Have you heard? Micro-credentials are all the rage! Micro-credentials are short, flexible learning opportunities designed for learners to gain knowledge in a particular skill set. This presentation will introduce participants to a new micro-credential that offers an introduction to volunteer management. Completely online and self-paced, this micro-credential can increase the knowledge, skill sets and confidence of staff and volunteers who manage volunteers as part of the Master Gardener Program!

Jen Lobley has worked for The University of Maine (UMaine) Cooperative Extension for the past 25 years. She is an Extension Professor for Volunteer Development with statewide responsibilities, working directly with volunteers and supporting staff and faculty who engage volunteers in their programming. She has held various leadership roles at the regional and national level. Her interest in web-based training for volunteers had led her to design virtual learning experiences and publish articles on the topic. For this particular micro-credential, Jen partnered with Volunteer Maine, and UMaine Extension colleagues Mari Glatter (Instructional Designer), Sarah Harris (Online Learning Assistant), and Laura Wilson (Director of Non-Academic Learning Initiatives).