4H Code of Conduct
Minnesota 4-H has expectations for every youth enrolled in the 4-H program! Below is a shortened version of the Code of Conduct. Any youth violating the Code of Conduct will be disciplined accordingly. Please do not put any volunteer or 4-H staff member in the position to take away your participation in an event, take away Awards, State Trips or Auction eligibility due to your bad choices. Leaders and parents are asked to please help enforce these rules.
Code of Conduct for Youth
The Minnesota 4-H Code of Conduct applies to both face-to-face and online environments and will be enforced with 4-H members, 4-H parents and 4-H volunteers as follows:
While participating in or attending a 4-H sponsored program (e.g. club meeting, project meeting, activity, event, learning opportunity).
At the county fair while participating in or attending a 4-H event or while on premises used for 4-H purposes (e.g. show ring, exhibit building, barn, food stand).
At the state fair, during their (or their child’s) assigned encampment or assigned volunteer responsibility.
Code of conduct for youth
I acknowledge that the 4-H program utilizes competition related to project work as a tool for learning. I will ensure that my project exhibits are appropriate and respectful. I will demonstrate good sportsmanship, encourage this behavior in others, and not allow this behavior to detract from the learning experience. I will not let my personal desire to win overshadow the needs of the group.
I accept my personal responsibility to be informed and follow the policies, rules, and deadlines established by Minnesota 4-H. I will not cheat, lie, knowingly furnish false information, deceive, or otherwise engage in dishonest, unethical or illegal behaviors. I will not encourage others to disregard or intentionally violate conditions of Minnesota 4-H participation.
I will communicate (oral, written and electronic) in an open, honest, respectful manner in all situations involving the 4-H program. I will refrain from communication that is negative, offensive, destructive or hurtful to others. I will refrain from sharing private matters in a public group setting. I will not engage in or tolerate slander, put-downs, insults, taunting, name-calling, yelling, profane language, sexual innuendos and other comments or hostile behaviors likely to offend, hurt or set a bad example.
I will make healthy choices. I will not possess, offer, or use e-cigarettes, tobacco, alcohol or illegal substances. I will not attend 4-H programs under the influence of alcohol or any illegal substance.
I will keep and respect healthy personal boundaries. I will not manipulate, stalk, harass, violate others, or share pornographic images with others. I will not engage in unwanted sexual conduct with anyone.
I will dress in a manner that is appropriate, tasteful and respectful to me and others. I will avoid clothing and accessories that depict violence, sex, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, death, gangs or other offensive or obscene pictures or language. I will not wear clothing that reveals my underclothing, midsection, torso, chest, cleavage or upper thighs. If a dress code is provided for a specific 4-H program, I will follow the stated dress code.
I will abide by the University policy on possession and carrying of weapons (firearms or other dangerous weapons as defined by Minnesota law.) I will not possess or carry a weapon while on University property or during attendance at a 4-H program, regardless of location, except in the following two circumstances: (1) I am lawfully storing a firearm inside a personal motor vehicle; or (2) I have been authorized by the 4-H program to possess and carry firearms at 4-H Shooting Sports/Wildlife programs.