Standards of Behavior for Virginia 4-H Volunteers

Trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship are the six core ethical values which the CHARACTER COUNTS! program calls the “Six Pillars of Character.” These values reflect those of the Virginia 4-H program and each 4-H member, volunteer, and staff member should strive to practice these values. The following standards for 4-H volunteers identify how these values will be reflected in volunteer performance. These standards help to ensure the safety and well-being of all 4-H participants and the integrity of the 4-H program.

• I will teach, enforce, advocate, and model the Six Pillars of Character, which are trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship.

• I will represent the Virginia 4-H program by conducting myself with courteous manners and language, exhibiting good sportsmanship, serving as a positive role model, and demonstrating reasonable conflict resolution skills.

• I will dress in a manner that is appropriate for a given 4-H program/event in accordance with that program/event’s dress code.

• I will support and promote the Virginia 4-H mission, “To develop youth and adults working with those youth to realize their full potential – becoming effective, contributing citizens through participation in research-based, non-formal, hands-on educational experiences.”

• I will actively participate in, and complete, Virginia 4-H program orientation and training that prepares me to satisfactorily accomplish the tasks for which I have volunteered.

• I will abide by all applicable laws and Virginia 4-H program policies, guidelines, and procedures. This includes, but is not limited to those regarding, child abuse, risk management, above suspicion, substance abuse, and limits of authority.

• I will accept supervision and support from salaried 4-H Extension staff or designated management volunteers and understand that I work under the guidance, supervision, and leadership of the Extension staff in charge.

• I will handle 4-H funds and engage in 4-H fundraising (when applicable) in an ethical manner.

• I will make all reasonable efforts to ensure that programs are accessible to all individuals regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. An equal opportunity/ affirmative action employer.

• I will not use (or allow others to use) alcohol, marijuana, or other illegal drugs at any 4-H program or event. I understand that tobacco products can only be used in approved areas at approved times during approved events if I am of legal age. I understand the Virginia 4-H Search and Seizure policy regarding alcohol, drugs, or weapons.

• I will, when transporting youth, operate motor vehicles and other equipment in a safe and reliable manner and only with a valid operator’s license in accordance with Virginia Tech and Virginia 4-H policies. I will comply with all motor vehicle-related state regulations and laws. All transported youth will be secured by properly operating seat belts when applicable.

• I will conduct myself in a manner that is in the best interest of youth and the Virginia 4-H program and will not use the volunteer position for purposes of private or personal gain.

• When applicable to my 4-H responsibilities, I will treat animals in a humane manner and teach program participants to provide appropriate animal care and management.

• I will use technology in an appropriate manner in accordance with 4-H, Virginia Cooperative Extension, and Virginia Tech policies.

• I will complete all necessary paperwork in a timely manner.

I understand that these standards represent a contractual agreement between volunteers and the Virginia 4-H program (of Virginia Cooperative Extension and Virginia Tech). My signature below indicates that I have read, understand, and agree to abide by these standards for volunteers. I understand that immediate suspension or termination of my position as a volunteer could result if I do not meet these standards.

______________________________________      ____________________________________________       _______________
VOLUNTEER (Print)                                        VOLUNTEER SIGNATURE                                     DATE

______________________________________      ____________________________________________       _______________
EXTENSION SUPERVISOR (Print)         SUPERVISOR SIGNATURE                                    DATE

______________________________________      ____________________________________________       _______________
PARENT/GUARDIAN (Print)                      PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE                   DATE

(NOTE: This line must be signed for volunteers under 18 years old.)