp.
Include the online application QR Code in your materials!
Other application options include:
PDF version: z.umn.edu/mg2024pdfapp
Use this as a preview when completing the online application.
Use the application by downloading, printing, and completing it by hand; return completed application to the county program or to mgapp@umn.edu.
Fill-able form version: z.umn.edu/mg2024fformapp
Download the file, find it in your downloads, and open it from there. Do not open from the browser. If it opens in your browser, it will not work. After filling out the application, save it and attach the saved document to an email. Return the completed application to the county program or to mgapp@umn.edu.
NOTE: Please email any hard copy applications to mgapp@umn.edu or mgweb@umn.edu
Reinstate a volunteer
Do you know someone interested in returning to the program? It is easy for a lapsed volunteer to re-join. Ask the applicant to:
Step 1: Complete the reinstatement application. Meet with/interview the candidate to confirm commitment.
Step 2: Submit a background check online request and complete the safety of minors training. See a "Welcome" email example you can customize and send to interns.
Step 3: Submit $100 payment online for printed companion manual, badge and background check.
Step 4: Upon receipt of background check results by the state program, volunteer to receive access to the Core Course. Complete the core course quizzes and pass with 80%+ score .
Leader: Download and complete reinstatement form and email to mgweb@umn.edu.
Process and timing
Plan your effort
Request Team consultation -- 612-625-9864 or mgweb@umn.edu
Promote your program
Customizable news release (download and update the Stearns County example)
Customizable flyers, customize, print and post flyers in your community
Announcement examples
Events calendars -- post your events!
Grab attention
Order Form for:
Pull up banner
Priorities sign
Let's Talk Plants sign
Table cloth
Or, print your own:
Event signs -- print version 1, 2; instructions
Distribute promotional items
Print your own: Signs, recruitment cards, business cards, posters, postcards, notepad, handouts, labels, flyers, bookmarks
Professionally print: Signs, recruitment cards, postcards, notepad, banner
Connect with applicants
Contact applicants via email or phone to confirm that you've received the application
Set up a time to welcome and introduce the applicant to the program and recruitment team:
Introduce the program’s mission, vision, priorities and your group's community work.
Use the meeting time to determine how someone’s gifts and talents fit into the Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program, not to identify barriers to their participation.
Review the suggested talking points, question examples, and rubric.
Confirm if the candidate would like to proceed in becoming a volunteer.
Ask applicant to submit a background check online request and complete the safety of minors training.
Welcome new interns to the program!
After receiving confirmation that the applicant would like to join the program, share the skills and interest form to learn:
which projects they are most interested in,
the audiences they would like to work with, and
the experiences and skills they can share with the program.
Review financial assistance process
Financial Assistance Form (included in the application)
Group leaders confirm financial assistance funds are available. (Leaders may complete this form.)
Processing the financial assistance request:
The group leader confirms the intern list with the state team/Arboretum education registrar.
Via a phone call, the registrar confirms funding with the interns who've requested support and processes registration.
Question: What are you comfortable paying?
The financial assistance amount requested is usually 50% of the core course cost or less.
Financial assistance is provided upfront.
The state team and Registrar expedite moving funds from the local university EFS account to the state program account.
Tap into weekly promotional packet
6-week recruitment plan to plan recruitment events in your county.
2024 recruitment presentation and tips
Recruiting: Core Course and Recruitment Toolkit Overview
Recording: Recruiting the Class of 2024, Aug. 2, 2022 COMING SOON!