Members Only: Using the Volunteer Management System (VMS)
All volunteer service and training hours are reported digitally by each member using their account. Please be honest and accurate in all reporting. Questions? Contact Directors (below).
Reporting Hours with a Desktop / Laptop
Use this link to report hours with a desktop. The TPWD Samaritan Volunteer Management System (VMS) is where all chapter hours are reported to the State Program, our chapter’s reporting account of record. Any engagement with the public (outreach, impact data) is entered by the lead of that event group so that the data is correct and complete. This is the older one (through Samaritan), where you are able to sort by months, dates, or opportunities served, but it does not work well with some smartphones.
Reporting Hours with a Smartphone / Tablet
Use this link to report hours with a mobile device / tablet. This link is also conveniently found on the website menu Members —> VMS Login Page, easily reached from the TMNCPC website. This is the newer one (through TPWD), but it lacks the ability to delete entries after submission; they may only be modified (until they are approved). The link to the old desktop version is right there at the bottom where it says “If you are a Texas Master Naturalist volunteer …” should you need to use it instead.
Report Hours Promptly
Don’t forget the 45-day entry restriction by the State Program for reporting all hours, after which you will not be able to report without Super VMS Admin help.
Direct Public Outreach
When leading an event that engages the public, further reporting into VMS is required: Impact Data. Only the Lead inputs these numbers when reporting service hours; it’s a simple matter of selecting YES for the Impact Data dropdown then filling out the boxes. For forms and other outreach information, checking out Workshops on Wheels, or to learn about the the process in general, contact VSP or Membership Directors or visit the #forms channel on Slack.
Modify Reporting After Approval
As long as the errant entry is within 45 days, contact the Membership Director for assistance.
For more information on the VMS, you can access the VMS Help Desk Page.
On Slack, visit #help-vms channel for answers to similar questions or post your new question there as a message. Someone will address it promptly!
Chapter Contacts for Help Reporting Hours
- Membership Director
- Volunteer Service Projects Director
- Advanced Training Director
- Training Class Director (New Class members only)