Volunteer Requirements

Individuals volunteering with the UVM Extension Master Gardener and Vermont Master Composter programs MUST complete the following requirements BEFORE volunteering with the program. This includes active, transferring, and re-activating volunteers.

Please see our Volunteer Handbook and Program Policies for Terms of Service, information on Youth Protection, and other program policies.

Volunteer Requirements

Volunteer Application
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All students, transfers and re-activating volunteers are required to fill out this form.

Minor Protection Training
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Instructions to Access the UVM Extension Master Gardener Program Minor Protection Training 

  • Enroll in the course at https://campus.extension.org/course/view.php?id=2204.
  • You will need to Log In to access the training. Press continue or log in.
  • If you have taken any Extension Master Gardener or Master Composter courses on the Extension Foundation online campus in the past, you should have an account. If not, follow the instructions under “Is this your first time here?” to create an account. (Note: since we do offer a number of courses and trainings through the Extension Foundation Online Campus, this step is time well spent).
  • Once logged in, select “Enroll Me”.
  • Follow the instructions in the training – there are three steps to take (1. Step 1. Read Our Program's Youth Protection Policy, 2. Take Child Protection 1 module training (mini-certificate available), and 3. Take Child Protection 2 module training (mini-certificate available). You will need to open and view each step to complete them. When all steps are complete, the training will send you and the office a training certificate of completion for our files.
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Program volunteers must have lived in Vermont for 12+ months prior to volunteering for the program. If you have lived n Vermont for less than 12 months, please contact the office about your options. 

As of 2020, all volunteerism with the program is contingent upon completing a background check through the Vermont Criminal Investigation Center (VCIC), Sexual Offender Registry, and Child Abuse Registry.  UVM does not accept background checks or federal fingerprinting completed through other, partner organizations.

Instructions 

All volunteers MUST complete the form before volunteering.

Fill out the background check consent form (PDF).

Please fully complete all questions on the form -- be sure to include your full address with town and state, etc. If items don't apply to you, enter "NA".

Print and have the form, dated and stamped by a Notary Public. You can find a Notary Public at your local Post Office or Town Clerks Office, or contact the Secretary of State office @ 802-828-1505.

Program staff can also verify the form remotely -- look for dates/times when remote verification is scheduled or contact staff directly to schedule a time. 

Once complete, follow the instructions located at the bottom of the Consent form to send to the office.