GUADALUPE COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS. November, 2011 PROPOSED POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

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1 GUADALUPE COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS November, 2011 PROPOSED POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Texas AgriLife Extension Service Texas A&M System Educational programs of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, or national origin. Portions of the Texas Master Gardener Management Guide have been liberally used throughout this Manual A copy of the complete Guide is appended for reference

2 Foreword The Guadalupe County Master Gardeners, Inc. ( GCMG ) Policies and Procedures Manual serves as the Operating Handbook for the organization. It is based upon the following documents: - Guadalupe County Master Gardeners Bylaws as adopted on October 20, Texas Master Gardener Management Guide, rev. Feb AgriLife Extension Youth Protections Standards - - AgriLife Extension Best Practices Financial Resource Management This Manual is intended to define and document GCMG policies, management guidelines and operating procedures. The Manual is designed to: - Maintain a current and easily accessible guide to all GCMG policies and procedures. - Inform the membership of GCMG policies and procedures. - Facilitate continuity of GCMG operations regardless of changes in officers and committees. - Ensure the periodic review and update of all GCMG policies and procedures. Information regarding amendments to this Manual can be found at Section III. Appendices to this Manual consist of documents from which these policies and procedures are derived and current GCMG forms and templates.

3 POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL TABLE OF CONTENTS Foreword Table of Contents I. Mission Statement II. III. IV. Goals and Objectives Policies & Procedures Manual Use of the Texas Master Gardener Title V. Membership A. Certified B. Intern C. Student D. Associate E. Emeritus(a) F. Honorary G. Transfers VI. VII. VIII. VIV. Certification Standards A. Annual Re-certification B. Graduation from Student to Intern C. Intern Certification as GCMG Volunteer Service Hours A. Reporting Hours B. Approved Volunteer Hours C. Approved Continuing Education Hours Criminal Background Check Dues X. Meetings

4 XI. XII. XIII. XIV. XV. XVI. Board of Directors Officers A. President B. President Elect C. Vice President D. Secretary E. Treasurer F. Past President Standing Committees A. Education Committee B. Budget and Finance Committee C. Master Gardener Training Committee D. Publication Committee Newsletter Webmaster E. Volunteer Committee Special Committees A. Audit Committee B. Awards Committee C. Hours Reporting Committee D. Membership Outreach Committee E. Nominating Committee F. Notification Committee G. Project Evaluation Committee H. Refreshment Committee I. Socials Committee J. Speakers Bureau Mentor Program KWED Gardening Show XVII. Library & Master Gardener Phone Line XVIII. Special Reports A. Chartering Document B. Texas Master Gardener Association Annual Dues Invoice C. Texas Master Gardener Association County Association Information D. Hours Report XVIV. Texas Master Gardener Association Directors

5 XX. XXI. Specialist Training Junior Master Gardener Program XXII. Fund Raising, Solicitations and Donations Appendixes A. Guadalupe County Master Gardeners Bylaws as revised November 2011 B. The Texas Master Gardener Management Guide, as revised February 2006 C. List of Volunteer Projects, as updated Calendar of Events for Current Year D. Approved Educational Programs for On-Line Training E. Youth Protection Handbook F. AgriLife Extension Best Practices Financial Resource Management G. Chartering County Master Gardener Associations, as of 2010 H. Texas AgriLife Extension Service Financial Resource Management Manual I. Forms: Texas Master Gardener Association Invoice (for payment of dues) Texas Master Gardener Association County Association Information Chartering Agreement Form J. History: List of Speakers for Membership Meetings, updated every six months List of Directors and Past Presidents History

6 I. MISSION STATEMENT Assist the Texas AgriLife Extension Service in providing unbiased, high quality, relevant horticultural education and service to the people of Guadalupe County and the state of Texas through outreach, teaching and demonstration projects. Protect and conserve the natural resources of the state by teaching safe, effective and sustainable horticultural practices that promote the development of healthy gardens, landscapes and communities. Develop a strong Master Gardener organization in Guadalupe County through education and volunteer commitments.

7 II. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES A. To develop a group of well informed volunteers who can provide education, outreach and service to Guadalupe County residents. B. To recruit new participants into the Master Gardener program and to coordinate and fund the best available training for those recruits. C. To assist and extend the reach of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service throughout Guadalupe County by providing educational programs in horticulture, gardening and other related topics to various groups and organizations. D. To answer horticultural questions and inquiries by phone, , articles written for media publication and other methods of communication with the public. E. To develop and enhance community projects related to horticulture, including community and demonstration gardens. F. To identify and develop volunteer activities and projects that further the mission of both the organization and the Texas AgriLife Extension Service G. To establish and maintain a Junior Master Gardener program. H. To maintain a viable Speaker s Bureau responsive to the requests of community groups within Guadalupe County. I. To network with other Texas Master Gardeners to expand continuing education opportunities for Guadalupe County Master Gardener members. J. To provide an active Mentor Program to facilitate new recruits understanding of the Master Gardener program K. To recognize exemplary Guadalupe County Master Gardeners for their volunteer service and leadership.

