Weld County 4-H Citizenship Washington Focus

Weld County 4-H Citizenship Washington Focus 2026

(Pertains to Weld County 4-H Members only)

What you need to know and do now

1. Get excited! Check out the National 4-H Center Facebook Page and Twitter to get updates on what is happening there all summer long, to give you a taste of what you will experience when you travel there in 2026.
2. Understand your project responsibility! Communicate with your Area Contact/Group Leader. They will provide updated information to you and help you plan fundraising opportunities. Attend as many CWF functions as possible; this keeps you in the loop and helps you get to know your traveling companions. Complete your CWF Record Book for fair, and do the activities included. The Top 10 will be awarded and honored at the Weld County Fair! Read the CWF General Guidelines, the CWF Year One Project Guidelines, and the 4-H Code of Conduct. If you miss a meeting, it is your responsibility to get the information you need – contact your Area Contact/Group Leader, Kim at the Extension Office, or the CWF Steering Committee.
3. Understand your financial responsibility! Are you fundraising with your group and doing so under the 4-H guidelines? Are you donating money personally? Receiving contributions? Know the due dates for payments, and understand how fundraising through 4-H works.
4. Get involved! Citizenship Washington Focus is about meeting new people – in your county, and eventually from all over the country when you get to the 4-H Center – and about contributing as a 4-H citizen and as a Colorado/US Citizen.
5. Ask questions! If you don’t understand something, please ask! We are all in this together, and while the CWF project has a new face, the direction and goals are as solid as ever.
6. Shine your 4-H Spirit! Be the positive 4-H Citizen that you are – be willing to help, and understand that this project takes work to complete the requirements and to raise the money needed. This project falls under the 4-H program because we are about “Making the Best Better!”
7. Watch the 4-H Newsletter and Emails for upcoming CWF events. The Steering Committee is looking into future informational meetings, youth-only mixer events, and even county-wide fundraisers. Stay tuned!
8. Dates you need to know for now:

• Completed CWF Record books are due to the 4-H Building by 12:00 p.m. (Noon) on Monday, July 22, 2024
• The payment schedule is as follows: 7/15/24 - $1,750; 7/15/25 - $1,750; 4/1/26 - $1,500
• The 2026 Trip will be divided into 2 separate group trips, potentially 12 days in length, most likely all happening in June of 2026. The first 7 days are spent at the National 4-H Center in Washington, DC, then the remainder of the trip involves other educational touring and experiences. This will be solidified by the CWF Steering Committee in the coming months, as we are already working with ETI, the tour company that arranges most of the trip, and we are also in contact with the National 4-H Center.

These are policies set forth by the Extension Office and 4-H staff; individual groups may have stricter guidelines.

Youth Policies

1. Youth are to participate with a CWF group to fundraise the funds for their experience. Enrollment for CWF will begin 3 years prior to when the conference is attended.
2. Any funds that are personal support must come directly to the Extension Office. If a youth provides a personal payment but ends up raising funds to cover that they can receive a reimbursement.
3. Any funds that are raised through the group above what the youth needs will remain in the group to support other members.
4. If a youth decides not to go to CWF they will forfeit all fundraised money back to the group. Personal money will be paid back as long as there are not payments that have already been made. Fundraised money that has already been paid to booking companies will be forfeited.
5. Youth are required to submit 3 record books, one for each year, and be marked as “complete” to attend.
6. Youth must remain members in good standing throughout the CWF experience.
7. Youth are required to attend mandatory meetings and community service.

Chaperone Policies

1. Chaperones must be enrolled, approved leaders and work with a CWF group to fundraise for their trip.
2. Chaperones must abide by the Code of Conduct at all times.
3. Chaperones cannot be parents of youth on the trip.
4. Chaperone are required to attend mandatory meetings and community service.

Group Policies

1. Groups are to be open to all youth interested in the CWF experience.
2. Groups are to work with youth to coordinate fundraising events, leadership activities, etc.
3. Groups are responsible for submitting group payments by the set deadlines.
4. If groups work together on fundraisers, totals raised for the outside group must be shared within a week of the event, so they know what their kids raised. The group who was the primary fundraiser can submit funds for those members with payments as long as the other group knows what was raised.

Colorado 4-H Code of Conduct

Note: A Signed Code of Conduct is located in 4HOnline, under profile information section.

