Being a VMN Volunteer

Virginia Master Naturalist Basic Training Curriculum
Being a Virginia Master Naturalist Volunteer
THIS PAGE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION

This page contains numerous curriculum resources that may be used flexibly by Virginia Master Naturalist chapters and trainees to meet their learning needs. These resources also are available to other volunteer programs and the public for their use, but please note that watching or reading these materials cannot substitute for enrolling in and completing a basic training course with a VMN chapter in order to become a Virginia Master Naturalist volunteer.

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Learning Objectives

Introductory Videos

Background Readings

Presentation Videos

Presentation Handouts

Activity Lesson Plans

Assessment Questions

Evaluation Materials

Image by Karen Daniel, VMN-Pocahontas Chapter

Learning Objectives - under construction
Upon completion of the Virginia Master Naturalist basic training course, participants will understand and/or be able to:

Introductory Information

What a VMN volunteer is
The chapter-based, state-sponsored structure of the VMN program
The roles of each of the VMN sponsoring agencies with regard to natural resource management and education
The pathway for becoming and remaining a Certified Virginia Master Naturalist volunteer
The types of projects VMN volunteers may do for their service, with local examples of education and outreach, citizen science, stewardship, and chapter administration
The requirements and responsibilities of VMN volunteers, including expected standards of conduct and other guidelines as presented in the Volunteer Policy Handbook.

Record Keeping Responsibilities

How to log on to and use the Volunteer Management System for learning about approved projects, entering continuing education and service records, locating contact information for other members of the chapter, and signing up for events (if applicable.)
The importance, value, and required nature of timely documenting and reporting of activities done while serving in any VMN capacity
Who to contact for help with the Volunteer Management System, for help finding projects to fit their skills and interests, or for help with other aspects of their volunteer role.

Risk Management Responsibilities

What risk management is and how it applies to VMN volunteers
Typical and possible risks associated with VMN volunteer activities
Factors to consider when planning and preparing for any VMN activity to ensure that it is safe
What Virginia Cooperative Extension’s liability insurance is and the requirements for coverage
Importance of documenting activities you do as a VMN volunteer in the Volunteer Management System
What it means to have duty of care in the context of VMN volunteering
What to do in the event of an accident or incident
Special considerations for working with youth, including the “above suspicion” policy, 4-H requirements, and mandatory reporting of suspected abuse
How to deal with contracts that need to be signed and requests for Certificates of Insurance
Wildlife laws and permits that may pertain to VMN volunteer activities
The need to obtain and document landowner/land manager permission before conducting volunteer activities

Civil Rights Responsibilities

The civil rights responsibilities of all VMN volunteers, and the legal basis for those responsibilities
Key civil rights terms and concepts that apply to VMN volunteers, including equal opportunity, potential audience, parity, and all reasonable efforts.
When and how to use the required ADA and non-discrimination statements.
How to collect and report demographic data for educational contacts
Where to find additional resources related to volunteers’ civil rights responsibilities

Other Information and Skills

Communicate the mission and goals of the Virginia Master Naturalist program to a person who is not familiar with the program
Identify their local chapter leaders and know who to contact for questions and other needs
Demonstrate that they can log on to the VMS and correctly enter volunteer hours and contacts.
Demonstrate that they can identify potential risks of a volunteer activity and take appropriate precautions.

Image by VMN-Pocahontas Chapter

Introductory Videos

What: Short videos to introduce volunteers to the topic of Being a Virginia Master Naturalist volunteer.

Possible uses:

Have trainees watch before class as preparation
Watch as part of class
Have trainees watch after class as review or supplementary material
Have existing members watch as a refresher on this topic

Virginia Master Naturalist promo video: "The Naturalist" by Sonny Bowers, Historic Rivers Chapter. 7:31 min.

Image by Pat Klima, VMN-Rivanna Chapter

Background Readings - under construction

Most Recommended Readings
Virginia Master Naturalist Volunteer Policy Handbook

Supplemental Readings

Above and Beyond, for those seeking more in-depth information

Image by VMN-Eastern Shore Chapter

Presentation Videos