Section 2: Nebraska 4-H Policy

2.1.1 Failure to follow policy

1. Loss of authorization to use the 4-H name and emblem as deemed appropriate by University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension Administration.
2. Dismissal from the 4-H event or activity as deemed appropriate by Nebraska Extension faculty, staff, or administration.
3. Dismissal from the 4-H program as deemed appropriate by Nebraska Extensions Administration.

2.4.1 The Essential Elements

4-H nationally and in Nebraska uses the Essential Elements of Positive Youth Development as the model for the program. The purpose of the Essential Elements is to guide professionals and adult volunteers who work with youth in understanding the importance of exposing youth to opportunities and experiences that are focused on the social, emotional and physical elements necessary for positive development. The National 4-H Essential Elements Team believes that the eight 4-H Essential Elements are central to young people becoming competent, contributing adults.

Each of the eight Essential Elements is vital to the growth and development of youth. It is the combination of these elements that creates a positive environment for youth development. When professionals and adult volunteers intentionally focusing on these elements, youth benefit from participating in hands‐on, experiential activities and events, feeling nurtured in a safe environment, mastering new skills and abilities, and knowing that they are contributing to their environment and communities in a positive way.

The Eight Essential Elements:

1. Positive Relationship with a Caring Adult
2. A Safe Emotional and Physical Environment
3. An Inclusive Environment
4. Engagement in Learning
5. Opportunity for Mastery
6. Opportunity to See Oneself as an Active Participant in the Future
7. Opportunity for Self-Determination
8. Opportunity to Value and Practice Service to Others

2.4.2 The 4-H Thriving Model

The 4-H Thriving Model illustrates the process of positive youth development in 4-H programs by connecting high quality program settings to the promotion of youth thriving.

High quality 4-H program settings provide youth a place to belong, matter and explore their personal spark. High quality settings foster developmental relationships with youth, relationships that express care, challenge growth, and share power. These components help ensure that 4-H programs provide a nourishing developmental context – a place where youth can belong and grow.

High quality 4-H programs contribute to PYD through the intentional promotion of social, emotional, cognitive and behavioral habits of mind. In the 4-H Thriving Model this process of PYD is described by seven indicators of thriving: Openness to challenge and discover, growth mindset, hopeful purpose, pro-social orientation, transcendent awareness, positive emotionality and self-regulation though goal setting and management.

Youth who experience high quality developmental settings in 4-H with an emphasis on these key social-emotional skills achieve key positive youth development outcomes, including academic motivation and success, social competence, high personal standards, connection with others, personal responsibility, and contribution to others through leadership and civic engagement.

Youth who achieve positive developmental outcomes are more likely to also achieve long-term outcomes marked by vocational or academic success, civic engagement, employability and economic stability and happiness and well being.

Find more about the 4-H Thriving Model here: https://helping-youth-thrive.extension.org/

2.8.1 State Fair Protest Committee Process  

The respective superintendent has the authority to make appropriate decisions based on the 4-H State Fair Book. When needed, a committee shall be appointed to serve as a protest review group. The protest committee will meet when needed to act upon concerns. The protest committee will consist of members of the State Fair 4-H Management Team with the respective superintendent(s) involved in the situation as an ex-officio member.

To submit a protest the procedures listed below must be followed:

• All protests must be submitted in writing.
• All protests must be signed
• The written protest must be submitted to the State Fair 4-H Management Team and must include:
  • Nature of concern(s).
  • Names of person(s) involved.
  • Situation and documentation.
  • Specific action, rule, etc., in question.
  • Recommendation for correction.
  • Additional person(s) committee may contact for further clarification.
  • Procedures and/or steps carried out by persons involved prior to submission of the protest to the State Fair 4-H Management Team.
• The committee will review the written protest. They may discuss the situation with affected persons and show officials, including Nebraska State Fair management.
• Recommendations will be developed, followed, and communicated both verbally and in writing to the group or individual affected.
• In cases of protest, the exhibitor may be allowed to compete. Results of the competition will be subject to change based on the outcome of the protest process. This allows for smooth operation of the show and facilitates appropriate processing.
• The State Fair 4-H Management Team reserves the right to withhold any award. The exhibitor may be excluded from the show if action warrants.
• Protests will not be accepted after the exhibit or event/activity is completed/released.
• Protests related to judges’ integrity, decisions, placings, or other evaluations will not be accepted.

2.8.2 State Fair Livestock  

Reference the State Fair Book for the grievance procedure for Nebraska State Fair.

2.8.3 State Event Protest Committee Process  

(Excluding State Fair & State Horse Shows)

The respective State Event Coordinator/Superintendent has the authority to make appropriate decisions based on the specific event guidelines. When needed, a committee shall be appointed to serve as a protest review group. They will meet when needed to act upon concerns.

