Mentoring
As a Mentor, it will be your job to make an Intern feel comfortable and welcomed into the Master Gardener Program. You will be assigned one or more Interns and you will be asked to follow each throughout his/her first year with the program. The following guidelines will assist you.
-
In a brief meeting, provide your telephone number and/or e-mail address to the Intern and invite him/her to contact you if there are any concerns.
-
Please contact the Intern at least twice a month for the first few months. Start by congratulating the Intern on passing the final test and "officially' welcome him/her to the Program. Personally invite the Intern to the first few meetings arranging to meet, introduce to members, and to sit with the Intern during the meeting.
-
Problems frequently occur with filling out volunteer hour sheets, staffing informational booths, knowing what opportunities are available, procedures and what constitutes continuing education hours. Provide assistance with these areas.
-
Before an Intern can receive an "official" badge, 50 hours of community service hours must be completed. No more than 10% of the volunteer requirements can be completed by consulting neighbors or friends. Go over the Master Gardener Program Policy that states what can and can not be used toward completion of hours.
-
Many times the Intern is unsure of hours that count as Continuing Education hours. Please contact and inform the Intern about events that are coming up and state how he/she can be involved. If attending a conference or class, sit with the Intern and introduce him/her to other Master Gardeners.
-
Even after your Intern has completed the first 50 hours, please stay in touch throughout the rest of the year. Some people don't make friends easily and you may be the only contact.
-
Finally, use the chart provided below to check Intern's progress. Assist the Intern in recording and turning in Master Gardener hours every three months and keep track of Intern's progress. If you notice that he/she is falling behind, make contact and inquire if there is a problem and whether you can help.
If you have questions, problems or suggestions, contact the current Master Gardener Association President. Thank you for your willingness to be a Mentor. We believe that this program is vital in keeping new Master Gardeners interested and active.
The following report form will assist both the Mentor and Intern.
MASTER GARDENER MENTOR PROGRAM_______________________________
Year
MENTOR__________________________INTERN_________________________
Progress Checklist
| Quarter |
Volunteer Hours |
Continuing Education Hours |
Total Hours |
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| Total Balance |
|
|
|
|
