Using Master Gardener Volunteers as Extension Instructors to ‘Grow’ Programming Barrett, E.E. 1 ; Kneen, H.H. 2 ; Snyder, W.R. 3 1 Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Ohio State University Extension, 490 S. Broad St. Canfield, OH, Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Ohio State University Extension, 117 E. Memorial Dr. Pomeroy, OH, Extension Program Assistant, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Ohio State University Extension, 490 S. Broad St. Canfield, OH, 44406, Volunteers are a tremendous asset to any Extension program. Well trained volunteers who can teach aspects of Extension programs provide additional value. Data from two counties shows that through adding a teaching exercise to the Master Gardener Volunteer training programs, Extension programs have expanded the reach of their programming at the local level and beyond. Each year through the training program, trainees are required to teach a minute session on their favorite gardening topic. The presentation must include an outline and a matching factsheet from any land grant institution to support the unbiased, research based information mission. Volunteers report increased confidence in their ability to teach, gained skills in creating presentations and satisfaction from increased programs and activities. MAHONING COUNTY CROSSROADS EXTENSION EDUCATION AND RESEARCH AREA Each trainee is required to teach a program at training in front of volunteers only (new and experienced). They are encouraged to focus on something they love about gardening. Detailed instructions are provided. A follow up Q&A is held at each week of training. One-on-one assistance is given to ease nerves. Experienced volunteers teach mini-sessions during lunches on training days to provide examples. Trainees attend other programs taught by current volunteers to see how a good presentation is done. Nearly 100% of trainees described increased skills in horticulture at the end of trainings. Nearly all sessions taught at horticulture programs in Washington and Mahoning Counties are taught by trained volunteers. Trainees noted that by seeing experienced volunteers teach, it increased their comfort level for the teaching experience. Volunteers also reported: Increased confidence in their ability to teach; Enhanced skills in creating presentations; and Satisfaction from their participation in and contributions to Extension programs and activities. Thousands of dollars in revenue has been generated to support the volunteer program and to supplement county budgets. Over 65 trained volunteers have volunteered to teach a class/session at a major Extension program after completing the teaching assignment in class. Sessions have mostly been for Extension programs, but also for community events. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We would like to thank the Master Gardener Volunteers in Washington and Mahoning Counties for their countless hours and dedication to horticulture education and OSU Extension. They have helped us expand our programming in immeasurable ways. THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION 1.Increase skill level and comfort level of volunteers in the area of public speaking on horticulture topics. 2.Utilize expertise of volunteers to teach classes/sessions on horticultural topics. 3.Develop new programs based on volunteer expertise. 4.Generate revenue for the county budget through program fees for workshops where volunteers teach. CFAES provides research and related educational programs to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis. For more information: A majority of sessions at programs are taught by volunteers. The volunteers choose the topics based on evaluation results from previous events. Evaluation of programs is required. Encouraging hands-on sessions with the use of props was utilized to reduce anxiety of some first time teachers. Volunteers appreciate being “leaders… not weeders” by using their skills and knowledge in this format.. GOALS ABSTRACT METHODS PROGRAMS DEVELOPED RESULTS ASSIGNMENT