4-H members, leaders, parents, and other adults participating in 4-H programs will:

1. Adhere to program rules, curfews, dress codes, policies, and rules of the facility being used.
2. Conduct themselves in a courteous, respectful manner, use appropriate language, exhibit good sportsmanship, and act as positive role models.
3. Abstain from illegal behaviors, use of alcohol, marijuana, illegal or illicit drugs, and tobacco during 4-H events and activities.
4. Fully participate in scheduled activities.
5. Respect others property and privacy rights.
6. Respect the rights and authority of parents, leaders and Extension Agents.
7. Abstain from abuse (physical and/or verbal) and harassment.
8. Accept personal responsibility for behavior including any financial damage.
9. Be responsible for any financial damage caused by inappropriate behavior.
10. Adhere to principles and rules of safety.

Consequences for violating any part of this code of conduct may include, but are not limited to: removal from participation in the event in which the code of conduct has been violated (at the individual’s expense); sanctions on participating in future 4-H events; forfeiture of financial support for the event; removal from offices held, etc.

Behavior outside of 4-H activities can affect “member in good standing” or “volunteer in good standing” status.

It is the responsibility of all program participants to reinforce the code of conduct and intervene when necessary to enforce the rules.

Colorado 4-H Adult Code of Conduct

4-H is the informal youth education program of Cooperative Extension through Colorado State University. Through 4-H projects and programs, youth learn life skills, citizenship, communication and decision making techniques, leadership, interpersonal relations, community and global awareness. 4-H helps youth form attitudes that will enable them to become self-directing, productive, and contributing members of society.

Youth learn from their experience. Part of their experience is observing and modeling their behavior after adults they know and respect. To contribute in a positive way to youth development Colorado 4-H Leaders, Volunteers, Parents and other adults will:

• Conduct themselves in a mature, courteous and respectful manner, use appropriate language, exhibit honesty, good sportsmanship and act as a positive role model.
• Provide a safe learning environment, free of physical abuse, mental abuse, ethnic, racial and sexual harassment or exploitation of the 4-H member.
• Learn and live by the principles of the 4-H Pledge, 4-H Motto and 4-H Slogan.
• Adhere to all program rules, policies and guidelines including the State 4-H Dress Code and use of the 4-H Clover.
• When transporting 4-H members, have a valid Colorado driver's license and insurance as prescribed by Colorado law and maintain the vehicle so that it is safe and reliable for the conditions, weather, and distance for which it will be driven.
• Abstain from the use of alcohol and illegal drugs while participating in 4-H events/programs. These are not allowed at any 4-H sponsored program, event and/or activity where youth are present. Leaders should limit their tobacco use to areas where youth are not present. This applies to local club meetings, county, district, state, and national events.
• Respect the rights and authority of leaders, parents and Extension Agents.
• Refrain from physical or verbal abuse.
• Apply rules of safety to individuals, groups, and property.
• Accept personal responsibility for behavior.

Conduct not in keeping with 4-H Youth Development standards will not be tolerated. Violation of items listed above will result in consequences to the participant. Law enforcement may be called and illegal behaviors may result in citations or arrest. Consequences may include removal, at the individuals' expense and without refund, from participation in the event; restitution or repayment of damages; sanctions on participation in future local, state, regional or national 4-H events; and forfeiture of financial support for this event.

4-H Leaders and volunteers serve at the request of Colorado State University Cooperative Extension. That request can be withdrawn for violations to this code, other reasons or no reason at any time.

Weld County 4-H CWF Project General Guidelines

(Pertains to Weld County 4-H Members only)

1. Members must be enrolled in the CWF project by March 1 of the 2nd year of the project; they are encouraged to enroll by March 1 of year one of the project. If a member enrolls the 2nd year, they are required to put $1,750 towards their trip at that time.
2. If 4-H members are interested in participating in the CWF project and missed the Year One March 1st deadline, then they may begin to fundraise in the name of 4-H and will complete project expectations but will not be eligible for prizes at the fair. 4-H members who do not enroll by March 1 of Year 2 who have been fundraising and participating in the project will forfeit any monies raised in the name of 4-H.
3. If youth are interested in participating in the CWF project but are NOT current 4-H members, they may begin fundraising and participating in other CWF project-related activities after they enroll in 4-H, which is encouraged to be immediately.
4. Delegates will be 15 years old by June 1 and/or have completed the 9th grade the summer of travel.
5. Delegates and chaperones may raise funds through local CWF area groups organized events, through monies donated by themselves personally, and/or through private and/or corporate donations given on behalf of delegates. All fundraising efforts must be equitable and accessible to all participating project members.
6. Delegates may drop from the program at any time up until September 1, 2025, the date the final payments are due for travel obligations, in order to receive a refund of any personal monies contributed by the delegate. Any and all monies raised in the name of 4-H will remain in the area account, as they are not personally assigned funds.
7. Delegates must be members in good standing.
8. Delegates and chaperones are expected to abide by the 4-H Code of Conduct at all
   4-H/CWF – related events.
9. Delegates and chaperones are expected to attend any county-wide CWF project meetings and functions.
10. Delegates are expected to complete the project requirements as outlined by the CWF Steering Committee in order to remain eligible for the CWF program.
11. Payment for the trip will be paid out at three different dates. Date 1: 7/15/24 $1,750 Date 2: 7/15/25 $1,750 Date 3: 4/1/26 Balance due. Any exceptions to this timeline will be reviewed by the Steering Committee.

