Colorado 4-H Code of Conduct
The Colorado 4-H Code of Conduct is designed to create a safe, welcoming environment that
supports meaningful learning and personal growth. Participation in 4-H Youth Development
events and activities is a privilege, not a right, and is contingent upon adherence to this Code.
All individuals participating in or volunteering with the Colorado 4-H Youth Development
program at any level, including individual, club, county, regional, state, national, or
international, are subject to the behavior standards outlined in the Colorado 4-H Code of
Conduct. In addition to this Code, specific events or activities may have additional policies,
rules, or procedures that participants are also expected to follow.
The Colorado 4-H Code of Conduct applies to both face-to-face and online environments and
will be enforced with all 4-H youth members, parents/guardians and volunteers.
When I participate in 4-H programs, I agree to:
- Adhere to all Colorado 4-H Youth Development Program policies and procedures.
- Respect the rights and authority of 4-H volunteers and Extension and 4-H Professionals.
- Conduct myself in a courteous, respectful, and ethical manner; demonstrate good
sportsmanship; and serve as a positive role model. - Abstain from abuse (physical and/or verbal) and harassment. All aggressive, vulgar, or
violent language and behavior (ex: bullying, fighting, threats, insults, cursing, discrimination,
etc.) is not permitted. - Abstain from the use of alcohol, marijuana, illegal or illicit drugs, and all tobacco or nicotine
products, including e-cigarettes and vaping devices, during 4-H events and activities. - As outlined in the Colorado 4-H Dress Code, dress appropriately for all 4-H events and
activities, following any specific attire requirements. Clothing that is overly revealing or
displays profanity, violence, political affiliation, or promotes tobacco, alcohol, or drugs is not
permitted. - Use mobile phones or other electronic devices during scheduled 4-H activities only in a
manner that is consistent with the approved activity and does not cause disruption. - Promote and model the responsible, respectful, and lawful use of social media. The creation
or sharing of content that is abusive, threatening, defamatory, obscene, harassing, or that
contributes to a hostile environment is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. - Respect the property of others, including facilities, equipment, and personal belongings. Damage, destruction, theft, or removal of property is strictly prohibited. Participants and/or their parents or guardians will be held financially responsible for any damage caused to program property or the personal items of others.
- Not possess, use, or distribute firearms, archery equipment, fireworks, knives, or any other
items that could be used as weapons during 4-H programs or events, except under adult
supervision as part of scheduled instructional activities. - Acknowledge that personal property may be subject to search when there is reasonable
suspicion of a violation of law or 4-H policies. This may include searches of outer clothing,
luggage, personal belongings, lodging rooms, and furniture. - Complete my own work on all 4-H projects, properly cite all source materials, including
those generated by artificial intelligence when appropriate, avoid plagiarism, and uphold
academic integrity.
Consequences for violating any part of the Colorado 4-H Code of Conduct may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Notification of parents/guardians and appropriate 4-H volunteers and/or staff members
- Restriction from participation in future 4-H events
- Removal from 4-H officer roles held
- Removal from 4-H membership
- Removal from participation in 4-H events/activities; the participant and/or their
parent(s)/guardian(s) will be responsible for all associated costs incurred because of
their removal
The behavior of 4-H members, parents, family members, and volunteers, both during and
outside of 4-H activities, can impact their status within the program. All must share the
responsibility to uphold the 4-H Code of Conduct and are encouraged to report any concerns
or violations to 4-H leadership promptly and appropriately.