ALBUQUERQUE AREA EXTENSION MASTER GARDENER 2012 APPLICATION

Applications accepted from August 15 November 11, 2011

The objective of the Albuquerque Area Extension Master Gardener organization is to provide trained volunteers who will assist the Bernalillo County Cooperative Extension Service of New Mexico State University in providing area residents with horticultural information developed and/or approved by the Extension Service. An INFORMATIONAL RECRUITMENT MEETING to learn more about the program will be held: October 4, 2011 from 4-6 pm at the Albuquerque Garden Center10120 Lomas NE Fourteen training sessions will be held at the Albuquerque Garden Center (10120 Lomas NE) every Tuesday morning beginning Jan. 10, 2012 and ending April 17, 2012. Required classes run from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and optional afternoon classes are available from 1 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. FEES (Please see Part VI for a description of the three options and the respective obligations) $150 Master Gardener (MG) Applicant, requires passing tests and volunteer service $150 Training Certificate (TC), requires passing tests, but no volunteer service $150 Training Only (TO), personal education, requires no tests or volunteer service Return this application with your check payable to AAEMG and mail to: Albuquerque Area Extension Master Gardeners (AAEMG) Bernalillo County Extension Service 1510 Menaul NW Albuquerque, NM 87107

APPLICANTS SHOULD COMPLETE ALL SECTIONS UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED Part I:

DATE ADDRESS COUNTY Street

DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
NAME First Last
EXACTLY AS IT WILL APPEAR ON NAME TAG

City/State

Zip

HOME PHONE WORK PHONE CELL PHONE ______________________ E-MAIL

If you live outside of Bernalillo County, please have your local County Agent sign this form. County Agent's Signature

Your name and contact information (including e-mail address) will be added to an official mailing list, which may only be used for communicating with you about official Albuquerque Area Extension Master Gardener business. Certificate-only and Training-only applicants will be listed on the Intern Roster only, not on the official mailing list. SPECIAL NEEDS? Please contact Cheryl Kent, 243-1386, after you have been notified of your acceptance.

PLEASE NOTE......All students will receive a hardcopy manual, but there will be additional class information and lecture outlines which will be available ONLY ONLINE. In addition, the Master Gardener website is an extremely important communication and information resource. Check it out at www.abqmastergardeners.org

1. Are you over 18? _________ 2. Have you ever participated in a Master Gardener Program? _____ If yes, where and when? 3. How did you find out about the Master Gardener Program?

4. Why do you want to become a Master Gardener? If you are not interested in volunteering 40 hours annually and becoming a MG, why do you want to take this course?

PART IIA:
1.

REQUIREMENTS OF PROGRAM

Will you be able to attend all the required classes? _______

Training classes will be held at the Albuquerque Garden Center (10120 Lomas NE) every Tuesday morning (8:00 noon) commencing in January and ending in early April (14 weeks). Students are allowed to make up to 4 individual classes by viewing videotapes made during the classes.

2. Are you currently employed? _______ Is it part-time or full-time? _______ If employed, can you adjust your schedule to attend classes and meet your volunteer requirements? _____ Please explain how: 3. Do you have any travel planned that will cause you to miss classes?____ If so, when?
make up 4 individual classes by viewing videotapes made during the classes.)

(Students are allowed to

PART IIB:

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS (MG APPLICANTS ONLY)

4. Will you be able to do 40 hours of volunteer work during the calendar year? _____ and 20 of those 40 hours at the Hotline locations: Garden Center at 10120 Lomas NE and County Extension Office at 1510 Menaul NW (weekdays 9:30 to 2:30)? ______ 5. To what extent are you available to volunteer during the work day versus on weekends? 6. How many years do you anticipate being a Master Gardener?

PART III:

GARDENING EXPERIENCE

1. Please describe your gardening experience:

2. What are your areas of particular interest, e.g. vegetable gardening, roses, xeric plants, perennials, daylilies, container gardening, cacti, trees, etc.? (This information will be used in assigning you a mentor and developing optional curriculum.) Please note if youre an expert in any of these.

3. How long have you gardened? _______________ In Albuquerque? __________ Where else have you gardened? ____________________________________________________ 4. List any garden club, plant society, or other horticulture organization(s) to which you belong(ed).

