Chapter 12: Collaborations and Relationships

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I. Introduction

To provide the greatest educational service to the young people of the state, it is essential that the California 4-H YDP and other youth-serving agencies cooperate and work in harmony with each other. 4-H YDP will make every effort to avoid the inauguration of programs and activities more appropriately falling within the purview of other youth-serving agencies. To this end, the 4-H YDP will promote cooperative efforts with, and among, other youth agencies, in order to minimize unnecessary duplication of services.

II. Future Farmers of America and Grange Youth

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) 4-H FFA Grange CDFA Agreement describes the statewide cooperation between these organizations and policies governing membership and project participation in them. 4-H members may participate in these organizations, but they must have different projects for each organization. See also Chapter 7, IV, Fairs, Expositions, and Other Sponsored Shows, F. 4-H Project Transfers.

III. Other Agencies and Organizations

Since other youth-serving organizations are publicly and privately supported, neither they nor the 4-H YDP have the right to determine the extent to which a member should participate in activities or projects of either organization. The member and the member’s parents/guardians should determine what projects in each organization should be undertaken, providing the minimum requirements are met for supervised project work in each. Staff members of either organization should not discourage the member from following the choice agreed upon by the member and their parents/guardians.

IV. Grand National Livestock Exposition (Cow Palace)

The Junior Grand National Livestock Exposition is an interstate junior livestock show held at the Cow Palace in San Francisco. 4-H and FFA members exhibit market or breeding animals. Qualifying market animals are sold at auction.

V. California State Fair

The California State Fair is a statewide fair that provides opportunities for 4-H members and other youth to exhibit their project work and livestock and participate in a variety of other learning opportunities and competitions.

VI. Relationships with Breed Associations

A. Participation

Throughout California, breed associations, fairs, and related industry groups hold shows and competitive events for youth.

In some cases these events may include activities that are contrary to 4-H YDP policies or guidelines, such as offering jackpot shows or having competitive events for primary age youth.
Should a breed association offer any of these activities, members who would like to participate must do so as an individual and not as a 4-H YDP member.
4-H members may not wear a 4-H uniform or other representation of 4-H, nor should their participation be recognized as a 4-H YDP experience.
Coverage under the 4-H YDP accident/illness insurance program and protection under UC’s liability program will not be extended to include these activities.

B. Relationships

Since UC controls the use of the 4-H name and emblem, 4-H YDP staff should make known that only shows or classes that adhere to 4-H YDP policies and are approved by local 4-H YDP staff may use the 4-H name.
Coverage under the 4-H YDP accident/illness insurance program and protection under UC’s general liability insurance program is not extended to breed associations.
4-H YDP staff should work in a proactive manner with these organizations to assure they understand the educational foundations of 4-H YDP.

VII. Guide Dogs for the Blind

A memorandum of understanding exists between the State 4-H YDP and the Guide Dogs for Blind that outlines the agreements between the two organizations. See the Guide Dogs For Blind Staff Memo and Guide Dogs For the Blind Summary of Roles and Responsibilities for more information.

VIII. Agency and School Personnel

A. Introductions

Paid personnel of agencies or schools may work in a collaborative role with 4-H YDP staff in assessing community needs, identifying local resources, and conducting a 4-H YDP experience for youth in school settings and other community youth group contexts. 4-H YDP staff may provide research and education programs to other agencies that serve youth.

B. Relationship

Paid personnel of other agencies or schools may not simultaneously function as a 4-H YDP program collaborator and a 4-H adult volunteer. See Dual Employee Volunteer Status FAQ .

C. Memorandum of Understanding

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) is appropriate for situations which seem to present some level of risk greater than that of standard operations, and/or to involve a commitment of significant importance to UC. MOUs define a relationship between UC and the external party and create a clear record of commitments to be undertaken. MOUs should be developed in consultation with the State 4-H Director, as well as the Administrative Policies and Business Contracts Unit (see APBC website for more information). See (ANR Administrative Handbook, Section 401 - Programmatic MOUs).