Terms and Conditions for WSU Thurston County Extension Master Gardener and Thurston County Master Recycler Composter volunteers.

By signing, I have read and agree to the following Code of Conduct, and I understand the volunteer requirements for my chosen Volunteer Status for 2024 provided below.

All volunteers, please remember:  The purpose of the following expectations is not to make volunteering more confusing or difficult. As you know research and advancements in the gardening and recycling/composting worlds happens daily.  If you are away from the program for long periods of time you may not be aware of the most current gardening and recycling/composting resources, practices, products, or methods.  As a WSU Thurston County Extension Master Gardener and/or a Thurston County Master Recycler Composter volunteer, you are giving advice to the public and must be abreast of current, science-based information. We will be working harder than ever to keep our active MG and MRC volunteers aware of this information through continuing education opportunities, workshops, publications, emails, social media etc.

Code of Conduct for All Volunteers for 2024

As a volunteer in the WSU Master Gardener (MG) Program of Thurston County and/or Thurston County Master Recycler Composter Program, I agree to the following code of conduct:

• Respect and follow WSU Extension, Thurston County, and MG/MRC program policies and guidelines.
• Record my service and continuing education (CE) hours as instructed by program manager.
• Represent Thurston County and WSU Extension with dignity and pride. This includes wearing a name badge when serving as a volunteer and dressing in an appropriate and professional manner when working with the public.  Clothes should be suitable for the activity and location. “Office casual is appropriate for indoor speaking engagements or outreach events.  Work clothes are appropriate for gardening and composting work.
• Conduct myself in a courteous and respectful manner, refraining from profanity, harassment, disruptive behavior, and abuse of any kind while interacting with fellow volunteers, university/county staff and the general public. I also agree that if I see such behavior happening that I will report it to the program manager.
• Be a positive role model to all, but especially when working with youth. I understand that I will be trained on and expected to follow specific policies when working with youth and vulnerable adults.
• Operate Program vehicles, machinery, tools, and other equipment as trained in a safe and responsible manner.  Report any injuries via incident reporting procedures.
• Handle fundraising and finances in an ethical manner.
• Comply with non-discrimination laws and policies.
• Refrain from using alcohol and other drugs while volunteering.
• Participate as team members within the WSU Master Gardener and/or Master Recycler Composter Program.
• If needed, follow policies and procedures related to COVID-19 physical distancing and non-pharmaceutical interventions.

WSU Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local WSU Extension office. Persons will disabilities who require alternative means for communication or program information or reasonable accommodation need to contact Cori Carlton at 3054 Carpenter Road SE, Olympia, WA 98503, cori.carlton@co.thurston.wa.us, or 360-867-2162 at least two weeks prior to the event.