It is important to note that the policies included in this Policy Handbook supersede any other Nevada state 4-H policies or guidelines otherwise printed or stated that may disagree or conflict with those included in this handbook.

Welcome to the world of 4-H Youth Development. This handbook expresses the policies and procedures for the administration of the University of Nevada, Reno, Extension 4-H Youth Development Program. The 4-H Policy Handbook is a guide for the management of the 4-H Youth Development Program in Nevada. Please note: Neither this handbook, nor the policies and procedures contained herein, creates any expressed or implied right to be a 4-H volunteer, member, or otherwise participate in the 4-H Youth Development Program.

Overview

Police were created to provide a consistent framework for the program and to ensure that 4-H Youth Development programming and outreach efforts are consistent, fair, and legal. To properly maintain program continuity and operate as efficiently as possible, it takes a great deal of structure and many procedures. As such, the Nevada 4-H Policy Handbook is designed as a resource for all Extension faculty, staff, and volunteers working with the 4-H Youth Development Program. It was developed with the input from 4-H members, volunteer leaders, and Extension staff.

It is expected that ALL individuals participating in the Nevada 4-H Youth Development Program will adhere to the 4-H Code of Conduct (included in Appendices). Any suspected violations will be investigated and outcomes can vary, up to, and including removal from the program.

Application

1. The policies and procedures in all sections of this handbook apply to program activities under the direct purview of the Extension Director and Associate Dean for Engagement and the State 4-H Youth Development Program Leader. These policies cover state-wide programming, county programming, and statewide activities and events.
2. This handbook applies to all administrators, faculty, county Extension educators and coordinators, county 4-H professionals, advisory groups, volunteers, and youth associated with the Nevada 4-H Youth Development Program.
3. The following policies and procedures clarify the roles and responsibilities of all people associated with youth development programs conducted as part of the University of Nevada, Reno Extension 4-H Youth Development program. All 4-H clubs and affiliates are subject to the authority of the University of Nevada, Reno Extension. All participants, including members at all levels, parents, volunteers, and all 4-H clubs and affiliates, agree to conduct their programs and manage their affairs in accordance with these policies.
4. A county may have policies that are more restrictive, but not less restrictive. The State 4-H Youth Development Program Leader should be notified of any policies that differ from the State 4-H policies and may disapprove a non-conforming policy if they determine it does not positively advance the mission, philosophy, or goals of the 4-H Youth Development Program or is contrary to law. A request to waive any of these policies or procedures must be directed in writing to the State 4-H Youth Development Program Leader.

Content

1. The contents of this handbook will be used to set forth policies and procedures that are specific to the program.
2. Information in this handbook is applicable to all aspects of the Nevada 4-H Youth Development program until superseded by revisions approved and distributed by the State 4-H Youth Development Program Leader.

Policy Interpretation Procedure

1. The 4-H Youth Development Program is a non-formal educational program planned and conducted at the county level in compliance with the policies, guidelines, and standards for 4-H activities and events outlined in this handbook.
2. The policies in this handbook are designed to ensure that decision making is based upon the agreed ethical values of integrity, excellence, accountability, and respect when enforcing the policies, procedures, and guidelines.
3. It is strongly encouraged that local policies are kept in writing and kept at the county office.
4. Policy changes must be publicized widely throughout the county and state.

Policy Development and Review Process

1. When a 4-H Policy issue is presented to the State 4-H Office, it will be referred to the State 4-H Youth Development Program Leader. The policy will be reviewed by the State 4-H Office and appointees as necessary, UNR Extension Administration, and UNR Legal.
2. Revisions to this handbook are established after careful review and analysis. The State 4-H Youth Development Leader will make all final decisions on policy and procedure modifications. All changes will take effect on October 1 of the new 4-H year.
3. Handbook sections will be reviewed and revised on a regular basis with approved revisions posted on the Nevada 4-H website.

