extension 4-h policy and procedures handbook
TRANSCRIPT
HEAD
HEART
HANDS
HEALTH
EXTENSION®
POLICY COMMITTEE MEMBERS
•LisaKaslon—CommitteeChair•StevePritchard•AnnetteHaas•HeatherBorck•LindaDannehl•MeganHanefeld•MarkSimmons
RevisedJanuary2014
ExtensionisaDivisionoftheInstituteofAgricultureandNaturalResourcesattheUniversityofNebraska–LincolncooperatingwiththeCountiesandtheUnitedStatesDepartmentofAgriculture.
The4-HYouthDevelopmentprogramabideswiththenondiscriminationpoliciesoftheUniversityofNebraska–LincolnandtheUnitedStatesDepartmentofAgriculture.
UniversityofNebraska–LincolnExtension4-HYouthDevelopment
4-H POLICY AND PROCEDURES HANDBOOK
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1. Introduction—Whatis4-H?.............1
2. Nebraska4-HPolicy..........................2-6 2.1 The4-HPolicy 2.2 ApprovalofNebraska4-HPolicy 2.3 CountyVersesStatePolicy 2.4 EssentialElements/PositiveYouthDevelopment
2.5 4-HNon-DiscriminationStatements 2.6 CodeofEthics 2.7 GrievancesorProtests 2.7.1 StateFairProtestCommitteeProcess 2.7.2 StateFairLivestock 2.7.3 StateFairEventProtestCommittee Process 2.7.4 DistrictandState4-HHorseShow ProtestPolicy 2.7.5 CountyGrievancePolicy
3. OrganizationandAdministration...7-8 3.1 UNLExtension 3.2 ExtensionStaff 3.3 RoleofExtensionStaffin4-H
4. 4-HLore9-11 4.1 Nebraska4-HMissionStatement 4.2 4-HVision 4.3 4-HEducationalPhilosophy 4.4 4-HPledge 4.5 4-HMotto 4.6 4-HNameandEmblem 4.6.1 4-HNameandEmblemRegulations 4.6.2 ApplicationtoUsethe4-HName
andEmblem 4.6.3 OfficialEmblem 4.7 4-HColors
5. 4-HEligibility......................................13-14 5.1 AgeRequirements 5.2 CloverKids 5.3 YouthwithSpecialNeeds/Disabilities 5.4 MarriedYouth
6. Enrollment..........................................15-17 6.1 Enrollment 6.2 EnrollmentPeriod 6.3 ChangesinResidence 6.4 Cross-countyandCross-stateLine
Participation 6.5 PrivacyPolicy 6.5.1 WebPostings 6.5.2 Confidentiality 6.5.3 UseofSocialSecurityIdentification 6.6 MediaReleaseforms 6.7 ConsenttoParticipateintheState-wide
ImpactStudies
7. MethodsofParticipation.................18-19 7.1 Youthmembersoforganized4-Hclubs 7.1.1 Communityclubs 7.1.2 In-SchoolClubs 7.1.3 4-HAfter-SchoolClubs 7.1.4 Military4-HClubs 7.2 YouthParticipatingin4-Hspecialinterest/
short-termprograms/daycamp 7.3 YouthParticipatingin4-Hcampingprograms 7.3.1 Overnightcamping 7.3.2 Daycamping 7.4 Youthparticipatingin4-Hschoolenrichment
programs 7.5 Youthparticipatingin4-Hindividualstudy/
mentoring/familylearningprograms 7.6 Youthparticipatinginschool-agedchildcare
educationprograms 7.7 YouthparticipatingininstructionalTV/
video/programs
8. 4-HClubStandards...........................20-22 8.1 ClubNames 8.2 NationalClubCharter 8.3 NationalStandardsforIRSCompliance 8.4 ClubConstitutionandBylaws 8.5 ClubTreasury 8.6 Nebraska4-HClubofExcellence 8.6.1 ClubofExcellenceCriteria 8.7 DissolutionClause 8.7.1 SuggestedClubDissolutionClause
andProcedure
9. 4-HVolunteers...................................23-26 9.1 Beinga4-HVolunteerisaPrivilege,Nota
Right 9.2 AgeRequirementsfor4-HVolunteers 9.3 VolunteerEnrollment 9.3.1 Nebraska4-HVolunteerCodeofEthics 9.3.2 RequiredVolunteerandStaff
Screening 9.3.3 VolunteerOn-goingScreeningProcess 9.4 RecommendedOrientationandTraining 9.4.1 NewVolunteerTraining 9.4.2 On-goingVolunteerTraining 9.5 RequiredVolunteerTraining 9.5.1 RiskManagementCourse 9.5.2 SpecialCertificationsandTraining 9.6 VolunteerResidence 9.7 VolunteerTermination/Suspension
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10.RiskManagement...............................27-28 10.1 ChildProtectionPolicies 10.2 4-HandWebPublication 10.3UniversityLiabilityCoverage 10.4Accident/HealthInsurance 10.5UseofAlcohol/Tobacco/Controlled
Substancesduring4-Hactivities 10.6UniversityofNebraska–LincolnSocial
SecurityNumberUsagePolicy
11. 4-HCouncil/Foundations/Partnerships......................................29-30
11.14-HCouncils 11.2Foundations 11.3Partnerships:SchoolsandCommunity
Centers 11.4LivestockSales
11.5PremiumSales
12. FinancialManagement....................31-34 12.14-HClubMoney 12.1.1ClubEndofYearFinancialReport 12.1.2FederalIRSreporting 12.2SaleofProductsby4-HClubs 12.2.14-HSalesandDonations 12.2.2LocalandStateSalesTaxes 12.3Grants&Donations 12.3.1Extensionstaffgeneratedfunds 12.3.24-HCouncilgeneratedfunds 12.44-HCouncilFinances 12.4.14-HFinanceManual 12.5StateTaxExemptStatusandSalesTax
ExemptionsforNonprofits 12.5.2SalesTaxExemptStatusfor
Nonprofits 12.6FundRaising
13. 4-HResourcesand/orProjectMaterials............................................35-36
13.14-HCurriculum/Publications 13.2Distributing4-HMaterials/Curricula 13.3Newsletters 13.3.1Confidentiality 13.3.24-HNewsletterContent-OnLine,
HardCopyorEmail 13.4UniversityofNebraska–Lincolnand
4-HIdentifiersforPrintMaterials
14. CompetitiveEvents...........................37-44 14.1CompetitiveProgramsandEvents
Background 14.2CompetitionandYouthDevelopment 14.3CompetitiveEventDefinitionandCriteria 14.3.14-HCompetitiveEventDefinition 14.3.2Criteriafor4-HCompetitiveEvents
14.3.3OperationalGuidelinesfor CommitteesforCompetitiveState
andDistrictEvents 14.4AgeDivisionsfor4-HEvents 14.5NebraskaDistrict/RegionalEvents 14.6StateEvents 14.6.1Minimumrequirementstoholda
statecontest 14.6.2StateJudgingandRelatedContests 14.6.3ExhibitingatState 14.7UnitedStatesRegional&NationalEvents 14.7.1EligibilityRulesforRegionaland
NationalEvents 14.8OpenShows/Non4-HCompetitiveEvents 14.9ManagingClientComplaintsfor4-H..
CompetitiveEvents 14.10MemorandumofUnderstanding(MOU)
withCountyFairBoardorAgSociety
15. County/StateFairs............................45 15.14-HRoleinCounty/StateFairs 15.2MemorandumofUnderstanding
16. 4-HProjectsRequiringSpecialPolicy...................................................46-49
16.1AnimalScience 16.1.1EquineLimitedLiabilityLaw 16.1.2AnimalExhibitsforCloverKids 16.2ATV(AllTerrainVehicle)Training 16.2.1ATVSafetyProgramOverview 16.3ShootingSports 16.3.1ShootingSportsProgramOverview 16.3.2MinimumStandardsforaShooting
SportsProgram 16.44-HInternationalPrograms
17. 4-HTrips.............................................50-51 17.1 TripApprovalandCrisisManagement
Form 17.2 TripChaperones 17.2.1 Housing 17.3YouthTravelOpportunities
18. FederalRegulations..........................52-55 18.1Advertising 18.2Fraudulentuseof4-HEmblemPublic
Law772 18.3EmployerIdentificationNumber 18.4TaxExemptStatusfor4-HClubsand
Affiliated4-HOrganization 18.5ElectronicFilingRequirementsfor4-H
Groups 18.6SocialSecurityContribution 18.7Religionand4-HYouthDevelopment
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4-H POLICY AND PROCEDURE HANDBOOK
SECTION1
1. Whatis4-H?
4-Histhelargestout-of-schoolyouthorganizationintheUnitedStateswithoversevenmillionyouthmembers.4-HistheUniversityofNebraska–LincolnExtension’sdynamic,non-formal,educationalprogramforyoungpeople.Theprogrampartnerstheeffortsofyouth,volunteers,stateLand-GrantUniversities,stateandlocalgovernments,4-HFoundations,andtheNationalInstituteofFoodandAgriculture(NIFA)oftheUnitedStatesDepartmentofAgriculture(USDA).Nebraska4-Hiscomprisedofyouthandadults.Adultsareinvolvedasvolunteers,workingwithyouthascluborprojectleadersoroncommitteesandboardsprovidingtheframeworkforthe4-HYouthDevelopmentprogram.
Allpartnersareworkingacrossthecountrytoassistyouthindevelopingknowledge,skillsandattitudesthatwillenablethemtobecomeproductiveandcontributingmembersofsociety.4-Hinfluencesyouthfromallethnic,racial,andsocio-economicbackgroundswholiveinrural,suburban,andurbancommunities.
4-Hpolicyisessentialforallpartnerstoworktowardaprogramthatfocusesonpositiveyouthdevelopment.
Usingthe4-HPolicyandProcedureHandbook:
The4-HPolicyandProcedureHandbookisanestablishedsetofrules,recommendedguidelinesandimplementationproceduresfor4-Hprofessionalstoutilizeastheyprovideleadershipfor4-HYouthDevelopmentworkandprogrammingatvariouslevelswithintheorganization.Throughoutthisdocument,thewordsCooperative Extension areusedwhenquotingExtensionpolicyandlegislationatthefederallevel.Whenfederallanguageisusedinthisdocument,itiscopiedverbatimfromthe4-HNationalHeadquarters,NIFA,USDAwebsite.
Thefollowinglegendprovidesavisualfordecisionmakerstohaveaclearunderstandingastotheintentofeachsectionwithinthishandbook.QuestionssurroundingthecontentmaybeaddressedbyUniversityofNebraska–LincolnExtension4-HAdministration.
Legend
Policy:Notnegotiable.
Guideline:Stronglyrecommended.
Procedure:Recommended“ImplementationSteps”for4-HStaff
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2. Nebraska4-HPolicy
2.1 The4-HPolicy:
The4-HPolicyprovidesaconsistentframeworkfor4-Hprogramsthroughoutthestate.ThePolicyHandbookisaguideforthemanagementoftheseprogramsinNebraska.Policyiscreatedtoensurethat4-Hprogrammingisconsistent,fairandlegal.
2.1.1 Failuretofollowpolicy Failuretofollowpolicycouldresultinthelossofauthorizationto
usethe4-Hnameandemblemorpotentialdismissalfromthe4-HprogramasdeemedappropriatebyUniversityofNebraska–LincolnExtensionAdministration.
2.2 ApprovalofNebraska4-HPolicy:
ThepolicyhasbeenapprovedbyUniversityofNebraska–LincolnExtensionAdministrationandistheofficialpolicyofNebraska4-HYouthDevelopment.Extensionfacultyonthe4-HPolicyCommitteedevelopedthepoliciesinthishandbook.ThecommitteerepresentsUniversityofNebraska–LincolnExtension4-H.Thecommitteecontinuallyseeksideas,inputandfeedback.
AccountabilitytothePolicy:AllUniversityofNebraska–LincolnExtensionfaculty,staff,andvolunteersandyouthmustadheretothesepolicies.
2.3 CountyversusStatePolicy:
AllUniversityandCountyExtensionstaffandvolunteersrepresentingtheUniversityofNebraska–LincolnExtensionhavetheresponsibilitytosupportandimplementtheNebraska4-HPolicy.4-Hparticipantsandfamiliesareresponsibleforfollowingthepolicy.
Policiesofthelocal4-HCouncilwillnotcontradict,violateorsupersedetheUniversityofNebraska–LincolnExtensionorNational4-Hpolicies.
ThefollowingquestionswilldetermineifcountypoliciesareconsistentwiththeUniversityofNebraska–Lincoln,nationalandstate4-Hpolicies:
• Doesthisrulecontradictstateand/ornationalpolicy?
• Doestherulediscriminateagainsta4-Hmemberorvolunteer?
• Doestherulehonortheroleof4-Hasthepremiereyoutheducationalorganization?
• Arewekeepingyouthfirst?Arethereanyspecialcircumstances?In10years,whatdifferencewoulditmake?
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2.4 EssentialElements/PositiveYouthDevelopment
Thegoalofthe4-HEssentialElementsprogramistohelpprofessionalsandadultvolunteerswhoworkwithyouthtounderstandtheimportanceofexposingyouthtoopportunitiesandexperiencesthatarefocusedonthesocial,emotionalandphysicalelementsnecessaryforpositivedevelopment.TheNational4-HEssentialElementsTeambelievethattheeight4-HEssentialElementsarecentraltoyoungpeoplebecomingcompetent,contributingadults.
EachoftheeightEssentialElementsisvitaltothegrowthanddevelopmentofyouth.Itisthecombinationoftheseelementsthatcreatesapositiveenvironmentforyouthdevelopment.Byleadersintentionallyfocusingontheseelements,youthbenefitfromparticipatinginhands‐on,experientialactivitiesandevents,feelingnurturedinasafeenvironment,masteringnewskillsandabilities,andknowingthattheyarecontributingtotheirenvironmentandcommunitiesinapositiveway.
TheEightEssentialElements:
1. PositiveRelationshipwithaCaringAdult
2. ASafeEmotionalandPhysicalEnvironment
3. AnInclusiveEnvironment
4. EngagementinLearning
5. OpportunityforMastery
6. OpportunitytoSeeOneselfasanActiveParticipantintheFuture
7. OpportunityforSelf‐Determination
8. OpportunitytoValueandPracticeServicetoOthers
2.5 4-HNon-DiscriminationStatements:
Thefollowingnon-discriminationstatementsshallbeplacedonall4-Hcorrespondence,materialsandpublications:
Extension is a Division of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln cooperating with the Counties and the United States Department of Agriculture.
The 4-H Youth Development program abides with the nondiscrimination policies of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and the United States Department of Agriculture.
2.6 CodeofEthics:
TheprimarygoalsoftheNebraska4-HYouthDevelopmentprogramaretohelpyouthdevelopcompetencyintheirprojects,confidenceinthemselvesandothers,connectionsintheircommunity,lifeskills,andsoundcharacter.Adultsaretohelpyouthdowhattheyarecapableofdoing,promoteteamworkandleadershipwhilehelping4-Hmemberslearn,andhavefun.Everythinganadultsaysand/ordoesshouldbeconsistentwithpositiveyouthdevelopment.
NebraskaExtensionStaffand/orVolunteerswill:
1. Acttoencourageandjustifytrust.Teach4-Hmembersthemeaningandimportanceoftrustworthiness.
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2. Treatmembers,parents,volunteers,Extensionstaff,judgesandotherswithrespect,courtesyandconsideration.Avoidandpreventput-downs,insults,name-calling,yellingandotherverbalornon-verbalconductlikelytooffend,hurtorsetabadexample.
3. Beinformedaboutyouthandtheirpositivedevelopment.FulfillresponsibilitiesbystrivingtoimproveperformanceasExtensionstaff,volunteerandmentorofyouth.Attendtrainingsessions,seekoutanduseresearch-basedresourcesandeducationalmaterials.
4. Teachandmodelkindnessandcompassionforothers.Recognizethatallyouthhaveskillsandtalentsthatcanbeusedtohelpothersandimprovethecommunity.Teachanddemandteamworkanddiscourageselfishness.
5. Teachandmodelfair-mindedness;beopentoideas,suggestions,andopinionsofothers.
6. Makeallreasonableeffortstoensureequalaccesstoparticipationforallyouthandadults,regardlessofrace,creed,color,sex,nationaloriginordisability.Makealldecisionsfairlyandtreatallyouthandadultswithimpartiality.
7. Teachandmodeltheimportanceofobeyinglawsandrulesasanobligationofcitizenshipandobeythelawsofthelocality,stateandnation.
8. Promotetheresponsibletreatmentofanimalsandstewardshipoftheenvironment.
9. Notusealcoholoranyillegalsubstancewhileworkingwithorwhenresponsibleforyouth.Donotbeundertheinfluencewhileworkingwithorwhenresponsibleforyouth.Donotallowyouthtodosowhileunderyoursupervision.
10. Notharmingyouthoradultsinanyway,whetherthroughsexualharassment,physicalforce,verbalormentalabuse,neglectorotherharmfulbehaviors.
11. Provideasafeenvironmentforyouthtolearn.
2.7 GrievancesandProtests:
Differencesinopinionsareapartoflife.Toensureconsistencyandfairness,awrittengrievanceprocessisnecessarytorespondtoandresolve4-Hissuesandcomplaintsinamannerthatteachesgoodcharacter,lifeskillsandpositiveyouthdevelopment.
2.7.1 StateFairProtestCommitteeProcess
Therespectivesuperintendenthastheauthoritytomakeappropriatedecisionsbasedonthe4-HStateFairBook.Whenneeded,acommitteeshallbeappointedtoserveasaprotestreviewgroup.Theywillmeetwhenneededtoactuponconcerns.
• Allprotestsmustbesubmittedinwritingandsigned.
