Submitting Time Reports
Why do I need to report my time?
Your time reports document the advanced training and volunteer service hours you need to certify as a Texas Master Naturalist and to renew that certification yearly. They are also used to compile the chapter’s annual report to the state headquarters, which summarizes all chapter activity. The data in these reports are used to measure the program’s success and justify its continued funding.
How often should I submit time reports?
Time reports should be submitted monthly. However, submitting a report for a month in which you have no activities to report is unnecessary. The ETCMN uses the statewide TXM Volunteer Management System (VMS) to record hours. You must record hours within 45 days of the activity – the calendar will not go back further than 45 days.
How do I submit reports?
Log into the VMS using your TMN username and password. Other training videos and process documentation are available at http://txmn.org/tmn-vms-users/.
Reporting Volunteer Service Hours
What counts as volunteer service?
You may claim volunteer service hours for any project or activity the chapter approves. Some are ongoing activities; others are one-time-only. Approved activities are listed in the chapter newsletter and discussed at chapter meetings. Officers may send e-mails requesting volunteers for specific requests received on short notice.
What if I have an idea or know of an activity not approved by the chapter?
You must submit an ETCMN Advanced Training Request to a chapter Volunteer Services Committee for approval. Complete the form, providing sufficient detail for the committee to assess the request accurately.
Are there guidelines for the activities that are likely to be approved?
Yes. The state has specific guidelines for determining whether an activity is appropriate for the program, which are illustrated here.
All volunteer work must be done within the state of Texas. While many Citizen scientist-type programs, such as CoCoRaHS, Great Backyard Bird Count, etc., can be performed on your property, you cannot count hours spent on activities that benefit only you or improve your property, such as planting natives, putting in a pond, working on a wildlife tax valuation, etc. Remember, we are a community service organization, so the community, not private individuals or businesses, should benefit from your efforts. If an activity is supported by one of our sponsors, i.e., Texas Parks and Wildlife or Texas AgriLife Extension, it will generally be approved.
Can I claim travel?
Yes, up to a point. You can claim travel time – up to one hour per event – for Volunteer Services only. You cannot claim travel to attend chapter meetings, even if you bring food or drinks or perform other functions.
Reporting Advanced Training Hours
What counts as advanced training?
You may claim advanced training hours for any training approved by the chapter. Speaker presentations at all chapter meetings count as advanced training. Other advanced training opportunities are listed in the chapter newsletter and disseminated via email. NOTE: Only actual presentation time at chapter meetings (usually one hour) counts as advanced training.
Do I need to report advanced training I get at chapter meetings, or am I automatically credited since I signed the roster?
You must report your advanced training time from chapter meetings. It is not cross-referenced to the meeting sign-in sheets.
If I attend one of our chapter training class sessions for new members, can I claim advanced training for that class?
Generally, no. The material being covered is the same material covered in your initial training, so it is redundant, not new training. There can be exceptions, but these will be announced in advance to allow everyone the opportunity to attend.
Where else do I get advanced training?
There are many opportunities for advanced training throughout the year besides those offered by the chapter. Click here for a list of approved training topics and sponsors. Classes and presentations that meet these guidelines may be claimed as advanced training without prior approval by the training committee. Be sure to note the activity’s topic and sponsor when logging hours to ensure you receive credit for it.
If I attend a meeting of another organization, like the Tyler Audubon Society, to hear their speaker, how do I claim my time?
Like at our chapter meetings, only the speaker’s presentation time counts as advanced training. The rest is simply a meeting and not credible.
How do I report all-day classes that include a lunch break?
The lunch break is not training time. Training only occurs when an instructor is teaching and students are present. Short breaks (e.g., 15 minutes) during lengthy presentations may be included in training time.
What about registration and field trips?
Many classes include a 15 to 30-minute window for registration before training starts. Again, this needs to be creditable training time. If the course includes a field trip and a classroom presentation, the field trip is considered a part of the training and should be claimed. If travel is required from the classroom to the field trip site, training time is not considered if it exceeds 15 minutes. To help clarify this, consider it the “Rule of 15,” i.e., interruptions (breaks, lunch, travel) of less than 15 minutes can be included in training time; those over 15 minutes cannot.
What if the field trip is at the same site as the classroom and starts after the presenter’s session?
If there is a short break (15 minutes or less) after the presenter is finished, that time could be included as training time.
What if I learn of a class/presentation I would like to attend that has not been approved and is not included in the “ETCMN Approved Advanced Training” list?
Submit an ETCMN Advanced Training Request to an Advanced Training & Programs committee member chair for approval. Be sure to complete the form in its entirety. NOTE: All training must take place in Texas to be creditable