Cooperative Extension: 4-H

Additional Volunteer Policies B.1

B.1.1 University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s Volunteer Philosophy and Definition of a Volunteer

Philosophy Statement: The University of Maine Cooperative Extension engages volunteers through educational experiences that extend the reach of our programs to strengthen local communities. We believe volunteers deserve to be treated with respect, matched with a relevant assignment, provided with high-quality training and recognized in meaningful ways. In return, volunteers will learn new skills, celebrate their own personal development and be inspired to share their time, talent and wisdom within the area they have been trained.

Definition of a Volunteer: A University of Maine Cooperative Extension “volunteer” is anyone who without “taxable compensation” performs a task at the direction of a staff member and on behalf of Extension. Unless specifically stated, volunteers shall not be considered as “employees” of Extension and are not covered by workers’ compensation insurance.

Extension “volunteers” must be:

1. enrolled or registered,
2. provided with orientation and/or training, and
3. engaged in projects or assigned duties that are approved by an Extension staff member.

B.1.2 Volunteer Application Process

The following 4-H volunteers must complete the 4-H Youth Development Volunteer Application process:

• those who have more than eight (8) hours of contact in a leadership or advisory role with 4-H members per year;
• all drivers and chaperones at 4-H events; and
• All members of the Maine 4-H Animal Science Committees.

These volunteers must complete the following steps.

• Complete a volunteer application: Word | PDF. Applications are also available by contacting a local county extension office.
• Background Check: Please contact your local county Extension office to initiate the process. For prospective 4-H volunteers who work in Maine school systems, you are required by the Maine Department of Education to have a background check. In lieu of a background check through the University of Maine’s Office of Human Resources, potential volunteers can provide a copy of the certificate validating a background check has been performed in the last three years. Please provide this certificate to your local county extension office when you turn in your volunteer application. [See Section B.1.4, Volunteer Background Checks]
• Interview and be approved by county 4-H staff and/or a county volunteer screening committee.
• Submit the names of at least two references. Reference checks may extend beyond the persons listed on the application. On the application, the applicant’s permission is requested to extend the reference check to other persons suggested to us in the course of contacting the given references. Occasionally, the office also may receive unsolicited information about an applicant. All information received is evaluated in the selection process on the basis of the UMaine Extension Volunteer Standards of Behavior
• Sign the UMaine Extension Volunteer Standards of Behavior Form: PDF.
• Complete the required 4-H volunteer training for their specific volunteer responsibilities.
• Enroll each year as a 4-H volunteer. (Note: New volunteers can enroll at any time during the year. Re-enrollment period is between October 1 and December 30 of each year.)

Other adults who support the 4-H program do not complete an application form. The interaction of these individuals should be under the direction of enrolled, certified volunteers. The enrolled 4-H volunteer is offered protection by the University of Maine’s liability insurance policy (see Section A.1.5). The Good Samaritan Law and the Volunteer Protection Act may provide protection for other volunteers.

Volunteer applications may be declined based on information received in the application process. Prior to making the decision to decline an application, the 4-H staff member should consult with the 4-H Program Administrator.

B.1.3 Volunteer Training

All 4-H volunteers who spend more than eight hours of contact time with 4-H members per year, all drivers and chaperones for 4-H events, and all members of 4-H Animal Science Committees are required to complete Volunteer Orientation and Leadership Training). There are two training options for new 4-H volunteers, online or in-person. Speak with your local county Extension 4-H staff person to determine which option is right for you.

B.1.4 Volunteer Background Checks

The University of Maine is committed to providing a safe environment for leading, learning, and community outreach. To reaffirm its commitment to provide a safe environment, all Extension staff and volunteers who work with vulnerable populations must undergo criminal background checks. The Extension volunteer appointment process includes screening of every volunteer applicant to determine if the applicant has any substantiated charges of child abuse or neglect or criminal convictions relevant to his or her service as an Extension volunteer. Screening decisions are made at the University level.

Personnel who work in Maine school systems are required by the Maine Department of Education to have a background check. In lieu of a background check through the University of Maine Office of Human Resources, potential volunteers who currently work for a Maine school system can provide a copy of the certificate validating a background check has been performed in the last three years. A copy of the certificate will be kept on file at the local county Extension office.