• ThewrittenprotestmustbesubmittedtotheStateFair4-HManagementTeamandmustinclude:
º Namesofpersonsinvolved
º Natureofconcerns
º Situationanddocumentation
º Recommendationsforcorrection
º Specificaction,rule,etc.,inquestion
º Additionalpersonscommitteemaycontactforfurtherclarification
º Proceduresand/orstepscarriedoutbypersonsinvolvedpriortosubmissionoftheprotesttotheStateFair4-HManagementTeam.
• Thecommitteewillreviewthewrittenprotest.Theymaydiscussthesituationwithaffectedpersonsandshowofficials,includingNebraskaStateFairmanagement.Recommendationswillbedeveloped,followed,andcommunicatedbothverballyandinwritingtothegrouporindividualaffected.
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• Incasesofprotest,theexhibitormaybeallowedtocompete.Resultsofthecompetitionwillbesubjecttochangebasedontheoutcomeoftheprotestprocess.Thisallowsforsmoothoperationoftheshowandfacilitatesappropriateprocessing.
• TheStateFair4-HManagementTeamreservestherighttowithholdanyaward.Theexhibitormaybeexcludedfromtheshowifactionwarrants.
• Protestswillnotbeacceptedaftertheexhibitorevent/activityiscompleted/released.
• Protestsrelatedtojudges’integrity,decisions,placings,orotherevaluationswillnotbeaccepted.
2.7.2 StateFairLivestock
ReferencetheStateFairBookforthegrievanceprocedureforNebraskaStateFair.
2.7.3 StateEventProtestCommitteeProcess
(ExcludingStateFair&District/StateHorseShows)
TherespectiveStateEventCoordinator/Superintendenthastheauthoritytomakeappropriatedecisionsbasedonthespecificeventguidelines.Whenneeded,acommitteeshallbeappointedtoserveasaprotestreviewgroup.Theywillmeetwhenneededtoactuponconcerns.
• Allprotestsmustbesubmittedinwritingandsigned.
• ThewrittenprotestmustbesubmittedtotheStateEventCoordinatorandSuperintendentsandmustinclude:
º Namesofpersonsinvolved
º Natureofconcerns
º Situationanddocumentation
º Recommendationsforcorrection
º Specificaction,rule,etc.,inquestion
º Additionalpersonscommitteemaycontactforfurtherclarification
º Proceduresand/orstepscarriedoutbypersonsinvolvedpriortosubmissionoftheprotesttotheStateEventCoordinatorandSuperintendents.
• Thecommitteewillreviewthewrittenprotest.Theymaydiscussthesituationwithaffectedpersonsandeventofficials.Recommendationswillbedeveloped,followed,andcommunicatedbothverballyandinwritingtothegrouporindividualaffected.
• Incasesofprotest,theyouthmaybeallowedtoparticipate.Resultsoftheeventwillbesubjecttochangebasedontheoutcomeoftheprotestprocess.Thisallowsforsmoothoperationoftheeventandfacilitatesappropriateprocessing.
• Themanagementreservestherighttowithholdanyaward.Theyouthmaybeexcludedfromtheeventifactionwarrants.
• Protestswillnotbeacceptedaftertheevent/activityiscompleted/released.
• Protestsrelatedtojudges’/officialsintegrity,decisions,placings,orotherevaluationswillnotbeaccepted.
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2.7.4 DistrictandState4-HHorseShowProtestPolicy
Anycomplaint/protestagainstparticipantsmustbesubmittedinwritingwitha$25fee.Thefeeisrefundableiftheprotestcommitteerulesinfavorofthe4-H’ersubmittingtherequest.
• Protestsmustbesubmittedtotheshowsuperintendentorstatepersonnel.
• Protestsmustbesubmittedinwritingandpresentedbythe4-H’eronly.Protestsmadebyanyoneotherthana4-H’erwillbeconsideredinvalid.
• Thedecisionofthejudgeisfinal.Theprotestcommitteewillnotreversetheplacingofaclass.
• Theexhibitororhorseandthereasonfortheprotestbeingfiledmustbedesignated.
• Protestswillbemadewiththeunderstandingthattheprotester’snamewillbesharedwiththeProtestCommittee.
• Incaseofprotest,theexhibitormaybeallowedtoshow,buttheresultsofshowingwillbesubjecttochangebasedontheoutcomeoftheprotestprocess.Thisallowsforsmoothoperationoftheshowandfacilitatesappropriateprocessing.
• Protestswillnotbeacceptedaftercompletionoftheshow.
2.7.5 CountyGrievancePolicy
Countiesshouldestablishtheirowngrievanceprocedure.Followingarerecommendedproceduresforthedevelopmentofacountygrievancepolicy.Itisrecommendedthatcountiesremainconsistentwiththeprocessdefinedatthestatelevel.Agrievancemaytypicallybefiledaroundacompetitiveevent,butotherissuesmayariseinwhichthispolicycouldbeused.
• TheExtensionEducator,togetherwiththelocal4-HCouncilandthelocal4-HCouncilProtestCommittee,hastheauthoritytomakeappropriatedecisionsonlocal4-Hdisputes.Thesedecisionswillbeformulatedusingstatepolicyandnationaldirectivesasformulatedbythispolicyorasdictatedbylaw.
• Allprotestsmustbesubmittedinwritingandsignedbytheprotester.
• Thewrittenprotestmustinclude:
º Namesofpersonsinvolved
º Causeofcomplaintorappeal
º Situationanddocumentation
º Recommendationsforcorrection
º Specificaction,rule,etc.,inquestion
º Additionalpersonsthecommitteemaycontactforfurtherclarification
º Proceduresand/orstepscarriedoutbythepersoninvolvedpriortosubmissionoftheprotesttotheProtestCommittee.
• Membershipoftheprotestcommitteewillbeoutlinedin4-HCouncilBy-laws.
• Protestswillnotbeacceptedaftertheexhibitorevent/activityiscompleted/released.
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• Theprotestwillbeacknowledgedafterreceivingthewrittenprotestandwillberespondedtoinatimelymanner.
• Protestsrelatedtojudges’integrity,decision,placingsorotherevaluationswillnotbeaccepted.
• (Optional)A$50depositwillaccompanythewrittenprotest,whichwillbeforfeitediftheprotesterdoesnotattendtheprotestresolutionmeeting.Thedepositwillbereturneduponcompletionoftheprocess.
• Thecommitteewillreviewthewrittenprotest.Theymaycallforaface-to-facemeetingwithaffectedpersonsandeventleadershiptodiscussthesituationandtheofficialruling.Recommendationswillbedeveloped,followed,andcommunicatedbothverballyandinwritingtotheindividualorgroupaffected.
• Failureoftheprotestertoattendtheface-to-facemeetingwiththeProtestCommitteewillresultinnoactionandforfeitureofthedeposit.
• Incasesofprotest,the4-Hmember/parent/leadermaycontinuetoparticipate.Resultsofparticipationwillbesubjecttochangebasedontheoutcomeoftheprotestprocess.
• TheProtestCommitteeandEventLeadershipreservestherighttowithholdanyaward.The4-Hmember/parent/leadermaybeexcludedfrom4-Hifactionwarrants.
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3. OrganizationandAdministration
3.1 UNLExtension:
ThemissionofUNLExtensionistohelpNebraskansenhancetheirlivesthroughresearch-basededucation.Todothis,Extensionfacultyandstaffdevelop,deliver,and/orteachandevaluateresearch-basededucationalprograms.ExtensionisauniquepartnershipestablishedbyCongressin1914.Itisanationaleducationnetworkdesignedtomeettheneedsforresearch,knowledgeandeducationalprogramsthatenablepeopletomakepracticaldecisions.Thispubliclyfunded,nonformalcollaborativeeducationalnetworkcombinestheexpertiseandresourcesoffederal,state,andlocalgovernments.ItincludestheNationalInstituteofFoodandAgriculture(NIFA)oftheU.S.DepartmentofAgriculture,theUniversityofNebraska–Lincoln,aland-grantuniversity,and83countyormultiple-countyofficesthroughoutthestate.
3.2 ExtensionStaff:
UNLExtensionisorganizedandstructuredtoextendtheresourcesoftheUniversityofNebraskatothecitizensofallcommunitiesacrossthestate.ExtensionfacultyserveinavarietyofpositionsontheUniversityofNebraska–Lincolncampus,inResearchandExtensionCentersorinoneofthe83countyormulti-countyofficesthroughoutthestate.TheyserveasExtensionSpecialists,Educators,Associates,andAssistants.ThevarietyofpositiondescriptionsreflectstheabilityofExtensiontofocusstaffexpertisetowardveryspecificorgeneralprogramneeds.
3.3 RoleofExtensionStaffin4-H:
Therolesofspecialists,educators,associates,andassistantsarecontinuouslyevolving.Whiletherearedistinctresponsibilitiestiedtoeachoftheseroles,thereisalsoanincreasingnumberofoverlappingresponsibilities,especiallybetweenspecialistsandeducators.Teamworkandcommunicationaresignificantresponsibilitiesofeveryoneanditisessentialtohavedialogueamongspecialists,educators,associatesandassistantsabouttheirprogramgoalsandaccomplishments.FacultyandstaffhaveresponsibilitiesforaddressingthegrowingdiversityofneedsofNebraskans.Whileitisexpectedthatspecialistsassumeleadrolesindevelopingcurricula,developmentofcurriculaisevolvingintomoreofapartnershipwitheducators.Educatorsarekeytothedeterminationofappropriatedeliverymodesbecauseoftheirfamiliaritywithconstituentsandtheirincreasingresponsibilityforteachinglocallydeliveredprograms.Therearealsovenueswherespecialists,educators,andassistantsteamteach.Assistants,intheirspecificallytargetedroles,workwiththeirsupervisingspecialists/educatorstodeliverprograms.Planninganddevelopmentofeducational4-HprogramsisasharedresponsibilitybetweenExtensionstaffandlocalvolunteers.Extensionstaffisresponsiblefor:
• Communicating4-Hpoliciestothemembers,parentsandvolunteersinthelocalprogram.
• Providingoverallleadershipandmanagementofthe4-Hprograminthecounty.
• Keeping4-HvolunteersinformedofcurrentUNLExtensionpriorityareasandopportunitiesforrelatedyouthprogramming.
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4-H POLICY AND PROCEDURE HANDBOOK• Providinggrowthopportunitiesandtrainingfor4-Hvolunteers,leadersand
members.
• Empowering4-Hvolunteerstogiveleadershipanddirectionto4-Hprograms.
• Involvingclienteleinprogramdecision-makingthroughadvisorycouncilsandcommittees.
• Beingsensitivetothebasicneedsofyouth,volunteersandthecommunity.
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4. 4-HLore
4.1 Nebraska4-HMissionStatement:
4-H empowers youth to reach their full potential, working and learning in partnership with caring adults.
4.2 4-HVision:
A world in which youth and adults learn, grow and work together as catalysts for positive change.
4.3 4-HEducationalPhilosophy:
Thephrase“Learning by Doing”sumsuptheeducationalphilosophyofthe4-Hprogram.Youngpeoplelearnbestwhentheyareinvolvedintheirlearning.
4.4 4-HPledge:
Thepledgetellswhat4-Hisabout.The4-Hgoalisthefour-folddevelopmentofyouth:Head,Heart,HandsandHealth.Thepledgewasadoptedbythedelegatesofthe1927National4-HClubCampinWashington,D.C.Stateclubleadersvotedforandadoptedthepledgeforuniversaluse.Thephrase“and my world”wasaddedin1973.Thesayingofthepledgehasaprominentplacein4-Hactivities,atregular4-Hmeetings,achievementdaysandotherclubevents.
I Pledge my Head to clearer thinking, my Heart to greater loyalty, my Hands to larger service, and my Health to better living, for my club, my community, my country, and my world.
4.5 4-HMotto:
Themotto“To Make the Best Better”isintendedtoinspireyoungpeopletocontinuetolearnandgrow,tomaketheirbesteffortsbetterthroughparticipatingineducationalexperiences.
4.6 4-HColors:
The4-Hcolorsaregreenandwhite.Green,nature’smostprominentcolor,symbolizesgrowth.Thewhitesymbolizespurityandhighideals.
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4.7 4-HNameandEmblem:
4.7.1 OfficialEmblem:
Theofficial4-HEmblemisacloverwithfourleavesandan“H”oneachleaf.Theclover’sstemmustpointtotherightasyoulookattheimage.The4-HEmblemisnot aplainfour-leafclover.The18USC707noticeispartoftheEmblem.
4.7.2 4-HNameandEmblemRegulations:
The4-HNameandEmblemareprotectedunderfederalstatuteTitle18,U.S.Code707.Thisprovidesthe4-HNameandEmblemwiththelevelofprotectionaffordedotherFederalmarks,suchastheSealofthePresidentoftheUnitedStates.CongresshasdelegatedtotheSecretaryofAgricultureresponsibilityfortheproperuseofthe4-HNameandEmblem.TheSecretary,inturn,hasdelegatedresponsibilitytotheNationalInstituteofFoodandAgriculture(NIFA)and,withinNIFA,responsibilityresidesinthe4-HNationalHeadquarters.
ItiscriticalthatExtensionstaffknowandunderstandthepolicyforuseofthe4-HNameandEmblem.Theregulationsconcerningtheproperuseofthe4-HNameandEmblemareontheNIFA/USDAwebsiteathttp://www.csrees.usda.gov/nea/family/res/youthdev_res_emblem.html.A4-pagefactsheetforusingthe4-HNameandEmblemisathttp://www.csrees.usda.gov/nea/family/res/pdfs/using_the_4h_name.pdf.
4.7.3 UsetheWholeEmblem:
The4-HEmblemshouldalwaysappearasawholeandcompleteimage.
• Donotremoveanyleaves.Donotsuperimposeanotherimageoverthetopofoneoftheleaves.Otherimagesshouldbemovedandappearcompletelyseparatefromthe4-HEmblem.
• Don’t“cutoff”aleafbyrunningitofftheedgeofthepaperinprintmediaorotherdesigns.
• Don’tplacetextorotherimagesoverorontopofthe4-HEmblem.
• The4-HEmblemshouldnotappearscreenedunderwordsorgraphics.Nophoto,drawing,symbol,wordorotherfigureorobjectmaybeplacedonorobscurethe4-HEmblem.Thisincludesonwebpages,whereitshouldnotappearasa“watermark”behindotherinformation.
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Appropriate Uses of the Emblem
Inappropriate Uses of the Emblem
4.7.4 4-HEmblemColors:
Theofficialandpreferredcolorofthe4-HEmblemis100percentPMS347green.Theclovercanalsobewhite,black,ormetallicgold.TheH’sontheclovercanbewhite,metallicgoldonagreenclover,greenonawhitecloverorblack.Theclovercanbeoutlinedingreen(forwhiteclover)orwhite(forgreenclover)toaddprominencetotheimageandmaketheemblemstandoutfromthebackground.The4-HEmblemshouldneverbescreened,shaded,gradatedorappearinamulti-coloredhue.
One-color printing requireseitherPMS347greenorblack.Forcommercialapplications,the“18USC707”noticeshouldbethesamecolorasthecloverleaves.Blackistheonlyacceptablealternativetogreenforone-colorprintingandshouldbeusedonlywhencostprohibitsgreeninkorcolorphotocopies.
Two-color printing. OnlyPMS347greenmaybeusedfortheleavesand“18USC707”notice.TheH’swillbereversedoutofthePMS347tobewhiteorthecolorofthepaperonwhichtheemblemisprinted.TheH’smayalsobeprintedinmetallicgold(PMS873)onagreenbackground.
Four-color printing. Infour-colorprocessprinting,PMScolorsareapproximatedusingaparticularcombinationofthestandardfour-colorprocessprintinginks.Thefour-colorprocesspercentagesrequiredtomatch4-H’sPMS347greenare:cyan100%,magenta0%,yellow90%,andblack0%.ThereisnoCMYKequivalenttoPMS873.
Video and Computer Screen Colors (Electronic Media). ThecolorstransmittedbyelectronicmediaarecreatedusingprecisecombinationsofRGB(red,green,blue).ThecorrectRGBvaluesforthe4-Hgreenare:R=51,G=153,B=102.Noothercolorsareacceptable.
Forexceptionstotheguidanceprovidedregardingcolor,especiallyinnon-printorcorollarymaterials,pleasecontact4-HNationalHeadquarters.
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4.7.5 Usingthe4-HName:
Theofficial4-HNameincludes4-H,4-HYouthDevelopment,or4-HYouthDevelopmentProgram.Whenusingtheterm“4-H,”itmustconformasfollows:
• Numeral“4”separatedfromacapital“H”withahyphen(notadash,slashorspace).
• Donotreplace4-Hwith“Four-H.”• Donotusethe4-HEmbleminplaceoftheword“4-H”inatitleortext.• Avoidseparationofanyoftheelementsofthe4-HNameattheendof
sentences.
4.7.6 ApplicationtoUsethe4-HNameandEmblem:
Primaryconsiderationforgrantingauthorizationtousethe4-HNameandEmblemisforeducationalandcharacter-buildingpurposesofthe4-Hprogramandcanbeusedonlyasauthorizedbythestatute.
4-Hclubsreceiveofficialauthorizationtousethe4-Hnameandemblemwhentheybecomeachartered4-Hclub.Commercialvendors,privateorganizationsoranyotherentitymayreceiveauthorizationfromthelocalExtensionofficeortheState4-HOffice.
Itisrecommendedthatlocal4-HclubsworkcloselywithExtensionstaffwhendesigningt-shirtsorotheritemsthatwillbearthe4-HNameandEmblem.Extensionstaffshouldconfirmthatthe4-HNameandEmblemisbeingusedaccordingtoregulation.
