When someone asks you ‘What is a Master Gardener?’, how do you respond?
Do you say that you’re a volunteer? Do you say that it’s an Extension Program, or an Oregon State University Program? Do you say that it’s an educational program?
The way we describe ourselves has a critical impact on how the public views our program. And, quite honestly, the term ‘Master Gardener’ can be confusing.
Take, for example, the March 1, 2013 GardenRant.com blog post entitled ‘So What Do We Think of “Master Gardeners”?’.
To paraphrase the post, the word ‘Master’ in ‘Master Gardener’ can lead to problems, such as:
- People thinking it’s similar to “Master Carpenter,” or “Master Electrician”.
- Some volunteers taking the title a little too seriously, and letting it go to their heads.
- People assuming that ‘Master Gardeners’ have received a higher level of training than folks with a university degree in horticulture.
|Master Gardeners (and me) enjoying Mini-College, and annual educational event of the OSU Extension Master Gardener Program and the Oregon Master Gardener Association.|
We came up with three messages, which can be found on page 5 of the OMGA Chapter Toolkit for Communications Toolkit. One of these messages now appears on the Master Gardener website.
“Master Gardeners are trained volunteers, educated through OSU Extension Service to offer the local community Reliable, Relevant and Reachable gardening information and education opportunities."
- We are reliable, because our gardening advice and education is science-based.
- We are relevant, because unlike information found online, our advice can be customized for each unique gardening situation.
- We are reachable, because you can call us on the phone, email us a question, or visit with us at markets or gardens in your community.