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Abstract
A national study of Extension Master Gardener (EMG) volunteers was conducted in Fall 2016, using survey research to describe patterns within a national sample of EMG volunteers (n=6856) and their local and state program coordinators. This current, quantitative study had four objectives, including analysis of program demographics, determination of alignment of EMG program educational response themes (ERT) among state and local program coordinators and volunteers, increasing the understanding of functional motivations that underlie EMG volunteer behavior, and gaining a practical understanding of EMG volunteer involvement in volunteer service activities (VSAs). Results included demographic assessment and realization of general alignment of response themes between program management (state and local coordinators) and program participants (EMG volunteers). Exploration of functional motivations identified five motivational factors for EMG volunteers that vary across subgroups of EMG volunteers and that change over time. Slight or modest relationships were found between motives and satisfaction, overall involvement, and tenure. Additionally, volunteer involvement was assessed with three measures, including overall involvement (the total number of activities in which EMG volunteered), higher-level involvement (the number of activities in which volunteers volunteered at the “most of the time” or “always” level), and leadership (number of VSAs for which an individual had a leadership role). EMG volunteers remain highly engaged in the program, with five volunteer service activity themes emerging in the analysis. Leadership roles, tenure, and service hours were significant predictors of overall involvement and higher-level involvement. Tenure with the EMG program has a large effect on volunteer involvement, reinforcing the importance of cultivation and retention of long-term volunteers. The present empirical study builds on a theoretical base to identify patterns in EMG volunteer service and to gain understanding of EMG volunteer motivation. The findings presented here can be practically applied by program coordinators to expand and diversify local EMG volunteer programs. Overall, the findings in this study should encourage program coordinators that the EMG program is alive and well in the US, with great potential to positively change lives and communities through consumer horticulture.