Index

Section 2. General Information

• Statement of Purpose of Nevada 4-H Youth Development
• 4-H Year
• 4-H Slogan and Philosophy
• 4-H Motto
• 4-H Pledge
• 4-H Emblem 
• The 4-H 
• Use of the 4-H Name and Emblem 
• Terms of Authorization 
• 4-H Club Emblem Fraudulently Use
• Alcohol, tobacco, and vaping at 4-H sanctioned events 

Section 3. Membership and Enrollment

• General Eligibility
• 4-H Membership and Enrollment
• Membership in Another County or State 
• 4-H Age Categories and Guidelines
• Nevada 4-H Cloverbud Policy 
• Membership Implications for Fairs & Events
• Types of 4-H Membership 

Section 4. 4-H Clubs

• What is a 4-H Club?
• Naming of Clubs
• Types of 4-H Clubs
• Community Clubs
• Project Clubs
• SPIN (Special Interest) Project Experience
• School Based Programs 
• Camping Based Programs
• Individual Enrollment Based Programs
• Military 4-H Clubs
• Starting a 4-H Club
• 4-H Club Chartering
• Requirements of Chartering
• Process for Chartering a 4-H Club
• Suspending or terminating a 4-H Club Charter

Section 5. 4-H Club Financial Management

• 4-H Club Money
• Nevada 4-H Financial Guidelines
• Fundraising
• Sales of Products by 4-H Clubs
• Sales and Income Tax Exemption
• Grants 
• Financial Accountability
• Club Assets

Section 6. 4-H Volunteer Management

• Volunteers
• Types of 4-H Club Leadership
• Club/Organizational Volunteer
• Project Club Volunteer
• 4-H Resource Volunteer
• 4-H Teen Leader
• Volunteer Job Description
• Training for 4-H Volunteers
• Volunteer Policies and Protections
• Youth Protection Procedure for Direct Volunteers
• Being a 4-H Volunteer
• Volunteer Termination/Suspension

Section 7. Risk Management for Clubs and Volunteers

• What is Risk 
• What is Risk Management 
• Why is Risk Management Important?
• What is a Risk Management Plan 
• What is the Risk Management Process 
• Risk Management – UNR Release of Liability Waiver Form
• Incident Reporting
• Employee/Volunteer Injury – “C-1 Notice of Injury or Occupational Disease” 
• Liability Incident Report
• Vehicle Accident Report 
• Property Damage Incident Report

Section 8. 4-H Program Management

• What is the University of Nevada, Reno Extension? What is the “chain of command” within 4-H
• What can the 4-H staff do for me
• When should I contact a 4-H staff person
• If a problem occurs, can I get help?

Section 9. 4-H Activities and Events

• 4-H Transportation Policy
• 4-H Chaperone Policy
• Youth/Adult Housing
• 4-H Overnight Lodging Permission 
• 4-H Dress Code
• Nevada 4-H Official Dress Attire
• General Dress Code Guidelines
• 4-H Member Participation at National Events/Contests

Section 10. 4-H Code of Conduct

• Youth & Parent Code of Conduct
• Volunteer Code of Conduct

Section 11. Health Statement, Medical Information, & Insurance for Activities

• Health Statement and Parents’ Release
• Medical Insurance Procedures
• Procedures in Case of Injury or Illness

Section 12. Civil Rights and Sexual Harassment Information

• Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
• UNR Affirmative Action Policy
• Policy against Discrimination and Sexual Harassment
• Filing a Discrimination and/or Sexual Harassment Complaint

Section 13. Other Rules and Guidelines

• 4-H Privacy and Information Sharing Guidelines
• 4-H Social Media and Website Policy
• Social Speech is Free Speech
• Policies & Procedures are Subject to Change

Section 14. Appendices

• Using the 4-H Name and Emblem
• 4-H Chartering Requirements and Definitions
• Nevada 4-H Fundraising Approval Form 
• Nevada 4-H Club Apparel Approval Form
• 4-H Volunteer Leader Position Description 
• 4-H Volunteer Terms of Employment. 
• UNR Waiver – Voluntary Activity
• Incident Report – Notice of Injury or Occupational Disease
• Supervisor’s Incident Investigation Form
• Incident Report Form
• Vehicle Accident Report Form
• Property Loss Form
• 4-H Transportation/Overnight Travel Permission Form
• Youth Code of Conduct
• Parent Code of Conduct
• Volunteer Code of Conduct