Volunteer Motivation and Satisfaction Associated With the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener Program

A small sample of inactive Master Gardeners indicated health issues and returning to full-time employment as reasons for leaving the program, but there was no conclusive evidence as to why volunteers exited the program. All current gardeners were satisfied with the program but were concerned about the complexity of the Master Gardener Handbook, lack of hands-on training, minimal training on how to use the educational resources, and constraints placed on the volunteer activities. The benefits perceived by the Master Gardeners included the learning acquired and the camaraderie among the gardeners. The majority of the Master Gardeners supported a recertification program and a continued volunteer commitment. Staff members were concerned about liability issues and the continued use of the Master Gardener title when volunteers became inactive. All groups interviewed stated concerns about the Master Gardener Handbook and believed the Master Gardener program was a positive exchange between volunteers' needs and the needs of Extension.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ed.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Education

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2015

Author dc:creator

• Schott, Norma J.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Merchant, Betty

• Education, Administration

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

(MiAaPQ)AAI9990131

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/80438