Screening Process: Volunteer Background Check

The content is password-protected. If you haven’t yet received a link and password from the UMaine Extension staff member you’ve been working with, please contact that staff member directly for that information. Contact info may be found on the County Offices page.

Beginning October 1, 2018, all enrolled volunteers who work with vulnerable populations must be rescreened every three years. If a volunteer does not pass a background check or refuses to follow through to be re-checked then the volunteer will no longer be able to serve as a Cooperative Extension volunteer. A letter from the Dean of Cooperative Extension will be sent to the volunteer informing them they are no longer an active volunteer. In the event that a Cooperative Extension volunteer who works with vulnerable populations decides not to enroll for a year or more, then they will be required to complete another background check to re-enroll. The cost of initial and rescreening background checks will be covered by UMaine Cooperative Extension.

4-H Rescreening Schedule:

Rescreening will take place during the annual 4-H enrollment period between October and December.

For currently enrolled volunteers who were background checked prior to October 1, 2015, the following schedule will be used to bring volunteers into compliance with this new policy:

• October 1-December 31, 2018: Androscoggin/Sagadahoc, Aroostook, Cumberland, Franklin, and Kennebec
• October 1-December 31, 2019: Hancock, Knox/Lincoln, Oxford, Penobscot, and Piscataquis
• October 1-December 31, 2020: Somerset, State 4-H Office, Waldo, Washington, and York

B.1.5 Volunteer Conflict Resolution

In the management of Extension programs, difficult issues or situations will arise in which effective conflict resolution is required. These steps are suggested for dealing with difficult issues or situations.

1. Present your concern to the Extension staff member or volunteer in a timely, respectful and responsible manner. Be willing to meet and discuss the issues of concern directly with the individuals involved.
2. Either party may request a formal meeting that may include a mutually agreed upon third party facilitator.
3. If there is continued conflict after step two, the volunteer or staff member may send all relevant documentation to the appropriate University of Maine Cooperative Extension Program Administrator.
4. The Program Administrator will respond on an individual, case-by-case basis.

B.1.6 Volunteer Termination

The University of Maine Cooperative Extension has the right to terminate the volunteer from the program. The Extension Director is the only person authorized to exercise the right to terminate an Extension volunteer. The process leading to termination is:

1. Written documentation (which can include email) of the situation or circumstance that may warrant the consideration to terminate a volunteer is made by an Extension staff member with copies sent to the volunteer and the appropriate Program Administrator.
2. The Program Administrator provides an opportunity for the volunteer to respond to the issues documented in step number one.
3. The Program Administrator will forward documentation, the response of the volunteer and any other relevant information to the Director of Extension.
4. The Director of Extension will make a determination and notify the volunteer of the decision in writing.
5. If there is considered to be a risk to the safety of program participants or volunteers, the Director can act immediately to terminate a volunteer from the program.

B.1.7 Risk Management

As part of their training, all volunteers will be oriented using Maine 4-H Youth Development Low Risk Management Policies, Procedures and Guidelines.

The following checklist is available to staff and volunteers for event planning Risk Management Checklist for Program, Activity or Event Planning (Word).

B.1.7.a Animals and Liability

Procedures to Reduce Liability

• Volunteers working with large animal 4-H projects at their homes need to carry farm insurance or talk with their insurance agent about getting a “rider” to their homeowner’s policy. If an animal causes injury, the animal owner is considered responsible.
• Posting a sign that says something like “Pass at your own risk; animals can cause injury,” can be very helpful to display near animals at public events such as fairs.

B.1.7.b Meetings in Homes

Conducting Meetings, Programs or Events at Home

Policy

Volunteers should carry homeowner’s insurance if 4-H activities are conducted in the home.

Guidelines

• Recommended minimum liability coverage is $300,000.
• Volunteers should be aware that they may be held responsible if a program participant is injured at their home. Volunteers should check with their homeowner’s insurer to make sure they are covered.

B.1.7.c Transportation

Policies

• Volunteers transporting others in their vehicles must carry automobile insurance. Note: Recommended minimum liability coverage is $300,000. The person causing an accident is primarily responsible, and the driver’s/vehicle owner’s liability is considered primary.
• A licensed driver of any age may drive himself or herself to a 4-H event/activity with parental/guardian consent.
• Volunteers transporting youth in University vehicles must be 21 years of age and approved through the University Motor Pool.
• Volunteers transporting youth in private vehicles must be 21 years of age.
• Everyone must wear a seatbelt at all times while in a moving motor vehicle in the state of Maine.
• The use of a full-size 15 passenger style van is prohibited.

