EXTENSION 4-H POLICY AND PROCEDURES HANDBOOK

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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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 Natureofconcerns




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 Causeofcomplaintorappeal




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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SECTION5

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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4-H POLICY AND PROCEDURE HANDBOOKSECTION6

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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4-H POLICY AND PROCEDURE HANDBOOK8.8.1 ClubDissolutionClausetobeincludedinClubBylaws

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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4-H POLICY AND PROCEDURE HANDBOOK3. AllExtensionemployeesusingsocialmediashouldmaintainacleardistinction

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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4-H POLICY AND PROCEDURE HANDBOOKSECTION17

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

Documents

EXTENSION 4-H POLICY AND PROCEDURES HANDBOOK