Building Volunteer Engagement in the Tennessee Extension Master Gardener Program from the Ground Up

Authors

Natalie BumgarnerFollow
Debb Wilcox, Davidson County Extension Master GardenerFollow
Hannah Wright, University of Tennessee, KnoxvilleFollow
Anna Duncan, University of Tennessee, KnoxvilleFollow
Rachel Painter, University of Tennessee, KnoxvilleFollow
Melody T. Rose, University of Tennessee, KnoxvilleFollow
Lee Sammons, University of Tennessee, KnoxvilleFollow
Celeste Scott, University of Tennessee, KnoxvilleFollow
Gregg Upchurch, University of Tennessee, KnoxvilleFollow

Volume

60

Issue

3

DOI

10.34068/joe.60.03.17

Abstract

This study was designed to assess key volunteer attitudes and perceptions about local and state Extension Master Gardener (EMG) volunteer programs. EMG volunteers in Tennessee completed a total of 759 surveys between January 22 and March 10, 2020. Survey responses showed there was a strong positive perception of local EMG groups and the connection with the University of Tennessee system overall. When respondents were segmented, answers to key questions showed illuminating differences between volunteers with positive and neutral or negative views of the program. The variations in answers show areas of potential emphasis to support healthy local group culture and broader efficacy of the EMG program.

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Recommended Citation

Bumgarner, N., Wilcox, D., Wright, H., Duncan, A., Painter, R., Rose, M. T., Sammons, L., Scott, C., & Upchurch, G. (2022). Building Volunteer Engagement in the Tennessee Extension Master Gardener Program from the Ground Up. The Journal of Extension, 60(3), Article 17. https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.60.03.17