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Washington State 4-H Youth Development Program Policy

INTRODUCTION

4-H is the youth development program of Wash-ington State University Extension. As the largestyouth development organization in Washington,4-H reaches more than 85,000 young people. The4-H Youth Development Program helps youngpeople and adults put knowledge to work in all ofWashington's 39 counties, cities, and towns.

4-H teaches life skills that lead young peopleto become self-directing, positive, contributingmembers of our society. These life skills includepositive self-esteem, effective communication, a

sense of responsibility to oneself and one's com-munity, sound decision making, and a strong senseof belonging. These skills give young people thetools necessary for successful adulthood. The 4-Hmission is reached through a number of deliverymethods that relate to the total concept of youthdevelopment.

The 4-H Youth Development Program is madepossible through a cooperative partnershipbetween federal, state, tribal, and local govern-ments, Washington State University, the UnitedStates Department of Agriculture, professionalstaff, volunteets, and youth.

This statement of program policy clarifies rolesand constitutes a working agreement for youthdevelopment. The following policies are in effectfor all persons associated with the WashingtonState University Extension 4-H Youth DevelopmentProgram. 4-H is the administrative responsibil-ity of Extension's State Program Director for 4-HYouth Development. A county may have policiesmore restrictive than the state policies, but not less

restrictive. The Program Director should be notifiedof any policies which differ from the state policiesand may disapprove the policy if, at the ProgramDirector's discretion, the policy does not positivelyadvance the mission, philosophy, or goals of the4-H Youth Development Program or is contrary tolaw. A request to waive state policy must be direct-ed to the State Program Director. Any policy at thestate or local level must be consistent with law toremain effective.

Washington State 4-H members, parents andfamilies, professionals, and volunteers are expected

to conduct themselves in a courteous, ethical,and respectful manner, and provide a positiverole model for others. All are expected to respect,adhere to, and consistently enforce the rules, poli-cies, and guidelines established by their individualcounty's 4-H program, the Washington State 4-HYouth Development Program, and WashingtonState University Extension.

The consumption of alcohol or illegal drugs byyouth or adults (volunteers and parents) is incon-sistent with positive youth development. There-fore, alcohol cannot be consumed at any 4-H eventwhere youth are present.

Youth, parents, volunteers, professionals, and otheradults will exercise ethical decision making based onthe agreed upon values of trustworthiness, respect,responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship.

Discrimination in the 4-H Youth DevelopmentProgram because of race, color, religion, nationalorigin, gender, disabiliry or sexual orientation iscontrary to law and to the purposes and policies ofExtension, WSU, and the USDA. Washington StateUniversity policies against discrimination apply tothe 4-H Youth Development Program. WSU Exten-sion 4-H Youth Development has a responsibility,when requested, to make reasonable accommoda-tion for persons with disabilities and ensure thatits programs do not discriminate. WSU sharesresponsibility in this effort with county, state,tribal, federal, and private partners.

MEMBERSHIP

1. Membership in 4-H is open to youth in kinder-garten who have reached their 5th birthday(before January 1 of the current 4-H year),through those in the 12th grade or who havenot reached their 19th birthday (beforeJanuary1 of the current 4-H year). Special Educationyouth, older than 79, may enroll with theapproval of the County 4-H Educator.

2. The following groups are identified for specialprograms and activity participation, incudingall competitive events/activities, within the 4-HYouth Development Program:

Primary: K-2nd grades

Junior: 3rd-5th gradesIntermediate: 6th-8th gradesSenior: 9 th-lzth grades

A 4-H participant's "4-H Grade" shall be deter-mined as follows:

a. In-School Youth

The "4-H Grade" for youth who are en-rolled in schools that assign grade levels tostudents will be the same grade in whichthey are currently enrolled in school.(Note: The member's "4-H Grade" remainsthe same throughout the summer until Oc-tober 1.) This is the most common determi-nation for grade level among 4-H youth.

b. Non-Grade, Home-School, or Out-of-SchoolYouthYouth who are enrolled in schools thatdo not assign grade levels, youth who arehome-schooled, or youth who are notenrolled in school shall be assigned a "4-HGrade" based upon the following "Age toGrade Conversion Chart." The "4-H Grade"will be determined based upon the partici-pant's age on January 1 of the current 4-Hyear (October 1 through September 30).It will automaticallv advance one year onOctober 1.

