Membership/ Dues

Master Gardeners who have completed and reported their necessary Service/ Project Hours and earned their required Continuing Education Hours are eligible for continuing membership in the Northeast Tennessee Master Gardener Association.  Dues are collected annually. A late fee will apply if the deadline is missed. The Membership Chairperson will provide the necessary paperwork and timely reminders.  

Leave of Absence 

Leave of Absence Status — Certified TEMG volunteers who have completed at least one year of service may join this category if they are unable to complete the annual requirements but plan to return to certified status in the future. Leave of absence status ensures that accrued volunteer service in the program will be able to be used in the future toward 10, 15, 20 or 25-year statuses.

Master Gardeners should discuss their need for a leave with their County Coordinator before filling out the Leave of Absence Form.

The Leave of Absence Form must be completed for county coordinator approval. This request is valid for one year and must be resubmitted if another year of leave of absence is desired.

When able to return, a Reactivation Form must be turned in to the county coordinator. Time during a leave of absence will not count toward VIP or 10, 15, 20 or 25-year statuses.

Reinstatement without a Leave of Absence Approval 

Reinstatement Policy Reinstatement applies to previously certified active EMG volunteers who wish to return to the program but did not take a Leave of Absence. To request to be reinstated, the Reinstatement form and signed EMG volunteer MOA must be submitted to the TEMG county coordinator. The reinstatement request must be approved by the county coordinator and the local EMG association.

If approved and it has been 5 or more years since the volunteer was a Certified Active EMG volunteer, then auditing the intern class will be required. Following approval and auditing (if necessary), a minimum of 25 volunteer service hours and 8 continuing education hours (some groups may require more) as well as payment of local association membership dues (if required) must be completed within one year for the volunteer to regain Certified Active Extension Master Gardener status.