Not sure where to post this. I see some badges being offered for Master Gardeners in a couple of states. What does it take to get one posted for Florida ?
Thanks

Probably we'd just have to send @Dave a scan or image of our Florida Master Gardener logo to use as a badge, Elfie.

The problem with making it available here might be that anyone could claim to be a Master Gardener, so I'm not sure the MG program would let ATP use it. (not that anyone can't already do that . . ) Not even sure who we would ask about that.

I add badges when people request them. I've created the MG Florida badge for you:

http://garden.org/special/badg...

Wonderful, thanks Dave.

Now I call that above and beyond service. I am really appreciative.

After thinking about Elaine's response and question (which is perfectly valid) I just want to clarify that the reason I asked is that there two other states -- Texas and Mississippe -- which are registered for Master Gardener badges on our ATP website. I think that if it's perceived as a problem by Dave, he could most certainly request some proof.

I took my Master Gardener courses through the University of Florida. I'm not aware of any situation in which the MG program would object to one of us stating that we are a MG. I, personally, have never had any reason not to be proud of it. Taking the courses don't stop there. We have to take continuing education (CE) courses throughout the year as well as many volunteer hours. If we don't meet those standards, we are dropped.

I guess I'm somewhat naive and didn't think it could be perceived by others as a way to claim to be something they are not. This is your call Dave. Undoubtedly, your willingness to help and oblige a request from an ATP member could be taken advantage of. Perhaps I'm the guinea pig. If you decide that this could open the proverbial can of worms, I will accept that you may wish to change your mind and delete it from the badge program. I will refrain from purchasing the Florida MG badge with some of my coveted acorns until you make a final decision.

I can't imagine someone wanting to put the badge on their profile if they aren't a master gardener. Why would someone lie about that? I'm not worried about it in the slightest.

orchidgal said:
I took my Master Gardener courses through the University of Florida. I'm not aware of any situation in which the MG program would object to one of us stating that we are a MG.

In their "policies" documents, Master Gardeners may be restricted as to when they can use the MG title. The wording depends on the State. Here is a clip from Florida's, for example:

"The title “Florida Master Gardener” is to be used only and exclusively in the University of
Florida/IFAS Cooperative Extension Service Master Gardener Program in which trained and
certified Florida Master Gardeners answer gardening questions. Master Gardeners are expected
to use the title only when doing unpaid volunteer educational work on the behalf of the
University of Florida/IFAS Cooperative Extension Service. Florida Master Gardeners shall not
use the Florida Master Gardener title in any advertisements or activities not related to University
of Florida/IFAS Master Gardener activities."

Well in that case, it's against their rules for you to use a Florida Master Gardener badge on your profile here at ATP unless your entire experience at ATP is under your master gardener auspices.

Maybe we need a specific forum for MG's where those of us who are not MG's can ask questions of those who are trained in the field? Or would it be better (for example on the Florida Gardening Forum) for someone to start a thread where we Floridians can ask questions regarding plants and gardening in our state? I'd think since you are giving advice that would be in accordance with the rules of UF/IFAS.

I don't like the idea of a forum for master gardeners. There's no need. Any forum on this site is suitable for asking questions and giving help.

Yes, that is true and I'd think we could ask on the state thread if we had a specific question for a MG.

Why limit your question to only be answered by master gardeners? That doesn't make any sense to me.

Me either. Way too many wonderful knowledgeable people out there who should be heard. And, (truth be told) some MG's who aren't all that forthcoming anyway.

But I think we can wait and see if anyone from the Florida MG admin (wherever and whoever that may be) objects to us showing a badge on our profiles.

We are, in the true spirit of Master Gardeners, offering our expertise to help other gardeners for free. Why would they object?

Yeah if they object I'll be glad to take it down.

I know in Texas it's not seen as a big deal. To mention that you're a master gardener is not seen as anything unusual or anything. It's really nothing more than an association like any other.

In the Texas guidelines it is worded slightly differently, i.e. " ...the Texas Master Gardener title is to be used only when doing unpaid volunteer work in this program." That's from: http://mastergardener.tamu.edu...

Probably most of the MG rules are similar, the Mississippi MG's one is slightly different:

"“Master Gardener” is a nationally recognized title, but it has no service or
trademark status. However, the title “Mississippi Master Gardener” or
“Mississippi State University Extension Service Master Gardener” is used by
Extension to indicate a person who has been trained and certified through our
Extension program. Mississippi Master Gardeners are expected to use their title
only when doing unpaid volunteer educational work for Extension."

An MG can be "fired" for not following guidelines, but I don't know if use of the title in a way that the MG group considers inappropriate is significant enough grounds for such. I just remember reading these restrictions a while back. Perhaps it has to do with liability issues?

Limiting questions to MG's doesn't seem right to me either, I agree with Dave and Elaine. Would that mean that someone with a higher qualification in horticulture/botany/whatever would be excluded?

I don't lose any sleep over the fact that I'm glad to tell people I'm a master gardener, whether I'm acting in my MG duties or not. Those guidelines are there to stop people from selling products with the MG logo on their website and their uniform on, inappropriately implying an endorsement of them and their business by extension or Texas AgriLife.

Nobody here on ATP is abusing the MG program in that way. A person indicating their association falls within what I would consider to be an appropriate use of the name.

I say the above to explain why I don't have an issue allowing these microbadges to be displayed in your profile.

For what its worth, seems 'much ado about nothing' - the few state-specific MG badges I've seen are rather meaningless to me unless I hover over them to figure out what they signify (no disrespect intended to the MG community). I also agree that every member's voice is equally valuable.

My head is spinning. Dave - you will do whatever is best and what is right. I certainly won't lose any sleep over it.
Thanks for all the input.