While this is a long post it should be read. This is what MG’s is about. A group of members recently went to PNG event and this is their personal take away from the conference . It was five stars.
️We highly recommend.
Working together as Master gardeners can be fun, but challenging. The PNG conference showed us how to come together as a group and make gardening projects easier and meetings more productive in less time, allowing more time to cultivate friendships and build community.
I haven’t attended PNG in about 10 years, and I regret the years I didn’t attend. Everyone, from new trainees to seasoned members, is welcome and encouraged to attend. PNG is where you learn the nuts and bolts of how the program works, where you build relationships across counties, and learn that the master gardener program is a network of counties that work together across the state. The breakout sessions I attended were excellent, but most importantly, PNG is a reminder that building relationships and community while learning from one another make for a strong volunteer program. County 76 worked hard to facilitate the conference and is a great resource for the master gardener program. Plus, we had a lot of fun!
We were reminded of the tremendous amount of volunteer work done by Arkansas master gardeners, and that the Arkansas master gardener program is the 3rd strongest in the nation, only behind California and New Jersey.
A few takeaways from Dr. Julie Robinson’s ‘Building Great Leaders’ presentation:
· Communication is a two-way street
· There is no “I” in team
· A mentor is intentional, thoughtful, & gives opportunities for people to flourish
· Help others discover their gifts
A few takeaways from Dr. John Anderson’s closing remarks:
· Leadership is influence, not authority
· Leadership is a function, not a position
· Friction and confusion cause underperformance
· Master Gardeners give back to their community, which in turn strengthens families, communities, and the state
My trip to PNG was well worth my time. This was my second time to attend. More is learned each time you attend. It allowed me to learn more on how the Master Gardner program works while sharing the experience with other members. The interaction and discussion in the meetings was insightful and helpful on various issues. Networking with other Master Gardners, County 76, and the State Leaders was fun and valuable.
I now have friends and contacts all across the state. They can provide information on speakers, ideas on fundraising, planning an educational trip, and more. Not all Master Gardners have the same interests or abilities. Many of the breakout sessions addressed ways to keep everyone engaged in the organization and how to satisfy and keep personalities in check. This was done by trying to find each Master Gardners talent and passion. Not by trying to appoint and drive the program.
It showed me that really getting to know your fellow Master Gardners is extremely important. Having a social time other than a meeting setting makes it easier to visit and discover what others are passionate about, what their talents are, along with their interest, and what makes them happy. When you know your fellow Master Gardner it easier to accomplish the organization’s goals.
This was my first time at PNG. It was inspirational . Nothing is new as someone in MG, one of the county MG groups has done it before. No need to invent the wheel.MG reveres their lifetime members as the part of the group that helps the new MG’s learn the the roots of the organization and helps new members learn their leadership strengths. When we work together we benefit of communities and our state. Then there is the fun, food and fellowship- oh and don’t forget horticulture!!!