Guidelines

The following questions are ones that would be part of the determination of liability in the event of an accident involving one or more vehicles.

• Was the activity consistent with the organization’s mission?
• Was the activity a regular part of the organization’s program?
• Did the organization permit such trips under its policies?
• Did anyone within the organization authorize the trip?
• Was driving, related, or incidental, to the individual’s normal duties?
• Were the drivers properly licensed, following safety precautions, and adequately trained?
• Was the age of the licensed driver transporting youth at least 21 years and a certified volunteer with the Maine 4-H Youth Development program?
• What was the condition of the vehicle?
• Did the vehicle have adequate safety equipment and had it passed inspection?
• How was the behavior of the passengers?
• Did everyone use seatbelts and was there an older adult to monitor behavior?

B.1.8 State Animal Science Committee

The work of the UMaine Cooperative Extension 4-H Animal Science committees will be to help Maine youth nurture and grow through positive learning experiences in which participants develop and use life skills.

Animal Science Committee (ASC) members work closely with other ASC members and the Staff Liaison to develop and implement an educational program aligned with the Maine 4-H State Plan of Work for Maine 4-H members interested in a particular animal species.

ASC applicants must be a currently enrolled Maine 4-H volunteer. Membership is gained through an application. Applications can be submitted to the State 4-H Office between April 1 and October 1. Youth membership is encouraged on these committees.

Find role descriptions and application forms under Part F Attachments.

B.1.9 Tax-Exempt Status of 4-H Organizations

Federal Income Tax Exemption for 4-H Organizations

All UMaine Extension 4-H clubs and affiliates (i.e., Leaders’ Associations, Animal Science Committees, Horse Camp), aka subordinates, are covered under University of Maine federal Group Exemption Number (GEN) 5930. Under this group ruling, Extension 4-H subordinates are exempt from federal income tax under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

As the central organization, UMaine Extension, acting on behalf of UMaine, is responsible for:

• ensuring that its current subordinates continue to qualify to be exempt;
• verifying that any new subordinates are exempt; and
• updating the IRS on an annual basis of new subordinates, subordinates no longer to be included, and subordinates that have changed their names or addresses.

As of 2008, small tax-exempt 4-H organizations such as 4-H clubs or leaders’ associations are required to file an annual electronic notice. The 990N, also known as the e-Postcard, meets this filing requirement.

In order to meet this filing requirement, all clubs and affiliates must have an Employer Identification Number (EIN) generated by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in order to successfully file the 990N.

How to Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for New 4-H Clubs or Affiliates
(Revised April 2018)

How to Apply for an EIN Online (Word)

The EIN is obtained by completing an application directly with the IRS. We highly recommend applying online, as this is the easiest way to apply and the quickest way to obtain an EIN. Contact your UMaine Extension county office 4-H staff for assistance with the EIN application process.

Applications for the EIN can also be faxed or mailed to the IRS if applying online is not possible. Please contact your county’s Extension 4-H staff for assistance.

Please note: it may take four business days for a faxed application, or four weeks for a mailed application before an EIN confirmation is received. If the volunteer club or affiliate leader applies and obtains an EIN without the assistance of county 4-H staff, the county office must receive a copy of the IRS letter confirming the new EIN and its effective date on receipt. Again, applying online is the preferred method.

Because 4-H is exempt from federal income tax, many donations to 4-H and out-of-pocket expenses of 4-H volunteers may be deductible on volunteers’ personal income tax forms.

Federal tax-exempt status with the IRS, however, is not the same as state sales tax exemption on purchases. State sales tax exemption only applies to purchases made using funds managed through the University of Maine, which would not apply to purchases made directly by 4-H clubs and 4-H affiliates.

4-H Club Certification

Once you have your EIN, you need to fill out the Maine Certification of 4-H Clubs and Affiliated 4-H Organizations form (Word | PDF) and send it in to your county’s UMaine Extension office. You also need to contact your county UMaine Extension office to sign and fill out the “Club Authorization Letter” and the “Articles of Organization” which the county staff will review with you.

