Speaking Engagements

When Master Gardeners speak before groups on horticulture topics it is permissible for them to accept reimbursements for expenses and/or gift donations for the County Master Gardener fund. However, it is inappropriate for Master Gardeners to seek personal paid speaking engagements while participating in an authorized extension function and while using the Master Gardener title and is grounds for dismissal from the program. In all cases the local county extension office policy on speaking engagement fees should be honored, provided they comply with the guidelines described above. When a Master Gardener travels out of their home base county for a speaking engagement, it is appropriate to request reimbursement for travel expenses from the county cooperative extension office requesting the Master Gardener's services.

All reimbursements and gifts must be receipted directly into their home base county Penn State Cooperative Extension (PSCE) Program Account. Checks shall be made payable to PSCE- "_________ County", PSCE Program Fund or other appropriate PSCE account. Checks shall be turned over to the office bookkeeper in a timely fashion for deposit into the office program account.