8 III. POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL A. The Guadalupe County Policies and Procedures Manual (Manual) serves as the Operating Handbook for the GCMG. This Manual is intended to define and document GCMG policies, management guidelines and operating procedures. This Manual is designed to: 1. Maintain a current and easily accessible guide to all GCMG policies and procedures. 2. Facilitate continuity of GCMG operation regardless of changes in officers and committees. 3. Ensure the periodic review and updating of all GCMG policies and procedures. B. The initial version of the Manual was submitted to the Board of Directors for section by section discussion and approval. The version of the Manual approved by the Board of Directors was sent to all GCMG members via prior to the general membership meeting. At that meeting, the members present voted to adopt the Manual. C. Amending the Manual 1. When a situation arises that requires a formal process for which no policy or procedure exists, appropriate guidelines will be developed and amended to the current Manual. Any certified member of the GCMG may present a proposed change in writing to the Board of Directors. 2. Changes or amendments to the Manual may be approved by the Board of Directors at their regular meting by a simple majority vote. Changes or amendments approved by the Board of Directors will be sent to the GCMG membership at least ten days before the next regular membership meeting and presented at the meeting for approval by GCMG membership. Changes and amendments may be approved by a simple majority of members present. D. This Manual will be reviewed every two years by a special committee appointed by the Board of Directors. E. If ever there is any conflict between the Manual s policies and the existing GCMG bylaws, then the GCMG bylaws shall prevail.

9 IV. USE OF THE TEXAS MASTER GARDENER TITLE A. The title of Texas Master Gardener or Guadalupe County Master Gardener is to be used only by individuals who have completed training in the Texas Master Gardener Program and who are actively participating in the program through the Guadalupe County AgriLife Extension Service. When an individual ceases active participation in the Master Gardener program or does not meet re-certification requirements, the individual s certification as a Texas Master Gardener becomes void. B. The title of Texas Master Gardener or Guadalupe County Master Gardener may not be used in advertising or for other business purposes and certified, active members may not display credentials or give the appearance of being a Texas Master Gardener or Guadalupe County Master Gardener at a place of business or in any form of advertisement where the individual is using the title for personal or business gain. The title is to be used only when doing unpaid volunteer work associated with and approved by Guadalupe County Master Gardeners. Violation of the policy concerning the use of the title is grounds for removing the certification of a member. C. Texas Master Gardeners may not imply endorsement of any product by either the Texas Master Gardeners or Texas AgriLife Extension Service unless that product has officially received endorsement by Texas AgriLife Extension Service or Texas A&M. D. Texas Master Gardeners or Texas AgriLife Extension Service may not imply endorsement of a place of business. Texas Master Gardeners may speak before groups at individual nurseries or other places of business and may also use business facilities for advanced education classes or for field trips. Appreciation to these businesses may be shown; however, recommendations for businesses that sell specific products or plants should be done by use of a list with at least three different names. E. At activities where information is distributed by the Guadalupe County Master Gardeners, literature, catalogs and flyers on different nurseries, seed companies and other vendors may be offered to the public as long as it is clear that no preferential treatment is being given and more than one business is represented. F. Texas Master Gardeners who speak to various groups on horticulture topics, may accept unsolicited reimbursements or nominal gifts or, if offered, suggest that a donation be made to the Guadalupe County Master Gardeners. G. It is also permissible to accept a Master Gardener discount on products and services offered by various businesses within the horticultural industry, as this is generally considered to be a method of showing appreciation for the volunteer time contributed by the Texas Master Gardener organization.

10 V. MEMBERSHIP A. A Certified Texas Master Gardener is defined as a member who is certified by the Texas AgriLife Extension and the Texas A&M University System after successful completion of the Student and Intern program and who has completed required hours, paid annual dues and maintained the required criminal background check. Certified Master Gardeners are voting members of the GCMG and can hold office as an officer on the Board of Directors. B. A Master Gardener Intern is defined as a member who has successfully completed the required training but not completed the fifty (50) hour volunteer time which is required within one (1) year of graduation. Interns are not voting members of the GCMG although they can and are encouraged to volunteer for assistant positions with the various standing or special committees. C. A Master Gardener Student is defined as an individual who has applied for and been accepted into the Texas Master Gardener Training Program, who has attended the Class Orientation, and who has applied for and passed the criminal background check. D. Associate Membership is offered to members who for specific reasons are unable to meet the necessary requirements for certification or re-certification and who are committed to staying with the GCMG program. It is the responsibility of the member to apply for and follow the requirements, as listed below, and to maintain contact with the Board of Directors as to the member s desire to maintain their Associate status. 1. A Certified Master Gardener in good standing for two (2) years may make application to the Board of Directors to move to Associate status due to personal reasons (i.e., health, family, military service). A certified member who the Board of Directors identifies is in extenuating circumstances, such as a member s or immediate family member s extended illness, injury or Reservist recall to active duty, may also be moved to Associate status at the discretion of the Board. During this time, the member is not required to pay dues nor do volunteer or continuing education hours. The Associate member may reinstate his/her certified status by completing required hours and paying annual dues for the reinstated year. Member shall also pass the criminal background check if it is out of date, prior to performing any volunteer activities. This status may be held for up to two (2) years; after that time the member will be dropped from the membership if reinstatement activities are not completed. The Associate Member may not vote or hold office. 2. A Master Gardener Intern who has not completed the fifty (50) hours of volunteer time or met other requirements for certification within the one year period following graduation may provide the Board of Directors with a written request and plan on how completion of the required hours will be achieved. The Board of Directors will