Filing Your 4-H Club or 4-H Organization Form 990N (e-Postcard)

All tax-exempt 4-H organizations earning $50,000 or less are required to file Form 990N, an annual electronic notice. Maine’s tax period for 4-H clubs/Leaders Associations/Animal Science Committees, etc., is July 1 through June 30; therefore our filing period is July 1 – Nov. 15 of the following year. (For example, if the tax year is July 1, 2015, through June 30, 2016, then 4-H Clubs/Leaders Associations/Animal Science Committees would need to file between July 1, 2016, through November 15, 2016.) 

Please Note: the IRS identifies any given tax year from the start date, while fiscal years are identified by their end date (for example, IRS tax year 2020 runs July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021; we identify those same dates as fiscal year 2021). It can be confusing. Just try to remember the difference is only in terminology, not data. If you do have questions, please ask!

How to File Form 990N e-Postcard (Revised July 2024)

We highly recommend 990N filing be completed by your county office 4-H staff. If the club or affiliate leader has made arrangements with the county office to complete the annual 990N filing on behalf of the club/affiliate, follow the instructions below or in IRS Publication 5248 (PDF). More information is also available on the IRS website.

1. All 4-H clubs/organizations in Maine need to file by Nov. 15 each year. Income reported will be for the previous July 1 – June 30 tax year.
2. 4-H clubs and organizations will not receive a reminder to file the 990N, so it is up to the club leader(s) to remember to file by the deadline.
3. For county office staff who are filing on behalf of their county’s 4-H clubs and groups, please note these instructions updated March 2018:
   When you are CREATING AN ELECTRONIC FORM SUBMISSION:
   1. Select MANAGE E-POSTCARD PROFILE to create a new Form 990-N electronic filing submission.
   2. From the drop down shown below, select either Exempt Organization or Preparer in the “User Type” field.
      • Exempt Organization: Select if you are only completing 990-N for your organization.
      • Preparer: Select if you expect to help multiple organizations. – Example: A preparer can be a paid preparer, such as a CPA, volunteer or someone aiding exempt organizations at a local library. By selecting Preparer, you can use your login to add as many organizations as you wish.
      (Click image to enlarge)
   3. After selecting the user type, select CONTINUE and continuing filing process as usual.

IMPORTANT: All users, whether or not you have previously filed a 990-N, will need to begin with Step 1 when first using the IRS portal.

For Users who have never filed a 990N e-Postcard

1. First-time users register on irs.gov/epostcard by selecting ‘Sign Up’. A user guide is provided here (Getting Started (PDF)) and is also available on the IRS site (PDF).
2. When you receive confirmation of your user profile, or if you are a returning user to the IRS portal, enter your user ID and select ‘Log In’. Create your Form 990-N (e-Postcard). Verify your information, then enter your password.
3. To submit your Form 990-N (e-Postcard), select ‘Manage e-postcard profile’ and follow the prompts.
4. After successful submission, log in at a later time to review your submission status. From the home screen, click on “Manage Form 990-N Submissions.”

To complete Form 990-N, qualified 4-H Clubs and Affiliated 4-H Organizations need to provide the following information:

• Organization’s legal name – as legally chartered or otherwise formally tied to the organization’s EIN
• Any other names your organization uses – N/A
• Organization’s mailing address – as tied to the organization’s EIN
• Organization’s website address – N/A
• Organization’s EIN – this is a unique number that identifies the organization to the IRS. This is what you received after applying online or by fax/mail.
• Name and address of the principal officer of your organization – this will be the leader’s name and your county’s Extension office address.
• Organization’s annual tax year – the tax year for Maine is July 1 through June 30.
• Confirmation that your organization’s annual gross receipts are normally $50,000 or less.

Steps to follow if you get an error message when you try to file your 990N (e-Postcard) or are unable to file

1. Please contact IRS Customer Account Services (CAS) at 877-829-5500.
2. Indicate that your organization (4-H club, Leaders Association, Animal Science Committee, etc.) is a subordinate of a central organization called the “University of Maine System Inc.” The EIN for the University of Maine System is 016000769.
3. Tell the IRS that your group exemption number (GEN) is 5930.
4. Notify your county Extension 4-H staff.

As noted on the IRS website, the e-Postcard is supported by most browsers.