Age to Grade Conversion Chart forNon-Graded, Home-Schooled and

Out-of-School Youth

Age onJanuary 1

"4-H Gtade" fromSeptember 1 through

August 31

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10 5

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13 8

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15 10

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1B13 (One year out of

High School

3. Members must be in the 3rd grade and havereached their 8th birthday before January 1 ofthe current 4-H year to be eligible for:

. Competitive situations, including livestockshows or sales.

. Enrollment in large animal projects includingbeef, dairy, goat, equine, sheep, Ilama, andswine.

. Enrollment in shooting sports proiects.

. Enrollment in projects using motorizedvehicles.

. Enrollment in food preservation projectsusing hot water bath or pressure canningmethods.

4. Cross-age competitive events are not allowed.

5. Primary 4-H members may participate in age-appropriate activities and projects. Projectsrecommended for Primary youth include: Dog,Cat, Poultry Rabbit, Pygmy or Miniature Goat,Horseless Horse, Calry, Exploring the Worldof Small Animals, Exploring Farm Animals, Dis-covery, Creative Arts, Performing Arts, Aero-space, Bicycle, Computer, Photography, Cloth-ing, Snackin' Healthy, Just Outside the Door,and Exploring 4-H.

Primary 4-H members may not participate incompetitive activities.

6. Marriage and/or parenthood are not barriers to4-H membership, provided other membershiprequirements are met.

7. The county of residence is the primary countyfor 4-H enrollment. Youth are encouraged toenroll in their home county. A 4-H membercannot be enrolled in the same project in twodifferent counties at the same time. Borderingcounties may determine local guidelines forcross-county enrollment, with notification tothe State 4-H Program Director.

8. 4-H members transferring from one county toanother are accepted by that county and givenfull credit for their past 4-H work or achieve-ments.

9. Individual 4-H members must be enrolledthrough the County Extension Office and theWashington State 4-H Office in order to partici-pate in statewide functions.

10. Funds may be collected to cover the cost of sup-plies and materials or user, conference, and event

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fees. Counties may charge a voluntary, nominalfee for program operation. Collecting this feemust not be a barrier to membership enrollment.

Persons with disabilities have the right torequest and receive reasonable accommoda-tion. Each youth and event must be evaluatedindividually, assessing whether the youth isqualified for the event and whether he or shewould be able to participate in the event withor without accommodation. As long as theyouth meets essential requirements of theactivity, participation is welcomed.

ORGANIZATION

4-H delivery modes include:

a. Organized 4-H Club-an organized groupof youth, led by an adult, with a plannedprogram that is carried on throughout all ormost of the year. 4-H clubs may meet in anylocation and typically have elected officersand a set of rules approved by the member-ship to govern the club.i. Community clubs typically meet in the

evenings or on weekends and offer self-chosen multiple learning experiences andactivities.

li. In-school clubs meet during school hoursand have officers and planned activitiesbeyond school enrichment.

lli. 4-H after-school clubs are organizedwithin child care settings and includeofficers and planned activities.

iv. Military 4-H clubs are organized by theArmed Forces, often on military install-tions, and principally for military depen-dents.

b. Special Interest/Short-Term Programs-agroup of youth meeting for a specific learn-ing experience that involves direct teachingby Extension staff or trained volunteers,including teachers. The program is not partof school curriculum.

c. 4-H Camping-youth taking part in anExtension-planned educational experience ofgroup living in the out-of-doors.i. Overnight camping includes being away

from home at least one night (resident,primitive, or travel camping).