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5. 4-HEligibility
5.1AgeRequirements:
ExtensionisaDivisionoftheInstituteofAgricultureandNaturalResourcesattheUniversityofNebraska–LincolncooperatingwiththeCountiesandtheUnitedStatesDepartmentofAgriculture.The4-HYouthDevelopmentprogramabideswiththenondiscriminationpoliciesoftheUniversityofNebraska–LincolnandtheUnitedStatesDepartmentofAgriculture.
4-Hisopentoallyouthbetweentheages5and18(4-HAge),regardlessofrace,color,nationalorigin,gender,religion,age,disability,politicalbeliefs,andmaritalorfamilystatusasdeterminedbythefollowingagecriteria:
•4-H:TheageoftheyouthbeforeJanuary1ofthecurrentyear.
•IfyourbirthdayisonJanuary1,your4-HageistheageyouwereonDecember31st.º Ifyouturneight(8)onJanuary1,your4-Hageisseven(7).º Ifyouturnnine(9)onJanuary1,your4-Hageiseight(8).
•4-Heligibilityisdeterminedbasedonthe4-Hage.(TheageofthememberonDecember31stofthepreviousyear)
•Thefirstyearofeligibilityforparticipationinthe4-HCloverKidsprogramisthe4-Hageoffive(5).
•Thelastyearofeligibilityforparticipationinthe4-HCloverKidsprogramisthe4-Hageofseven(7).
•Thefirstyearofeligibilityfortheregular4-Hprogramisthe4-Hageofeight(8).
•Thelastyearofeligibilityis4-Hageofeighteen(18).
•Certainprogramsdesignedforchildrenwithspecialneeds/disabilitiesmayestablishagelimitsoutsideofthosestatedabove.Thisdecisionwillbedeterminedlocally.
5.2 YouthwithSpecialNeeds/Disabilities:
4-Hprogramsshouldbedesignedtoconsidertheneedsofparticipantswithspecialneeds/disabilities.Allapplicationstoanyprogramshouldcontainthefollowingquestion:
Do you request any accommodation for a disability in order to participate in this program? If so, please explain.
Shouldyouencounteraparticipant,eitheradultorchild,inneedoforrequestingaccommodationfordisability,contacttheUniversityofNebraska–LincolnADA/504ComplianceOffice,(402)472-8404,forassistanceinevaluatingwhatactionsmightbenecessaryorappropriate.
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5.3 MarriedYouth:
Marriedindividualswhomeetagerequirementsareeligibletofullyparticipateinthe4-Hprogramandareeligibleforallbenefitstherein.
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6. Enrollment
6.1 Enrollment:
4-HMembersandLeadersareresponsibleeachyearforenrollingin4-H.UniversityofNebraska–LincolnExtensionstaffareresponsibleforoverseeingtheprocess.Foradultswhoarebecomingvolunteersforthefirsttime,theenrollmentprocessincludesavolunteerscreening.AllvolunteersandstaffwhoworkdirectlywithyoutharerequiredtocompletetheYouthProtection4-HVolunteerScreeningForm.http://4h.unl.edu/youthprotectionresources
6.1.1 Members
Formembers,thisenrollmentincludescompletinganenrollmentform,selectingprojectsandmeetingothercountyexpectations(i.e.payingdues).Asignedenrollmentformwillinclude:
1) Permissionforuseofthechild’sname/photographinpublications,advertisementsornewsarticlespertainingto4-HActivities,
2) Permissionforparticipationinprogramevaluationsand3) Asigned4-HMemberCodeofConduct.
6.1.2 Leaders
Forleaders,thisenrollmentincludes:
1) Completinganenrollmentform,2) CompletingaYouthProtection4-HVolunteerScreeningFormwhich
includestheLeaderCodeofConductand3) Completingthe1stYearLeaderOrientationTrainingifapplicable.
6.2 EnrollmentPeriod:
Youthmayenrollin4-Hatanytime.Theywillbeeligibletousecurriculumandparticipateinclubmeetings,workshopsanddaycamps,etc.However,selectedevents,suchasthecountyfair,andcertainprojectareasmayhavespecificenrollmentdeadlinesforparticipation.Thesedeadlinesmustbemetforparticipation.ThestateenrollmentdeadlineforyouthparticipationinStateFairisJune15.
6.3 ChangesinResidence:
When4-Hmembers/volunteersmovetoanothercountyand/orstate,enrollmentandparticipationwillbetransferredtothenewExtensionofficeuponrequestofthe4-Hfamily.Recordstransferredintothecountywillbeacceptedandconsideredasapartoftheindividual’sachievementrecords.4-Hmembersmeetingthe4-HenrollmentregulationsintheExtensionUnittheyhavetransferredtoareeligibletoparticipateinrespectiveExtensionUnits4-Heventsandprograms.
6.4 Cross-countyandCross-stateLineParticipation:
UniversityofNebraska–LincolnExtensionwillrecognize4-Hmembersandvolunteersofthe4-Hprograminwhichtheyareenrolledinirrespectiveoftheirplaceofresidence.
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Amembercannotenrollinthesame4-Hprojectareainmorethanonecountyorstateinthesameyear.(Example:beef[bucketcalf,feedercalf,marketbeefandbreedingbeefareamongthoselistedwithinthebeefprojectarea],clothing,horse,foods,etc.)Exception:Youthmayenrollinshootingsportsprojectsinmorethanonecounty.Enrollmentshouldoccurbydiscipline(i.e.,shotgun,BBgun)basedonavailablecertifiedinstructors.Youthmaynotbeenrolledinthesamedisciplineinmorethanonecounty.
Ifamemberisenrolledinmorethanonecounty,amembermay not duplicatespecific4-Hexperiencesbyparticipatinginmorethanonecountyorstateinthesameyear.(Example:publicspeaking,presentation,DiamondClover.)
4-Hmembersmayapplyforcountylevelawards,scholarships,orvouchersintheunitwheretheyareenrolled,aslongastheyarenotapplyingforsimilarawards,scholarships,orvouchersinanothercountywheretheymayalsobeamember.(Example:YoucannotapplyforaDiamondCloverinonecountyandaDiamondCloverinanotherduringthesameyear.)
4-Hmembersrepresentthecountyinwhichtheyareenrolledwhencompetingforstate/nationalawardsandscholarships.Iftheyareselectedintwoormoresituationsfortheabove,theymustchoosewhichawardtheywillaccept.Amembercannotreceivetwoormoretrips,awards,etc.,forthesameactivity.
6.5 PrivacyPolicy:
Nebraska4-Hissensitiveoftheneedtoprotecttheprivacyofyouthundertheageof19.Asaresult,wewillnotknowinglycollectpersonaloridentifiableinformationforanyoneunderage19withoutprovidingtheparentwiththeinformationandhavingparentalpermission.
6.5.1 WebPostings
IncompliancewiththeChildren’sOnlinePrivacyProtectionAct,wewillnotrequireanyoneundertheageof19todisclosemoreinformationthanisreasonablynecessarytoparticipateintheactivityasaconditionofparticipation.4-Hwillnotpostidentifiableinformationofa4-HmemberonawebsiteaspertheChildren’sOnlinePrivacyProtectionActof1998,whichprovidesprotectionforchildrenundertheageof13.ToviewtheChildren’sOnlinePrivacyProtectionActof1998,visit:http://www.ftc.gov/ogc/coppa1.htm.
6.5.2 Confidentiality
TheUniversityofNebraska–LincolnExtension4-HYouthDevelopmentProgramprotectstheconfidentialityofthenamesandpersonalinformationof4-Hmembersandleaders.Nocommercialorunauthorizeduseismadeofnames,addresses,andotherconfidentialinformationofitsmembers.AccesstothisinformationisstrictlylimitedtotheUniversityofNebraska–Lincolnsystem.
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6.6 MediaReleaseforms:
Asignedreleasestatementisrequired tousea4-Hmember’snameorphotographsinany4-Hpublication,ad,newsarticleorwebsite.4-Hparents/guardiansmustupdatethisreleasestatementannuallyaspartofthere-enrollmentprocess.Thisreleasestatementshouldbeusedonall4-H(re-)enrollmentformsforbothmembersandleaders.
I give permission to use my name or child’s name/photograph in publications, advertisements, 4-H webpage or news articles pertaining to 4-H activities.
Foritemswhereamoreformalreleaseisneeded,usetheUniversityofNebraska–Lincolnreleaseformasfollows:http://www.unl.edu/ucomm/ucomm/resources/downloads/ImageReleaseStudent.pdf
6.7 ConsenttoParticipateintheState-wideImpactStudies:
Following4-Hevents/programsyouthmaybeaskedtovoluntarilyparticipateinaprogramevaluationtoassesspositiveimpactsgainedfrom4-Hparticipation.Evaluationsarevoluntaryandyouthcanrefusetoparticipateorwithdrawatanytimewithoutharmingtheirrelationshipwithresearchers,theUniversityofNebraska–Lincolnorthe4-Hprogramorinanyotherwayreceiveapenaltyoflossofbenefittowhichtheyareotherwiseentitled.
Completeconsentstatementsforusewithmemberenrollmentformsareavailableathttp://4h.unl.edu/c/document_library/get_file?uuid=1d7b94b9-8287-43e6-bf47-7decad139777&groupId=466759.
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SECTION7
7. MethodsofParticipation
Youthmayparticipatein4-Hthroughavarietyofprogramdeliverymodes,including:
• Organized4-HClub• SchoolEnrichment• AfterschoolProgram• DayCamp• ResidentialCamp• SpecialInterestGroups• On-lineTechnology
Otherprogramcomponentsinclude:
• CloverKids• Families,IndependentMembers,andOthers
StatisticalinformationaboutNebraska4-HmembersandvolunteersisreportedbystaffasrequiredbytheFederalES237reportingsystem.The4-HFederalreportingyearisOctober1toSeptember30.AlllevelsoftheNebraska4-HdevelopmentprogramcomplywithFederaldefinitionsformethodsofparticipationasfollows:
7.1 Youthmembersoforganized4-Hclubs:
A4-Hclubisanorganizedgroupofyouth,ledbyanadult,foralong-term,progressingseriesofeducationalexperience.Thepurposeofa4-Hclubistoprovidepositiveyouthdevelopmentopportunitiestomeettheneedsofyoungpeopletoexperiencebelonging,mastery,independenceandgenerosity.TheseEssentialElementsfosterthoseeducationalopportunitiesthataretiedtotheLandGrantUniversityknowledgebase.4-Hclubsmaymeetinanylocation,typicallyhaveelectedofficersandasetofrulesapprovedbythemembershiptogoverntheclub.
7.1.1 Communityclubs
Communityclubstypicallymeetintheeveningsoronweekendsandofferself-chosenmultiplelearningexperiencesandactivities.
7.1.2 In-schoolclubs
In-schoolclubsmeetduringschoolhours,buthaveofficersandplannedactivitiesbeyondschoolenrichment.
7.1.3 4-Hafter-schoolclubs
4-Hafter-schoolclubsareorganizedwithinchildcaresettings.Theyhaveofficersandplannedactivities.
7.1.4 Military4-Hclubs
Military4-HclubsareorganizedbytheArmedForces,oftenonmilitaryinstallations,andprincipallyformilitarydependents.
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7.2 Youthparticipatingin4-Hschoolenrichmentprograms:
Groupsofyouthreceivingasequenceoflearningexperiencesincooperationwithschoolofficialsduringschoolhourstosupporttheschoolcurriculum.InvolvesdirectteachingbyExtensionstaffortrainedvolunteers,includingteachers.
7.3 Youthparticipatinginafter-school,school-agedchildcareeducationprograms:
Educationalprogramsofferedtoyouthoutsideofschoolhours,usuallyinaschoolorothercommunitycenterandincorporating4-Hcurricula.Theprimarypurposeistoprovidecareforyouthwhileparentsareworkingorunavailable.(4-Hclubsinschool-agechildcaresettingsshouldbereportedunderOrganized 4-H After-school Clubs, Section 7.1.3.)
7.4 YouthparticipatinginDayCampingprograms:
YouthtakingpartinanExtensionplannededucationalexperience.Daycampingconsistsofmultiple-dayprogramswithyouthreturninghomeeachevening.
7.5 YouthparticipatinginResidential/OvernightCamping:
YouthtakingpartinanExtensionplannededucationalexperience.Overnightcampingincludesbeingawayfromhomeatleastonenight(residential,primitiveortravelcamping)andisnotrestrictedtomembersoforganized4-Hclubs.
7.6 Youthparticipatingin4-HSpecialInterest/Short-termprograms/Daycamp:
GroupsofyouthmeetingforaspecificlearningexperiencethatinvolvesdirectteachingbyExtensionstaffortrainedvolunteers,includingteachers.Theprogramisnotpartofschoolenrichmentcurriculumandisnotrestrictedtomembersof4-Hclubs.Multiple-daymeetings,forexampleoncollegecampuses,shouldbereportedasshort-termprograms.Thedirectaudiencecontacthoursshouldberecordedforallprograms.Tobefederallyreported,directaudiencecontacthoursshouldbeatleastsixhours.
7.6.1 ProjectGroupswouldincludeeducationalprogramsforgroupsbasedonaNebraska4-HCurriculum.
7.6.2 ActivityGroupswouldincludeeducationalprogramsforgroupsbasedaroundactivitiesoreventsthatarenottiedtoaparticularcurriculum.Examplesofthesewouldbefielddays,projectjudgingorpresentations.
7.7 YouthparticipatinginOn-LineTechnology:
YouthofferedlearningexperiencesthroughExtensionviaon-linetechnologyordistanceeducation.
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7.8 4-HCloverKidsProgram:
Thepurposeofthe4-HCloverKidsprogramistofosterthedevelopmentoflifeskillsthatareessentialforthecognitive,social,emotionalandphysicalmaturationofyoungerchildren.Childrenofthisageareadistinctaudiencefor4-Hwithuniquelearningcharacteristicsanddevelopmentalneedsthataredifferentfromolderchildrenandyouthservedthrough4-Hmembership.Asaresult,the4-HCloverKidsprogramisdesignedwithspecificeducationalobjectivesandprogrampolicies.4-HCloverKidsprogramsandcurriculumwillincludeactivitiesandlearningopportunitiesthataredevelopmentallyappropriateforthisageyouth.Participation,safety,personaldevelopment,learningandfunarethehighestprioritiesinproviding4-HCloverKidprograms.
7.8.1 4-HCloverKidAge• Childrenmayjoin4-HCloverKidswhentheir4-Hageisfivetoseven.
7.8.2 4-HCloverKidprogramisdevelopmentallyappropriateandinvolvesthe followingcomponents:
• Encouragesinvolvementofparentorsignificantadult• Focusesonself-esteemandprovidespositivefeedback• Sharingthroughcooperativelearning• Non-competitive:Youthwithinthisagearenotreadyforcompetition• Emphasizesfunandsuccessofeverychild• Recognizesindividualsforparticipation• Recognizesandgivesincentiveswithoutrankorplacing
CloverKidprograms,inadditiontothecurriculumprovided,canbedevelopedaslongasasafeenvironmentisassured.(GotoSection16.3,Clover Kids and Animals.)
7.9 Families,IndependentMembersandOthers:
Plannedlearningthatoccursindependentlyofaformalgroupsetting,suchasaclub.Thismaybeanindividual,pairedorfamilylearningeffort.Formanyyouth,theirexposureto4-Hexperiencesandlearningmaterialscomesthroughactivitiesconductedeitherwithintheirfamilyoranindependentmembership.While4-Hencouragesparticipationinclubsettingstopromotefriendshipsandinteractionwithotheryouthandadults,forsomeyouth,thisisnotalwayspossible.Familiesandindependentmembersarewelcometoparticipateasapartofthe4-Hexperience.
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SECTION8
8. 4-HClubStandards
8.1 DefinitionofaClub:
Nebraska4-Hand4-HNationalHeadquartersdefinea4-HClubas:anorganizedgroupofatleastfiveyouthfromthreedifferentfamilieswhomeetregularlywithadultvolunteersorstaffforalong-term,progressiveseriesofeducationalexperiences.
8.2 Structureofa4-HClub:
4-HClubsaretobestructuredasfollows:
• Enrollsatleast5youthmembersfromatleast3families.• Isadvisedbyadultstafforvolunteerswhohavebeenscreenedandtrainedin
accordancewiththeNebraska4-HPolicyandProcedureHandbook.• Conductaminimumof6regularclubmeetings(virtualorface-to-face)peryear,
withmanyholding9-12regularmeetingsthroughoutmostoralloftheyear,andoftensupplementedbyprojectmeetings,camps,fairs,andother4-Hlearningactivities.
• Selectsyouthofficersoryouthleaderstoprovideleadershiptotheclub.• Meetsinanylocation—ahome,communitycenter,militaryinstallation,library,
publichousingsite,school,afterschoolprogram,and/ormanyotherplaces.• Helpsyouthandparents/guardiansadaptincasesofmobility—linkingthemto
4-Hprogramsinothercountiesandstates.• Meetsinterestsandneedsofyouthinsame-ageorcross-agegroupingsandusing
singleprojectormultipleprojectformats.
8.3 ClubNames:
Anyorganizationthatfunctionsforthepurposeoffurthering4-Hobjectivesandprogramsandhasbeenformallyauthorizedtousethe4-HnameandemblembytheappropriaterepresentativeoftheCooperativeExtensionServicemusthavenamesthat:
• Arespecifictothe4-Hclubororganizationeitherthroughauniquenameorbyidentifyingthecountyorlocation.Examples:Share-N-Win4-HClub(uniquename);CalvertCounty4-HHorseClub(genericnamewithcounty);
• Arenotovertlyreligiousorrepresentthebeliefsofonedenominationoveranother;• Donotimplythatmembershipislimitedorexclusive;and,• Arenotoffensiveorgenerallyseenasdemeaningtoanygroupprotectedbyequal
opportunityregulations.
