Nebraska 4-H Mission Statement

The Nebraska 4-H program strives to develop competent, confident, and connected youth and adults of good character. All programs and activities will create an atmosphere that encourages good character, accountability, and enhances ethical decision making. Character development is a cornerstone of the Nebraska 4-H program.

4-H programs and activities will help participants develop in their personal character the positive traits of trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. These six character traits will be guiding principles for all policy and decisions related to the Nebraska 4-H program.

The policies in this handbook were developed by a committee of Cooperative Extension Faculty, and teen 4-H members. The committee represented all of us involved in Nebraska Cooperative Extension 4-H. Committee members took time away from their jobs to deliberate on behalf of Nebraska 4-H during a period of more than a year. During the period of policy development the committee communicated prospective policy, sought input and feedback and urged anyone with ideas to communicate with the committee. We now have a policy that is Cooperative Extension 4-H policy. It has been approved by legal counsel and is the official policy of Nebraska 4-H. All salaried and volunteer staff of Nebraska Cooperative Extension 4-H have accepted the responsibility to support this official policy.