Li. Day camping consists of multiple-dayprograms, with youth returning homeeach evening.

d. School Enrichment-groups of youthreceiving a sequence of learning experiences

in cooperation with school officials duringschool hours to support the school curricu-lum. Direct teaching is done by Extensionstaff or trained volunteers, including teachers.

e. Individual Study/Mentoring/FamilyLearning-planned learning that occursindependently of a formal group setting as

an individual, paired, or family learningeffort. Examples include self-study, homestudy courses, advanced placement courses,mentoring or shadowing with an "expert,"and families learning together.

f. School-Aged Chitd Care Education-educational programs offered to youthoutside of school hours, usually in a schoolor other community center and incorporat-ing 4-H curricula. The primary purpose is toprovide care for youth while parents areworking or unavailable.

g. Instructional TVlVideo-learning experi-ences through Extension via broadcast, TV,satellite, or videotape replays of such series.

4-H enrollment constitutes a minimum of sixhours of contact throughout the 4-H year.

The 4-H program year is October 1 throughSeptember 30.

Funds: The State 4-H Program Director has thesole discretion to determine whether a proce-dure, use, or activity related to funds raised,held, or expended using the 4-H emblem is con-sistent with the 4-H mission and policies. Fundsraised by a 4-H club or group must be carefullyaccounted for and used only to directly sup-port the 4-H program as outlined in C1059E,Leader's Guide to Handling Funds in the 4-HYouth Development Program. Annual audits aredueJanuary 31 to the County Extension Office.Additional audits can be required at any timeby WSU Extension.

If raffles or bingo-type games are used to raisemoney, follow the guidelines for conducting theseactivities issued by the State Gambling Commis-sion. Copies are available at the County ExtensionOffice or online at http://www.wsgc.wa.gov/.

County Extension offices, in cooperation withthe State 4-H Program Director, are responsiblefor all funds generated using the 4-H name andemblem. WSU Extension 4-H youth educatorsor WSU Extension County directors must havesignature authority for oversight on all central-ized 4-H accounts beyond individual club/unitIevels, such as 4-H Leaders Councils, individually-

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held profect group accounts, ect. Funds raisedand properties acquired in the name of 4-H mustcontinue to be used for that purpose even if theoriginal 4-H unit is disbanded. Funds cannot bedivided among group members for personal gain.If a 4-H unit is disbanded, the State 4-H ProgramDirector must approve the dispersal of the unit'sfunds and assets. Acceptable dispersal of fundsand assets may include transferring the funds orassets to the County 4-H central leadership body,to other units which do similar functions oractivities, or to the county Extension program.

5. The Washington State 4-H Foundation is a pri-vate foundation created expressly to raise fundsto support 4-H programs throughout Wash-ington State. Therefore, the Washington 4-HFoundation is the authorized fund developmentarm of the 4-H program.

VOLUNTEER STAFF

1. Volunteer staff includes adults and youths inIeadership and support roles.

2. 4-H members can provide volunteer leadershipthrough the 4-H Leadership Project and byenrolling as a Youth Leader.

3. An adult volunteer must be at least 18 years oldand not enrolled as a 4-H member.

4. Potential 4-H volunteers apply by completingthe WSU 4-H Volunteer Application Forms.These forms include information to facilitatea background screening of the applicant. TheState Program Director reserves the right toreject any applicant. Volunteers serve at thepleasure of the University and an applicantmay be rejected without cause.

5. WSU Extension Child Protection and ChildAbuse Prevention Volunteer Application andProcedures:a. All new Extension volunteers who work

with youth, including host family membersand chaperones, will be screened. Rescreen-ing may be conducted at any time.

b. Volunteers are expected to be familiar withC1001, Child Abuse: Information forWashington Stste University Extension F aculty,Staff & Volunteers, and with disclosure andreporting procedures.

6. Working with youth in the WSU Extension4-H Youth Development Program is a privi-

lege. Volunteers are to be positive role models.Volunteers must sign, and are expected toabide by, the behavioral guidelines in C1000,A Valuable Partnership. Volunteers serve at thepleasure of the University and may be dismissedat any time without cause.

7. All new leaders must complete appropriatetraining during their first year based on theinteractive online "E-Learning for 4-H Vol-unteers" and the Volunteer Training Modules(VTM). Counties may require proiect trainingor other types of training in addition to thisstate minimum.

8. The State 4-H Youth Program is a dynamicand ever-evolving program. The Universitymay change an assignment, change leadershipstructure, discontinue a camp, or discontinue aproiect at any time in its efforts to improve theprogram.