Refertothe4-HNationalHeadquartersFactSheet,Naming4-HClubs,forfurtherinformation.http://www.csrees.usda.gov/nea/family/res/pdfs/NamingClubs_rev_7_11.pdf
8.4 4-HClubCharter:
A4-Hclubmustbecharteredby4-HNationalHeadquartersattheU.S.DepartmentofAgricultureandtheNebraskaState4-Hofficeinordertoberecognizedaspartof4-H,andtobeauthorizedtousethe4-HNameandEmblem.TheNebraskaState4-HofficewillmaintaindocumentationontheissuanceofChartersto4-HentitieswithinNebraska.Ifa4-HCluboranaffiliated4-HorganizationhasbeenlongestablishedandverificationofavalidCharterisnotavailable,issuanceofanewCharterisrecommended.TheNew4-HClub/CharterApplicationistobecompletedbyallnewclubs.http://4h.unl.edu/web/4h/clubresources
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8.5 ClubConstitutionandBylaws:
Allclubsaretofunctionformallythroughaconstitutionandby-laws.Thesearetheorganizingdocumentsofaclubanddescribeshowthecluboperates.AcurrentcopyoftheclubConstitutionandBylawsmustbekeptonfileinthecountyextensionoffice.AtemplateforclubstouseisontheClubResourceswebpage:http://4h.unl.edu/web/4h/clubresources
8.6 ClubFinances:
HandlingofmoneyattheclublevelmustcomplywithUniversityofNebraska–LincolnExtension4-HFinancialManagementHandbookandFederalpolicy.ClubsthathandlemoneyarerequiredtosubmitaYearEnd4-HClubTreasurer’sReporttothecountyextensionofficebyDecember31ofeachyear.Inaddition,IRS990filing(Form990,990EZor990N)mustbecompletedannuallybyMay15.(SeeSection12,FinancialManagementfordetailedinformationonclubfinancesandreportingrequirements.)
8.7 Nebraska4-HClubofExcellence:
Theoverallgoalof4-Hclubsistodevelopenthusiasticyoungpeoplewhoboldlytakeactiontodemonstratelifeskillsascapable,caring,confident,competentkidsofcharacter,thuscontributingtotheimprovementofthemselves,theirfamily,theirclub,theircommunity,andtheirworld.OnewayclubscanmeasuretheirsuccessinmeetingthatgoalistobecomeaNebraska4-HClubofExcellence.Toreceivethisdesignation,clubsmustmeetthefollowingcriteriaandcompletetheSummaryFormlocatedontheClubResourceswebpageathttp://4h.unl.edu/clubresources
8.7.1 ClubofExcellenceCriteria
ToreceivethedesignationasaNebraska4-HClubofExcellence,clubsmust:
• Bestructuredasa4-HClub(seeSection8.2)• Recitethe4-HPledgeatmeetings• Havememberswhoperformapresentationorpublicspeakingatthe
clublevelorabove.• Completeonecommunityserviceproject.• Havememberswhoparticipateincounty,districtorstateevents.• Celebratememberandclubachievements.
IftheClubmeetsalltherequirements,theywillgetacertificateandasealthefirstyearandanadditionalsealinsubsequentqualifyingyears.CountiescanordercertificatesandgoldsealsbycontactingtheState4-HOffice.
8.8 DissolutionClause:
Inaccordancewithlawsgoverningnon-profitorganizations,ifa4-Hclub/groupdisbands,allfundsintheclub/grouptreasuryandanyotherpropertycanonlybegiventoanother4-Hnon-profitorganization,suchasthelocal4-HCouncil,nottoindividualsintheclub/group.
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Upondissolutionofthe(insertclubname)4-Hclub,themembersagreethatallrealproperty,includingmoney,equipmentandland,shallbecomethepropertyofarecognized4-Hcluborgroupwiththeapprovalofthelocal4-HCouncilandthecountyExtensionEducatorresponsiblefor4-H.Thelastofficialdutyoftheclub’sorganizationalleadershallbetotransferclubpropertyandclubrecordstotheExtensionoffice.DisbandmentofassetsoftheclubwillbehandledfollowingtheproceduresoutlineintheNebraska4-HPolicyandProcedureHandbook.
8.8.2 ProcedureforDisposingofAssetsofaDisbandedClub
The4-HClub/Groupshallbeterminatedanddissolvedbyasimplemajorityvoteofthemembershipinfavorofdissolutionandterminationofthe4-HClub/Group.Themembersshallalsovoteonhowtodisburseclubresourcesforaprojectoractivityorcontributiontothebettermentofthecounty4-Horstate4-Hprogram.
Whena4-HCluborGroupdissolvesorfailstoreorganizewithoutavoteofthemembers,theresourcesbecomethepropertyofthelocal4-HCouncilortheNebraska4-HFoundationafterawaitingperiodofone(1)year.Duringtheone(1)yearwaitingperiod,theaccountwillbemaintainedbythetreasurerofthelocal4-HCouncil.
Upondissolutionandterminationofthe4-HClub/Groupforanyreason,theofficersshalltakefullaccountofthe4-HClub/Groupassetsandliabilitiesandshallliquidatetheassetsandapplyanddistributetheproceedstherefrominthefollowingorder:
a.Tothepaymentofthedebtsandliabilitiesofthe4-HClub/Group.b.Tothesettingupofanyreserveswhichtheofficersmaydeem
reasonableandnecessaryforanycontingenciesofunforeseenliabilitiesorobligationsofthe4-HClub/Group.Suchreservesshallbepaidoverbythetreasurertoanescrowaccountdesignatedbytheofficerstobeheldforthepurposeofdistributingsuchreservesandpaymentofanysuchcontingenciesattheexpirationofsuchperiodastheofficersofthe4-HClub/Groupmaydeemadvisable.
c.Theremainingbalanceshallbedistributedtoanother4-Hcluborgroup(suchasthelocal4-HCouncilorNebraska4-HFoundation)forthepurposeofprogramdevelopmentdirectlyrelatedtotheenrichmentofthequalityoflifeof4-Hyouthandvolunteers.Thiscanbegiventoany4-Horganizationand/orapercentagetoall.
d.Intheeventthatthelocal4-HCouncilortheNebraska4-HFoundationdoesnotqualifyforfundsordoesnotexistatthetimeofdissolutionandterminationofthe4-HClub/Group,thebalanceremainingshallbedistributedamongthelocal4-HCouncilorNebraska4-HFoundationaccounts(mustbedifferentfromtheorganizationmentionedabove).
Eachofthemembersshallbefurnishedwithastatementpreparedbythe4-HClub/Groupsettingforththeassets,liabilities,andthedistributionuponcompleteliquidation.Uponcompliancewiththeforegoingtermsandmannerofdistribution,the4-HClub/Groupshallcease.
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SECTION9
9. 4-HVolunteers
AvolunteerisanyadultoryouthrecognizedbyExtensionwhoisgivingservicetothe4-Hprogramwithoutsalaryorwages.
9.1 Beinga4-HVolunteerisaPrivilege,NotaRight:
Whilevolunteerismiscrucialtothesuccessof4-H,itisaprivilege,notarighttobea4-Hvolunteer.VolunteersareexpectedtoadheretotheNebraska4-HVolunteerCodeofEthics,locatedintheVolunteerProfile.Volunteersmaybedismissedfromserviceatanytime,foranyornoreason.(SeeSection9.6,Volunteer Termination/Suspension.)
9.2 AgeRequirementsfor4-HVolunteers:
9.2.1 MinimumAgeRequirementstovolunteerasa4-HClubLeader
AnyadultwhoisoftheageofmajorityinNebraska(age19)andwhohasbeensuccessfullyscreenedcanenrollasaleaderofa4-Hclub.Youthvolunteersmayhelpasteenclubleadersorco-leadersunderthedirectionofanadultvolunteer.
9.3 VolunteerEnrollment:
All4-Hvolunteersmustenrollannuallyinthecountiesinwhichtheyserveandcompletethefollowingrequirements:LeaderEnrollmentForm,YouthProtection4-HVolunteerScreeningFormwhichincludestheLeaderCodeofConduct,1stYearLeaderOrientationTrainingifapplicable,On-goingTrainingasExpectedbyCountyProgram.
Foradults,italsoincludesthecompletionofriskmanagementscreeningusingform4HF104YouthProtectionVolunteerScreeningForm,http://4h.unl.edu/c/document_library/get_file?uuid=2017343e-b698-49dd-99b4-5ba27ac59a8b&groupId=466759&.pdf
9.3.1 Nebraska4-HVolunteerCodeofEthics
Alongwiththeinitialenrollment,volunteerswillread,agreeto,sign,andsubmittheNebraska4-HVolunteerCodeofEthics.
Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Code of Ethics
Your primary goal as a 4-H volunteer is to help children and youth develop competency in their projects, confidence in themselves and others, connections in their community, and sound character. As a 4-H volunteer, you are to help kids do what they are capable of doing. You are to promote teamwork and leadership while helping the 4-H’ers learn and have fun. Everything you say and do should be consistent with the six core ethical values comprising good character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, caring, fairness and citizenship. This Volunteer Code of Ethics sets forth expectations of 4-H volunteers. AsaNebraska4-HVolunteer,Iwill:
1. Act to encourage and justify trust. Teach 4-H’ers the meaning and importance of trustworthiness.
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2. Treat members, parents, Extension staff, judges and others with whom I come in contact with respect, courtesy and consideration. Avoid and prevent put-downs, insults, name-calling, yelling and other verbal or non-verbal conduct likely to offend, hurt or set a bad example.
3. Inform myself about youth and their positive development. Fulfill my responsibilities by striving to improve my performance as a volunteer and a mentor of young people. Attend volunteer training sessions when I can and seek out and use books, videotapes and other educational materials.
4. Teach and model kindness and compassion for others. Recognize that all young people have skills and talents which can be used to help others and improve the community. Teach and demand teamwork and discourage selfishness.
5. Teach and model fair-mindedness by being open to ideas, suggestions and opinions of others. Make all reasonable efforts to assure equal access to participation for all youth and adults regardless of race, creed, color, sex, national origin or disability. Make all decisions fairly and treat all members with impartiality.
6. Teach and model the importance of obeying laws and rules as an obligation of citizenship. Obey the laws of the locality, state and nation. Promote the responsible treatment of animals and stewardship of the environment.
7. Not use alcohol or any illegal substances (or be under the influence) while working with or being responsible for youth. Not allow youth to use alcohol or any illegal substances while under my supervision.
8. Provide a safe environment. I will not harm youth or adults in any way, whether through sexual harassment, physical force, verbal or mental abuse, neglect, or other harmful behaviors.
9.3.2 RequiredVolunteerandStaffScreening
All4-HvolunteersandstaffwhoworkdirectlywithyoutharescreenedforbehaviorthattheUniversityofNebraska–LincolnExtensiondeterminesinitssolediscretion,maypresentarisktoitsparticipants.
TheconfidentialYouthProtectionVolunteerScreeningForm(http://4h.unl.edu/c/document_library/get_file?uuid=2017343e-b698-49dd-99b4-5ba27ac59a8b&groupId=466759&.pdf)completedbyall4-HvolunteersandstaffwhoworkdirectlywithyouthisprocessedbyHealthandHumanServicesandapprovedbyofficialsattheUniversityofNebraska–Lincoln.UNLreservestherighttolimitorrejectanindividual’sparticipationinthe4-Hprogram.SocialSecurityNumbersarerequiredforvolunteerscreening.ThisinformationisonlysenttoHealthandHumanServicesforscreeningpurposes.Norecordofsocialsecuritynumbersiskeptby4-H.
Misrepresentationoromissionoffactsrequestedonthisformiscausefordenialasa4-Hvolunteerorappropriatedisciplineofstaff.Failuretocooperateinsuchscreeningwilldisqualifyanyvolunteerorstaffmemberfromservice.AllVolunteer Profiles withineachdistrict/countywillbeupdatedandre-approvedonafour-yearbasis,usingarotationschedule(SeeSection9.3.3,Volunteer On-going Screening Process.)ItistheresponsibilityofthelocalExtensionofficetokeepvolunteerprofilesup-to-date.http://www.nlc.state.ne.us/bestofweb/agemajority.html
http://www.nsp.state.ne.us/sor/
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9.3.3 AllvolunteersandpaidstaffworkingdirectlyorindirectlywithyouthwillbescreenedthroughtheNebraskaSexOffenderRegistryandtheNationalSexOffenderPublicRegistry.
NebraskaSexOffenderRegistry:http://sor.nebraska.gov/
NationalSexOffenderPublicRegistry:http://www.nsopr.gov/
9.3.4 VolunteerOn-goingScreeningProcess
InitialscreeningofvolunteersandstaffwilloccurwhentheysignuptovolunteerorareemployedasanExtensionstaffmember.
Screeningforallvolunteerswillbedoneeveryfouryearsbydistrict,regardlessofwhentheoriginalscreeningwascompleted.Thedistrictrotationisasfollows:
• Panhandle:2014,2018,2022
• WestCentral:2015,2019,2023
• Northeast:2016,2020,2024
• Southeast:2013,2017,2021,2025
9.3.5 RequiredVolunteerTraining:
NewVolunteerTraining
Allnewvolunteerswillcompletetheon-linevolunteerorientation/trainingpriortocompletingtheYouthProtectionVolunteerScreeningForm.Localofficeswillprovideinformationonhowtocompletethisorientation.
RiskManagementCourse
Staff,adultandteenvolunteerswhoarechaperoning4-Hmembersduring4-HovernighteducationaleventsandactivitiesarerequiredtocompletetheRiskManagementcourse,“WeProtectStaff,Volunteers,andYouth”andreceivecertificationpriortochaperoninganevent.Itisrecommendedthatallvolunteers,whetherchaperoninganovernighteventornot,participateinthiscoursetobefamiliarwithRiskManagementissuesandprocedures.
Thecourseisfoundathttp://4h.unl.edu/youthprotectionresources.Contactthestate4-Hofficeforaccessinformation.Thecoursecertificationisvalidforthreeyearsfromdateofcertification.PersonswithoutaccesstotheinternetmaycontactthelocalExtensionofficetoreceivecoursematerialsoraccesstothewebsite.
SpecialCertificationsandTraining
Volunteersforselectrolesorpositions(i.e.,ShootingSportsleaders,LevelIIIandIVHorseExaminers,ATVleaders)willberequiredtoattendcertificationtraining.All4-Hvolunteersand/orleadersarehighlyencouragedtoattendprogramsand/orreceiveadditionaltrainingthatwillhelpthembecomeasuccessfulvolunteer.Additionalrequiredtrainingmayariseasnewprogramsandsituationsdictate.
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9.3.6 RecommendedOrientationandTraining:
On-goingVolunteerTraining
Allvolunteersareexpectedtoparticipateintrainingasavailable.Volunteersareencouragedtoattendtrainingtostaycurrentinsubjectmatterinformationandindustrystandards.Volunteerscankeepcurrentoninformationrelatedtoyouthdevelopmentissues,teachingtechniques,4-Hpolicy,programsandregulationsandsubjectmatterupdatesthroughavarietyofwayssuchasweb-basedtraining,workshops,4-Hconferences,researchbasedcurriculum,etc.
9.6 VolunteerResidence:
4-HVolunteerswhohavebeensuccessfullyscreenedwillbeeligibletovolunteerinthecounty/countiesoftheirchoice.Volunteersmaygiveservicetoacountyotherthanthecountyinwhichtheyresideandshouldnotbediscriminatedagainstbecauseoftheirplaceofresidence.
9.7 VolunteerTermination/Suspension:
Shouldterminationorsuspensionofavolunteerbecomenecessaryforanyreason,contacttheState4-HProgramAdministratorforguidanceandadvice.(Examplesinclude,butarenotlimitedto:Abusive(physicalorverbal)behaviortowardyouth,physicalaltercationstowardyouth,illegaldruguse,inappropriateuseofacomputer,misdemeanororcriminalbehavior,etc.).
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SECTION10
10. RiskManagement
10.1 ChildProtectionPolicies:
UniversityofNebraska–LincolnExtension4-HYouthDevelopmentbelievesintherightofeverychildtoasafeandsupportiveenvironment.Actionsagainstchildrenthatleadorcontributetoabuseorneglectarecontrarytothevaluesof4-H.Suchactionsareinappropriateinanysetting,especiallywhereyouthareconcerned.AllreasonableeffortismadetocomplywithStateofNebraskastatutesandUniversityofNebraskaguidelinesinthisarea.
NebraskaStatelawrequiresallcitizenstoreportsuspectedabusetoNebraskaHealthandHumanServices.
CalltheNebraskaAbuse/NeglectHotlineat1-800-652-1999.
SeetheattachedwebsiteforNebraskadefinitionsofchildabuseandneglect:https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/define.cfm.
ToreviewthelegalstatutesregardingNebraskachildabuseandneglectgotothefollowingsiteandreviewthecodeslistedbelow:http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/browse-chapters.php?chapter=28Reviewcodes:28-707,28-709,28-710,28-711,28-713,28-713.01,28-716,28-717,28-727,28-728.
MoreinformationfromHealthandHumanServiceislocatedat:http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/contact.aspx.
10.2 4-HandWebPublication:
Nebraska4-HwillusetheWorldWideWebasameansofdistributinginformationandprovidingrecognition.Intheinterestofsafety,UniversityofNebraska–LincolnExtensionmustdothisinaresponsiblemanner.Therefore,thefollowingguidelineswillbeused:
• Anypictureofanindividualinwhichthepersoncanbeidentifiedbynormalvisualacuitywillnotbereproducedwithouttheindividual’spermission.Thispermissionmaybegivenwhentheindividualenrollsintheprogram.
