Proposed Updates to the RCMG Bylaws 2026

3 min read

9/15/2026

Upcoming changes to the Ramsey County Master Gardeners nonprofit

The Ramsey County Master Gardeners 501(c)(3) board has been working diligently to update our organizational bylaws, and we need your vital input as we navigate this transition together.

Ramsey County Master Gardeners; a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation

While all volunteers here are part of the University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program and Garden Education Volunteer Program of Ramsey County, there is also a separate nonprofit corporation was formed in 1995 called the Ramsey County Master Gardeners. We recognize that the similarities of the names can make this confusing! It was incorporated as a means to control and manage the funds donated to the organization and the monies earned via fundraising activities like the plant sale.

The mission of the nonprofit is to support the activities of the Extension Master Garden Education Volunteer Program for Ramsey County. Ours is the only county in Minnesota that has a separate nonprofit corporation, making us unique among the Master Gardener Volunteer Program chapters.

Updating the Bylaws

Minnesota nonprofit bylaws are an internal document with the rules and procedures that the nonprofit follows. Bylaws lay out the exact processes for actions such as quorums, director responsibilities and tenure, and emergency protocols.

The last time the Ramsey County Master Gardeners 501(c)(3) bylaws were successfully updated was 2023.

Why are the bylaws changing now?

Our primary goal is to protect the longevity of our local organization and ensure our volunteers can continue doing the community work they love without interruption.

Recently, the University of Minnesota Extension office required a structural governance change to clarify the distinct roles of the nonprofit board and the program leadership team. To reduce administrative confusion and simplify volunteer life, we are transitioning from a membership-based organization to a board-led organization.

"Voting 'yes' on these bylaws simplifies how our organization is managed behind the scenes. It keeps our fundraising dollars locally controlled and allows our volunteers to focus on community gardening projects, while always preserving your option to join the board or a committee."

Key Governance Changes to Review

Transitioning to a board-led model handles the administrative "business side" of our nonprofit so you can focus entirely on gardening and community education. Here is a summary of the main updates between our 2023 rules and the new 2026 draft.

Collaborative Partnership. The new language clarifies that our nonprofit operates as a supportive, collaborative funding partner alongside the Extension Program, rather than carrying the legal liability of an "advisory" governance capacity.
Clearer Program Boundaries. We have removed clauses regarding nonprofit oversight during University personnel absences. This ensures our separate operations are legally distinct, cementing our role as a supportive resource provider rather than an operational manager.
Shift in Governance & Voting. The Board of Directors will now assume the sole fiduciary and operational responsibility of electing new directors and voting on future bylaw updates. This relieves the general membership of corporate legal management duties while preserving your voice through open communication with the board and the option to serve on the board and/or our committees.

Join the Discussion

We will be presenting the newly drafted bylaws at our upcoming monthly meeting on Tuesday, September 15th (available both in-person and via Zoom). Because these updates change how our organization handles business administration, we want to ensure every volunteer has a chance to review the document and share feedback.

How to share your feedback

The official comment period is open from now until Tuesday, September 29th.

Please review the draft and send any edits, questions, or comments directly to Beth Fritcher (bfritcher@comcast.net or 651/592-3968) or Maggie Maggio (margaret.maggio@gmail.com or 631/949-3300). We want to hear from you to ensure these bylaws accurately reflect our community's supportive spirit and protect our collective mission.

Voting Eligibility Reminder

Eligible voting status includes:

Active
Interns (once Program requirements are fulfilled)
Emeritus Active
Temporary Inactive

Important Dates to Remember

Tuesday, September 15th: Bylaws presentation and discussion at our monthly meeting (In-person & Zoom).
Tuesday, September 29th: Deadline to submit written comments and edits.
Tuesday, October 20th: Final updated bylaws presented for an official vote at our October monthly meeting.

Thank you for your continued dedication to keeping Ramsey County green, growing, and connected!

Beth F

RCMG Board of Directors

Chair—2026

Maggie M