11 determine if the Associate status will be granted. Associate status for Interns is limited to one (1) year although the Board of Directors, in its discretion, may extend this time. E. Texas Master Gardener Emeritus(a) is an honorary title awarded to a retired Texas Master Gardener volunteer for distinguished service to Texas AgriLife Extension Service. County Master Gardener programs may bestow the title on any Master Gardener who is permanently retiring as an active Master Gardener and who has served Texas AgriLife Extension Service with distinction. A retired Master Gardener is defined as an individual who chooses not to retain certification through the re-certification process as established by State and County guidelines. The process for nomination to Emeritus(a) status and the privileges then conveyed are further detailed in the Texas Master Gardener Management Guide, which is part of this Manual at Appendix B. F. Honorary membership as a Guadalupe County Master Gardener may be extended to any person not formerly a certified Master Gardener in recognition of his or her outstanding contribution to horticultural development or to activities of the Master Gardeners. Honorary members shall have none of the obligations of membership but shall be entitled to all of the privileges except those of voting and holding office. Honorary membership must be approved by the Board of Directors and announced at either a regular meeting or at a special function of members. G. Transferring membership from another Texas Master Gardener program. 1. The Texas Master Gardener program permits a person who holds Master Gardener membership in another Texas County to transfer membership from County to County. Master Gardeners seeking a transfer will request the AgriLife County Extension Agent in the County where membership is active to provide the Guadalupe County Extension Agent the current status of the transferring member. This notification will include whether the member currently holds certified status under that county s guidelines or if not, when that member was last certified and also the person s effective date of the last approved criminal background check. 2. If a person seeking a Texas county to county transfer once held active membership, and the membership has lapsed for no more than two years, then transfer will be approved if the following requirements are met: i. Agent in original certifying County shall confirm the person was certified and did hold active membership during the required time period. ii. Pass a new criminal background check prior to volunteering time on any GCMG projects. iii. Audit a minimum of six (6) classes at the next Master Gardener class at no additional cost. Field trips are not considered classes for this purpose.

12 iv. Complete the current required number of volunteer hours and continuing education hours (which shall be separate from the classroom time). This may be done concurrent with or prior to attending the classes. v. Pay pro-rated dues for the year at the time of certification. H. Transferring membership from another State Master Gardener program. 1. If the Master Gardener holds membership in another state, the Master Gardener seeking a transfer will request the Extension Agent in the State where membership is active to provide the Guadalupe County AgriLife Extension Agent the current status of the transferring member. This notification will include whether the member currently holds certified status under that county s guidelines or if not, when that member was last certified. Verification of criminal background check status and date will also be required. 2. If the person seeking transfer holds an active membership, that person must meet the following prerequisites before becoming a certified GCMG. i. Purchase a copy of the Master Gardener Handbook. ii. Attend the next available GCMG Training course at ½ the full tuition rate, plus cost of criminal background check. iii. Pass a new criminal background check prior to volunteering time on any GCMG projects iv. Pay prorated annual dues based on time of certification 3. If the out of state membership has lapsed, the person must go through the normal application process and complete the Master Gardener training as a new student. I. The following will be provided to persons who successfully transfer their membership either within Texas or from another state. 1. Current GCMG Bylaws 2. Current Policies and Procedures Manual 3. Membership list 4. Appropriate forms for submission of volunteer hours 5. Name badge 6. Membership card 7. An introduction in the newsletter and at the next mutually convenient membership meeting.