Remember: If a 990N filing is not done within the filing period established by the IRS, or is rejected due to an error message, for three consecutive years, the club’s tax-exempt status as a subordinate of the University of Maine System will be automatically revoked by the IRS. The 4-H club or group would then be advised to apply for a new EIN, following the same steps as those for a new club, in order to meet the 990N filing requirements. Again, we recommend that 990N annual filings be completed by Extension 4-H county staff.

Collecting State Sales Tax

Non-profit groups, including 4-H and other volunteer Extension groups, are required to register with the Maine Revenue Services and collect and remit sales taxes if the sales, such as fund raisers, are “on a continuing basis” or if the club or association “continuously holds itself out to the public as a seller.”

Volunteer organizations such as 4-H groups are exempt from paying sales tax on fund-raising efforts “of limited duration,” although the activities are no longer limited to a specific number of days. If a fund-raising effort is on going, sales tax must be both collected by the organization and transmitted to the Maine Sales, Fuel and Special Tax Division.

If a 4-H club owes taxes to the state, it needs to file a report and remit payment only once annually unless its tax liability is more than $25 per month, in which case it must file monthly. For more information, ask for the Sales, Fuel and Special Tax Division Instructional Bulletin No.9 (PDF), “Casual and Infrequent Sales” (see section 5), and General Information Bulletin #79 (section 5) from:

Maine Revenue Services
Sales, Fuel and Special Tax Division
P.O. Box 1065
Augusta, ME 04332-1065
Tel. 207-624-9693, V/TTY: 7-1-1

Because of the record-keeping involved, it is strongly recommended that 4-H organizations limit their fund-raising activities to a few days or some other limited period of time in order to remain exempt.

B.1.10 Incorporating a 4-H Club

It is not recommended that Maine 4-H clubs incorporate.

As an unincorporated university organization, 4-H clubs are protected under the University of Maine’s general liability insurance policy. By the single act of incorporating, a club removes itself from protection under the university policy. After a club removes itself from protection, it cannot regain university coverage by terminating its incorporated status.

B.1.11 Mailing Lists

To protect the privacy of 4-H members and volunteers, Extension does not share the names, addresses or phone numbers of Extension program participants with anyone outside of Extension, other than to provide mailing labels of adult 4-H volunteers to National 4-H supply so it can mail its catalogs to 4-H leaders. And, with the permission of adult 4-H volunteers, we also share their names and contact information with people who inquire about joining a 4-H Club.

If anyone asks you to provide information about 4-H leaders or members, (for example, a business calls you with a “special offer for 4-H”), please do not give out information. Ask them to call your county Extension office, or get the information about the offer and send it to Extension. If appropriate, the information will be shared in a 4-H newsletter or by other some other means so that 4-H members and leaders can decide for themselves whether to pursue the offer.

B.1.12 4-H Fund Raising

When fund raising for a 4-H club, or under the 4-H umbrella for any reason, clubs and leaders must be conscious of upholding the good name of 4-H, get approval in advance for the activity from the county 4-H contact person, and use all funds for 4-H purposes. In handling club funds, follow the 4-H Financial Guidelines, in Section B.2.3 of this manual or other responsible financial procedures. Keep good records and be very open about such activities.

If funds are raised for a charitable cause, clubs and leaders must be sure they clearly inform donors about how the funds will be used and then follow through on that commitment. University of Maine Cooperative Extension, as the protector of the 4-H emblem, must make sure that such sanctioned activities are appropriately concluded. People who donate money to a specific cause or organization have every right to believe that the 4-H fundraisers will honor their desire to have the money forwarded to that cause or organization. After the funds are collected, you cannot revise where and to whom the funds will be directed. If you find the original intended cause or organization has all the money it needs, or you no longer trust them to use the funds honorably, the only option is to return the money to the donors. When such activities are concluded, send an accounting of what funds were raised and how they were expended to the Extension office. Fundraising for police organizations is prohibited by Maine law. Fundraisers that include gambling for money or 50/50’s, jackpots, etc. are not permitted.

B.1.13 4-H Name and Emblem Use

The 4-H name and emblem are protected under federal statute (Title 18, U.S.C. 707). Brief reminders for proper use of the emblem are:

• Use only an official emblem graphic, obtained from an authorized 4-H source, that includes the language “18 USC 707” to the right of the stem. You need to maintain the proper height and width proportions of the image.
• Text or graphics should never cross or cover any part of the clover emblem. Use of the 4-H clover as a desktop wallpaper or web page background is inappropriate.
• Read the emblem guidelines carefully, regarding commercial use of the name and emblem and production of items with the 4-H name or emblem.

