The Volunteer Leadership Summit is the first ever leadership training designed for California Master Gardener volunteers. At this free one-day workshop participants will hear from a range of speakers and be challenged to engage in the larger Master Gardener community by networking with their peers from across the state. The workshop will be held November 9, 2012 at the UC Davis Campus.

The idea for this conference was actually introduced by a volunteer earlier this year. She had noticed that other volunteer organizations have trainings and conferences specifically towards making better leaders out of their volunteers and requested that the Statewide Master Gardener Program do the same.  We quickly recognized what a powerful tool this could be and set to work creating a program. At the workshop, participants will hear from Associate Director of UC Cooperative Extension, Bill Frost; discuss the importance and process of building community within their programs from Ellie Rilla, and hear from select volunteers from diverse programs throughout the state during our panel talk. Participants will also explore ideas for program and board structure, meeting facilitation, and the nitty gritty on financial policies. Breakfast refreshments and lunch will be provided.

Unfortunately, to stay within fire code and to make the workshop as interactive and meaningful to participants as possible each program may select one volunteer to attend. For more information and access to registration please contact your local coordinator.  

UPDATE: Thanks for those who commented, to remind me to say that we will be recording the day's session for those who are unable to make it and would like to see it later! It will not be a live webinar because the logistics of audience participation and such via Adobe Connect and teleconference would be nearly imposible, however the DVD of the taped session will be available to all counties.