Georgia 4-H Code of Ethics

A successful Georgia 4-H program must promote life skills development and be presented in a safe, intellectually competent way while instilling 4-H values through instruction and mentorship. Adult leaders, paid or unpaid, prepare youth to be Beyond Ready by focusing on high-quality youth development programs that promote sparks, belonging, relationships, and engagement. Our intent is to provide a program that empowers youth to be ready for work and life. By building work and life skills, we help them develop essential tools and attitudes for a lifetime, including leadership, problem solving, critical thinking, and technological skills. We prepare youth who are Beyond Ready to navigate the ever-changing world by fostering persistence, flexibility, adaptability, and creativity—skills highly sought after by employers in today’s work world.

Georgia 4-H Code of Ethics for Adults Working with Youth

As an adult leader working with 4-H youth:

I will respect the participants, other leaders, and property associated with the 4-H program.

I will set a good example as a mentor and role model for 4-H youth and other leaders.

I will provide ethical and supportive assistance to youth as they prepare and complete their projects, promoting 4-H’er independence to complete their own work. The 4-H’er will do their own work on projects including, but not limited to: portfolios, speeches, competitive events, and show animals. Any materials shared with the youth is for reference and resource purposes only.

I will prepare youth to properly cite source materials when appropriate, avoid plagiarism, uphold academic integrity, and conduct original work.

I will teach 4-H’ers to make their own decisions.

I will promote good sportsmanship, honesty, integrity, responsibility, and fairness.

I will put the physical, mental, and emotional safety of youth under my supervision at the forefront of my decisions.

I will respect the dignity of each participant in the 4-H program regardless of an individual’s age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status.

As an adult leader, I will strive to express care, challenge growth, provide support, share power, and expand opportunities for youth.

Adapted from the 1999 Georgia 4-H Code of Ethics,
National 4-H Shooting Sports Code of Ethics, UGA Policy on Assurance of Non-Discrimination and 4-H Beyond Ready Initiative. April 2026 Version. Internal location: Shared Files -> Staff Only -> Policies