B.  Additional Volunteer Policies and Guidelines

SECTION ONE: POLICIES FOR VOLUNTEERS

B.1.1 UMCE’s Volunteer Philosophy 

Volunteers are valued partners of the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. Volunteers are defined as members of Extension who give time and expertise without receiving, or expecting, monetary payment.  They support the mission of the University of Maine Cooperative Extension to help or teach others and to reach personal goals.  The time, talents and experiences that volunteers contribute strengthen Extension programs.  Volunteers and Extension staff work together as a team in making the best use of limited resources and reaching more youth and adults.

2/7/02

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;

• All members of the Maine 4-H Animal Science Committees.

These volunteers must complete:

• Complete a volunteer application word PDF. Applications are also available by contacting a local county extension office.

• Successfully complete a State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) background check conducted by University of Maine Human Resources. This form is available by contacting a local county extension office. [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.

• Sign the "Maine 4-H Youth Development Program Adult Standards of Behavior" form Word PDF.

• Complete the required 4-H volunteer training for their specific volunteer responsibilities. (VOLT training certificates are available to county staff through the state office.)

• Enroll each year as a 4-H volunteer.

The Maine 4-H Youth Development Volunteer Application, in addition to completion of the form, consists of the following:

1. reference checks that 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 4-H Standards of Behavior;

2. an interview with 4-H staff.

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.

3/20/07

B.1.3 Volunteer Training

At the beginning of their 4‑H involvement, all Maine 4‑H volunteers will receive a six-hour training called VOLT Level I (Volunteer On‑Going Learning & Training), or the equivalent.

All 4-H volunteers who spend more than eight hours of contact with 4-H members per year, all drivers and chaperones for 4-H events, and all members of 4-H Animal Science Committees will complete VOLT I and the other requirements as listed under Volunteer Application Process.

3/20/07

B.1.4 Volunteer Background Checks

For all new 4-H volunteers age 18 or older, the University of Maine Office of Human Resources will complete a criminal background check covering all counties/states/countries in which a volunteer has lived during the past ten years.  There is no cost to the 4-H volunteer.

The potential volunteer completes the Supplemental Application Form for Volunteer Positions Requiring SBI Checks.  The form is mailed toe the University of Maine Office of Human Resources.  The county 4-H staff is informed of the outcome of the background check.

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 five years.  A copy of the certificate will be kept on file at the local county extension office.

3/2009

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 UMCE Program Administrator.
4. The Program Administrator will respond on an individual, case-by-case basis.

2/7/02

B.1.6 Volunteer Termination

If an Extension volunteer violates the Maine 4-H Volunteer Standards of Behavior  contract, 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 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 Administrative Council of UMCE.

4. The Administrative Council will make recommendations to the Director of Extension.

5. The Director of Extension will make a determination and notify the volunteer of the decision in writing.

6. 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.

2/7/02

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.

B.1.7.1 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.1.7.2 Meetings in Homes

Conducting Meetings, Programs or Events at Home

Policy

Volunteers need to carry homeowner's insurance if 4-H activities are conducted in the home.

Guidelines

• Recommended minimum liability coverage is $300,000.
   
• Volunteers also need to be aware that there is more risk for volunteers if they are meeting in their own home versus meeting in a public building.

B.1.7.3  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.

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?

3/20/07

B.1.8 State Animal Science Committees

Nomination Form Word PDF

ASC nominees must be currently enrolled Maine 4-H volunteers and complete VOLT training. Nominees who have not completed VOLT training by the Fall ASC meeting must do so by February 28 or their ASC membership will end.

Membership is gained through the following nomination and re-nomination process: Nominations can be made by any member of the committee, including the current Activity Coordinator(s), and occurs prior to the Fall ASC meeting. Nominations must be submitted by October 15 to the committee's Staff Liaison.
Staff Liaison reviews the nomination, consults with the Extension educator or Extension professional in the county in which the volunteer is enrolled, and if approved, submits it to the current members of the committee at the Fall ASC meeting

Committee members vote on the nomination; majority rules.
Volunteers may serve on only one state 4‑H Animal Science Committee at a given time.
Terms expire after three years; re-nomination follows the same process.
Nominations that are made at other times of the year will follow the same process but will be voted on at the next regularly scheduled committee meeting.

