4-H Ontario Policy O-M-15 – Code of Conduct
(Updated: December 15, 2019)
Code of Conduct for 4-H in Canada
As a positive youth development organization, we are committed to providing 4-H members with meaningful experiential learning opportunities within an environment that is safe, inclusive and fun for all involved. This is the responsibility of everyone involved in any 4-H activity.
This Code of Conduct applies to:
- 4-H youth members and their families;
- 4-H trained leaders and screened volunteers;
camp counselors and youth leaders; non-screened guests; - 4-H staff and governing leadership;
- 4-H program partners; other participants or observers of 4-H events.
I will:
Represent 4-H and myself in a positive way
Use words, actions, and behaviors that are respectful, non-judgmental, and kind towards all youth, leaders, volunteers, staff, families and participants.
Honour the 4-H Pledge and participate in the spirit of good sportsmanship, respecting rules and guidelines.
Ensure all actions, including social media activity, is positive and reflects the integrity of 4-H.
Act with honesty and integrity when dealing with property, monies and other assets being used for 4-H purposes.
Respect other youth, leader, volunteer and staff’s rights to privacy and the confidentiality of personal information.
Provide appropriate animal care according to industry codes of practice
(nfacc.ca).
- Abide by all Federal and Provincial Laws.
- Promote a safe, inclusive and fun environment
- Be vigilant in ensuring an environment that is safe and protects youth, leaders, volunteers and staff from emotional, physical, verbal and sexual abuse.
- Refrain from using drugs or alcohol during any 4-H youth events.
- Make all reasonable efforts to ensure equal opportunity and access to participation for all 4-H youth members and abide by the 4-H Canada’s Inclusion Statement.
- Uphold the 4-H motto “Learn To Do By Doing” in an environment that is friendly and fun.
- Lead by example
- Adhere to the policies and procedures of 4-H Canada and Provincial
Organizations. - Act as a positive role model.
- Work collaboratively with all, including 4-H members, families, fellow leaders and
volunteers, staff and guests.
In addition, trained leaders, screened volunteers and staff will:
- Fulfill their responsibilities as outlined in the position description, and act within
the limitations of authority for the position. - Maintain the confidentiality of any information regarding 4-H that was obtained as
part of the position.
While participating in 4-H activities, photos and videos of participants will be taken. These photos are typically used to record memories and promote 4-H. Please indicate below your consent to the use and reproduction by 4-H Ontario (representing the Ontario 4-H Council and Ontario 4-H Foundation) of any and all photographs, video recordings and audio recordings taken of myself or my child for the use on 4-H websites, in print and other media for the purposes of promotion, illustration, advertising or publication and without compensation.
All such photographs, video recordings, audio recordings and all recorded media, prints and created media from the content shall constitute the property of 4-H. In addition, the undersigned hereby consents to authorize the publication of the name of the participant.
Important Reminder: Photos, images and media may appear in electronic form on the Internet or in other publications outside of 4-H Ontario’s control.
Please select the checkbox in the form below.
For participants under the age of 18
- In permitting my child to participate in 4-H activities, I, the undersigned permit my child to participate in the full range of activities.
- I authorize that if, I, the undersigned is incapable or cannot be reached within a reasonable period of time during a medical emergency, as determined by 4-H, 4-H is granted permission to designate the emergency personnel to the 4-H Volunteer, in the event of an accident or illness affecting the child to authorize on my behalf all procedures (including admission to the hospital) and necessary treatment herein as he/she may deem essential for the care and well-being of the child.
- Such action is to be only when immediate contact with the parent/guardian cannot be made.
- I have read and understood the above policies and have taken care to notify 4-H of any special needs/considerations for my child as previously outlined above.
- I understand that participating in 4-H Ontario is voluntary and involves a certain degree of risk concerning some 4-H activities. After considering the risks involved, and having full confidence that reasonable precautions will be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of my child, I grant permission for my child to become a Member of 4-H Ontario and participate fully in its activities.
For participants 18 years of age or older, as well as parents/guardians: I, the undersigned hereby:
- Consent to the collection of personal information set out above, including the personal health information (collectively the ‘personal information’) for the purposes specified.
- Represents to 4-H Ontario, the Ontario 4-H Council and Ontario 4-H Foundation (together ‘4H) that the personal information is true , complete, accurate and correct.
- Releases and indemnifies 4-H from any claim arising as a result of ant untruth, incompleteness, inaccuracy or incorrectness of the personal information.
- Represents that the participant is in good health and is able to participate in all activities of 4-H except as noted in the personal information; and
- Agrees to notify 4-H if the participant is exposed to an infectious disease at any time during the three weeks prior to the commencement of the activity in which the participant will participate.