Behavior Guidelines for Adults  working with Youth in Extension Programming

Georgia families and other youth service programs  trust the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service to provide educational programs in a safe environment for participating youth.  Adults who accept  volunteer positions within Extension have the opportunity for a rewarding experience.  This opportunity to work with young people is a privileged position.  Volunteer positions should be held only by those who are willing to demonstrate behaviors that fulfill this trust.
 

The behavioral expectations and guidelines established for persons serving in a volunteer capacity with the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service are as follows:
 

• Work cooperatively with youth, families, University of Georgia faculty and staff, community members and others in a courteous, respectful manner demonstrating behaviors appropriate for a positive role model.
• Represent the University College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences' Cooperative Extension Service and the Georgia 4-H program with pride and dignity, behave appropriately, exhibit good sportsmanship, and demonstrate reasonable conflict management skills.
• Respect, adhere, and enforce the 4-H Code of Conduct as well as other rules, policies and guidelines established by the Cooperative Extension Service and  event coordinators including  state laws and regulations.
• Recognize that verbal abuse, physical abuse or committing criminal acts may be grounds for termination as a 4-H volunteer.  Abusive behavior towards 4-H members or other adults including failure to provide adequate health and safety measures, care or supervision, emotional maltreatment of members, verbal or physical abuse will not be condoned.
• Comply with equal opportunity and anti-discrimination policy and governmental laws.  Make all reasonable efforts to assure that 4-H youth programs are accessible to youth without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age or disability.
• Treat animals humanely and encourage 4-H youth and adults to provide appropriate and ethical animal care.
• Strive for a minimum of two adults at any activity involving 4-H youth.  In all cases, no adult should be left alone with a single child unless the leader is the parent/guardian of that child.
• Under no circumstances, condone other use of  or personally consume alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs at 4-H events or activities.  Understand that the use of or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs while in the presence of 4-H members and/or at 4-H programs or activities will result in termination as a 4-H volunteer.
• Operate machinery, vehicles, and other equipment in a safe and responsible manner when working with youth and adults participating in 4-H programs.
• Accept responsibility to promote, conduct, and support 4-H programs in order to develop an effective local, county, district and state program.
• Recognize the following behaviors as inappropriate in the presence of 4-H club members during any 4-H activity or event:

	Return to 4-H Policy Guidelines for Adults Working With Youth Main Page
	Return to 4-H Policy & Procedure Main Page
	Return to 4-H Guidebook Main Page
	Return to Main Georgia 4-H Webpage