Ohio 4-H Volunteer Information
Ohio 4-H Volunteer Standards of Behavior

This Standards of Behavior is a contractual agreement accepted by volunteers who commit to the 4-H program. The Standards shall guide their behavior during their involvement in Ohio 4-H. Just as it is a privilege for The Ohio State University Extension to work with individuals who volunteer their time and energies to Ohio 4-H, a volunteer's involvement in Ohio 4-H is a privilege and a responsibility, not a right.

The Ohio 4-H program provides quality educational programs accessible to all Ohio youth. The primary purpose of this Standard of Behavior is to insure the safety and well-being of all 4-H participants (i.e., members, their parents and families, professionals and volunteers). Ohio 4-H volunteers are expected to function within the guidelines of The Ohio State University Extension and the Ohio 4-H program. Ohio 4-H volunteers shall be individuals of personal integrity.

Ohio 4-H volunteers will:

• Uphold volunteerism as an effective way to meet the needs of youth and adults.
• Uphold an individual's right to dignity, self-development, and self-direction.
• Accept supervision and support from professional Extension staff while involved in the program. Accept the responsibility to represent their individual county 4-H program and the Ohio 4-H program with dignity and pride by being positive mentors for the youth with whom they work.
• Conduct themselves in a courteous and respectful manner, exhibit good sportsmanship and provide positive role models for all youth.
• Respect, adhere to, and enforce the rules, policies and guidelines established by their individual county 4-H program, the Ohio 4-H program, and The Ohio State University Extension.
• Abide by the O.S.U. Youth Protection Policy and not abuse any 4-H participant by physical or verbal means and will report such abuse, if observed, as outlined in the O.S.U. Extension Youth Protection Policy.
• Not commit a felonious criminal act.
• Comply with equal opportunity and anti-discrimination laws.
• Perform duties in a responsible and timely manner.
• Report immediately any threats to the volunteer's emotional or physical well-being to the county 4-H professional.
• Accept the responsibility to promote and support 4-H in order to develop an effective county, state and national program.
• Handle animals and operate machinery, vehicles and other equipment in a responsible manner.