• Noindividual’sname,addressorphonenumberwillbepublishedwithoutpermissionfromtheindividualorparentofchild(ren)undertheageof19.
10.3 UniversityLiabilityCoverage:
UniversityofNebraska–Lincolnliabilityinsurancecovers4-Hvolunteerswhoareenrolledasleadersandsuccessfullycompletedthescreeningprocessandarefunctioningwithinthescopeofa4-Hvolunteer.Volunteersarecoveredinthissituationbecausethe4-HprogramispartoftheUniversityofNebraska–Lincoln.
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10.4 Accident/HealthInsurance:
Itisstronglyrecommendedthateachcounty4-Hprogramoffersaccidentinsuranceforitsmembersandleaders.AmericanIncomeLifeInsuranceCompany(AIL)offerstwoinsurancepoliciesfor4-Hprograms:
1. AnnualGroupInsurancePolicy($1ayearplan)a. Providesafullyearofcoverageforenrolled4-Hmemberswhen
participatingin4-Hactivitiesandevents(clubmeetings,workshops,camps,fair,etc.)
b. Enrolledvolunteerscanalsobecoveredfor$1.c. Thoseparticipatinginhighriskactivitiesincludinghorseproject,athletic
leaguesports,ATV,andmotorcycleparticipantshavea$2annualfee.
2. SpecialActivitiesCoverageforAccidentandIllness(forindividualevents)a. WhenyouthoradultswhoarenotcoveredundertheAnnualPolicy
participateineventsandactivities,itisadvisabletotakeoutthisperdayaccidentinsurancefortheseyouth.
b. Coversany4-Horextensionsponsoredactivityforyouthoradults.
FurtherinformationonpolicybenefitsandapplyingforcoverageisontheAILwebsitehttp://www.americanincomelife.com/who-we-serve/4-h-insurance
10.5 UseofAlcohol/Tobacco/ControlledSubstancesduring4-HActivities:
Usingorpossessingalcoholoranycontrolledsubstancesnotunderphysicians’prescriptionatany4-Heventbyprogramparticipants,youthoradultsareprohibited.Infractionoftherulesmayresultindismissalfromtheeventorprogram,thewithholdingofpremiums,orotherdisciplinaryaction.Tobaccousebyunderage4-Hyouthisprohibited.
ExtensionStaff,inconsultationwiththoseindividuals/volunteerssupervisingtherelevantevent,willdeterminetheappropriatedisciplinaryaction.Intheeventofdismissal,theExtensionstaffresponsibleandtheparent/guardiansofthe4-Hmemberwillbecontactedbeforethe4-Hmemberissenthome.
4-Hshouldnotorwillnot sponsoreventswherealcoholisserved.
10.6 UniversityofNebraska–LincolnSocialSecurityNumberUsagePolicy:
TheUniversityofNebraska–LincolnExtension4-HshallnotuseSocialSecurityNumberstoidentify4-Hmembers,employees,orotherinformationproviders,outsideofthoseidentificationusesspecificallyrequiredbylaw,suchasforfinancialaid,payroll,benefitfunctionsandbackgroundchecks.
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SECTION11
11. 4-HCouncils/Foundations/Partnerships
11.1 4-HCouncils:
Local4-Hcouncilsareprivatepartnersinthe4-HYouthDevelopmentProgramoftheExtensionsystem,specificallytheUniversityofNebraska–LincolnExtension.Asstatedinotherpartsofthishandbook,4-HisauthorizedbytheUSDAthroughtheState4-HOfficeatLandGrantUniversitiesandthentothelocalExtensionOfficesthroughoutthestate.
4-HCouncilsprovidesupporttoExtensionstaff,assistindeterminingthedirectionofthe4-Hprogram,providesupportandassistanceto4-Hvolunteers,advocatefor4-H,andsupport4-Hmembersintheprogram.
Councilmembersarevolunteerswhoareselectedinavarietyofways;asdeterminedbythelocal4-HCouncilconstitutionandby-laws.CheckwiththelocalExtensionofficesand4-HCouncilsfortheirprocedures.4-HCouncilmembersneedtobeenrolledasofficial4-HvolunteerleaderscompletingtheLeaderEnrollmentFormandVolunteerScreeningFormasapartoftheyouthriskmanagementprocedures.Councilmembershipmustrepresentabroadsectionofthecommunityandreflecttheracialcompositionofthecommunity.Thevolunteerswhoserveon4-HCouncilsareassignedthetaskofdeterminingtheneedsof4-HyouthinthecountyanddetermininghowtomeetthoseneedsincollaborationwithUniversitypersonnel.
Strongcouncilsprovidelocalinputtothe4-HYouthDevelopmentprogram.Many4-Hcouncilsprovideadditionalfundstosupport4-Hprogramsthroughscholarshipsto4-H’ersforeventsandcollege,forleaderforums,forawardsofferedatcountyeventsandotherexpendituretostrengthenthe4-Hexperience.Providingdirectionto4-Hprogramsstrengthenstheentirestate4-Hsystem.Havingastrongrelationshipiscriticaltoastrong4-HYouthDevelopmentProgram.
Theinputfromthecouncilisimportantbutmustfollowthepolicies,proceduresandguidelinesoftheUniversityofNebraska–Lincoln,theUniversityofNebraska–LincolnExtension,theState4-HOfficeandtheUSDA.Decisionsofthecouncilscannotbeadversetothemissionofthe4-Hprogram.Ultimately,ifthecouncilandthelocal4-HOfficeareatodds,thefinaldecisionwouldrestwiththeExtensionEducator-4-HYouthDevelopment(orUnitLeaderintheeventthereisnoYouthDevelopmentEducator),theState4-HAdministrator,ortheStateExtensionDeanandDirector.Thispartnershipisveryimportantsoalleffortsneedtobemadetomakeitaproductiveeffort.
11.24-HFoundations:
TheFoundationmustfollowallthelawsthatapplytonon-profitornot-for-profitcorporations,dependinguponhowtheywereincorporated.Theyalsoneedtofollowthepolicies,procedures,andguidelinesof4-H.Sincethename4-Hisinthetitleofthesecorporations,thesecorporationsareultimatelyaccountabletothe4-Hprogram.(SeeSection4.7.2,4-H Name and Emblem Regulations.)
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4-H POLICY AND PROCEDURE HANDBOOK11.3 Partnerships:SchoolsandCommunityCenters:
Aspartofthe4-Hprogram,manycountiesoffer4-Hprogramsatschoolsand/orcommunitycenters.Thesetwoadditionaloutreachaudiencesenhancetheprogramandareanimportantpartofthe4-Heducationalprogram.4-Hprogramsatschoolsand/orcommunitycentersaresubjecttothesameover-reachingpoliciesasallother4-Hentities.Iftheyfunctionasaregularclub,theyshouldfollowtherulesthatgovern4-Hclubs.Iftheyfunctionasspecialinterestorschoolenrichmententity,theyshouldfollowtherulesgoverning4-Hschoolenrichmentprograms.Inallcases,themoneythatishandledmustbeaccountedforfollowingthefinancialmanagementguidelinesfoundinSection12ofthisdocument.Otherpoliciesmustalsobeincompliancewithoverall4-Hpolicy.
11.4 LivestockSales
11.5 PremiumSales
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SECTION12
12. FinancialManagement
12.1 FiscalYear:
TheNebraska4-HfiscalyearisJanuary1throughDecember31.
12.2 4-HClubFinances:
Most4-Hclubssupporttheiractivitiesthroughthecollectionofduesorbyholdingspecificfundraisers.Because4-HisaneducationalorganizationauthorizedthroughtheUSDA,severalproceduresmustbefollowedwhenworkingwithaclubtreasury.Thekeypointtorememberistheabilitytoshowandproveproperaccountability.
12.2.1 YearEnd4-HClubTreasurer’sReport
Nebraska4-Hpolicyrequiresall4-HclubstosubmitaYearEnd4-HClubTreasurer’sReporttoaccountforthedollarsraisedandspentinthenameof4-H.ThisreportisduetothecountyextensionofficeonorbeforeDecember31ofthecurrentcalendaryear.The Year End 4-H Club Treasurer’s Reportformcanbefoundathttp://4h.unl.edu/clubresources.
12.2.2 AnnualIRSFilingRequirements
AnannualIRS990filing(Form990,990EZ,or990-N)mustbefiledbyMay15fortheprevioustaxyear.Theextensionofficewillfile990-N(e-Postcard).Thoughthisseemstocontradictthefinancialpoliciesandpracticesrelatedtoextensionofficesandclub/councilfinances,thispracticehaspreviouslybeenapprovedbyUNLadministration.
IftheClubisnoteligibletofilea990-N(e-Postcard),theClubisresponsibleforfilingtheappropriateForm990.
IfaForm990(e-PostcardorForms990or990-EZ)isnotfiledforthreeconsecutiveyears,aclub/councilwillautomaticallyloseitstaxexemptstatus.http://4h.unl.edu/resourceirstaxexemptstatus
12.3 4-HCouncilFinances:
Oneoftheprimaryfunctionsofthe4-HCouncilisthetaskofresourcedevelopment,includingthepreparationofanannualbudgetandfundraising.Thefollowingpolicyhasbeendevelopedtoprotectthefinancialinterestsof4-H.
12.3.1 4-HCouncilFinancialManagementManual
Thepurposeofthe4-H Council Financial Management Manualistoprovideadocumentthatcontainsnecessaryfinancialmanagementinformationandguidance.Themanualisintendedtoassist4-HCouncilsintheirresponsibilityfortheaccountabilityofallfundsundertheirpurview.Inadditiontoaccountability,thereisaneedtostandardizeproceduresandpractices.Thepolicies,principlesandguidelinesidentifiedareintendedtoberesponsiblewhile,atthesametime,reasonableandpractical.It
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4-H POLICY AND PROCEDURE HANDBOOKisexpectedthattheleadershipofthe4-HCouncilwilladheretothismanualinthedaytodayoperationofthe4-HCouncil.Thismanualwasdevelopedspecificallyfor4-HCouncils.Inaddition,thisdocumentshouldassisttheExtensionBoards,theUniversityofNebraska–LincolnExtension(UNLExtension),andallfacultyandstaffinmeetingtheconditionsofsoundfinancialmanagementappropriatetoa4-HCouncil.http://extensiondocs.unl.edu/4hcouncilfinancialhandbook12-6-07.pdf.
12.4 SaleofProductsby4-HClubsandCouncils:
12.4.1 4-HSalesandDonations
4-Hgroupsmaysecureprivatefundstosupporttheirgoalsandactivitiesthroughsuchactivitiesasasaleofitems.ThesegroupsmustreporttheirplanstolocalExtensionstaff.ThisisnecessarytoensurecompliancewithFederalLawspertainingtothe“UseofTheNameandEmblem.”4-Hmaynotbeviewedasendorsinganyparticularcompanyorproduct.Itistheresponsibilityofthe4-HgrouptofollowNebraskaStateLawsinobtaininganyrequiredlicensesorpermits.TheExtensionOfficemayconsultwiththecounty4-HLeaders’Organization,4-HCouncil,and/orconsulttheNebraskaState4-HProgramAdministrator.
12.4.2 LocalandStateSalesTaxes
4-HClubandCouncilsarerequiredtochargesalestaxonitemsthattheysell.All4-Hclubs/councilswhosellitemsmusthaveaSalesTaxPermitandfileaNebraska and Local Sales and Use Tax Returnannually.TheTaxReturnformisavailableonline:www.revenue.state.ne.us/tax/current/f_10.pdf.Handlinglocalandstatesalestaxesistheresponsibilityofthe4-Hentitysellingtheitem.
12.5 GrantsandDonations:Grantsanddonationsareoftenreceivedforthebenefitofeducationprogramsfor4-H.Fundsaremanagedinoneoftwoways:
12.5.1 ExtensionStaffGeneratedFunds
UNLExtensionmanagesarevolvingaccountineachcounty/multi-countyunit.FundsintheseaccountsaregeneratedbyUNLExtensionprofessionalsthroughfeerevenue,smallgrants,ordonationsandaretobeusedtosupporteducationalprogramming.Typically,aportionofthesefundswouldbeidentifiedandusedfor4-HYouthDevelopmentprograms.
12.5.2 4-HCouncilGeneratedFunds
4-HCouncilscanreceivedonations,smallgrantsandfund-raisingrevenues.Thesefundsaregeneratedandmanagedbythe4-HCouncilundertheguidanceestablishedinthe4-H Council Financial Management Manual.
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12.6 FundRaising:
Inseekingprivatesupportfor4-Hprogramsthroughfundraising,StateandlocalExtensionofficialsmustensurethatthefundsaregivenandusedinaccordancewithTitle7oftheCodeofFederalRegulationssection8andUSDAGuidelinespertainingtothe4-Hprogram.Criticalelementsoftheseregulationsandguidelinesinclude:
• Fundraisingprogramsusingthe4-HNameandEmblemmaybecarriedoutforspecificeducationalpurposes.Suchfundraisingprogramsanduseofthe4-HNameandEmblemonorassociatedwithproductsandservicesforsuchpurposesmusthavetheapprovalof[the]appropriateCooperativeExtensionoffice(local,county,stateornationallevel).
• Allmoneysreceivedfrom4-Hfundraisingprograms,exceptthosenecessarytopayreasonableexpenses,mustbeexpendedtofurtherthe4-Heducationalprograms.
• Privatesupportmoneysshouldbe:■ Givenandusedforpriorityeducationalpurposes.■ Accountedforefficientlyandfully.
• Fundraisinggroupsproperlyauthorizedtousethe4-HNameandEmblemaretobeheldaccountabletothe4-Hprogramgrantingauthorization.Theremustbeadefiniteplantoaccountforfundsraisedpriortoauthorization.SuchaplanshouldbewithinthepolicyguidelinesoftheStateforhandlingfunds.
• Anyuseofthe4-HNameandEmblemisforbiddenifitexploitsthe4-Hprogram,itsvolunteerleaders,4-Hyouthparticipants,ortheUSDA,CooperativeExtension,land-grantinstitutions,ortheiremployees.
• The4-HNameandEmblemshallnotbeusedtoimplyendorsementofcommercialfirms,productsorservices.
• Inconnectionwith4-Hfundraisingpurposes,thefollowingdisclaimerstatementmustbeusedonproductsorservicesofferedforsale:
“A portion of the sales price of this product or service will be used to promote 4-H educational programs. No endorsement of the product or service by 4-H is implied or intended.”
http://www.csrees.usda.gov/nea/family/res/pdfs/Sponsorships_Promotions_rev_2011.pdf
12.7 StateSalesTaxExemptStatus:
Salestaxexemptionreferstonothavingtopaysalestaxonpurchases.
TheStateofNebraskaDepartmentofRevenuestates:
“The fact that a nonprofit organization qualifies for an exemption from income tax under section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code does not necessarily entitle the organization to an exemption from Nebraska sales and use tax.”
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Veryfewnonprofitorganizationsactuallyqualifyforsalestaxexemption.Nonprofitsthatareexemptarealmostexclusivelyhealthcareorganizations(hospitals,nursinghomes,etc.)andeducationalinstitutionslikeUNLExtension.
4-HCouncilsand4-HClubshavenonprofitstatusauthorizedbythefederalgovernment;however,theydonotqualifyforsalestaxexemptionstatusregulatedbytheStateofNebraska.Affiliatedorsubsidiaryorganizationslike4-HCouncils/Clubs,althoughoperatinginsupportoforundertheguidanceofanexemptorganization,maynotusetheexemptinstitution’scertificateofexemption.
Therefore,4-HclubsorcouncilsarenotallowedtopurchaseitemsusingthesalestaxexemptstatusoftheExtensionofficeorUniversity.
4-HCouncilsandClubsmustpaysalestaxonitemsthattheypurchase,suchastrophiesort-shirtsthataregivenaway.
Whenpurchasingitemsforresale,suchast-shirts,pencilsorwaterbottles,4-Hclubs/councilsdonothavetopaysalestax.Theydo,however,needtofileforaSalesTaxPermitandhavethisnumberatthetimeofpurchase.Thisapplicationisavailableonline:www.revenue.state.ne.us/tax/current/fill-in/f_20.pdf.
4-HClubandCouncilsarerequiredtochargesalestaxonitemsthattheysell.(SeeSection12.4.2.Local and State Sales Taxesformoreinformation.)
12.8 FederalIncomeTaxExemptionfor4-HClubs
FederalIncomeTaxExemptionfor4-HClubs/CouncilsiscurrentlybeingappliedforthroughaprocessthatidentifiestheNebraska4-HFoundationasaneligible501(c)(3)organizationthatisassumingresponsibilityforNebraska4-HClubs/Councilsassubordinates.UponapprovalbytheInternalRevenueService(IRS),4-HClubs/Councilswhoareidentifiedassubordinateswillbeexemptfromfederalincometaxundertheprovisionswhichcorrespondtosection501(c)(3)*oftheIRSCode.Thismeansthat
• Formallyauthorized4-Hgroupsareexemptfrompayingfederalincometaxonfundsraisedorreceivedonbehalfof4-H,ortosupporteducationalprograms;and
• Donorsmaydeductcontributionsto4-Hclubsandaffiliated4-Horganizationssuchas:bequests,legacies,devises,transfers,orgiftsasapplicableundertheIRSCode.
• Fora4-Hgrouptobeincludedasasubordinate,theymust■ beundertheguidanceandcontroloftheNebraska4-HFoundation■ beachartered4-Hcluborcouncil■ haveaconstitution/bylaws■ submitagroupexemptionauthorizationform■ haveanEIN
• Groupsaffiliatedwith4-HthatfunctionundertheauthorityoftheirownBoardofDirectorsorotherauthoritieswouldnotqualifyforinclusionandshouldestablishtheirowntaxexemptstatus.