13 VI. CERTIFICATION STANDARDS A. Requirements for annual re-certification as a Guadalupe County Master Gardener (GCMG) 1. Re-certification as a GCMG is done annually and is based on hours submitted and dues paid for the current year with re-certification occurring in January of the following year. Members turn in their hours and pay their dues in October and will then receive their new membership cards in January for the new year. 2. Annual re-certification as a GCMG requires submitting a minimum of twelve (12) volunteer hours and six (6) continuing education hours. 3. In order to pay dues at the October meeting, the minimum required hours must be submitted. Dues will not be accepted if the minimum required hours have not been submitted. 4. Hours should be submitted throughout the year on a monthly basis, but no less than quarterly. All hours above and beyond the minimum requirement for re-certification should be submitted to the Hours Coordinator by December 31 st or sooner for final annual reporting. 5. As a requirement for re-certification, every GCMG must pass a criminal background check every three years, or as necessary to comply with the minimum standards as established by the state and/or county program requirements and guidelines. Further information on background checks can be found at the Criminal Background Check Requirement heading in this Manual. B. Requirements for Student to graduate to Intern 1. Students are expected to attend all classes and field instruction scheduled by the Master Gardener Training Chairman (MGTC). A minimum of fifty (50) hours of combined classroom and field instruction, as set out by the State Guidelines, must be completed prior to graduation. 2. Students must complete an application for a Criminal Background Check at Orientation and pass the required criminal background check to continue the course. Students may not work on any GCMG volunteer project until the background check has been completed and it is determined the student has passed. 3. Students are required to attend the Class Orientation at the beginning of the training classes. However, this time does not count towards the fifty hours of instruction time. Should it be necessary to miss the Class Orientation, it is suggested that the Student

14 discuss this with the MGTC in advance. The Student will be responsible for acquiring the information presented at the Class Orientation prior to attending the first class. 4. When possible and as a courtesy, students are responsible for informing the MGTC in advance of missed classes, especially for workshops or field trips. This will allow the MGTC to plan appropriately. 5. Students are responsible for completion of any approved makeup sessions for missed classes. The topic of the makeup session will be the same subject as the missed class. Makeup opportunities will be determined on an individual basis and approved by the MGTC. 6. Students are encouraged to start working towards the volunteer hours requirement for Master Gardener certification during the classroom training period. A list of approved projects with contact names will be provided. 7. Students are encouraged to attend the regular monthly Guadalupe County Master Gardener membership meetings and are welcome at the Board of Directors meetings should they wish to attend. 8. Students will keep their contact information ( address and phone numbers) current with the Hours Coordinator. The Notification Committee uses this to provide information about general activities of the GCMG to all our members and students. 9. Graduation to Intern will be held after the last scheduled class, as set up by the MGTC. Each Graduate will receive a graduation certificate and membership card. C. Requirements for Intern certification as a GCMG 1. Interns are defined as those members who have successfully completed the required training but have not yet completed the volunteer time and any other requirements that are to be accomplished within one (1) year of graduation. 2. Interns have one year from the end of the month of the class graduation to meet the requirements for certification. 3. A minimum of fifty (50) hours of volunteer and advanced education hours must be completed. Of the fifty hours, only six (6) hours can be in advanced education and only six (6) volunteer hours can be credited for attendance at monthly membership meetings. Further clarification on this topic is available in the section of this Manual titled Volunteer Service and Continuing Education Hours. 4. Students and Interns are also required to complete one (1) session at the Saturday KWED Lawn and Garden show. This first session DOES NOT count as part of the fifty hours although the date of the show should be recorded on the student s time sheet. A schedule will be provided for Students to sign up for this session early in the training schedule. A Student who plans on certifying at Graduation should sign up to complete this requirement as early as possible.

15 5. Interns are not required to pay annual dues. Dues will be prorated at the current rate for the remainder of the calendar year and will be due to the Treasurer at the time Intern official Certifies. 6. Upon certification as a GCMG, the Intern will receive a Master Gardener certificate, a permanent badge and a current annual membership card.

16 VII. VOLUNTEER SERVICE AND CONTINUING EDUCATION HOURS A. Reporting of Volunteer and Continuing Education Hours 1. Master gardeners are responsible for maintaining their own personal record of all volunteer and continuing education (CE) hours. 2. Hours may be submitted via or a paper copy may be given or mailed to the Hours Coordinator (HC). If hours are submitted in writing, a copy should be retained. 3. The HC will provide the proper reporting format for use, either by or by mail. Use of the proper forms helps the HC to complete his work in a more efficient manner. 4. Volunteers should report all hours to the HC monthly or at least on a quarterly basis. Hours for re-certification must be submitted by the October membership meeting so that dues can also be paid at that time. Dues will not be accepted if the minimum required hours have not been submitted. Any additional hours after that time must be submitted by the end of the calendar year so those hours can be included in the annual hours report. 5. Hours are to be reported in increments of thirty (30) minutes and rounded up or down. For example if the time is 1 hr. 10 min. report 1 hr. If the time is 1 hr. 20 min. report 1.5 hours. 6. Hours must be broken into Volunteer Hours and Continuing Education Hours on the reporting form. Enough detail must be provided that the HC can determine what project was involved and have a general idea of what work was accomplished. 7. Travel time to and from a volunteer or CE event may be included in reported time. 8. If the required hours for either volunteer or educational time are exceeded, they should be reported by the end of the calendar year for inclusion in the annual GCMG report. B. Definition of Approved Volunteer Hours 1. Although the ultimate accountability for programs administered by the GCMG lies with our Guadalupe County AgriLife Extension Agent, the Board of Directors is responsible for evaluating every request received for assistance. The Board will look first at the requesting organization, the scope of work to be done, costs and who has the ultimate responsibility for maintenance of the project. Then the Board will determine if there are or will be volunteers available to take on either a short term or long term project. Once approved, volunteer hours will be accepted for Master Gardeners working on that project.

