The Volunteer Management System (VMS) is a tool developed by UC ANR’s Communication Services and Information Technology (CSIT) team to assist UC Master Gardeners, UC Master Food Preservers, and California Naturalist volunteers in keeping accurate records of their volunteer activities. VMS allows volunteers to create a profile, log volunteer and continuing education hours, and report contacts. The program also provides a place for communication and collaboration within each county program with options to create calendar events, share photos and other documents, and a discussion forum.
How will I get access?
As a new coordinator, you’ll need to be added to the VMS system by someone with administrator privileges in your county (likely a Farm Advisor, County Director, or other office staff). You can also contact the statewide office for assistance in gaining access. Please use your ucanr.edu email address when signing up for your staff account, which is especially important if you were formerly a volunteer.
What will I use VMS for in my role as a coordinator?
As a coordinator, VMS is the most helpful tool in your possession. You’ll use it daily to accomplish the following tasks (and more!):
- View your roster of volunteers, including contact information and interests
- Manage roster through volunteer additions and status changes
- Communicate with volunteers through VMS email function
- Communicate with volunteers via home page news
- Create and manage volunteer projects
- Create and manage volunteer calendar events
- View volunteer hour reports
- View volunteer contact reports
- Upload documents, presentations, photos to share with group
- Manage and deploy an internal newsletter
- Manage annual reappointment process (occurs June-July every year)