9. Potential categories of 4-H adult volunteersinclude:

Local Leadership. General/Organizational Leader-assumes

primary responsibility for a club/group.. Project Leader-leads a specific project or

curriculum within a club/group.. Activity Leader-gives leadership to an

event or activi$ within a club or short-termgroup.

. Resource Leader-serves as a source ofexpertise, an advisor, or in another resourcecapacity to a club/group.

County or Areq Leadership(Middle Management). 4-H Service Leader-works with other 4-H

leaders in an area or county to promote 4-H,helps new clubs get started, and recruits,and trains new leaders.

. 4-H County Program Leader-works withother 4-H leaders in an area or county tohelp with a specific project or activity.

10. Volunteer Liability. Al14-H leaders must indi-vidually enroll through the County ExtensionOffice and the Washington State 4-H Office inorder for WSU to assume responsibility forliability protection for adult volunteers.

Adult volunteer leaders are protected underthe state of Washington tort claims law, RCW4.92.060. An authorized volunteer 4-H leadercan request the University defend him or her

if an action or proceedings for damages arebrought which arise from their acts or omissionswhile performing, or in good faith purporting toperform, their official volunteer duties.

Adult volunteers are expected to act in goodfaith and without negligence in the perfor-mance of their duties in order to minimize anychance of creating a university liability.

Volunteer leaders rnay participate in theDepartment of Labor and Industries medicalaid program. Participation allows an iniuredvolunteer's medical expenses to be paid by theDepartment of Labor and Industries.

The coverage described previously does notapply to leaders who are group-enrolled.

11. Animal Disease Diagnosis and Treatment. 4-Hvolunteers, as representatives of WashingtonState University, are expected to act within thepolicies and guidelines of the 4-H Youth Devel-opment Program. A 4-H animal science volun-teer may educate members and their families inthe normal course of their 4-H activities in theareas of animal care, production, and manage-ment. WSU volunteers are not to engage in ac-tivities that include the diagnosis or treatmentof, or the direct administration of, medicationsto proiect animals without authorization froma licensed veterinarian. A 4-H volunteer mayexercise commonly acceptable first aid skills/practices in emergency situations.

12. Leaders in 4-H Shooting Sports projects mustcomplete the 4-H State Shooting Sports Instruc-tor Training. In Shooting Sports projects, leadinstructors must be a minimum of 21 years old;assistant instructors must be at least 18 yearsold; teen leaders must be at least 14 years old.

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ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS

Activities and events are open to all youth 4.who meet the eligibility requirement for a

specific event or activity.

A chaperone is someone who will have inde-pendent supervision of a 4-H youth/memberovernight. For state events, chaperones mustbe 21 years of age. For regional or nationalevents, chaperones must be at least 25 yearsof age. AII chaperones must be enrolled 4-Hvolunteers who have successfully completedthe screening process. The expected adult to

youth ratio is 1:10.Showmanship is a required educational activityfor each species of animal shown in 4-Hclasses at community fairs, county fairs, State4-H Fair qualifying events, youth shows, andthe State 4-H Fair. Showmanship must be a partof each 4-H member's annual exoerience.

ANIMAL MANAGEMENTAND O\^.TNERSHIP

When participating in the Washington State4-H Youth Development Program individualsmust provide humane treatment and care toanimals. Cruel or negligent treatment andhandling will not be tolerated.

The use of illegal drugs and/or the improperuse of animal health products or foreign sub-stances will not be tolerated in the WashingtonState 4-H Youth Development Program. Exten-sion personnel, 4-H volunteers, families, youth,and fairlshow officials have a legal and moralobligation not to misuse these products. Wehave the responsibility to tell others not to usethese substances and report those who do useany illegal substance. The administration ofany drug or medication which could affect ananimal's disposition or performance, resultingin an unfair advantage, is unacceptable. Ad-ditionally, there are federal penalties for usingillegal substances in animals that are going intothe nation's food supply.

4-H members in Washington State need notown their 4-H project animals. Members maylease a market animal if it is not to be sold ata junior livestock auction.

Two 4-H members may jointly care for andshow one animal. These two 4-H membersmay not compete in the same class or lot atan event.