§         Teenage Members: It is recommended that teenage 4‑H volunteers be given seats on the Animal Sciences committees.  Teen members will follow the same membership procedures as adults, except for background checks.  Teenage members are ineligible to serve as Activity Coordinators.

§         Activity Coordinator: The Activity Coordinator (chairperson) is selected from current  committee members who have at least one year of experience on the committee and must be at least 21 years of age.  The person will serve a three‑year term, with no limit on the number of terms they may serve.  Each term is followed with the option to continue for another term if agreeable to the committee, the volunteer and the State 4‑H Office.

2/7/02

B.1.9 Tax Exempt Status of 4-H Organizations

Federal Income Tax Exemption for 4-H Organizations

4-H organizations that are authorized by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension to use the 4-H name and clover emblem are exempt from federal income tax.

Beginning in 2008, small tax-exempt 4-H organizations that previously were not required to file returns because they earned $25,000 or less are required to file an annual electronic notice called a 990N e-Postcard.   

If a club plans on raising funds and/or having a club treasury account then they need to get an EIN (Employer Identification Number) through the IRS for their club.  An EIN may be obtained by filing an application for Employer Identification Number (Form SS-4) with the IRS. Although the form was designed primarily for organizations paying wages, it is also used by all organizations that are required to have an identifying number.  When your club opens an account with a bank they will ask for this number.  You are never supposed to give someone’s social security number when opening an account for a 4-H club/organization.

Instructions for filling out the SS-4 form:
·         Questions 1,3-5:  Fill in your name and address and the 4-H club name.
·         Question 2 is usually left blank
·         Question 7 is usually left blank
·         Question 8a: answer no
·         Question 9a:  Type of Entity:  Select “other (specify)” and write in “4-H Clubs and Affiliated 4-H Organizations” and for “Group Exemption Number (GEN) if any” write in: “2704”
·         Question 9b:  You can skip this question.
·         Question 10: Reason for applying:  Select  “Other (specify)” and write in “Starting 4-H Club or Starting 4-H Organization”
·         Questions 11-12: These are left blank
·         Question 13: These entries are typically “0”
·         Question 14: This is typically “yes”
·         Question 15: This is usually left blank
·         Question 16: Check “Other (Specify)” and write in “Education”
·         Question 17: Write in “Youth Development and Education
·         Question 18:  Only mark "yes" if you have filed for another EIN in the past.  Otherwise mark “no” and then the form is complete once it is signed and dated.
·         Once the form has been completed you can apply by telephone, fax, mail, or on-line. Refer to these instructions.

How to File SS-4

Mail
By Mail send your completed SS-4 form to:
Attn:  EIN Operation
Holtsville, NY  11742
(This may take 4-6 weeks to get a number) 

Phone
By Phone you can call from 7:00 AM -10:00 PM  local time only) :   (800) 829-4933
(You can usually get a number the same day you call) 

Fax
Or you can Fax your completed and signed form to:  (631) 447-8960
(This may take 2-4 weeks to get a number mailed to you) 

On-line
On-Line
(You can usually get a number the same day) 

Important note: If you apply for your EIN over the phone or on-line you may need to give your Social Security number for identification purposes only and you may be asked to fax your completed form to the IRS. 

Sample of a completed SS-4 form for a 4-H club

The SS-4 form may be obtained from any Social Security Administration or IRS office. Your county Extension staff can help you with this form.

Because 4-H is exempt from Federal Income Tax, many donations to 4-H and out-of-pocket expenses of 4-H volunteers are deductible on volunteers’ personal income tax forms.  For other Federal Tax Forms or information, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 or visit the IRS Web site at http://www.irs.gov.   

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 Under the National 4-H Federal Tax Exempt Status form” and send it in to your county 4-H office.  The County Office staff will make a copy of your form and send it to the Executive Director of the 4-H Foundation who will then forward this information on to National 4-H. 

Filing your 4-H Club or 4-H Organization 990N E-Postcard

Beginning in 2008, small tax-exempt 4-H organizations that previously were not required to file returns because they earned $25,000 or less are required to file an annual electronic notice called an e-Postcard.

GEN 2704 4-H Clubs & Affiliated 4-H Organizations earning more than $25,000 per year must continue to file by annually by the 15th day of the 5th month following the close of their tax period to remain exempt from federal income taxes under GEN 2704.  Maine’s tax period for 4-H clubs is October through September; therefore our date will be February 15^th of the following year.