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• Families—Whiletherearemanyfamilieswhoparticipatein4-Hprograms,theIRSdoesnotrecognizesinglefamilygroupsasqualifiedsubsidiariesforinclusionunderagroupexemption.InclusionofindependentgroupsorfamiliespotentiallyjeopardizesthespecialtaxexemptstatuscontinuingtobegrantedbytheIRStothe4-Hprogram.
Thistaxexemptstatusaddressesonlyfederalincometaxanddoesnotprovideexemptionfromanystateorlocaltaxes,suchashoteltax,propertytax,salestax,orothertaxes.
Furtherinformationandresourcesrelatedtoestablishingandmaintainingfederalincometaxexemptioncanbefoundat:http://4h.unl.edu/resourceirstaxexemptstatus
12.9 ElectronicFilingRequirementsfor4-HGroups:
TheIRSrequiressmalltax-exemptorganizations,suchas4-HClubsandAffiliated4-HOrganizations,tofileelectronicallyForm990-N,alsoknownasthee-Postcard,annually.http://epostcard.form990.org/
e-PostcardsaretobefiledannuallybyMay15bythecountyextensionoffice.Thoughthisseemstocontradictthefinancialpoliciesandpracticesrelatedtoextensionofficesandclub/councilfinances,thispracticehaspreviouslybeenapprovedbyUNLadministration.IfaForm990(e-PostcardsorForms990or990-EZ)isnotfiledforthreeconsecutiveyears,aclub/councilwillautomaticallyloseitstaxexemptstatus.http://4h.unl.edu/resourceirstaxexemptstatus
12.10 EmployerIdentificationNumber(EIN):
AnEINisanine-digitnumbertheIRSassignstobusinessentities.4-Hclubs/councilsneedanEINtoopenabankaccount.Personalsocialsecuritynumbersofvolunteersshouldneverbeusedtoopen4-Hbankaccounts.
FormSS-4,ApplicationforEmployerIdentificationNumber,isavailableontheIRSwebsiteathttp://www.irs.gov.SeeSample Form SS-4-Http://4h.unl.edu/resourceirstaxexemptstatusforinstructionsonhowtocompletetheform.Clubs/councilsshouldcompletetheSS-4form,thenprintandfaxormailitpertheinstructionsontheform.Theon-lineapplicationprocessisnotanoptionfor4-Hclubsasitdoesnotallowforsomeoftheanswers4-Hclubsneedtoprovide.
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SECTION13
13. 4-HResourcesand/orProjectMaterials
13.1 4-HCurriculum/Publications:
• Over150projectsofferedthroughtheUniversityofNebraska–LincolnExtension4-HYouthDevelopmentProgramprovidehands-onlearningexperienceswiththeintentionofhelpingyouthidentifypotentialcareersthatareofinteresttothem.
• UniversityofNebraska–LincolnExtensionmaydistributematerialstovolunteerleadersandmembers.Curriculumisalsoavailableforpurchaseonline.Promotionalmaterialsarecirculatedtoprospectiveclienteleand/orgroups.Curriculummaterialsareavailabletoallparticipantsandvolunteersinalldeliverymodesof4-H.4-HschoolenrichmentprogramsareconductedonavoluntarybasisincooperationwithExtensionandarepartofthe4-Hprogram.Materialusedinsuch4-Hschoolenrichmentprogramsisavailableonthesamebasisasallother4-Hprograms.
• 4-Hmaterialsarenottobedistributedonafreebasisincreditsituationsbutmaybepurchasedbythecollegeand/orschoolinstructor.
13.2 4-HCommunicationGuidelines:
UniversityofNebraska–LincolnExtensionisanorganizationthatislearnercentered,providestrustedsubjectmattercontent,andisprofessional,relevant,andnimbleinitsresponse.Additionally,UNLExtensionprovidesunbiased,research-basedinformationforallNebraskans.
Allprintandelectroniccommunication(includingnewsletters,email,onlinesocialnetworks,etc.),whichisdistributedonbehalfofthe4-HYouthDevelopmentProgram,isadirectrepresentationofUNLExtensionanditsbrand.Becausetheseitemsarebeingproducedanddistributedwithtaxdollars,itisimportanttothinkcarefullyaboutthecontentofallcommunication.
4-H communication should contribute to the overall educational mission of 4-H, empowering youth to reach their full potential working and learning in partnership with caring adults. Whendeterminingtheappropriatenessofinformationfor4-Hcommunication,pleaseconsiderthefollowingquestions:
• Istheinformationunbiased,notendorsinganorganization/business?• Iftheorganization/businessisforprofit,wouldanyorganization/businessbe
givenanequalopportunitytoprovideeducationalevents?• Doestheorganization/businessthatisprovidingtheinformationhaveyouth
educationalgoalsthataresimilartothoseoftheUNLExtension4-HYouthDevelopmentProgram?
• Doestheinformationthatisbeingsharedbytheorganization/businessusethe4-HNameandEmblemcorrectly?
Ifaresponseof“yes”isgiventothesequestions,thentheitemmaybesharedwitha4-Haudience.However,atanytime,UNLExtension4-Hreservestherighttodiscontinuethesharingofinformation,baseduponaresponseof“no”tothesequestions.
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Thefollowingareacceptableitemsthatmaybeincludedin4-Hcommunication:
• InformationregardingUNLExtension4-Heducationalprograms,events,workshops,etc.
• Informationregardingeventssponsoredby4-HClubs(consideredUNLExtension4-Hevents)
• 4-Hyouthandvolunteersuccessstories• Namesoforganizations/businessesthatcontributefinancialorproduct
donationstoUNLExtension4-Hprograms/events• Discountcards/promotions• Scholarshipinformation• Otheritemsthatabidebytheguidelinessharedabove
Whendetermininghowtheseitemsarecommunicatedtoclientele,UNLExtension4-Hprograms/eventsshouldtakepriorityovernon-UNLExtension4-Hprograms/events.Electroniccommunication(email,onlinesocialnetworks,etc.)isencouragedwhendeliveringinformationaboutnon-UNLExtension4-Hprograms/events.
Toassistwithdistributionof4-Hcommunication,pleaseutilizethefollowingresources:
• 4-HNameandEmblemGuidelines—http://www.csrees.usda.gov/nea/family/res/youthdev_res_emblem.html
• UNLExtensionTemplates—http://www.extension.unl.edu/marketing/templates
• UNLExtensionCustomizableDesignLayouts—http://4h.unl.edu/customizabledesignlayouts
• UNLExtensionSocialMediaResources—http://www.extension.unl.edu/extsocialmedia/resources
Specificquestionsrelatedtothecontentof4-Hcommunicationmaybedirectedtowardthe4-HspecialistinyourdistrictortotheState4-HOffice.
13.3 SocialMediaGuidelinesforUNLExtension:
SocialmediarepresentsanarrayofinnovativeandpowerfultoolsforinteractingwithExtension’smanyaudiences.Thepotentialforsocialmediatoolstoprovideeducation,tocreatecommunitiesofinterest,tobuildrelationships,andtodevelopdialogcontinuestogrow.ManyExtensionpersonnel,likepeopleallovertheworld,arealreadyusingsocialmediavenuesforpersonalandprofessionalpurposes.
ToprovideguidanceontheengagementofExtensionpersonnelinusingsocialmediaforprofessionalpurposes,andtoensuretheportrayalofaconsistentandpositivebrandforExtensioninthesocialmediaspace,refertotheseguidelines:General Guidance
1. Forthepurposesoftheseguidelines,theterm“socialmedia”isdefinedasanyonlinemediumthatprovidesforuserinteraction,discussion,andcommenting(suchassocialnetworks,blogging,micro-blogging).Anonlinevirtualspacethatallowsfor2-Dor3-Dinteractionviaavisualrepresentationofauserisasubsetofsocialmediacalleda“virtualenvironment.”
2. SocialMediaresourcescanbefoundontheEmployee’sResourceswebsiteat:http://www.extension.unl.edu/extsocialmedia/resources.IconsusedshouldgiveaconsistentmarketingmessageincludingiconsforuseonFacebookandTwitter.
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betweenpersonalandprofessionaluses.UnderstandthatsomeofyoursocialmediaparticipantswillrecognizeyouasanemployeeofUNLExtension.Whenyouareonapersonalsite,speakinthefirstpersonandclearlystatethatyouarespeakingforyourselfandnotforExtension.Whenyoursocialmediaactivityisobservablebyend-users,stakeholders,and/orotherprofessionalaudiences,yourbehaviorshouldrepresentyouwellandreflectpositivelyonExtension.Whenusingsocialmediapersonally,donotincorporateExtension’snameintoyourusername(NOT“Extensiondude”or“CherryExtensionLady”),anddonotassertthatyouarespeakingforExtension.Youcansetupagroupororganizationalaccountbygoingto:http://is.unl.edu/emailhome/shared-resources-request-form.
4. Extensionemployeesusingsocialmediaforprofessionalpurposesshouldcommunicateappropriatelyaccordingtothestandardsoftheenvironmentinwhichthey’reoperating.Mostsocialmediaenvironmentsarecommunitiesofpeers,notclassroomswithinstructors.Animportantelementofyourcredibilitywillbeyourabilitytocommunicateauthenticallyandrespectfullyasamemberofthecommunity.AndExtension’scredibilityinthesocialmediaworld,justasintherealworld,dependsuponyourcredibility.
5. Extensionemployeesservingasaccountadministratorsforsocialmediaeffortsareresponsibleforensuringproperbranding,frequentmaintenanceandcurrencyofinformationposted,andmonitoringcommentsandpostsbyothers(includingexternalvisitors)forprofessionalism.Itistheresponsibilityoftheaccountholdertocloselymonitorcommentingandfollowproperprotocolfordealingwithissuesthatmayarise.It is strongly advised that, unless dedicated time is established to carefully monitor commenting, the feature be disabled.
6. Exercisecautionwhencommunicatingwithyouthonline.ItisimportantthatUNLExtensionemployeesmaintainprofessionalismwhencommunicatingwithyouthonline,justastheywouldintheofflineworld.OnlycommunicateonthetopicoftheUNLExtensionprogram;personalcommunicationmaybeconsideredinappropriate.
7. Carefullyselectaccountadministrators.AllsocialmedianetworksmanagedbyExtensiontargetingyouthshouldbemanagedbyatleasttwoadults–eitherextensionstaffmembers,orvolunteerswhohavesuccessfullycompletedthe4-HVolunteerScreeningprocessandhavereviewedtheUNLExtensionsocialmediaguidelines.
Specific Guidelines
1. Web-drivenconversationtoolsormicroblogs(e.g.,Twitter)
• Icons,backgrounds,andcolorschemesforuseonTwitteraccountsshouldfollowUNLToolboxguidelinesascloselyaspossible.
• NamingofTwitteraccountsshouldfollowtheguidanceonnamingconventionsandoptionsprovided:i. Whennamingasite:UniversityofNebraska-LincolninSampleCounty
(i.e.UniversityofNebraska-LincolninSiouxCounty)ii. WhencreatingtheURLorshortname:UNLSampleCounty(i.e.
UNLSiouxCounty)
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2. SocialNetworking(e.g.,Facebook)
• WhenemployeescreateorrequestpagesoraccountsforExtensionprograms,units,orsubject-matterareasinFacebook,Pagesarestronglyrecommended,insteadofGroupsorPeople.
• IconsforuseonFacebookaccountsforcountiesanddistrictshavebeendesignedandareavailableathttp://www.extension.unl.edu/extsocialmedia/resources.AllothersitesshouldfollowUNLToolboxguidelinesascloselyaspossible.
• NamingofFacebookaccountsshouldfollowtheguidanceonnamingconventionsandoptionsprovided:i. Whennamingasite:UniversityofNebraska–LincolninSample
County(i.e.UniversityofNebraska-LincolninSiouxCounty)ii. WhencreatingtheURLorshortname:UNLSampleCounty(i.e.
UNLSiouxCounty)
• Itistheresponsibilityoftheaccountholdertocloselymonitorcommentingandfollowproperprotocolfordealingwithissuesthatmayarise.
• Itisstronglyadvisedthat,unlessdedicatedtimeisestablishedtocarefullymonitorcommenting,thefeaturebedisabled.
3. OtherResources
•BasicSocialMediaEtiquette:Whatyouneedtoknowanddowhenyouusesocialmedia
•SocialMediaUserguidesheet
PLEASE NOTE: The fact that a particular social medium is mentioned in this document does not necessarily mean that Extension has a presence here at this time or that other social mediums not mentioned cannot be used.
13.4 UniversityofNebraska–Lincolnand4-HIdentifiersforPrintMaterials:
All print materialscreatedanddistributedbyUNLExtension4-HYouthDevelopmentprofessionalsmustcontainthefollowing:
• UNLExtensiongraphicwithregisteredtrademark®• IANRlogo• AppropriateExtensionStatementsand4-HEEOStatement• 4-HEmblemwith18USC707asapartofthegraphiconthelower
rightleafortotherightofthestem
Formoreproceduralresources,instructionanddownloads,goto:http://www.extension.unl.edu/web/Extension/PubsGraphicsWeb/Toolbox.
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SECTION14
14. CompetitiveProgramsandEvents
Thissectiondefinesthepoliciesunderwhich4-Hcompetitiveeventsareconducted.StateandNationalentriesfromNebraska4-Hmembersorprogramsmustconformtobothstateandnationalpoliciesandregulations.
14.1 CompetitiveProgramsandEventsBackground:
Competitionatalllevelshasbeenapartof4-Hsincetheprogrambegan.Competitiveeventsareimportanteducationalmethodsinprogramming,evaluationandfeedback.Participationincompetitiveeventshelp4-Herslearntomakeanddefenddecisionsandspeakpublicly.Inaddition,theygainknowledgeandskillsandlearngoodsportsmanshipthroughcompetition.
14.2 CompetitionandYouthDevelopment:
4-H’smissionistoempoweryouthtoreachtheirfullpotentialthroughworkingandlearninginpartnershipwithcaringadults.Manyvolunteersandstaffworktoassistyouthindevelopingknowledge,skillsandattitudesthatenablethemtobecomeproductiveandcontributingmembersofsociety.Itisimportantforadultstokeepthisgoalinmindandrecognizethatyouthneedtolearnhowtocompleteprojects,notsomeoneelse.Whilethereareobviouslydifferencesintheabilitiesofaneight-year-oldascomparedtoan18-year-old,thepotentialforyouthtolearnisalwaysgreatestwhenyouthareresponsibleforcompletingthevariousaspectsoftheirproject.
Incompetitiveevents,parentsandothersfocusingonwinningthecompetitionandnotondevelopingtheyouthcanoverlookthemissionofyouthdevelopment.Thefollowingprinciplesshouldberecognizedfordeterminingrulesregarding4-Hmembersdoingtheirownwork.
• 4-Hisafamily-orientedorganizationandhelpfromfamilymembersisappropriateforsomeaspectsoftheproject.However,theexhibitorsshouldhaveincreasingresponsibilityastheymatureintheirprojectskills.
• Teamworkisalifeskillandworkingtogetherwithother4-Hmembersisappropriate.
• Professionalsorindividualswhoarepaidtodosimilarworkandareolderthan4-Hageandnotrelatedtotheyouth,shouldnotbeinvolvedinaspectsoftheprojectthataredirectlyrelatedtoexhibitionandcompetition.
Alongwithprinciples,thefollowingquestionsshouldbeaskedfordeterminingrulesregarding4-Hmembersdoingtheirownwork:
• Isthe4-Hmembercapableofcompletingthework,evenifthelevelofexpertiseisdifferentfromotheryouthoradults?
• Areotheryouthofsimilaragecapableofcompletingthework?• Istheassistanceofferedbyotherexhibitorsorfamilymembersfocusedon
competitionforexhibitionoristheyouthinvolvedintheprocessandabletoimprovehis/herownskills?
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14.3 CompetitiveEventDefinitionandCriteria:
14.3.1 4-HCompetitiveEventDefinition
A4-Hcompetitiveeventisoneinwhich4-Hmemberscompeteindividuallyorasteamsforspecialrecognition.The4-HNameandemblemareusedtonameandpromotetheevent.Theterm“event”isusedfor4-Hdivisions/classesandactivitiesthatarepartofalargerprogram,whichincludesnon-4-Hcompetitiveevents,aswellasthoseeventsexclusively4-H.4-Hcompetitiveeventsincludejudgingcontests,presentations,projectexhibitsandotherperformanceeventsopento4-Hmembers.Whencompetitionisamajorpartofanevent,itmustbeunderstoodthatcompetitionissecondarytotheeducationanddevelopmentofyouth.
14.3.2 Criteriafor4-HCompetitiveEvents
• Sponsored/co-sponsoredand/orconductedbyUniversityofNebraska–LincolnExtension,InstituteofAgricultureandNaturalResources(IANR)staff.
• Approvedbyand/orconductedbyExtensionstaffresponsiblefortheevent.
• RulesandregulationsestablishedbyorapprovedbyExtensionstaffresponsiblefortheevent.
• Opentoparticipationby4-Hmembersfromcounty,groupofcounties,district,state,region,ornation.
• Participantsmustbeenrolledin4-Hduringthecurrentcalendaryear.• Approvaltousethe4-Hnameandemblem.• Utilizethenameandemblemof4-Hinpromotionandrecruitment.• Provideasafeandhealthyenvironmentwithapositiveeducational
experienceforyouth.
14.3.3 OperationalGuidelinesforCommitteesforCompetitiveStateandDistrict Events
Generalguidelinesfororganization,appointment,andoperationofmanagementcommitteesarerequirediftheeventand/oractivityoccursannually.One-timeeventsoractivitiesarenotobligatedtomeetthesecriteria.
