4-H Policies

4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT POLICIES IN ONONDAGA COUNTY
2008-2009

4-H CLUB GOALS AND OBJECTIVES IN ONONDAGA COUNTY 2008-2009

The goal of participating in a 4-H Club experience is that participants will learn life skills that help them to be healthy and productive citizens. They will develop citizenship skills as they become more aware of the importance in being involved within their community. Through the activities of a 4-H Club, participants will develop a desire for the lifelong learning. They will learn how to effectively work in a group as part of a team through practice of communication, leadership, and team building skills. As people participate in the 4-H Club experience, they will make thoughtful decisions, learn and use practical skills that will build self-confidence and positive attitudes towards themselves and others.

4-H CLUB AND INDEPENDENTS POLICIES IN ONONDAGA COUNTY

1. 4-H clubs are one part of the 4-H Youth Development Program of the Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Onondaga County. Employment and program opportunities are offered to all people regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability. Procedures for taking in new members must be non-discriminatory.



2. Minimum size of a group will be 5 members and Clubs may establish limits in the maximum size of the group. They must keep a waiting list and accept new members as they rank on the list



3. 4-H enrollment is open to youth who reach an eighth birthday by September 30, 2008 and have not reached their nineteenth birthday by January 1, 2009. This is based on nationally established guidelines and follows rules and regulations for participation in State Fair.



4. 4-H members are requested to contribute $15.00 per year, a maximum contribution of $30.00 per family. These funds help defray such costs as 4-H News, insurance coverage, one leader and member project publication per year, and supporting educational activities. Enrollment forms for re-enrolling members and volunteers due Oct. 1st. New enrollments are due within one month of joining club. No youth may be denied enrollment due to inability to pay enrollment fee. An application for a Waiver of Fee may be obtained from Cooperative Extension. 4-H enrollment and participation in 4-H activities and events will not be contingent on purchasing outside instructional lessons, services, or membership in another organizations or businesses.



5. Some activities may require 4-H enrollment and/or advanced registration. Selected activities may also have age limitations. Such restrictions are noted in the specific activity announcements.



6. The 4-H year starts October 1 and ends September 30 of the following year. Each 4-H member must complete at least one project in order to be considered an active member. All members are expected to keep a yearly record of their 4-H projects and activities on forms provided by Cooperative Extension or downloaded from our web site.



7. 4-H, as part of the Cornell and Federal Cooperative Extension system, prohibits leaders from endorsing any particular product or service.



8. Any 4-H club with a treasury or possession may use them as the members decide. It is recommended that if a club has a substantial treasury, they open a bank account. It is advisable that a yearly audit of funds be made following standard business practices. A club or group should not carry a balance exceeding $500 into the new fiscal year without review and approval of the CCE Onondaga County Executive Director.
   
   Clubs must complete a "Financial Statement" each year due September 24th. Clubs are discouraged from accumulating assets in excess of what is needed for the club year. Funds should be used by the end of the club year for the members' benefit. When clubs disband, it is encouraged that the remaining treasury balances be donated to Cornell Cooperative Extension of Onondaga County 4-H Designated Fund. Clubs without treasuries are required to document that they do not have any funds by completing Form L-18, found in the 4-H Leader Manual.
   
   All fund raising efforts by 4-H clubs must be cleared through the County 4-H staff to avoid conflicts of interest or selling unwarranted products. A "Request for Permission To Raise Funds in the Name of 4-H" form is available from 4-H staff.



9. For a 4-H Club or 4-H program to hold an event in a place that requires a signed contract and/or a certificate of insurance, call a 4-H staff member one month in advance with complete details. Under no circumstances should a representative of your club or program/event sign any document.


CCE of Onondaga County Association does not condone and will not assume responsibility for youth being transported by drivers who are under 21 years of age.

Cornell Cooperative Extension insurance provides only excess liability coverage for enrolled 4-H adult volunteers who use their own personal vehicles for 4-H business.


10. (a). Club leaders should keep a completed "Permission Slip and Medical Release Form" for each member for the entire club year. Forms are available from Cooperative Extension. Independent members must submit forms to CCE office along with the enrollment/re-enrollment card. Some programs will require 4-H members carry completed health and parental permission forms on them at all times.


(b). 4-H Clubs and countywide activity program participants traveling out of Onondaga County must follow a specific "Emergency Procedure Plan" as outlined by Cooperative Extension. Call 4-H staff two weeks prior to the program for verification of who is participating, chaperones involved, destination, and the purpose of the trip.


11. All policies affecting the County 4-H Program are adopted by the Cornell Cooperative Extension Association Board of Directors. They reserve the right to revise existing policies and establish new policies without prior notification.

4-H CODE OF BEHAVIOR

The following guidelines have been adopted by the Board of Directors to ensure the education, safety and enjoyment of participating Onondaga County youth in 4-H programs and activities. These guidelines also clarify the role and responsibilities of the persons in charge and the youth involved.

ADULT:

• Has capacity to fulfill responsibilities as defined by NYS 4-H Volunteer Position Description, abides by the CCE Volunteer Code of Conduct, and adheres to CCE Volunteer Policy including submitting to background checks.


• Fulfill outlined volunteer requirements with no monetary compensation.


• New leaders are required to attend an orientation meeting.


• Be supportive of the CCE program and its activities at all levels.


• Affirm that the CCE program actively seeks members from every race, ethnic, religious, and social-economic group


• Supply CCE office with all information about changes in the group or club, including memberships, as they occur.


• Serves as advisor to club officers.


• Arranges appropriate meeting facilities.


• Ensures that the club and its membership play an active and visible role in the community, such as completing one community service project per year, and report activity by year end.


• Ensures that information about meetings, events, activities, other opportunities and program or policy updates are communicated to members, leaders and parents in a timely manor. Maintains record of meetings for CCE staff review upon request. Notifies CCE staff for unique meetings, such as trail rides or activities outside the county.


• All leaders are required to attend at least one of three leader-training workshops per year.

YOUTH:

• Obey all regulations set forth at scheduled events.


• Behave in a polite manner that respects the rights and feelings of others.


• Listen to and cooperate with persons in charge.


• Be on time and at designated meeting places.


• Should not use or tolerate the use of alcohol or drugs at 4-H functions.


• Wear clothing appropriate for the event or activity.

Behavior problems occur rarely at 4-H events. If they do occur, persons in charge will deal with them immediately. In cases of repeated unacceptable behavior, the parents or guardians will be notified to make arrangements for the youth to be returned home at the family's expense. In the case of repeated unacceptable behavior by adults, they will be asked to leave the event.


*Protected under 18 U.S.C. 707

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