17 2. The current list of approved projects is attached at Appendix C. This list will be updated from time to time as new projects are added and old ones are completed. 3. Students and Interns who are working towards final certification are encouraged to work on the primary projects of the GCMG, as identified on the list. These projects are a major part of the GCMG organization and require many volunteer hours to accomplish the stated goals. 4. If a member has any questions about whether the project on which they volunteer time is currently approved, they should contact the Volunteer Chairman. 5. Volunteer hours credited to the GCMG cannot be credited to or from another volunteer group or program. For example hours done for the Master Gardeners cannot also be reported to the Master Naturalists. Currently the only exception is hours reported to the RSVP of South Texas organization which consolidates hours from various volunteer groups in Guadalupe, Wilson, Comal and Hayes County. RSVP is sponsored by Texas Lutheran University. 6. Members may not count volunteer hours that benefit a commercial organization that is not a non-profit group. For example members may not count landscaping for their apartment complex since that is a normal business cost that is paid for by the business. 7. Attendance at monthly GCMG business meetings, board meetings or other committee or subcommittee meetings where affairs of the GCMG are being discussed is considered approved volunteer time. Students/Interns working towards certification may only take six (6) volunteer hours credit for their attendance at the GCMG regular membership meetings. Any attendance at committee or planning meetings where the Student/Intern is a volunteer will count towards volunteer hours. 8. Preparation and research for presentations, workshops and other training of both Master Gardeners and/or the public and making of those presentations is counted as volunteer time. 9. Working on or with any committee type functions for the GCMG, such as newsletters, website, writing articles for newspapers, all are considered volunteer time. 10. Coordinating the setup and volunteers who will bring food or other items for GCMG membership meetings and/or scheduled socials is considered volunteer time. Food preparation by a member who has offered to bring an item for that meeting is not counted as volunteer time. 11. Any new projects will be discussed during the membership meetings and also announced in the newsletter, the Guadalupe Gardener and on the GCMG website. Use of is also an important notification tool used by the GCMG to keep members current on volunteer and education opportunities. C. Definition of Approved Continuing Education (CE) Hours

18 1. Continuing education in the various facets of gardening is a critical part of being a GCMG and provides an opportunity to focus on specific interests. Lectures, workshops, hands on training all of these are important not only for advancing our knowledge, but also for meeting other Master Gardeners and the public. 2. CE opportunities are made available through the Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife, the Texas Forest Service, along with Master Gardener sponsored activities or any number of short courses that are provided by other outside agencies. 3. Additionally, there are many good on-line programs via the Texas AgriLife Extension website, such as Earth Kind and Tomato 101 learning modules, along with various other programs that provide a good learning experience. A list of these programs is available at Appendix D. Understanding that there may be times when our members access to continuing education is limited by physical restrictions, educational television programs may be considered an acceptable form of continuing education. However, prior approval by the Education Chairman will be required before those hours can be accepted. Contact the Education Chairman with any questions regarding this option. 4. If a Master Gardener is a member of another volunteer organization that does not report hours for credit, garden related educational programs provided by that organization may count as education hours for the GCMG. However, business meetings, board meetings, plant sales or other activities done on behalf of that other organization do not count as GCMG volunteer hours. 5. Members may not count educational training sessions that are taken to certify or to meet a membership requirement necessary to become a member of another volunteer organization as education hours for the GCMG. For example, training classes necessary to certify as a Master Naturalist would not count as GCMG hours. However, taking a class in plant identification organized by the Native Plant Society (NPSOT) and receiving a certificate of completion would be reportable education hours as NPSOT does not require any reporting of hours or training to be a member of the organization. 6. Training for Master Gardener Specialist status is approved CE hours, even if Specialist status is not achieved. 7. Once certified as a GCMG, attendance at the GCMG annual training classes to increase knowledge of a particular subject is approved CE hours, as is attendance at any lectures or workshops given by other Master Gardener organizations. 8. Should there be any question about the validity of hours submitted for CE credit, the Hours Coordinator will send information to the Education Chairman for review with the final approval left to the discretion of the Education Chairman, under advisement of the Guadalupe County AgriLife Extension Agent.

