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Volunteer Handbook -Please read and understand your role as a VMN
Class Policies Click arrow to view->
Class Policies Click arrow to view->
CE/Volunteer Requirements
The basic training course covers the background knowledge and skills to prepare you for service as a VMN volunteer. This includes a wide range of topics in many areas relating to the natural sciences. Initial certification, as well as annual recertification, requires 8 hours of approved continuing education and 40 hours of approved volunteer service within a year following completion of your basic training course. You can complete your volunteer service in any of four key areas: citizen science, stewardship, education and outreach, and chapter administration.
Attendance Requirements Attendance at all of the in-person/zoom classes, self-study classes, and at 3 of 6 field trips, 1 vernal pool field trip, and 1 participatory science field trip is mandatory for graduation and VMN membership. (Certification is described above.) Absences due to extenuating circumstances (up to 2 classes) must be made-up to be eligible to take the final exam. However, the trainee must make up the missed classes and field trips within 12 months of completion of basic training in one of the following ways: take the missing classes during the next training cycle, attend missing classes with another VMN chapter, or by making special arrangements with approval from the Basic Training Committee. Contact BTC Co-chairs with any issues.
Training Materials and Communication It is necessary that trainees have an email address and an Internet connection, since training materials, program communications, and volunteer hour reporting are done electronically.
Class Size Limit Class size is limited to 35 trainees.
Social Breaks To foster more class interactions, snacks and refreshments will be brought for each in-person class (not field trips). Please make class sponsors aware if you have food allergies.
Inclement Weather In case of inclement weather, check the Announcements page and your email for updates. In-person classes may be converted to zoom or rescheduled. Field trips are typically held rain or shine unless weather dangers are eminent. (i.e. lightening, ice, etc.)
Finding Volunteer and CE Opportunities in Better Impact.mp4HOW TO FIND VOLUNTEER HOURS IN BETTER IMPACT
Trainees will receive emails about volunteer opportunities, but if you want a concise view see Better Impact. The video shows you how to see the volunteer section. https://app.betterimpact.com/Login/Login
HOW TO LOG AND CHECK CE & VOLUNTEER HOURS
Trainees will receive an email from the Better Impact database that allows them to create an account and begin recording volunteer hours toward VMN certification. Once you have created your account, you may access Better Impact any time at this link: https://app.betterimpact.com/Login/Login
Being a VMN Volunteer: Requesting a Certification Check
(for initial certifications)
From the State VMN Office:
"We have several hundred new VMN volunteers graduating from basic training this time of year. Congratulations to all of you! We encourage you to make the effort to complete those first 40 hours of approved volunteer service and 8 hours of approved continuing education to earn the Certified Virginia Master Naturalist title, for which you will be recognized with a certificate and a badge in Better Impact.
The VMN State Office will automatically run a check for all new certifications at the end of June. Better Impact badges are added and paper certificates are mailed by the end of July. But! If you think you’ve completed the initial certification requirements and would like to see your badge sooner than that, you can Request a Certification Check. See our Request a Certification Check info sheet for step-by-step directions.
NOTE: This procedure is only for initial/first-time certifications. Recertifications are handled at the end of the year. "
EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION AT POCAHONTAS STATE PARK
For medical or fire emergencies, dial 9-1-1. For any other, call (804) 621-5097 to speak with the Ranger-on-Call.
Rebecca Whelan, PSP Park Manager
Max Forrest, PSP Park Ranger
Virginia Master Naturalist & Statewide Program Director
Michelle Prysby is the VMN Program Director
mprysby@vt.edu or (434) 872-4571
Program documents for the statewide Virginia Master Naturalist organization can be found online here: http://www.virginiamasternaturalist.org/program-documents.html
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