Steps on how to file your 990N E-Postcard (You can only file on-line)

1. All 4-H clubs/organizations in Maine need to file by February 15th  and that report  will include income for the previous October 1st through September 30th 4-H year.
2. 4-H clubs and organizations will not receive a reminder in the mail to file so you must remember to file.
3. Go to www.irs.gov and use the keyword/search filed to find links to 990-N information. Here is the link: http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=169250,00.html.  Once on this page you need to select “How to File” and then follow the instructions below.

(1) Register as a New User

(2) Create your Form 990-N (e-Postcard)|

                    To complete a 990-N e-Postcard, qualified 4-H Clubs & 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 (not relevant for most 4-H Clubs & Affiliated 4-H Organizations)

·         Organization’s mailing address – as tied to the organization’s EIN

·         Organization’s website address – if you have one

·         Organization’s EIN (Employer Identification Number) – this is a unique number that identifies the organization to the IRS, much like our personal Social Security Numbers identify individuals to the IRS. This is what you received when you sent in your SS-4 form.

·         Name and address of the principal officer of your organization – tied to the EIN. This is most likely the leader of your 4-H club and the name and address on the SS-4 Form.

·         Organization’s annual tax year – which may or may not be defined by your State 4-H Program Office (The tax year for Maine is October through September.)

·         Confirmation that your organization’s annual gross receipts are still normally $25,000 or less 

(3) Submit your Form 990-N (e-Postcard).

The e-Postcard (not available in paper form) is supported by most browsers as noted on the IRS site. Please contact state or local 4-H extension professionals if you need assistance filing your e-Postcard.

(Not relevant for GEN 2704: the e-Postcard includes an option for stating that your organization has or is terminating.)

Paying State Sales Tax

University of Maine Cooperative Extension is exempt from State of Maine sales tax under the Sales and Use Tax Law. University of Maine Cooperative Extension at the state level is exempt from paying state sales taxes on purchases because it is part of the University. 

Individual 4-H leaders, volunteers and clubs are not sales tax exempt. To take advantage of the sales tax exemption, purchases must be made by the County Extension office or with County Extension office authorization. Direct billing to Cooperative Extension or presentation of a petty cash voucher is the correct way to obtain the exemption. Local merchants often know and accept 4-H leaders and other Extension volunteers, but if there is any question, a purchase should be made by direct billing to the County Extension office. The invoice should be marked “Sales Tax Exempt.”

Collecting State Sales Tax 

Non-profit groups, including 4-H and other volunteer Extension groups, are required to register with the Maine Bureau of Taxation 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 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 Sales and Tax Instruction Bulletin #9, "Casual and Infrequent Sales" (see section 5), and General Information Bulletin #79 (section 5) from: 

Bureau of Taxation
Sales Tax Section
State House Station 24
Augusta, ME 04333
Tel. 207-287-2336

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.

11/16/09

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.

2/7/02

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.

2/7/02

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 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.

4/02/08

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 of professional, or for more information visit: National 4-H Policies on Name and Emblem

2/7/02

B.1.13.1 4-H Club Charter Requirements

B.1.13.2 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 UMCE 4-H Program Administrator, who will write the official letter of revocation of the club’s 4-H charter.

B.1.13.3 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 PMS (Pantone Matching System) 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 grayscale, 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?

You can download it from here.

To download, right click on any of the links below and choose "Save Target As." (WARNING: simply clicking on the links will NOT download the file.) Save the file to a folder on your hard drive where you will be able to easily find it again. Download times will vary depending on the speed of your connection.

• Color logo for printed materials [1.5M; 300 DPI]
• Black & white logo for printed materials [428K; 600 DPI]
• Small color logo for Web, e-mail publications and PowerPoint Presentations [38K; 72 DPI]

If none of the versions above is suitable for your project, please contact the Cooperative Extension Communications Office at www-questions@umext.maine.edu and we will send you one that is.

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, visit Using the 4-H Name and Emblem. [PDF]

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.

5/18/2007

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 (see http://www.maine.edu/system/hr/sexhar.php) and relevant federal laws.  Because 4-H and Cooperative Extension both receive federal funding, these laws apply to us.

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.

2/7/02

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 these 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 noncontiguous 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 asymptotic), 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.

2/7/02

B.1.16 Religion and 4-H Youth Development Programs