WSU Master Gardener Program Volunteer Expectations & Agreement

Thank you for your interest in the WSU Extension Master Gardener Program. The agreements and policies, clarify the scope and expectations of our Program. WSU Extension and local counties invest in volunteers and in return volunteers invest in WSU Extension and in local communities. It is important to clearly define expectations so current and interested volunteers have the information they need to determine if being a WSU volunteer is a good fit. WSU Extension values the time and talents of volunteers and commits to doing our best to make the volunteer experience productive and rewarding.

Applying to become a WSU Extension Master Gardener

• I understand that I must be 18 years of age at the time I am accepted into the Program.
• I understand that I must apply to the program and that my acceptance is not automatic. I may not be accepted. The right to accept or deny is held by WSU Extension.
• I understand that my acceptance into the WSU Extension Master Gardener Program commits me to 1) completing WSU Extension Master Gardener training, and 2) a minimum of 40 hours of volunteer service to be completed by the end of the first calendar year or 60 hours by the end of the second calendar year after completing training.
• I understand that if I do not complete the minimum service hours requirements, I will be billed for each hour of service not completed at a rate of $25/hour.
• I understand that WSU Extension conducts background checks on all volunteers using a third-party vendor. A criminal record will not necessarily bar me as a volunteer but will be considered as it relates to the specifics of volunteer work.
• I understand that volunteering is a privilege, not a right. If selected as a volunteer, I understand that I serve at the request of WSU Extension and that the request can be withdrawn at any time.
• I agree to disseminate information without regard to race, age, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression.
• I agree to follow all applicable federal, state, county, WSU, and WSU extension policies, regulations, and laws.
• I agree to provide only research-based horticulture information from WSU or other research-based and approved resources. For more information, visit WSU Extension.
• I understand that as a volunteer, I am limited to giving advice to home gardeners only. It is not my role to advise commercial industries.
• I understand that I must not give advice that could be perceived as legal, nor am I permitted to give advice about growing marijuana, food safety and preservation, and mushrooms and foraging.
• I understand that I must not use my WSU Extension Master Gardener Certification to provide product or service endorsements; nor may I use my certification to advertise my personal business or while I am performing professional services (e.g., landscape management).
• I understand that I must follow the pest management recommendation policy, which follows an integrated pest management (IPM) approach. An IPM approach includes providing information about cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical methods using WSU approved resources. If your personally held values prohibit your ability to advise about the safe and appropriate use of pesticides, becoming a WSU Extension Master Gardener may not be for you. For more details, visit the Pest Management Recommendation Agreement page.

In my capacity as a WSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer

• I understand that I must have access to a computer, high-speed internet, Zoom, email, and the skills necessary to use the technology.
• I will engage in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of the WSU Extension Master Gardener Program.
• I will engage in alignment with the Program Priorities.
• I will represent WSU Extension with dignity and pride. I understand that others may think and act differently than what I personally prefer, but I will be respectful of their held values and perspectives.
• I will respect all persons with whom I interact as a WSU Extension Master Gardener (fellow volunteers, Extension and other county personnel, and the general public).
• I will conduct myself in a courteous, respectful manner and refrain from profanity, harassment, disruptive behavior, or abuse of any kind.
• I will provide a positive role model when working with youth.
• I will respect and follow WSU, county, and program policies and guidelines.
• I will comply with equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination laws.
• I will not consume alcohol, use marijuana, tobacco (including vapor products), or illegal substances while representing WSU Extension.
• I will participate as a team member within the WSU Extension Master Gardener Program.
• I will wear my name badge when serving.
• I will cooperate with and support the local Extension Office staff and volunteers. I agree to comply with training, reporting, certification, annual requirements, and all other policies as defined in the Master Gardener Program Handbook.
• I understand that WSU Extension Master Gardener volunteers are held to high professional standards. Behaviors in direct conflict with the code of conduct or other federal, state, county, and program policies will result in disciplinary action and could result in dismissal from the program.
• I understand that as a WSU volunteer I am considered an unpaid state agent and as such am covered under Washington State Workers Compensation Insurance. Furthermore, I understand that I am required to enter my volunteer time on a monthly basis into a database.
• I understand that automatic certification does not carry forward from year to year. If I meet minimum requirements to maintain my certification, I will be given an opportunity to recommit to serving another year.

WSU Extension Master Gardener Program to the extent possible will:

• Provide opportunities for my continual learning through volunteer activities, classes and workshops, and online learning opportunities.
• Provide training, supervision, equipment, and direction to volunteers through the local Extension office.
• Communicate expectations and responsibilities of the program to volunteers.
• Uphold and cultivate a respectful relationship between staff and volunteers.
• Uphold WSU’s commitment to creating a welcoming, inclusive, safe, and respectful community.