A website from UGA Cooperative Extension

Resources for GA MGEVs

What do sales people and MGEVs have in common? They both want to give you advice and information, only ours is free! MGEVs work hard to gather and prepare unbiased, research-based information for the gardening public. We want to make sure our Extension messages are heard and seen in today’s busy and loud world of communication.

Join us for this year’s Regional Leadership Conference series as we learn how to develop and deliver a strong Extension message that engages the community around plants and gardening. We’re offering four free training topics in four locations around the state throughout the year. We’ll spend our mornings learning and practicing the topic of the session. The Georgia Master Gardener Association will be joining in the conversation with communication tips for MG organizations. Then, we’ll spend time in the afternoon touring a MGEV project site or other place of interest. Bring your camera, because a picture is worth 1,000 words!

The communication topics will change each session. We’ll talk about and practice a new topic each time. For eligible MGEVs*, Advanced Training credit will be available to who complete at least 3 of the 4 training topics. Since you may not want to travel to all 4 sessions, ask your agent to offer a county-level session. We will be offering the archives for this purpose to agents in the summer and fall. When the series is complete, it will be available for independent viewing and use (watch for details on Trellis). To register for a session, use the online registration link specific to the date and location. These trainings are free, but registration is required. The four sessions are outlined below.

*Individuals who have completed the requirements of the MGEV program and are current, active volunteers are eligible to participate in the Advanced Training program.

  • Session 1: Developing Strategic Online Content
    • When: March 20, 2020 | 9:30 AM-3:30 PM
    • Where: Albany
    • Garden Tour: Chehaw Demonstration Gardens
    • Registration: February 3 – March 18, 2020 (Registration is closed at this time.)
  • Session 2: Creating Instructional Videos
    • When: June 19, 2020 | 9:30 AM-3:30 PM
    • Where: Augusta
    • Garden Tour: TBD
    • Registration: May 4 – June 17, 2020
  • Session 3: Storymapping: Creating a Story About Our Projects
    • When: Augusta 21, 2020 | 9:30 AM-3:30 PM
    • Where: Gainesville
    • Garden Tour: TBD
    • Registration: July 6 – August 19, 2020
  • Session 4: Using Social Media to Promote Our Message
    • When: November 6, 2020 | 9:30 AM-3:30 PM
    • Where: Carrollton
    • Garden Tour: Ag Center Demonstration Garden
    • Registration: September 21 – November 4, 2020

FAQs:

What is the cost?

Free! (Although there is no cost, registration is required for attending live sessions.)

Can I attend more than one?

Yes! You can attend them all! Each training will be different. Each will cover different material on communication topics. Each session will have separate registration.

Do I have to attend all four conferences in person?

Nope! You can attend them all in person if you are able, or you can catch the recordings. If eligible, you will receive AT credit for completing at least 3 of the communication content sessions (2 hours each.)

Do I have to know a lot about public communications? What about social media?

You do not need any communication experience or a Facebook/Instagram/Twitter account to benefit from attending these trainings. There are many ways you can support promoting your local program and educating your community. While these trainings will address social media usage, we also encourage you to attend if you enjoy organizing and planning, promoting events, writing, photography, etc.