If you have any questions, please contact your county 4-H educator or professional.

B.1.13.a 4-H Club Charter Requirements

• Have a minimum of four members from at least three different families between the ages of 5 and 18. (Members should be at least 5 years old as of January 1 and not have passed their 18th birthday on January 1.)
• Have an official club or group name.
• Have youth leadership opportunities such as elected or rotating officers.
• Have at least one Volunteer Orientation and Leadership Training certified volunteer organizational leader and volunteer project leaders as appropriate.
• Have at least six or more regularly scheduled club meetings per year.
• Have a written planned educational plan that provides a variety of learning experiences.
• Have a set of 4-H club standards of behavior.
• If a club has a treasury, they must follow B.2.3 4-H Financial Guidelines, Maine 4-H Youth Development program: Policies, Procedures and Guidelines.
• The club and all 4-H members and leaders must be currently enrolled at the County Extension Office with 4-H members taking at least one 4-H project experience.
• Staff members can obtain a club charter during the first year of a new club by sending an email request (including the county, name of the club and club leader) to Jessy Brainerd in the state office. Jessy will obtain signatures from the 4-H program administrator and the Director of Extension and mail the charter back to the staff member.

B.1.13.b Procedures for Removing a 4-H Club Charter

If at any time, the 4-H club members and/or the volunteer leaders do not meet the requirements established by Maine 4-H Program or the 4-H name and emblem is used inappropriately, the 4-H Club Charter may be revoked using the following procedures:

1. Communication will occur with 4-H leader(s) so they understand that maintaining the 4-H club charter is a privilege not a right, and the 4-H club charter may be revoked if the Extension Educator/Professional knows that the club is not complying with established rules and policies.
2. Communications to 4-H leader(s) should outline the procedures needed to correct the 4-H Club Charter requirements that are not being met or the inappropriate use of the 4-H name and emblem.
3. If the violation(s) continue to occur, the 4-H club leader(s) will be notified personally or by certified mail that a hearing will be conducted (within 60 days) to revoke the club’s 4-H charter. The notice will incorporate a statement of the reasons for the proposed revocation of the 4-H club charter.
4. The hearing will be conducted by the county Extension Educator or Professional, a representative of the County 4-H Leaders Association and a county Extension Educator/Professional from another county.

The results of the hearing will be forwarded to the University of Maine Cooperative Extension 4-H Program Administrator, who will write the official letter of revocation of the club’s 4-H charter.

B.1.13.c Combination University of Maine Cooperative Extension and 4-H Logo

The official University of Maine Cooperative Extension and 4-H logo (shown above) incorporates UMaine’s crest art, Extension’s logotype, and the 4-H emblem. The logo must be used in the exact proportions and layout as shown above. The crest, typewritten words, and emblem constitute an entire logo; the elements should not be separated. The logo is shown here in the official color combination of Pantone Matching System® (PMS) 292 UMaine light blue, PMS 289 UMaine dark blue, and PMS 347 green. The logo may also be printed in all black or all green. When the logo is printed in a single color or black, the light blue on the crest should not be printed as a tint or gray scale, but as a solid.

Why use a “combination” logo instead of just the 4-H emblem?

Using the combination logo will help build and strengthen brand awareness and ensure consistency of message. It carries a reciprocal benefit: 4-H will be recognized as part of the University of Maine Cooperative Extension and University of Maine Cooperative Extension will be recognized as home to 4-H. The combination logo will help people understand that they should connect with their county UMaine Extension office to find out more about 4-H.

Perhaps most importantly, 4-H — like all other UMaine Extension programs — depends heavily on University of Maine funding and infrastructure. Legislators need to make the connection that if they love 4-H, they should fund the University of Maine.

Where can I get a copy of the University of Maine Cooperative Extension and 4-H logo?

Please contact the UMaine Extension Communications and Marketing team at extension.communications@maine.edu.

What else do I need to know about the University of Maine Cooperative Extension and 4-H logo?

