CODE OF ETHICS for 4-H Youth Development Professionals

We, as 4-H Youth Development Professionals, adhering to the 4-H Mission and the policies and guidelines of North Carolina Cooperative Extension, acknowledge our responsibility to develop and implement age-appropriate learning opportunities for youth and families in a safe environment. We recognize the worth and dignity of every individual, and believe that the development of life skills enables young people to become caring, competent and capable citizens who will build strong foundations for our future. We will strive to be appropriate role models and to maintain the respect and confidence of colleagues, youth, volunteers, parents and/or legal guardians and the communities we serve.

To uphold these commitments, we as 4-H Professionals:

• Provide a safe, nurturing environment that allows young people to reach their full potential.

• Treat all children equally.

• Use developmentally and age-appropriate methods and materials and meet learning style differences.

• Maintain appropriate relationships with youth in all settings: never encourage, solicit or engage in a sexual or romantic relationship with youth; never touch youth out of anger or with intent to harm or in an inappropriate way for personal gratification.

• Manage youth behavior justly and fairly to avoid embarrassment and humiliation.

• Recognize achievement based on the performance, effort and ability of the participant.

• Value diversity and treat all children as individuals in a fair and consistent manner.

• Set examples as positive adult role models.

• Hold in confidence information learned in a professional practice, except for professional reasons or in compliance with pertinent regulations or statutes.

• Value the role of volunteers in the success of 4-H programs.

• Provide the orientation and training necessary to equip volunteers for success in their roles.

• Treat all volunteers in a fair and consistent manner.

• Acknowledge the efforts of volunteers through recognition.

• Seek to understand the needs and interests of partners.

• Identify appropriate resources and develop working relationships to effectively meet assessed needs.

• Maintain the integrity of the North Carolina 4-H Mission.

• Ensure that 4-H is an integral and integrated part of the comprehensive Cooperative Extension Program.

• Recognize that research and knowledge supported by public universities provide the basis for our youth development and methods.

• Recognize that 4-H youth development supports the missions and goals of the land-grant universities.

• Recognize a responsibility to support all Extension professionals.

• Recognize the responsibility for, and the importance of, accountability in the management of funds and other assets, both public and private.

• Value and encourage lifelong learning.

• Take action to remedy an observed violation of the Code of Ethics and promote a clear understanding of the principles of professional ethics.

• Pursue growth and development in the practice of the profession; use and share that knowledge to improve educational opportunities, experiences and performance of youth, volunteers and colleagues.

• Uphold and defend positive youth issues and needs.

• Recognize the importance of professionalism in dress, oral and written communication and behavior.

• Recognize the need and right for personal, family and social development outside of the Extension role.

• Recognize the need and right to pursue emotional, physical and spiritual health.

Last updated Nov 10, 2004

February 9, 2012