• Representation:
• ThecommitteemembershipmustincludeaUniversityofNebraska–LincolnExtensionspecialist,eitherinthesubjectmatteroftheeventorfromtheState4-HYouthDevelopmentstaff,andamemberfromthecountyExtensionstaff.Othermembersofthecommitteemaybeindividualswhorepresent4-Hvolunteers,business,orindustry.ThecommitteemaybecomposedentirelyofExtensionstaff.
• TheState4-HProgramAdministratorwillappointapersontoserveasliaisonbetweenthemanagementcommitteeand4-H.
• Aroledefinitionofthecommitteewillbeestablishedpriortocommitteeappointment.Thequalificationsfortheproposedcommitteemembersshouldaccompanyaproposalforappointment.Committeemembersshouldhaveexperiencewith4-Hand/orUniversityofNebraska–LincolnExtension.
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• Terms:• Committeemembersareappointedforthree-yearterms,
exceptwhereone-yearappointmentisappropriate;(i.e.,youthmembership.)Whenestablishingnewcommittees,one-thirdofthemembershipshouldbeforthreeyears,one-thirdfortwoyears,andone-thirdforoneyearsocontinuityisestablished.Membersmaybere-appointedonceforathree-yearterm.
• Appointment:• Recommendationsfor4-Hmanagementcommitteesfor
4-HcompetitiveeventswillbemadebytheproposedgroupandappointedbytheState4-HProgramAdministrator.4-Hmanagementcommitteememberswillbefilleduponapprovaloftheappropriatesubjectmatterdepartments,DistrictDirector,andExtensionDeanandDirector.
• Nocommitteewillbeappointedwithoutawrittenroledefinitionandexpectationsofthecommitteeandmembers.
• Dissolution:• Committee(s)maybedissolvedbytheState4-HProgram
AdministratorsubjecttoapprovaloftheDeanandDirectorofUniversityofNebraska–LincolnExtension.
14.4 AgeDivisionsfor4-HEvents:
Agedivisionsforcontestssometimesvary;therefore,itisimportanttorevieweventagerulesforspecificconteststhathavedistrict,regional,stateand/ornationalevents.
TheNEStateFairhasestablishedthefollowingagedivisions:
• IntermediateDivision:4-Hagesten(10)tothirteen(13)• SeniorDivision:4-Hagesfourteen(14)toeighteen(18)
Atthecountyanddistrictlevel,whentherearethreeagedivisionsavailable,suggestedagedivisionswouldbe:
• JuniorDivision:4-Hageseight(8)toten(10)•IntermediateDivision:4-Hageseleven(11)tothirteen(13)•SeniorDivision:4-Hagesfourteen(14)toeighteen(18)
14.5 NebraskaDistrict/RegionalEvents:
WhereDistrict/Regionaleventsareheld,registrationsshouldbemadethroughthelocalExtensionoffice.AgeeligibilitywillbeconsistentwithNebraska4-Hpolicy.Specificeventrulesandprocedureswillbelocatedonthestate4-Hwebpage:www.4h.unl.edu.
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14.6 StateEvents:
EntriesinState4-HcompetitiveeventswillbemadethroughthelocalExtensionofficeand/orindividuallyon-line.Entriesmaybeteamorindividualasgovernedbytheeventrulesandregulations.TheExtensionEducator/Assistantisresponsibleforcertifyingtheeligibilityof4-Hparticipantsfromthecounty.
14.6.1 Minimumrequirementstoholdastatecontest
Ifacontestdoesnothaveaminimumparticipationof20youthfromatleastfivedifferentcounties/unitsandtwodifferentExtensiondistricts,thecontestwillbeplacedonprobationforayear.If,duringtheprobationaryyear,participantnumbersdonotmeetorexceedtheminimumsabove,statesupportofthecontestwillbediscontinued.Whenanewcontestispiloted,thepilotyearwillnotbeincludedinprobation.
14.6.2 StateJudgingandRelatedContests
AnyteammemberthatparticipatesinthedesignatedNational4-Hcontestisineligibletocompeteagainasateammemberatthestatelevelcontest.Individuals,whoarepartofateamthatgotoaninvitationalcontestthatisnotthedesignatednationalcontest,areeligibletocompeteonateamatthestatelevelcontest.AllindividualswhoparticipateinadesignatedNationallevelcontestmayreturnandcompeteasanindividualinstatecompetition.Theseindividualscannotcompeteonateam.AnindividualmayenteraNational4-Hcompetitiveeventinaspecificprogramareaonlyonce.Participatingmembersofateamentry(eveniftheyaredesignatedalternatebylowscore)areineligibletoenterthesameeventagainasapartofanotherteamataNational4-Hcompetitiveevent.ThemembershipoftheteamataNationalContestmustbethesameindividualsthatparticipatedinthestateevent.
Examplesofthedesignatednationalcontestsforthesubjectmatterinclude,butarenotlimitedto:
• LivestockJudging:TheNational4-HLivestockJudgingContestattheNorthAmericanInternationalLivestockExpositioninLouisville,KY.
• MeatsJudging:TheNational4-HMeatsEvaluationandIdentificationContest,sponsoredbytheAmericanRoyalandAmericanMeatScienceAssociation,KansasCity,MO.
• LivestockSkillathon:TheNational4-HLivestockSkillathonContestattheNorthAmericanInternationalLivestockExpositioninLouisville,KY.
• LivestockQuizBowl:TheNational4-HLivestockQuizBowlBowlContestatAK-SAR-BEN’SRiverCityRodeo&StockShowinOmaha,NE.
• DairyCattleJudging:TheNational4-HDairyJudgingContestheldattheWorldDairyExpo,Madison,WI.
• HorseJudging:WesternNationalRoundupinDenver,CO.• HorticultureJudging:TheNationalJuniorHorticulturalAssociation
Convention(locationvariesbyyear).• ShootingSports:National4-HInvitational(locationvariesbyyear).
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14.7 UnitedStatesRegional&NationalEvents:
14.7.1 EligibilityRulesforRegionalandNationalEventsIndividuals/teamsrepresentingNebraskaatNationalcompetitiveeventswillbeconsistentwithcurrent“Guidelinesfor4-HMulti-StateCompetitiveEvents”ortherespectivepolicies/guidelinesforothernationalcontests.http://www.csrees.usda.gov/nea/family/res/pdfs/2011_competitive_events.pdf
Seerespectivecontestsforspecificage/eligibilityrequirements.Contestantsmustnothavecompletedpost-secondarycourseworkinthesubjectareaoftheNational4-Hcompetition,norhasheorsheparticipatedintrainingforpost-secondarycompetitioninthesubjectareaoftheNational4-Hcompetition.TheState4-HProgramLeaderordesigneeareresponsiblefordeterminingtheeligibilityofparticipantsinNational4-HCompetitiveEventsfromtheirrespectivestates.
ParticipantsinRegionalorNational4-Heventsmustmeettheeligibilityrequirementsoftheevent.
EntriesforRegionalorNationalcompetitive4-HeventswithoutqualifyingeventsandrestrictionsonparticipationshouldbemadethroughtheExtensionEducator/Assistant.
RegionalorNationaleventswithrestrictedrepresentationfromthestatewillhavedelegatesselectedunderthesupervisionandapprovalofthestate4-Hoffice.
WhentherearemoreNationaleventsthanfundedbytheState,additionalteams/individualsmayparticipateifgivenapprovalfromtheState4-HAdministrator.TheNebraska4-HFoundationwillnotprovidefundingforthesetrips.Nebraskawillhavenomorethanoneteamorindividual,dependingontheevent,represented,atanygivennationalevent.TeamsrepresentingNebraskaatthedesignatedNationaleventmusthavereceivednolessthanafifthplacerankingattheStatelevel.
14.8 OpenShows/Non-4-HCompetitiveEvents:
Participationisencouragedinotherorganizationalactivities.However,itisnotappropriatetoidentifyotherorganizationalactivitiesas4-H.ParticipationintheseactivitiesbyExtensionstaffdoesnotqualifytheactivityasa4-Hevent.Onlyactivitiesmeetingallthecriteriain14.3.2willbeidentifiedasa4-Hevent.
Fielddays,fairs,andothereventsnotpromotedoridentifiedas4-HandnotidentifyingUniversityofNebraska–LincolnExtensionasthesponsorarenotclassifiedas4-Hevents.4-Hassumesnoresponsibilityfortheseevents,norwilltheawardsfromtheseeventsbeconsideredas4-Hawards.Pleasenote,non-4-HCompetitiveEventsarenoteligiblefor4-Haccidentandliabilityinsurance.The4-Hnameandemblemshouldnotbeusedtopublicizetheseevents.
ProgressorProspectshowsshouldfollowtheguidelinespresentedabovetobeconsidereda4-Hevent.Tohelpstaffassesswhetherashowshouldbeadvertisedas4-H,“Progress/Prospect–TipsforStaff”isavailable:http://4h.unl.edu/c/document_library/get_file?uuid=c53ba91e-e4ad-4129-b0e9-e426067eaf68&groupId=466759&.pdf.
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14.9 ManagingClientComplaintsfor4-HCompetitiveEvents:
WhencomplaintsaretakentosomeoneotherthantheExtensionstaffpersonresponsiblefortheprogramoreventaboutwhichtheindividualhasacomplaint,theindividualreceivingthecomplaintwilldirecttheclienttotheresponsibleperson.TheindividualreceivingthecomplaintwillalerttheresponsibleExtensionstaffpersonthatacomplaintmaybereceived.
IfanExtensionstaffmemberorvolunteermadeanerrorresultinginanegativeoutcomeforaclientinvolvedinaprogramorevent,theExtensionstaffmemberresponsibleforthatprogramoreventwilldoeverythingpossibletoremoveorminimizethenegativeoutcomeincurredbytheclient.However,itshouldberecognizedthatincaseswheretheerrorinvolvesprogramsatadifferent“level”thanthatoftheExtensionstaffmember(i.e.National,RegionalorStatelevels),itmaynotbepossibletocompletelyeliminatethenegativeoutcome,asitisbeyondthesoledecisionofthatstaffmember.Itisexpectedthatallpartiesinvolvedwillusethehighestethicalstandardsandpositiveyouthdevelopmentprinciplestohandlethesituation.
Eachcountyisexpectedtohaveagrievancepolicytohandle4-Hrelatedissues/protests.Thegrievancepolicyforthe4-HStateFairislocatedinSection2.7ofthisdocument.Forothersituations,themostappropriategrievanceproceduremaybetheprocedureoutlinedinthecorrespondingcountyoreventrules.Clientshavingacomplaintshouldberemindedofthatprocedureandaskedtofollowtheprocedureiftheywishtofileagrievance.Grievancesdonothavetobeaddressedunlessthewrittenprocedurehasbeenfollowed.
ItissuggestedthatUNLExtensionstaffreviewtheguidelinesforgrievancesasateamannually.Atthesametime,complaintproceduresshouldbereviewedwithmembersofthe4-HCouncilsothattheyareawareoftheprotocoltofollowifacomplaintisreceived.
CommunicationisessentialbetweenExtensionstaffincountiesinvolvedwhenthecomplaintcrossescountylines.Staffmustworktogetherusingtheseguidelinestoresolvetheseissues.
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SECTION15
15. 4-HRoleinCounty/StateFairs
15.1 4-HRulesforCounty/StateFairs:
UniversityofNebraska–LincolnExtensionholdsresponsibilityincooperationwiththe4-HCounciland/orAgSociety/FairBoardfordeveloping4-Hrulesatall4-Hcountyfairsand4-Hevents.Theserulesmustbeconsistentwiththe4-Hmission,affirmativeactionregulations,agedefinitions,enrollment,methodsofparticipation,andplaceofresidence.
4-Hstaffinchargeofthe4-HprogramisresponsibleforcommunicatingwithandupholdingStateandNational4-Hpolicytothe4-HCouncilandtheAgSociety/FairBoard.
Local4-HfairrulesmustbeincompliancewithandwillnotsupersedeStateandNational4-Hpolicy;however,fairsmaydesignlocalclassesandeventsthatenhancetheeducationalmissionofthe4-Hprogram.Forexample:ClassesandeventsdesignedforCloverKidsmustnotbecompetitiveatanylevelintheorganization.Thoughbeginninglevelclassesdonotqualifyforstatefaircompetition,countiescanidentifybeginninglevelorcountyonlyclassesthataredifferentthanstatefairclasses/eventsforcompetitionatthelocallevel.
Inaddition,fairrulesshouldstrivetoofferprogramsthatare:
• Inthebestinterestofallyouth
• Educational
• Inclusivetoallfamilies
• Fun
Countiesshouldestablishagrievanceprocessinconjunctionwiththelocal4-HCounciland/orAgSociety/FairBoard.Forinformationondevelopingagrievanceprocesssee:(Section2.7,Grievances and Protests.)
15.2 MemorandumofUnderstanding(MOU)withCountyFairBoardorAgSociety
Themostcommonsourceofcomplaintsisthecompetitiveprocessrelatedtoacountyfair.Asaresult,aMemorandumofUnderstanding(MOU)wasdeveloped,outliningtherolesandresponsibilitiesofCountyExtensionBoardsandCountyAgriculturalSocieties/FairBoards.ThisMOUhasmanycomponents,includinganagreementthatUNLExtensionwillhaveagrievanceprocedureandthatCountyAgriculturalSocieties/FairBoardswillabidebythoseprocedures.ThisMOUprovidesUniversityLegalCounselthedocumentationnecessaryfortellingaclientoraclient’sattorneythatthevenuefortheircomplaintsregardingacountyfairistheAppealsandProtestProceduresasestablishedbytheCounty4-HCouncilandapprovedbytheCountyAgriculturalSociety/FairBoards.
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BenefitsofaMOU:
• Itclarifiespartnerrolesanddefinesresponsibilities.
• Itenhancescommunication.
• ItisaformalmechanismtogivetheFairBoardpermissiontousethe4-HNameandEmblemtoadvertisesanctioned4-Hevents.
• Itprovidesaclearprotocolforcommunications,especiallywhendifferencesoccur.
WhenaMOUdoesnotexist:
• ItistheresponsibilityoftheUnitAdministratortomakesurethe4-HNameandEmblemandthemissionof4-Hareproperlyused.
UpdatingtheMOU:
• Periodicreviewisrecommended,or
• Whenmajorreorganizationoccursbyoneormoreofthepartiesinvolved,or
• WhensuggestedbyUniversityofNebraska–LincolnExtensionadministrationorlegalcounsel.
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SECTION16
16. 4-HProjectsRequiringSpecialPolicy
16.1 AnimalScience:
16.1.1 EquineLimitedLiabilityLaw
4-HhorseactivitiesshouldonlybeconductedincompliancewiththeEquineLimitedLiabilityLaw.http://animalscience.unl.edu/web/anisci/anschorsesafetyandprecautions
or
http://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=25-21,253
Allhorseeventsshouldpostthefollowingsign:
WARNING!UnderNebraskalaw,anequineprofessionalisnotliableforaninjuryto,orthedeathofaparticipantinequineactivitiesresultingfromtheinherentrisksofequineactivitiespursuanttoSections25-21,249to25-21,253.
16.1.2 AnimalExhibitsforCloverKids
AnimalsandanimalsubjectmattercancontributetoCloverKidsobjectives.However,forsafety,liability,andcompetitivereasonsoftenassociatedwithlivestockshows,somerestrictionsarenecessarytomaintainCloverKidsprogramobjectives.TheCloverKidsprogramwillbedevelopmentallyappropriateandinvolvethefollowingcomponents:
• Encourageinvolvementofparentorsignificantadult
• Focusonself-esteemandprovidepositivefeedback
• Fosterthedevelopmentoflifeskillsthatareessentialforthecognitive,social,emotionalandphysicalmaturationofyouthbyprovidingauniqueeducationalopportunity
• Sharethroughcooperativelearning
• Noncompetitive—emphasizingfunandsuccessofeverychild
• Programsareactivity-focusedandnotprojectfocused
• Recognizeindividualsforparticipation
• Presentrecognitionandincentiveswithoutrankorplacing
Specificreasonsforbeingcautiouswithdirectlargeanimalinvolvementareasfollows:
• Childreneightandunderoftenlackthementalandphysicalskillsforcontrollingandunderstandingthestrengthoflargeanimals(LivestockConservationInstitute,1994).
• Youngchildrenmaylackthestrength,balance,andattentionspantoadequatelymanagelargeanimals(AmericanMedicalEquestrianAssociation,1993).
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4-H POLICY AND PROCEDURE HANDBOOKBecauseofthesereasons,CloverKidsprogramsinvolvingliveanimalsmustadheretothefollowing:
• Exhibitionincludesdiscussionswithyouthbasedontheirknowledgeofthecareandraisingoftheanimal.
• Exhibitorsshowinanon-competitivesettingforparticipationonly.
• Age,size,andtemperamentofanimalprojectsmustbeappropriatefortheexhibitor’sageandsize.
• Horseprojectsarenotallowedorappropriate.Beefanimalsweighingmorethan350poundsattimeofshowarenotallowedorappropriateforthisagegroupeither.
• Animalsthatareappropriateforthisagegroupincludebucketcalf,sheep,swine,goat,dog,poultry,rabbit,cat,andcompanionanimals.
• Therewillbeoneadult/teenvolunteerpresentforeveryCloverKidmemberthatishandlingorexhibitinganimals.Thisappliestoallanimalprojects.
• Allowableanimalsshouldbenomorethansixmonthsofageandnomorethan350poundsattimeofshow.
• Exhibitorsinthisagegrouparenotallowedtoselltheiranimalthroughalivestocksaleorpremiumauction.
