Training Tuesday: Honesty, Ethics, and Morality!

Tips and tricks to help you build engaging, research-based training for your 4-H Volunteers!

Empowering volunteers with the tools they need to reach their goals and create high-quality youth experiences is at the heart of Volunteer Involvement across our CCE System (VIPP). Throughout the year, we’ll continue to share bite-sized, grab-and-go resources you can easily integrate into your 4-H Program. These lessons are designed to strengthen volunteer skills, spark creativity, and help you strengthen your 4-H program in fun, meaningful ways!

Today’s Highlight: Honesty, Ethics, and Morality — Leading with Integrity!

Strong leadership begins with integrity. When volunteers model honesty, uphold ethical standards, and demonstrate moral courage, they create an environment built on trust and respect. These values not only guide daily decision-making but also inspire youth to become thoughtful, responsible leaders in their own communities.

The Honesty, Ethics, and Morality lesson invites volunteers to reflect on their personal leadership values, understand the importance of ethical decision-making, and explore practical ways to model fairness, empathy, and accountability. Participants will learn mindful practices to build patience, strengthen relationships, and foster a sense of belonging—key ingredients for a positive 4-H culture.

The Honesty, Ethics, and Morality Activities, along with Fact Sheets and PowerPoint Slides for the Interpersonal Characteristics domain, can be found on the National Volunteerism Resource Hub —a project of the PLWG National 4-H Volunteerism Charter Group designed to house resources that strengthen the preparation, engagement, and development of 4-H volunteers nationwide.

These resources are based on the Volunteer Research Knowledge and Competency (VRKC) Taxonomy Model—a research-backed guide that maps out the key skills needed for volunteers to thrive in 4-H. From communication and organization to program management, educational design, and positive youth development, each skill area helps volunteers bring out the best in every young person they serve!

Questions? Reach out to Kelly Campbell (kmc86@cornell.edu)