To submit a protest, the procedures listed below must be followed:

• All protests must be submitted in writing.
• All protests must be signed.
• The written protest must be submitted to the State Event Coordinator/Superintendents and must include:
  • Nature of concern(s)
  • Names of person(s) involved
  • Situation and documentation
  • Specific action, rule, etc., in question
  • Recommendations for correction
  • Additional persons committee may contact for further clarification
  • Procedures and/or steps carried out by persons involved prior to submission of the protest to the State Event Coordinator and Superintendents.
• The committee will review the written protest. They may discuss the situation with affected persons and event officials.
• Recommendations will be developed, followed, and communicated both verbally and in writing to the group or individual affected.
• In cases of protest, the youth may be allowed to participate. Results of the event will be subject to change based on the outcome of the protest process. This allows for smooth operation of the event and facilitates appropriate processing.
• The management reserves the right to withhold any award. The youth may be excluded from the event if action warrants.
• Protests will not be accepted after the event/activity is completed/ released.
• Protests related to judges’/officials’ integrity, decisions, placings, or other evaluations will not be accepted.

2.8.4 State 4-H Horse Show Protest Policy  

Any complaint/protest against participants must be submitted in writing with a $25 fee. The fee is refundable if the protest committee rules in favor of the 4-H’er submitting the request.

• Protests must be submitted to the show superintendent or state personnel.
• Protests must be submitted in writing and presented by the 4-H’er only. Protests made by anyone other than a 4-H’er will be considered invalid.
• The decision of the judge is final. The protest committee will not reverse the placing of a class.
• The exhibitor or horse and the reason for the protest being filed must be designated.
• Protests will be made with the understanding that the protester’s name will be shared with the Protest Committee.
• In case of protest, the exhibitor may be allowed to show, but the results of showing will be subject to change based on the outcome of the protest process. This allows for smooth operation of the show and facilitates appropriate processing.
• Protests will not be accepted after completion of the show.

2.8.5 County Grievance Policy  

Counties should establish their own grievance procedure. Following are recommended procedures for the development of a county grievance policy. It is recommended that counties remain consistent with the process defined at the state level. A grievance may typically be filed around a competitive event, but other issues may arise in which this policy could be used.

• The Extension Educator, together with the local 4-H Council and the local 4-H Council Protest Committee, has the authority to make appropriate decisions on local 4-H disputes. These decisions will be formulated using state policy and national directives as formulated by this policy or as dictated by law.
• State 4-H Staff may provide resources to the situation when asked by the Extension Educator.
• All protests must be submitted in writing
• All protests must be signed by the protester.
• The written protest must include:
  • Names of persons involved
  • Cause of complaint or appeal
  • Situation and documentation
  • Recommendations for correction
  • Specific action, rule, etc., in question
  • Additional persons the committee may contact for further clarification
  • Procedures and/or steps carried out by the person involved prior to submission of the protest to the Protest Committee.
• Membership of the protest committee will be outlined in 4-H Council By-laws. Nebraska Extension faculty will be a member(s) of this committee.
• Protests will not be accepted after the exhibit or event/activity is completed/released.
• The protest will be acknowledged after receiving the written protest and will be responded to in a timely manner.
• Protests related to judges’ integrity, decision, placings or other evaluations will not be accepted.
• (Optional) A $50 deposit will accompany the written protest, which will be forfeited if the protester does not attend the protest resolution meeting. The deposit will be returned upon completion of the process.
• The committee will review the written protest. They may call for a face-to-face meeting with affected persons and event leadership to discuss the situation and the official ruling. Recommendations will be developed, followed, and communicated both verbally and in writing to the individual or group affected.
• Failure of the protester to attend the face-to-face meeting with the Protest Committee will result in no action and forfeiture of the deposit.
• In cases of protest, the 4-H member/parent/leader may continue to participate. Results of participation will be subject to change based on the outcome of the protest process.
• The Protest Committee and Event Leadership reserves the right to withhold any award. The 4-H member/parent/leader may be excluded from 4-H if action warrants.

2.8.6 On-the-Spot Decisions  

At times, difficult decisions may need to be made quickly and seemingly on the spot. Staff and volunteers can prepare for these situations by becoming familiar with national, state and local 4-H policies and procedures. There are times when a grievance committee is needed and times when it is appropriate for the Extension Staff or volunteer responsible for the event to make this decision. Points for consideration when these quick decisions may be needed are listed below.

• Safety – Obviously, a quick decision is needed when someone’s safety or well-being is involved.
• Positive Youth Development – Always keep the best interest of the youth and the integrity of the 4-H youth development program in the forefront when making quick decisions. How does the decision reflect the Essential Elements of Positive Youth Development?
• Confidentiality – Be respectful of situations that may need to remain confidential.
• Code of Conduct – Become familiar with the Code of Conduct for members and volunteers. When the code is intentionally and obviously being violated, action would need to be taken.
• Time Sensitive – Does this situation truly need an “on the spot” decision? Although it may appear that a decision must be made on the spot, many times a decision can wait until you have the time to gather the necessary information to make an informed decision. Take the time to make the best decision you can.
• Prior to making a time sensitive decision, gather as much information as you are able. Read your fairbook or contest rules carefully.
• Use your committees whenever possible. Designate event or fair committees and use their expertise when making decisions.
• Use the situation as a teaching opportunity for the youth or person involved.
• Review the Decision - Take the time to review the situation and decision following the event. Are there actions you can take now to prevent a similar situation later?
• Resources – Ask experienced staff for guidance and suggestions. Include your 4-H Coordinator in difficult decisions allowing for coaching and transparency. If an issue escalates, include your Research & Extension Director and/or State 4-H Office administration.