16.2 ATV(AllTerrainVehicles)Training:
16.2.1 ATVSafetyProgramOverview
The4-HATVSafetyprogramhelpsyoungpeople,parents,caregiversandothercommunitymemberscometogethertohelpensurethateveryATVrideisasaferide.Parentsandotheradultshavealotofpowerwhenworkingwithyoungpeople.TheyneedtoexercisethatpowerbydirectlysupervisingandeducatingyoungridersinsafebehaviorswhileonandaroundATVs.4-HATVinstructorswillusetheATVSafetyInstitutecurriculumwhentraining4-Hmembersandfamilies.CareshouldbetakentoalsofollowNebraskastatute,Section60-6,356All-terrain vehicle; operation; restrictions; city or village ordinance; county board resolutionandUNLSafeOperatingProceduresforATVsforsupervisors(educators)andoperators(4-Hparticipants),whichrequirealloperatorsto:
• Readtheowner’smanualandreceivehands-ontraining.
• UseandmaintainATVsinaccordancewiththeinstructionsintheowner’smanual.
• Wearhelmets,eyeprotection,longpants,protectiveclothingsuchasgloves,gogglesandlongsleeveshirtsorjacketsandsturdyworkbootswithanklesupportwhenoperatinganATV.
• Ridealone.NooperatorshouldevercarryapassengeronanATV.
• Useanappropriatesizemachine,asrecommendedbytheATVSafetyInstitute(ASI).
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AllstaffandvolunteersprovidingATVtrainingto4-Hmembersmust:
• BeanATVSafetyInstituteand/or4-Hcertifiedinstructor.
• DocumentATVtrainingprovidedwithasignedstatementthateachoperatorhasreadtheowner’smanual,receivedhands-ontrainingandunderstanditscontents.
FormoreinformationATVpolicyandtraininginformationgoto:
• http://www.atv-youth.org/
• http://ehs.unl.edu/sop/s-atv_driver.pdf.
• http://www.atvsafety.gov/legislation/Nebraskalaw.pdf
16.3 ShootingSports:
16.3.1 ShootingSportsProgramOverviewTheNebraska4-HShootingSportsProgramisadministeredbyanationallycertifiedstatecommitteeconsistingofExtensionstaffandvolunteers.Theprogramisdesignedto:
• Giveyouthsafeinstructionandtrainingintheuseoffirearms,archeryequipment,andconservation;
• Enhanceself-confidence,personaldevelopment,responsibility,andsportsmanship;
• Createanappreciationandunderstandingofnaturalresources;and
• Providevolunteerinstructorssafeandproperinstructionaltechniquesandinformationonhowtoplanandmanageshootingandconservationclubs.
Theprogramreliesonstate4-Hcertifiedandtrainedinstructorstoconductclassesinthevariousdisciplines(Archery,Rifle,Pistol,Shotgun,MuzzleLoading,andHuntingSkills).Theprogramrequires4-Hcertifiedandtrainedinstructorstoadheretothesafetyrulesandregulationsasdirectedbytheprogram.
The4-HShootingSportsProgramisayouthdevelopmenteducationprogramthatusesapreventioneducationmodelthatstronglyemphasizespositiveyouth-adultinteractionandpeerleadership.Itusesskillsanddisciplinesofsafeshootingandconservationtoassistyoungpeopleandtheirleadersinattainingknowledgeanddevelopingessentiallifeskills.Theprogramcanenhancefamilycommunicationsandqualitytimetogether.Itcreatesanenvironmentforacaringrelationshipbetweenayoungpersonandasignificantadult(familymember,otheradult,orateenvolunteer).Theseactivitiesprovidetheopportunityforimmediategratificationtotheyouthandsatisfactionandself-worthtotheadult/teenleaderwhoisactingasateacherandrolemodelforyounger4-Hmembers.
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16.3.2 MinimumStandardsforaShootingSportsProgram
TheNebraska4-HShootingSportsAdvisoryCommitteerecognizesthediversityofthe4-Hshootingsportsprogramswithinthestateandhasestablishedthefollowingminimumstandards:
• AllinstructorsacceptandabidebytheNebraska4-HShootingSportsCodeofEthics.
• The4-HCurriculumistheestablishedandacceptedcurriculumforteachingyouth.
• Itisinthebestinterestsofadultleadersand4-Hyouththattherecognized4-HcurriculumisutilizedinconjunctionwithawrittenRiskManagementplan.
• Thedrivingforceofthe4-Hshootingsportscurriculumistoteachyouthlifeskills,asopposedtoteachingshootingskillstoyouth.
• Theprogramisopentoallyouth.Youthmustbe4-Hageeightyearsoldtoenrollinashootingsportsprojectexceptfortheshotgunandmuzzleloadingprojects.Youthmustbe4-Hagenineyearsoldtoenrollinshotgunandmuzzleloadingprojects.
• All4-Hshootingsportsprojects,eventsandprogramsmustbeconductedbya4-Hshootingsportstrainedandcertifiedinstructoroftheappropriatediscipline.
• Certificationsbyothernationalorganizationsareawelcomesupplementtothe4-Hshootingsportscertificationprocess.
Thefollowingminimumguidelinesforinstructortrainingatthestatelevelareadheredto:
• Allcertifiedadult4-Hvolunteerswithsupervisoryresponsibilitiesintheshootingsportsprogramareaminimumof19yearsofageorolder.
• Allstatelevelcertificationworkshopsmustprovideaminimumoftwelve(12)hoursofinstruction,includingaminimumofeight(8)hoursinstructionineachspecificdisciplinetakenandaminimumoffour(4)hoursinstructioninteachingyouthdevelopmentandlifeskills.
• Allinstructorsmustteachatleastonceeverytwo(2)yearstoremaincertified.
• Teens,ages14to18,whichhavesuccessfullycompletedastateornationalsponsoredworkshop,mayassistacertifiedinstructorwhileundertheirdirectsupervisionasaJuniorInstructor.
TheNebraska4-HShootingSportsPolicycanbefoundat:http://4h.unl.edu/web/4h/shootingsports
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17. 4-HTrips
TheUniversityofNebraska–LincolnhasastronginterestinprotectingthesafetyofyouthinallUNL-sponsoredprogramsandevents,includingthoseofferedthroughtheUNLExtension4-HYouthDevelopmentProgram.
Therefore,inSeptember2012,theUniversityofNebraska–LincolnimplementedaYouthActivitySafetyPolicyinordertoprovideasafe,educationalandenjoyableactivity/programexperienceforallparticipants.
ThispolicyprovidesminimumspecificguidelinesforactivitiessponsoredbytheUniversityofNebraska–Lincoln.UNLreservestherighttodiscontinueanactivityiffoundtobeinviolationofthesepolicies.Thepolicycanbereviewedat:http://police.unl.edu/policies/youth-activity-safety-policy.
17.1 TripApproval&CrisisManagementForm:
All4-Hstate-to-stateexchanges,nationalandmulti-statetripsmustreceivetripapprovalbyDistrictandStateadministrationpriortotheevent.Allappropriateapprovaldocumentationistobesubmittedpriortothetrip.Thefollowinginformationmustbedocumented.
• Educationalpurpose/impact
• Itinerary/lengthoftrip
• Budgetdescription
• HealthFormscompleted
• Codeofethicssignedbyparticipants/parents/guardians
• Crisismanagementplanningformcompleted
• Travelauthorizationforms(requiredforExtensionstaffonly)
• Listofchaperonesandparticipants
• Volunteersandstaffmusthavecompletedthevolunteerscreeningprocess
o ProofofchaperonecompletionoftheNebraskaChaperoneTrainingcourse,We Protect Staff, Volunteer and Youth.(Enrollmentinstructions:http://4h.unl.edu/c/document_library/get_file?uuid=70b8e237-dfcb-4b43-b6a8-0b8111441cfe&groupId=466759&.pdf)
• CPRandFirstAidPlan
• Intheeventofanemergency,usetheCrisisManagementPlanningFormtocommunicatewiththeproperchainofcommand.TheCrisisManagementPlanningFormislocatedat:http://4h.unl.edu/c/document_library/get_file?uuid=fdbde6e0-7f65-4ed0-bbe5-3164095c8102&groupId=466759&.pdf
17.2 TripChaperones:
Staffandvolunteerswhoarechaperoning4-Hmembersduring4-HovernighteducationaleventsandactivitiesarerequiredtocompletetheYouthProtection4-HVolunteerScreeningformandNebraskaChaperoneTrainingcoursepriortochaperoningatriporevent.Failuretofulfilltheserequirementswilldisqualifyanyvolunteerorstaffmemberfromservice.(SeeSection10,formoreinformationonRiskManagement).
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• Theminimumrecommendedadult/youthratiois1:10,orone4-Hfaculty/stafforvolunteerforeverytendelegates.Groupsshouldbeaccompaniedbyadultswithspecificallydefinedresponsibilitiesandexpectations.Regardlessofthesizeofthedelegation,effortsshouldbeencouragedforadditionalchaperonestoberecruitedfromscreenedvolunteersandparents.
• Adultchaperonesshouldreflectthesamegenderratioastheyouthdelegation.Genderbalancemaybenegotiatedwithanotherdelegation.ThiscriterionwillbeconsideredfortripapprovalbyDistrictandStateadministration.
• Screenedvolunteersfromanotherstatewhoarevolunteering/chaperoningforNebraska4-HmaybeacceptedwiththeapprovaloftheNebraskaState4-HProgramAdministrator.
• Oneadultmustneverbealonewithoneyouth.Staff/volunteerswillneverputthemselvesinthepositiontobeone-on-onewithanon-relatedyouth.
• Extensionpersonnelwillnottravelalonewitha4-Hmemberunlessthe4-Hmemberistheirchild.
• Volunteersmustpresentproofofcurrentdriver’slicense.(ThisisforeventsUNLprovidestransportationfor,notfamiliestransportingtheiryouthtoanevent.)
• Allvolunteers,presenters,andhelpersarrangedbyUNLwillneedtobescreenedthroughthestateandnationalsexoffenderregistry.
17.2.1 Housing
Toprovidefortheappropriatehousingofyouthandadults:
• 4-Hpaidorvolunteerstaffmustnotroomwithnon-relatedyouth.
• Inanovernightcampingsituation,adormitorysettingorinagroupsponsoredallnightactivity,theremustbeaminimumoftwoadultspresent.
• Abedorsleepingbagisneversharedbypaidstafforvolunteerstaffandyouth.
• Room/cabincheckswillbedonebytwostaffmembers.
• Avoidusingbathroomswithyouth.
17.3 YouthTravelOpportunities:
Rulesforchaperoneandyouthparticipantswillvarybytrip/event.Forinformationaboutspecificyouthtrips,gotothedesignatedwebsite;examplesinclude:
• CitizenshipWashingtonFocus(CWF).
• National4-HCongress.
• National4-HConference.
• Competitiveevents(PASE:PremierAnimalScienceEvent;CloverChallenge;LifeChallenge.)
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SECTION18
18. FederalRegulations
Nebraska4-Hcomplieswithallfederalregulations.Thefollowingsectionsaretakendirectlyfromfederalpolicyandrequirements.Moredetailedinformationoneachoftheseareascanbeobtainedfromthe4-HNationalHeadquarterswebpage:
http://www.csrees.usda.gov/youthdevelopment4h.cfm.
18.1 FraudulentUseof4-HEmblem-PublicLaw772:
PublicLaw772
[CITE:18USC707]
TITLE18--CRIMESANDCRIMINALPROCEDURE
PARTI--CRIMESCHAPTER33--EMBLEMS,INSIGNIA,ANDNAMES
Sec.707.4-Hclubemblemfraudulentlyused
Whoever,withintenttodefraud,wearsordisplaysthesignoremblemofthe4-Hclubs,consistingofagreenfour-leafcloverwithstem,andtheletterHinwhiteorgoldoneachleaflet,oranyinsigniaincolorableimitationthereof,forthepurposeofinducingthebeliefthatheisamemberof,associatedwith,oranagentorrepresentativeforthe4-Hclubs;or
Whoever,whetheranindividual,partnership,corporationorassociation,otherthanthe4-Hclubsandthosedulyauthorizedbythem,therepresentativesoftheUnitedStatesDepartmentofAgriculture,thelandgrantcolleges,andpersonsauthorizedbytheSecretaryofAgriculture,uses,withintheUnitedStates,suchemblemoranysign,insignia,orsymbolincolorableimitationthereof,orthewords“4-HClub”or“4-HClubs”oranycombinationoftheseorotherwordsorcharactersincolorableimitationthereof—
Shallbefinedunderthistitleorimprisonednotmorethansixmonths,orboth.
Thissectionshallnotmakeunlawfultheuseofanysuchemblem,sign,insigniaorwordswhichwaslawfulonthedateofenactmentofthistitle.
(June25,1948,ch.645,62Stat.733;Pub.L.103-322,titleXXXIII,Sec.330016(1)(E),Sept.13,1994,108Stat.2146.)
18.2 SocialSecurityContribution:
TheSocialSecurityActrequiresallcharitable/educationalorganizations(unlessspecificallyexempted)tomakesocialsecuritycontributionsforeachemployeewhoispaid$100ormoreinacalendaryear.Thisincludesemployeesof4-Hcamps,fairassistants,andpart-timepara-professionals.TheorganizationpayingtheindividualssalariesisliableforthepaymentofSocialSecuritytaxes.Forexceptions,checkwithyourlocalSocialSecurityoffice.
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4-H POLICY AND PROCEDURE HANDBOOK18.3 Religionand4-HYouthDevelopmentPrograms:
TheUnitedStatesDepartmentofAgriculture(USDA),whichishometo4-HNationalHeadquartersandthe4-HYouthDevelopmentProgram,prohibitsdiscriminationinallitsprogramsandactivitiesonthebasisofrace,color,nationalorigin,gender,religion,age,disability,politicalbeliefs,andmaritalorfamilystatus.Asaresult,4-Hprogramsmusthavesecularpurposesfocusedoneducationandmustnotadvancereligion.Promotingreligion,orexplicitlyorimplicitlyrequiringreligionorpracticesthatspecificallysupportonedenomination,suchasChristianity,asaconditionforparticipationin4-Hclubmeetingsoractivitiesnotonlyhasreligiouspurpose,ithastheobviouseffectofpromotingonereligionoverothersandcancreateabarrierforparticipationamongothergroups.If4-Hactivitiesandprogramsincludedprescribedreligiousprayers,scriptures,orreligiouscomponentstoclubbylaws,activities,ornames,itwouldinjectimpermissiblesectarianovertones.Suchviolationscouldcreatetheimpressionthat4-Hisnotopentoparticipationbyall.
4-Hparticipationinreligiousactivitiesdoesnotviolatethe“separationofChurchandState”when:1)Thepurposeofparticipatingissecular;2)theprimaryeffectofparticipatingwillnotbetoadvancereligion;and3)theparticipationwillnotexcessivelyentangletheaffairsofthegovernmentwiththeaffairsofthechurch.
Iftheschedulingofreligiousprayers,forexample,reflectsasecularpurposeofsettingatoneofsolemnitypriortoameetingormeal,andtheprayersarenondenominationalorvariousprayersreflectingavarietyofreligioustraditionsareutilized,thenthiswouldbeacceptable.4-Hprogramsmayalsoengageinactivitiesthatneitheradvancenorinhibitreligion,allowingmomentsofsilence,forexample.
http://www.csrees.usda.gov/nea/family/res/pdfs/Religion_2011.pdf
18.4 TitleIXand4-HYouthDevelopmentPrograms:
TitleIXoftheEducationAmendmentsof1972(TitleIX)proscribesdiscriminationonthebasisofsexinanyeducationalprogramoractivityreceivingFederalfinancialassistance.SinceCooperativeExtension4-HProgramsreceiveFederalfinancialassistanceforeducationprograms,theymustadheretoUSDAregulationsprohibitingdiscriminationonthebasisofsex.
Consistentwiththeseregulations,noStateExtensionmayhaveanexclusiveorformallysex-segregated4-Hprogram.Although,someindividual4-Hclubsattractmembersofonlyonesex,thisistheresultofinterestsandchoiceandshouldnotbearequirementofmembership.
GenderspecificcompetitionsandawardsarenotpermissibleunderTitleIXoftheEducationalAmendmentsenactedbyCongressin1972.Thisactstates:
“NopersonintheUnitedStatesshall,onthebasisofsex,beexcludedfromparticipationin,bedeniedthebenefitsof,orbesubjecttodiscriminationunderanyeducationprogramoractivityreceivingFederalfinancialassistance.”
Thismeansthatthepracticeofarrangingcompetitionsorawardingtripsorotherawards,scholarships,etc.onthebasisofmaleorfemalecategoriesisnotacceptablein4-HYouthDevelopmentPrograms.Inallcases,therequirementsforcompetitionsmustprovideequalaccessforallyouthandmustnotbedesignedtocreatebarrierstoparticipation.
http://www.csrees.usda.gov/nea/family/res/pdfs/Title_IX_rev_2011.pdf
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4-H POLICY AND PROCEDURE HANDBOOK18.5 4-HLivestockSales
4-HYouthraisinglivestockandotherfarmanimalstobesoldatauctions,countyandstatefairsandother4-Heventshaslongbeenavitalpartofthe4-Heducationalexperience.TheincomereceivedandthefundspaidattheseeventsaresubjecttoFederaltaxlawsandInternalRevenueService(IRS)regulations.
http://www.csrees.usda.gov/nea/family/res/pdfs/Sales_Auctions.pdf
TheInternalRevenueServiceOfficeofGovernmentalLiaisonhasprovidedthe4-HNationalHeadquarters-USDAwithasetofFAQ’sregardingthetaxabilityand1099filingsrequiredfromthesalesoflivestockatcountyfairs.
http://www.csrees.usda.gov/nea/family/res/pdfs/Livestock_rev_2011.pdf