19 VIII. CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS Taken from the Youth Protection Standards, Qualification of Volunteers, Volunteer Handbook : The Youth Protection Standards Program was established by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service to protect youth involved in Extension programs. The purpose of the Youth Protection Standards Program is to: - Provide a safe and secure environment for youth involved in Extension programs. - Establish best management practices related to volunteer service and reduce associated risks. - Protect the image and integrity of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service and its affiliated groups. Under recommendations made by the Administrator of Extension Service of USDA, policy and guidelines are now in place that include screening procedures for salaried and volunteer staff which includes background checks; training on child abuse identification and reporting, and written guidelines for all salaried and volunteer staff who work directly with youth. The national criminal background check is conducted through the Volunteer Center of North Texas, which is a nonprofit group designated through legislation that all state agencies with volunteers must use to conduct background searches. The check includes a search of Texas DPS records along with a national search of 48 jurisdictions and state and national sex offender lists. The Youth Protection Handbook, which is a part of this Manual at Appendix E, provides detailed information about the screening process, basic information about recognizing child abuse and legal responsibilities of volunteers working with children. The GCMG Bylaws have been changed to agree with the Handbook; GCMG are required to apply for and pass a criminal background check every three years. This is as per the requirement established by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service and is subject to change in frequency. Upon application for Master Gardener training, new students will also be required to pass a criminal background check prior to performing any volunteer activities. NOTE: THIS PAGE WILL BE UPDATED AND EXPANDED ONCE A PROCEDURE FOR TRACKING THE BACKGROUND CHECKS IS IN PLACE. Nov 2011

20 VIV. DUES A. Dues are paid by Certified Members on an annual basis as part of the re-certification requirement. 1. Any change in the amount of the annual dues shall be recommended by the Board of Directors and must be approved by the membership at a regular business meeting. 2. Dues may not be accepted if the minimum hours for re-certification have not been submitted. 3. Beginning at the October general membership meeting, a table will be set up for acceptance of dues. Notices will be sent to the membership about the importance of early payment. 4. Members who have not paid dues by December 10 th will receive a written notice from the Secretary by or by mail that if dues are not paid by December 31 st, they will be dropped from membership. B. Interns are not required to pay annual dues. Upon certification as a Master Gardener, Interns will pay prorated dues at the current rate for the remaining months of the calendar year. C. Dues are $20.00 per year per member. Annual dues includes the cost of membership cards, the criminal back ground checks and expenses related to other needs of the organization.

21 A. Regular Meeting X. MEETINGS 1. The regular meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month, a minimum of ten months of the year. i. The meeting start time is 7:00 p.m. ii. A guest speaker is scheduled to start shortly after 7:00 p.m. unless there is some business that needs to be accomplished first. iii. A brief social follows the lecture. iv. The regular monthly business meeting will be held after the social. 2. An important part of the regular meeting is the welcome to any guests and new students. This should be done after the meeting opens at 7:00 p.m. 3. An Agenda for the business part of the meeting should be provided for membership. 4. The Annual Meeting is held on the third Thursday in November. At this meeting, Officers will be elected for the next year and any other special business that may arise will be conducted. 5. Twenty five percent (25%) of the certified membership constitutes a quorum. B. Board of Directors Meeting 1. The Board of Directors meets monthly or as necessary. A special meeting may be called if there is a specific point of business that requires action by the Board that cannot wait until the next monthly Board of Directors meeting. 2. Traditionally, the meetings are held the second Thursday of each month. That schedule may be changed should the Board deem it necessary to do so. 3. A quorum shall consist of six (6) voting members of the Board of Directors. 4. GCMG members, interns and students are invited and encouraged to attend the Board of Directors meetings. 5. In an emergency or a need for action where the Board of Directors are not available for a meeting, a poll of the Board may be taken by or telephone; the voted action will be ratified at the next regular Board of Directors meeting and entered into the minutes of the meeting at that time.

22 C. Special Meeting 1. Special meetings of the membership may be called if the need arises at the discretion of the President or three members of the Board of Directors. 2. Special meetings will be announced to the membership by phone, mail or at least three (3) days prior to the meeting date. D. Committee Meeting E. Socials 1. Committee meetings may be called at the discretion of the appropriate committee chairman. 2. As both the President and President-Elect are ex-officio members of all Committees, except the Nominating Committee, the committee chairman and/or the committee recording secretary shall keep the President and President-Elect informed of any committee meetings to be held. 1. A Summer Social is usually held in June or July (month to be decided by membership based on availability of facilities) and a Fall or Holiday social is held in December. 2. The Socials are organized by a Project Coordinator(s) with input from the membership.

23 XI. BOARD OF DIRECTORS A. The Board of Directors is responsible for managing the affairs of the Guadalupe County Master Gardeners. Per the Bylaws, the voting members of the Board shall consist of the President, President-Elect, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Past President and the Chairmen of the Standing Committees. B. The Board of Directors is responsible for supporting the mission, goals, policies, programs, strengths and needs of the Guadalupe County Master Gardeners and the Texas AgriLife Extension Service and for encouraging the membership to do the same. C. The Board represents the public image of the Corporation. D. Duties of the Board of Directors shall include but not be limited to: 1. Authorize such committees, both standing and special purpose, as the Board shall deem necessary and appropriate. 2. Ratify and approve appointment by the President of chairmen for the standing and special purpose committees. 3. Appoint an audit committee, per the Bylaws, to annually audit the financial affairs of the Corporation. 4. Meet monthly, or as necessary to accomplish the affairs of the Corporation, with a minimum of ten meetings per year. E. Members of the Board of Directors shall be held to the following minimum expectations. 1. Each voting member of the Board of Directors shall prepare for and participate in a minimum of ten meetings per year. 2. Each voting member of the Board is expected to participate in a minimum of eight membership meetings per year. 3. Read and understand the Corporation s Bylaws and Policies and Procedures Manual. 4. Seek and respect the opinions of other Board members. Support the majority decision.