PART IV: EDUCATIONAL, WORK AND VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE (MG APPLICANTS ONLY)
1. Describe any courses relating to gardening or horticulture that you have taken that might be helpful to you as a Master Gardener:

2. Describe work experiences that might be useful to you as a Master Gardener: Gardening or horticulture related work experience:

Teaching or public speaking:

Research (Online and Other types):

Other experiences that demonstrate interpersonal and communication skills:

3. Briefly describe what type of volunteer work you have done in the past (organization and type of work you did):

PART V: VOLUNTEER PREFERENCES: (MG APPLICANTS ONLY)

Please indicate your level of interest in each the following categories of volunteer activities. These are general categories. There are dozens of volunteer activities. (Rating Scale: 1=very interested, 2=somewhat interested, 3=neutral, 4=somewhat disinterested, 5=not interested) _____ Present programs to children (4H Seeds Program in schools, etc.) _____ Present programs to adults, typically in gardening organizations _____ Answer gardening questions in person (e.g. at fairs, libraries, botanic garden) _____ Answer gardening questions by phone (hotline) _____ Write gardening articles for various publications _____ Work with hands-on gardening projects _____ Assist with Garden Council projects, such as plant sales, fairs, and the State Fair _____Assist with technical aspects of classes and hotline (e.g. computer, projector, audio, Excel, website, etc.)

PART VI: OPTIONS FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE PROGRAM SELECT ONE OPTION ONLY A. EXTENSION MASTER GARDENER APPLICANTS ONLY
I wish to become an Extension Master Gardener. I have read this application, and accompanying materials, and understand the purpose and function of the Extension Master Gardener program. I agree to abide by all policies and understand that the Albuquerque Area Extension Master Gardener Board, working in conjunction with the Bernalillo County Extension Service Advisor, may remove any individual from the program for not adhering to the policies or for intentionally and maliciously acting in a manner to harm the Extension Master Gardener Program and NMSU. I know that I am expected to attend all training classes and must pass all examinations before being allowed to work individually as an Extension Master Gardener volunteer. I agree to donate a minimum of 40 hours of recognized volunteer service, not working in a paid capacity, 20 of which must be served on the Albuquerque Area Extension Master Gardener Hotline. I will be assigned a Mentor before the first day of class. I understand that I will receive a $50 refund at the successful completion of the program; $40 in cash and $10 to be applied for dues in 2012. MAKE $150.00 CHECK PAYABLE TO: AAEMG and return this form to the address listed on the front page. Signature_______________________________________________ Date___________________

B. TRAINING CERTIFICATE APPLICANTS ONLY

I wish to attend Master Gardener training sessions, but do not wish to participate further in the program. I know that I am expected to attend all training classes and must pass all examinations. Openings for this option will be limited, based on the number of Extension Master Gardener Applicants. I understand that I will receive a "Certificate of Completion" upon successful completion of the course. I understand this will not designate me as an Extension Master Gardener and I agree not to represent myself as an Extension Master Gardener for any purpose, commercial or non-commercial. I will be assigned a Mentor before the first day of class. If I decide to donate a minimum of 40 hours of recognized volunteer service, 20 of which must be served on the Albuquerque Area Extension Master Gardener Hotline, I can apply to become a Master Gardener MAKE $150 CHECK PAYABLE TO: AAEMG and return this form to the address listed on the front page. Signature_______________________________________________ Date___________________

C. TRAINING APPLICANTS ONLY (NO CERTIFICATE)

I wish to attend Master Gardener training sessions, but do not wish to participate further in the program. I will not be required to take any tests, but will receive a manual and be assigned a Mentor. Openings for this option will be limited, based on the number of Extension Master Gardener Applicants. I understand that I will not receive a "Certificate of Completion" and will not be designated as an Extension Master Gardener. I agree not to represent myself as an Extension Master Gardener for any purpose, commercial or non-commercial. MAKE $150 CHECK PAYABLE TO: AAEMG and return this form to the address listed on the front page. Signature_______________________________________________ Date___________________