4-H Money

Education and character-building are the basis of the 4-H Program. Federal, State and County tax funds are the major sources of support. Some 4-H educational efforts cannot be fully supported by tax dollars alone and fundraising by 4-H groups has always been a part of 4-H programs.

In seeking private support for 4-H programs (like Weld County CWF) through fundraising, Extension Agents must insure that the funds are given and used according to Federal Regulations including the following:

• Fundraising and use of the 4-H Name and Emblem must have the approval of Extension Agents.
• All moneys received from 4-H fundraising, except those necessary to pay reasonable expenses must be used to further 4-H educational programs.
• The privilege of using the name and emblem of 4-H carries the responsibility of being accountable for its use and any funds that are used in its name.

The misuse or theft of 4-H funds will be dealt with through law enforcement. It is in everyone’s interest to have safeguards and controls to prevent the opportunity for the misuse of 4-H funds.

While members, leaders and parents in your 4-H club or group raise funds to support the educational efforts of the CWF group, the money is not yours.

It is considered public money because it is raised on behalf of 4-H. This means that you must be legally accountable and responsible in handling 4-H funds.

Facts About Weld County 4-H CWF Fundraising

(Pertains to Weld County 4-H Members only)

The Weld County 4-H CWF project is an educational program, not a fundraising project. All 4-H projects have a cost associated with them from less than $100 to more than $1,000. The projected cost of the 2026 CWF Project is $5,000. Because CWF is a 4-H educational program, enrolled members have permission from the Extension Agent to raise money and use the 4-H name and emblem. Every fundraising activity requires agent approval.

This opportunity to raise money in the name of 4-H is a privilege not a right. No one is obligated to ensure that you raise money to equal the cost of the project.

Like any 4-H project, you should discuss the costs of the project with your parents as part of your decision about whether the project is right for you.

You then have three general options:

1. You can pay for the costs of the project with money that you earn, and/or gifts of money from friends or family.
2. You can pay for part of the cost of the project with earned money and you can participate in approved fundraising activities to raise money for part of the cost of the project.
3. You can participate in approved fundraising activities to raise money for the cost of the project.

Once you decide which option you want to pursue, you need to set a goal for how you will accomplish your objective. Will you babysit or mow lawns to earn money? Will you set aside time that you will commit to working with a group to raise money in the name of 4-H? CWF contact leaders, the CWF Steering Committee and the 4-H Agent are here to help you accomplish your goals.

Talk with your parents and identity your fundraising goal. Include it with your other goals in your project record book.

Share your project goals with your CWF area group leader or club leader. Make a list of “To Do” items to reach the goal(s).

If you have opted to help raise money for the project, work with your area group or club to find/ create and carry out fundraising opportunities. Plan who will do what and fulfill your obligation.

Accomplishing your goals is your responsibility!

Fundraising activities and use of the 4-H name and emblem must have the approval of Extension Agents.

Seeking private and corporate donations must have the approval of Extension Agents and must be done as a group/club, not individually.

Money earmarked by a donor for a particular individual is considered by the IRS to be a gift and is not tax deductible.

All fundraising efforts must be equitable and accessible to all participating project members.

Top 10 Required Procedures:

1. Contact the Extension Agent for approval to proceed with a fundraising activity.
2. Make sure that money is handled by enrolled members and leaders. Use money bags, a lock box or safe.
3. Avoid cash transactions to members.
4. Require receipts and invoices for expenditures.
5. Write receipts to members, parents and leaders.
6. Record financial transactions as they occur.
7. Require 2 or more people from different families to count money from fundraising activities.
8. Turn the money over to the group or club leader. The amount should then be verified in the presence of the individuals turning the money over. Deposit the money promptly.
9. Authorize the check signing authority to two or more people from different families and require both signatures on each check.
10. Complete a 4-H Activity Expense/Income Report for every fundraising activity.

Fundraising Donations

1. Contact the Extension Agent for approval to proceed. This helps ensure that the request is acceptable and prevents duplications of requests.
2. Work as a group to identify possible donors, put the request together, deliver the request, and thank the community members.