24 5. Assist in identifying and recruiting future Board members. 6. Be active members of the Corporation in good standing. F. Removal of a Director Per the Bylaws, any director may be disqualified from holding his/her elected position by a two thirds (2/3) vote of the members of the Board of Directors, provided that, in the notice for said meeting, specific mention is made that such action is to be considered.

25 XII. OFFICERS: PRESIDENT Duties & Responsibilities The position of the President requires a two year commitment since the previous year s President-Elect moves into this position on January 1 st when the current President s term expires. Duties of the President include but are not limited to: A. Be the primary spokesperson for the Guadalupe County Master Gardeners. B. Support the mission, goals, policies, programs and activities of the Guadalupe County Master Gardeners. C. Provide leadership to the Board of Directors and membership. Assist in setting goals and expectations for the Board. Guide and mediate Board actions with respect to GCMG priorities and concerns. D. Work closely with the President-Elect and the Texas AgriLife Extension Service Agent for the implementation of the policies as approved by the Board of Directors. E. Maintain awareness of the Board of Directors and membership activities. Be visible at key volunteer activities. Stay informed of the various activities in which the Board and membership are engaged and project a supportive attitude toward their involvement. Be a model volunteer, visible at major and key activities. F. Be an ex-officio member with voting rights of all committees except the Nominating Committee. G. Appoint Chairmen of the Standing Committees and any special committees, as approved by the Board of Directors, except as specifically provided in the Corporation s By Laws. H. Preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors and general membership meetings. I. Work with the Secretary to prepare agendas for both Board of Directors meetings and general membership meetings. J. Work with the Treasurer to establish and maintain a budget format presented to the Board of Directors at the October board meeting.

26 K. Maintain good communication with the President-Elect and proactively seek to keep him/her informed regarding ongoing activities to ensure a smooth leadership transition for the incoming President. L. Meet with the Texas AgriLife Extension Service Agent monthly or more often if needed to discuss Board and Membership activities. M. Read and be familiar with the Corporation s By Laws, the Texas Master Gardener Management Guide and the various forms and reports required by Texas AgriLife Extension Service and the Texas Master Gardeners Association. N. Sign on the Corporation checking account, along with Treasurer and President Elect. O. Serve for a term of one (1) year; may be re-elected for additional non-consecutive terms. P. Serve as Immediate Past President for one year after expiration of term.

27 XII OFFICERS: PRESIDENT ELECT Duties & Responsibilities The President Elect succeeds to the presidency upon the expiration of the President s term. Duties of the President-Elect: A. Support the mission, goals, policies, programs, strengths and needs of the Guadalupe County Master Gardeners. B. Provide leadership to the Board of Directors. Along with the President, assist in setting goals and expectations for the Board. C. Work closely with the President and the Texas AgriLife Extension Service Agent to ensure a smooth transition to the office of President. D. Serve as an ex-officio member with voting rights of all committees except the Nominating Committee. E. Maintain awareness of the Board of Directors and membership activities. Be visible at key volunteer activities. F. Coordinate monthly reconciliation of bank accounts with Treasurer, as per section of this Manual titled TREASURER. G. Assist the President in his duties, as requested. H. Serves for a term of one (1) year. I. Officially assume duties January 1 st. It is suggested that the incoming President Elect who is elected at the November Annual Membership meeting attend the December Board meeting as an observer.

28 XII. OFFICERS: VICE PRESIDENT Duties & Responsibilities Duties of the Vice President include but are not limited to: A. Chairman of the Program Committee which organizes educational programs for GCMG regular membership meetings. 1. Arrange programs a minimum of three months in advance. Prior to end of calendar year and end of term, make sure speakers are set up through March of the following year so that a smooth transition can be made to the new board. 2. Provide information on speakers and programs in a timely manner to the Publication Chairman and others, as needed, so that information on the program may be publicized to the public and the membership. 3. Coordinate with the Treasurer for timely payment to the speakers of honorarium fees and mileage. 4. Provide an updated list of speakers and topics on a regular basis for inclusion in the GCMG Manual under Appendix I. B. Assist the Hours Coordinator in preliminary calls and contacts with the membership to insure that hours and dues are received by deadlines. C. Act in place of President when required. D. Assist the President and President-Elect in their duties, as requested. E. Elected for a term of one (1) year. As per the existing Bylaws, may be re-elected for additional terms but not more than two consecutive terms. F. Officially assume duties January 1 st. However, it is suggested that the Vice Presidentelect attend the December Board Meeting as an observer.