POLICIES FOR MASTER GARDENER APPLICANTS

Please read and initial each, then sign and date at bottom BERNALILLO COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE POLICIES (Please Read and Initial Each)
_____New Mexico Extension Master Gardeners will not use their name and position for commercial publicity or private business. Participation in a commercial activity, having association with commercial products or giving implied University endorsement to any product or place of business is in violation of New Mexico State University policies. Trained individuals may identify themselves as an Extension Master Gardener only when doing unpaid public service work in a New Mexico State University approved program. Persons taking the classes for credit only may state they have done so, but may not use for themselves the title of Extension Master Gardener. _____Questions concerning commercial production of crops or pest control for commercial producers are to be referred to the local County Extension Agents. Cultural problems not specifically covered by NMSU or USDA recommendations may be handled by suggesting treatments an experienced Extension Master Gardener considers appropriate. Master Gardeners should provide information based on empirical research, when possible. Callers requesting alternative information (i.e. organic methods) should be given the type of information requested, with any appropriate caveats if this information is not research based. Callers should be guided toward understanding preventive measures, as well as treatment options. _____Master Gardener volunteers advise on the use of all types of pesticides and fertilizers, but strongly promote Integrated Pest Management which emphasizes first cultural controls, then least-toxic materials, and highly-toxic materials only as a last resort. All recommendation made should be consistent with published New Mexico State University recommendations, or with recommendations from other universities Extension Service. Will you agree to this policy of recommending all types of controls? _____yes _____no _____Gratuitous payments for speaking or other activities on behalf of the NMSU Cooperative Extension Service are strictly prohibited. Written materials (news releases, newsletters, etc.) prepared by Master Gardeners, who indicate themselves as such in the article, must be approved by the local Extension Agent before release. _____The Federal Privacy Act prohibits the use of the Master Gardener mailing list for personal, political or commercial use. _____As an Extension Master Gardener working with the general public, no discrimination shall be shown on the basis of age, color, disability, sex, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status. ALBUQUERQUE AREA EXTENSION MASTER GARDENER POLICIES (Please Read and Initial Each) ____To be an Albuquerque Area Extension Master Gardener, course participants must attend the prescribed hours of training pass all examinations, and complete their volunteer hours. A score of 70% will be considered passing on examinations. Re-testing is allowed if lower scores are received, but all tests must be completed by May 1. Individuals who complete these classes and 40 hours of volunteering will graduate in October and officially become an Albuquerque Area Extension Master Gardener. To maintain that status, veterans must attend the equivalent of 6 approved educational classes each year, pay a minimal sustaining fee and volunteer a minimum of 40 hours, 20 of which shall be on the Hotline for the first 5 years. _____Interns who drop the program before the 1st class will receive full refund, before the 2nd class refund of tuition minus $25, before the 3rd class refund of tuition minus $50. No refunds after 3rd class. The training manual must be returned or no refund will be issued. NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY POLICIES New Mexico State University is an equal opportunity employer. All programs are available to everyone regardless of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status. New Mexico State University and the U. S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. The facilities for this event are accessible to individuals with disabilities. NO CHILDREN and NO PETS in class.

If you are selected to participate in the Albuquerque Area Extension Master Gardener Program, are there any of these policies with which you cannot comply?_______ Please explain:

NAME: ___________________________________ DATE: ________________________

POLICIES FOR TRAINING ONLY

AND

TRAINING CERTIFICATE

Please Read and Initial, then sign and date at the bottom
ALBUQUERQUE AREA EXTENSION MASTER GARDENER POLICIES (Please read and Initial Each)

____To be a Training Certificate graduate, course participants must attend the prescribed hours of training. In addition, all TC Candidates must
pass all examinations and a score of 70% will be considered passing. Retesting is allowed if lower scores are received, but all tests must be completed by May 1. _____Students who drop the program before the 1st class will receive full refund, before the 2nd class refund of tuition minus $25, before the 3rd class refund of tuition minus $50. No refunds after 3 rd class. The training manual must be returned or no refund will be issued.

NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY POLICIES

New Mexico State University is an equal opportunity employer. All programs are available to everyone regardless of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status. New Mexico State University and the U. S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. The facilities for this event are accessible to individuals with disabilities. NO CHILDREN and NO PETS in class.

NAME: ___________________________________ DATE: _________________________