Animals must be under the 4-H member'sregular care and management for the follow-ing periods of time prior to the official countyexhibit activity, including junior livestockshows:Equine-90 daysMarket Beef-120 daysBreeding Beef-9O daysLlama-9O daysDairy (except Dairy Heifer Replacement)-9O daysDairy Heifer Replacement-60 daysGoat-60 days

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Sheep and Swine (Breeding and Market)-60 daysCats-60 daysCavies-45 daysDogs-60 daysRabbits and Poultry-45 days

Animals raised by the 4-H member fiom birthor hatching are exempt from the minimumtime periods.

Showing horned animals:a. Market steers must be polled or dehorned;

healed or re-growth must not extend morethan two inches from the hairline. Hornedbreeding animals must have the horn tipscovered as a safety precaution.

b. Horned, non-dairy goats or sheep may beexhibited in 4-H showmanship classes whereanimals are not exchanged between youthin the show ring. For a horned animal tobe exhibited it must have its horn tipscovered. If the sheep or non-dairy goat hasscurs (horn re-growth), these scurs cannotexceed 1" in length without the horn tipsbeing covered. Non-dairy horned goats andsheep may be shown in market and breed-ing classes but they must have horn tipscovered as a safety precaution. A countymay implement a more restrictive policy butnot a less restrictive policy regarding theexhibition of horned sheep and goats.

c. No dairy animals with horns are permittedexcept in the Junior Heifer Calf class. Thedefinition of horns includes "scurs,""nubbing," or "stubs" that extend morethan one inch beyond the skin.

d. No horned dairy goat animals are allowed.

4-H youth may exhibit unaltered male breed-ing animals of the following ages:

Beef Bulls-born in the current 4-H year (Oct. 1

to Sept. 30)Rams-under 24 monthsSwine Boars-under 6 monthsBuck Goats-under 6 monthsYearling Equines-under 72 monthsLlamas/Alpacas-under 24 months

Bison and Bison-blooded Animals: The bison isnot a domesticated animal and must be treatedwith caution and respect. Each animal has itsown distinct personality, each animal is unpre-dictable, and only a professional wildlife train-er should attempt to train a bison. Therefore,bison and bison hybrids exceeding 3/e bison

breeding may not be used as project animals inWashington State 4-H. Only registered beef-alo that have no more than 3/e (32.50/o) blsonbreeding and are registered in the AmericanBeefalo Association (ABA) may participate inWashington State 4-H livestock fairs and showsin breeding and market classes.

SAFETY

Equestrian Helmets. AII Washington 4-H mem-bers and non-member youth participating inall equine proiects and activities must wearAmerican Society of Testing Materials (ASTM)and Safety Engineering Institute (SEI) approvedheadgear when riding or driving. The headgearmust have a chin strap and be properly fitted.Additionally, all equestrians (including adults)are strongly encouraged to wear protectiveheadgear at all times when riding or workingaround horses.

Rodeo Project. The 4-H Rodeo Project is askill building project. The Washington StateUniversity Extension 4-H Program encouragesyouth to learn and develop their roping andriding skills as outlined inEM4637, 4-H Rodeo

Proiect. However, because of safety issues, theWashington 4-H Program, its faculty, staff,volunteers, or clubs will not sponsor or co-sponsor rodeo events.

Bicycle Helmets. All youth participating in 4-Hbicycle activities must wear a properly fitted andsecured helmet meeting ANSI Standard 290.4.

Challenge. UIAA approved climbing helmetswill be worn by all persons involved in oraround high challenge course elements whenparticipating on the course.

Climbing harnesses will be used on all highcourse elements.

Facilitators who lead challenge activities as partof the WSU 4-H program must have receivedWSU approved training.

4-H Resident Camping. All4-H resident campswill comply with the Washington State 4-HResident Camp Standards, which can be foundon the WA 4-H web page, http:ll4h.wsu.edu(search for Camp Standards), or by contactingthe State 4-H Office.

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RELATIONSHIPS

Funds for awards may be accepted from donorson a local, counry district, and state basis,provided the support is offered without restric-tive criteria and is consistent with the purposesof the 4-H Youth Development Program.Restrictive criteria include use of mandatoryproducts, trade names, breed associationrequirements, etc.