The University of Maine crest art is trademarked. Products (such as t-shirts or mugs) printed with UMaine licensed names and marks must be produced by licensed vendors. Contact University Relations or the Cooperative Extension Communications Office prior to ordering such products in order to be considered for licensing royalty waivers.

For information about the appropriate use of the 4-H Name and Emblem, see Using the 4-H Name and Emblem.

If you are a 4-H member or volunteer, you are permitted to use the 4-H Name & Emblem once your program is chartered with the official 4-H Charter from National 4-H Headquarters at the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). If you are a commercial vendor, private organization, or any other entity, you need to contact the State 4-H Office at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension to determine what steps you need to take for your use of the 4-H Name & Emblem.

B.1.14 4-H and Non-Discrimination

The University of Maine Cooperative Extension honors the University’s nondiscrimination statement, the University of Maine System Sexual Harassment Policy and relevant federal laws. Because 4-H and Cooperative Extension both receive federal funding, these laws apply to us.

University of Maine Non-Discrimination Statement

In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities.  The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non–discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME  04469-5754, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).

USDA Non-Discrimination Statement

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at 202.720.2600 (voice and TDD).

The intention of these statements is to raise our awareness of federal legislation and of Extension’s goal of creating an atmosphere in 4-H activities that is welcoming to every young person in our communities, and their parents or guardians. It is also intended to help us realize that, although Maine may, on the surface, be fairly homogeneous in race, color, religion, sexual orientation, and so on, there are people in our communities who differ in these characteristics. They all need to feel welcome in 4-H and Extension.

B.1.15 4-H Access, Equity and Opportunity

Maine 4-H Youth Development Diversity and Inclusion Statement

The Maine 4-H Youth Development Program is dedicated to upholding the University and Extension’s Equal Employment Opportunity/Civil Rights (EEO/CR), goals and policies. We are dedicated to providing outreach to diverse populations within the confines of the financial and staffing resources available. We are actively pursuing the development and delivery of programming and services that meet the needs of Maine’s diverse population. We hold the following goals.

• Follow EEO/CR policies and address EEO/CR issues as they arise to ensure a fair and equitable hiring process.
• Reach out to new audiences through intentional, inclusive advertising and public relations efforts.
• Develop programs that appeal to and meet the needs of underserved and underrepresented youth and potential 4-H volunteers in Maine.
• Provide opportunities for staff to meet with and develop relationships with underserved and underrepresented audiences.
• Increase needs assessment and networking with underserved and underrepresented populations.

Maine 4-H Disabilities Statement

The University of Maine Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development Program is dedicated to providing information and resources to youth. As part of that commitment, 4-H Youth Development staff and volunteers must be conscientious in providing accommodations that will allow people with disabilities to participate in its educational programs. Facilities used for educational programs must be accessible to those with disabilities.

Other community resources that may be able to assist you include churches, schools, universities, hospitals, community centers and county health departments.

Qualified Individuals with Disabilities

Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides comprehensive civil rights protection for “qualified individuals with disabilities.” An “individual with a disability” is a person who

• has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a “major life activity,” or
• has a record of such an impairment, or
• is regarded as having such impairment.

Examples of physical or mental impairments include, but are not limited to, such contagious or noncontagious diseases and conditions as orthopedic, visual, speech, and hearing impairments, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, mental retardation, emotional illness, specific learning disabilities, HIV disease (whether symptomatic or asymptomatic), tuberculosis, drug addiction, and alcoholism. Homosexuality and bisexuality are not physical or mental impairments.

• “Major life activities” include functions such as caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working.
• Individuals who currently engage in the illegal use of drugs are not protected by the ADA when an action is taken on the basis of their current illegal use of drugs.
• A “qualified” individual with a disability is one who meets the essential eligibility requirements for the program or activity offered by a public entity.
• The “essential eligibility requirements” will depend on the type of service or activity involved.
• For some activities, such as state licensing programs, the ability to meet specific skill and performance requirements may be “essential.”
• For other activities, such as where the public entity provides information to anyone who requests it, the “essential eligibility requirements” would be minimal.

Procedure for Accommodation

Individuals with disabilities who require auxiliary aid, service or accommodation to participate in Maine 4-H Youth Development Programs should notify the Extension office at least two weeks prior to the program or event.

B.1.16 Disbanding a 4-H Club

For more information about disbanding a 4-H club, please contact your local 4-H staff.