2nd National Extension Nat Res Conference-Abstract 69

Gary Goff, Cornell University,104 Fernow Hall, Department of Natural Resources, Ithaca, NY 14853; 607.255.2824; grg3@cornell.edu; and Arthur Wilson, Cornell University, Department of Education, 422 Kennedy Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853; 607.255.2508; aw87@cornell.edu

The Cooperative Extension Services of nearly all states conduct 1 or more ?Master Volunteer? programs (MVPs). The general goal of each program is to train volunteers in a natural resources management subject area (typically forestry and/or wildlife) who then interact with landowners in their communities to promote and enhance good forest and/or wildlife stewardship. From an educational perspective, these volunteers become relatively inexpensive and effective ?multipliers? of research-generated knowledge, supplemented by their own experience. While the subject matter, content, format, and administration of each varies, each share common program attributes that contribute to the success of these programs.

In the summer of 1999 MVP coordinators were surveyed to obtain a listing of specific suggestions (dos and don?ts) that they believe contribute to strong, successful programs. Based on the input from 9 states, we first categorized the suggestions into 3 headings: personnel, administration, and training and education. Personnel issues were addressed most frequently followed by administration, and then training and education. We then further elaborated on a few of the most unique and/or controversial suggestions.

Next we identified common characteristics or attributes of these programs and analyzed these attributes from a pedagogical standpoint with an emphasis on adult education. For example, a principal strength of these programs is that they rely on peer counseling, which is an extremely effective adult education method. Therefore the MVPs should emphasize the value of practical experience acquired by the volunteers. Another strength of the programs is that they rely on a participatory process that allows adults to construct their own knowledge base, thereby empowering them to be of value within their community. Such voluntary association is an example of the reemergence of the civil society movement.

This analysis will be of value to coordinators interested in developing new MVPs or enhancing current MVPs. The analysis will similarly be of use in documenting the basis for the effectiveness of the programs, thereby of use in garnering funding and support from agencies, organizations, and Extension administrations.