Use of the 4-H name and emblem is governedby congressional action and supplementaladministrative policy. Use of the 4-H name andemblem within a county is subject to approvalby the County Extension Office. Use on a multi-county or state basis must be approved by theState 4-H Program Director. In all instances,such use shall conform to state and nationalpolicy and be for the furtherance of the 4-Heducational program rather than for the benefitsof private individuals, donors, or others.

4-HIFFA. There is a Memorandum of Under-standing between the WSU Extension 4-HProgram and the Washington Future Farmersof America (FFA) program. Copies of the cur-rent Memorandum of Understanding are onfile in all County Extension Offices and witheach Vocational Agriculture instructor and FFAadviser in Washington. The docurrent outlinesthe agreements in effect between 4-H and FFApertaining to project or enterprise selection,judging team participation, exhibiting animalsor other products at shows and fairs, and othercooperative efforts. The 4-H/FFA Memorandumof Understanding is an official policy statementof the Washington State University Extension4-H Youth Development Program.

4-H relationships with schools and other youthagencies:

The 4-H program may enter into cooperativeprograms with schools and other youth agen-cies where goals and objectives are compatible.

4-H curriculum used for such programming ispurchased by the school or youth agency inaccordance with current publication policy.

If a program is conducted jointly, the regula-tion governing the program should be mutu-ally agreed upon.

Classroom projects that are not part of a 4-HEnrichment program are not eligible for

exhibition as 4-H project work.

Businesses are welcomed partners in the 4-HYouth Development Program. Businesses and4-H volunteers need to consider the fiscalaccessibility for youth at all economic levelswhen they partner with 4-H to provide educa-tional opportunities.

A clear distinction needs to be made whenbusinesses or individuals partner with 4-Hgroups/units/events as to whether the businessor individual is functioning on a voluntarybasis or as a paid expert. This distinction isbased upon the differences between volunteerservices and service for a fee.a. If a person is volunteering time and exper-

tise to 4-H youth on an on-going basisduring regularly scheduled meetings, thenthis person is functioning as a 4-H Club/unit volunteer and needs to be enrolled as

such through the County Extension Office.(No fee is paid for those volunteer services.)

b. If a person is volunteering time/expertiseonly occasionally at regular meetings andno fee is being paid for these volunteerservices, then this individual may be en-rolled as a resource leader with the CountyExtension Office. If the individual is notenrolled then they must be under the su-pervision of an enrolled 4-H volunteer at alltimes during 4-H activities.

c. If a business person is offering to shareexpertise with youth and adults in a special,optional learning situation for a fee, includ-ing a reduced fee, then this person is act-ing as an independent contractor, not as a4-H volunteer.

Business partners must provide full disclo-sure of all fees prior to providing a service to4-H members in a 4-H setting. Occasionallya 4-H volunteer may move into an "in-dependent contractor" role for a fee-basedservice. Examples include:i. an optional, in-depth clinic or workshop.ii. an educational activity conducted at

a time other than at a 4-H group/unitmeeting.

iii. individual lessons or private professionalconsultations outside of the regular 4-Hclub/unit meeting. When functioning as

an independent contractor, an individual,who is also an enrolled 4-H volunteer,is not covered by WSU liability or Laborand Industry medical coverage.

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WesurxcroNSrarpUmvansrrv@ry4-H Youth Developfient Prcgrdm

You may download copies of this and other publications from WSU Extension Publishing, at http://pubs.wsu.edu.

Issued by Washington State University Extension and the U.S. Department of Agriculture in furtherance of the Acts of May 8and June 30, L91,4. Extension programs and policies are consistent with federal and state laws and regulations on nondiscrimi-.nation regarding race, sex, religion, age, color, creed, and national or ethnic origin; physical, mental, ot sensory disability; marital status or sexual orientation; and status as a Vietnam-era or disabled veteran. Evidence of noncompliance may be reportedthrough your local WSU Extension office. Trade names have been used to simplify information; no endorsement is intended.Revised JuIy 2012.

EMO758E