29 XII. OFFICERS: SECRETARY Duties & Responsibilities Duties of the Secretary include but are not limited to: A. Record the minutes of all board meetings, general membership meetings and any special meetings that may be called. B. Assist the President with preparation of the Agenda for the meetings. C. Send required notices for board meetings and any special meetings, as requested by the President or other board members. Per the Bylaws, notices must be distributed at least three (3) business days prior to the meeting. D. Notify the Texas AgriLife Extension Agent (Extension Agent) of all scheduled and special board and general membership meetings. E. In a timely fashion, provide a preliminary copy of the Board Meeting minutes to the Board of Directors for their review and correction. Provide the Extension Agent with a copy of the minutes after correction is made. Provide a copy of the Membership Meeting minutes to the Board of Directors for final approval before minutes are presented to membership prior to the subsequent month s meeting. F. Keep record of attendance at all meetings to insure presence of a quorum. G. Chairman of the Nominating Committee: 1. Request volunteers or select two additional members of the organization to assist in identifying candidates to service as officers of the Corporation. 2. Activation of the Nominating Committee shall be done far enough in advance that the candidates can be announced at the October membership meeting. H. Coordinate with the Treasurer, Vice President and Criminal Background Check Point of Contact to identify those members who do not meet requirements for re-certification and send notices as prescribed in the Bylaws. I. Send appropriate cards or letters to members identified as being in need. J. Assist the President and President-Elect in their duties, as requested. K. Elected for a term of one (1) year. As per the existing Bylaws, may be re-elected for additional terms but not more than two consecutive terms. L. Officially assume duties January 1 st. However, it is suggested that the Secretary-elect attend the December Board Meeting as an observer.

30 XII. OFFICERS: TREASURER Duties & Responsibilities Duties of the Treasurer include but are not limited to: A. Act as Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation and Chairman of the Budget and Finance Committee. B. Prior to January board meeting, meet with bank representative and establish new signature cards for check writing authorization for incoming President and Treasurer. C. Receive all dues and monies for the Corporation. Keep an exact accounting of all dues, other income, bank deposits, disbursement and other financial matters. D. Provide to President-Elect the checkbook and the bank statement for purposes of reconciliation on a monthly basis and in a timely manner. Establish authorization and passwords for on-line banking and to receive monthly bank statements. E. Pay all bills on receipt of a written statement at Treasurer s discretion. Provide reimbursement to members on receipt of the appropriate check request form and back up documents F. Assist Master Gardener Training Chairman to insure timely payment of all speakers for the current Master Gardener Training Class. G. Provide a monthly financial report to the Board of Directors and to the general membership. H. Reconcile dues and hours with the assistance of the Hours Coordinator and provide information to the Board of Directors regarding members who have not paid dues for recertification. I. Provide Hours Coordinator with names of renewing members who should be included in the updated membership roster. J. Provide newly certified members with the pro-rated dues amount to be paid for the current year. Order name badges for newly certifying members. K. Chairman of the Budget and Finance Committee. 1. The Committee shall consist of at least three (3) volunteer members who can be members of the Board. 2. The Committee shall establish an annual budget and shall periodically review the financial position of the Corporation.

31 3. The budget shall be available for review by the Board of Directors at the October board meeting and with any corrections or changes, shall be approved at the November board meeting and available at the November membership meeting for review by the general membership. L. The annual approved budget and a profit and loss statement for the calendar year shall be provided for inclusion in the Chartering Documents that are given to the Extension Agent. The December bank statement shall be reconciled prior to providing the profit and loss statement. M. Present the financial records for annual audit by the Audit Committee appointed by the Board of Directors. The final audit report will also be provided for inclusion in the Chartering Documents. N. Prepare all required reports and payments for various state and federal agencies on a timely basis but always prior to the deadline. 1. Sales tax report, presently set up on a quarterly reporting schedule 2. IRS Form 990 for the Corporation non-profit status 3. Letters to donors of $100 or more in the prior year due by January 31 st of the subsequent year. See also FUNDRAISING, SOLICITATION AND DONATIONS section of this Manual. O. File required report and pay Texas Master Gardener Association annual dues on a timely basis as per instructions in the SPECIAL REPORTS section of this Manual. P. Read and be familiar with the Texas AgriLife Extension Service Financial Resource Management Manual (Appendix G). This Manual provides extensive guidelines for External Support Groups along with various forms that can be used or modified for specific use in our organization. Although it is not practical to strictly adhere to every item listed, the Treasurer should be familiar with the Manual particularly related to internal controls and proper record keeping. Questions related to procedures that may be required by Texas AgriLife Extension Service should be directed to Extension Agent for his input and final decision. Q. Maintain a breakdown of income and expenses in various categories as requested by the Board of Directors. R. Assist the President and President-Elect in their duties, as requested. S. Elected for a term of one (1) year. As per the existing Bylaws, may be re-elected for additional terms but not more than two consecutive terms. T. Officially assume duties January 1 st. However, it is suggested that the Treasurer-elect attend the December Board Meeting as an observer.