Adult Participant Expectations
All adults attending, volunteering and/or working for the Indiana 4-H Programs are expected to adhere to these Adult Behavioral Expectations to create a safe and supportive environment, and promote the well-being of all youth.
These Adult Behavioral Expectations create a foundation and agreement among all adults working with youth or attending 4-H Youth Development Programs of their commitment and dedication to the wellbeing of young people.
The United States Department of Agriculture authorized land grant universities to administer the nation’s 4- H programs. Purdue University is the only land-grant in the state of Indiana. The Indiana General Assembly has given Purdue University sole and exclusive authority to manage all 4-H activities in the state of Indiana. Purdue University relies on the local county extension educators to administer the 4-H program at the local level. The local Purdue Extension 4-H educator is the immediate supervisor of all 4-H volunteers and programmatic efforts.
When adults sign a copy of this document, they are making a collective statement that youth in the 4-H Youth Development Program are being treated with respect, dignity, and attention to individual needs.
In my role as a 4-H Youth Development Program faculty, educator, staff, or volunteer I will
Respect, adhere to, and enforce the rules, policies, and guidelines established by the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service including all laws related to child abuse, substance abuse and harassment.
Serve at the discretion and under the supervision of Extension staff or designated management volunteers.
Be mindful and follow Purdue, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other state and local health authority guidelines and recommendations related to any epidemic or pandemic illness and/or emergencies.
Participate in orientation and training, which includes youth protection standards, sponsored by the Purdue Cooperative Extension Service. • Accept my responsibility to represent 4-H Youth Development Programs with dignity and pride by being a positive role model for youth.
Conduct myself in a courteous, respectful manner, exhibit good sportsmanship, and demonstrate reasonable conflict management skills.
Be truthful, fair and forthright when representing the 4-H Youth Development Program or working on its behalf.
Recognize that verbal or physical abuse, bullying, harassment, failure to comply with equal opportunity and anti-discrimination laws, or committing criminal acts are not acceptable practices in 4-H Youth Development Programs. Such actions may lead to disciplinary action including release from my volunteer role.
Embrace diversity among all youth and adult participants, helping each person to feel welcome and included in the 4-H Youth Development Program.
Under no circumstances possess, use or distribute alcohol or illegal drugs at 4-H Youth Development Program events or activities. I will also avoid using tobacco, tobacco products or tobacco substitutes in the presence of youth at such events.
Operate machinery, vehicles, and other equipment in a safe and responsible manner when working with youth participating in 4-H Youth Development Programs.
Treat animals in a humane manner and teach program participants appropriate animal care and management. Assure youth and animals are safe when working with animals.
Use technology and social media in an appropriate manner that reflects the best practices in youth development. During virtual 4-H activities, I will follow acceptable University practices being mindful of the virtual learning environment.
Accept my responsibility to promote and support the 4-H Youth Development Program in order to develop an effective county, state, and national program.
Report any suspected instances of child abuse and/or neglect to local authorities that I may observe during my role as a 4-H Youth Development Program faculty, educator, staff, or volunteer.
Create a safe environment for all participants by following risk management policies and procedures, Emergency Management Administration including reporting any accidents or incidents in accordance with Purdue Extension policies and processes.
Maintain confidentiality of personal and professional information obtained through my role with the 4-H Program and avoid conflict of interests between personal, professional and volunteer roles.