You can find the following information here:

• What is the Master Internet Volunteer^SM Program?
• How the Master Internet Volunteer^SM Program began
• Program Planning Guide 

What is the Master Internet Volunteer^SM Program?

The Master Internet Volunteer^SM Program is an educational program designed to train volunteers to help other people in their communities with the Internet. This program was originally created by the University of Minnesota Extension Service as a way to educate community volunteers in the concepts and applications of the Internet. These community volunteers are then able to more effectively assist others with applications of the Internet. The program is now being implemented by North Dakota State University with permission of and in cooperation with the University of Minnesota. 

The North Dakota State University Extension Service provides this training in exchange for volunteer time. Master Internet Volunteers^SM work with North Dakota State University Extension Service county offices and directly with community organizations to help others learn and make effective use of the Internet. Many organizations benefit from Master Internet Volunteer^SM activities. 

In return for specialized training, Master Internet Volunteers^SM are asked to volunteer time in their community. Examples of volunteer activities include: 

• Staffing public access Internet computers at North Dakota State University Extension Service offices, libraries and other locations. 
• Developing web pages for community organizations. 
• Giving demonstrations for the public. 
• Writing articles for local newspapers. 
• Teaching community education classes. 
• Working with youth, seniors, or special interest groups to help them use the Internet. 

How the Master Internet Volunteer^SM Program began in North Dakota

The University of Minnesota Master Internet Volunteer^SM program was modeled after the successful Internet Master Program developed at the University of Missouri in 1996. A similar, Master Navigator program has since been developed at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The Master Internet Volunteer^SM program was piloted in several counties in Minnesota in 1997. 

All three programs provide excellent Internet education and serve as examples of successful models of volunteer programs. Each of the three states offered their curricula and assistance in piloting the program in North Dakota. Potential to collaborate in counties on the Minnesota-North Dakota border secured the decision to use the University of Minnesota's materials in North Dakota.

North Dakota State University Extension Service began offering this program in 1998. Click here for information about locations and NDSU Extension Service staff offering the MIV program locally in 2001. 

The Master Internet Volunteer Program was developed by the University of Minnesota Extension Service and was adapted for use in North Dakota with permission. Copyright  © 2001  North Dakota State University. All rights reserved.