Code of Ethics

Honesty, fairness, consistency, and sportsmanship are learned, not inherited traits.  The most important role a 4-H leader (paid or volunteer) can play in a 4-H member’s development is acting as a role model by exhibiting these characteristics.  We understand, as youth educators, the only way a 4-H’er truly learns and expands his or her horizon is by making his or her own decisions.  “Decisions” include preparing his or her own portfolio, demonstration, speech, or show animal.

A 4-H Leader’s responsibility is teaching the 4-H’er the process by which he or she can make a decision, give a presentation, or train an animal using the resources available to him or her.  Realizing that one 4-H’er may not have the experience or intellectual development that another may have, indicates to the leader that this 4-H’er may require more help on his or her project than others.

Doing the work for a 4-H member totally circumvents the learning progression which is inherent in the framework of our organization.  In congruence with this philosophy, no substantially finished demonstration, including speech and posters or any other 4-H project will be provided to a 4-H’er to be presented as his or her own work  in competition.  If materials are shared with a 4-H’er, it is for reference and resource purposes only.

The process in 4-H work from Cloverleaf (Elementary) to Senior (High School) levels was created to challenge the young person’s intellectual, creative, and emotional capacities.  The Georgia 4-H Mission statement emphasizes that 4-H should encourage youth to become self- directing, productive, and contributing citizens. The role of the 4-H Leader is to support, lead, encourage, develop and teach young people. Our role is not to do the work for the 4-H’er.

Original NC Agents 1980’s, Revision 1999 Georgia 4-H Staff

Chartering a Club

County 4-H programs receive a charter for the county program. This charter enables counties to use the 4-H Name and Emblem and is a key operational document in the collection of funds. For those programs within a county that are not led and directed by a county Extension staff member, the 4-H club should receive an auxiliary charter indicating that the club is approved and supported by the county Extension program and operating in full compliance with all UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Extension 4-H guidelines.

Chartering is a joint effort of the 4-H club leader and the Extension staff member working with or serving as liaison with the club. Each club with the county Extension office will complete the charter checklist and submit application and supporting documentation in 4-H Enrollment prior to the first club meeting. Clubs should renew charters each year in 4-H Enrollment.