Professional Ethics
An Extension worker should understand, believe in and uphold Extension as a profession.
This includes:
- Knowing what Extension is and how it works
- Supporting institutions of which Extension is a part
- Supporting fellow workers in their work
- Maintaining effective public relations
- Knowing and using appropriate channels on matters relating to regulations and legislative affairs
An Extension worker should know and competently present appropriate subject matter.
This includes:
- Maintaining high standards for subject matter taught, and admitting lack of knowledge if and when necessary
- Properly relating his or her own subject matter to the total Extension program with vision, energy and judgment
- Having a willingness and desire to continually develop and improve his or her own competencies
An Extension worker should accept the responsibilities that go along with being a public employee.
This includes:
- Being fair, understanding and courteous, and having proper respect for human dignity in all work situations
- Holding confidential information as a trust
- Not allowing self-interest to jeopardize effectiveness of the Extension effort
- Strictly adhering to prescribed limitations on personal partisanship
- Refusing to accept gifts and favors
- Not endorsing particular commercial products
- Maintaining an attractive and efficient office worthy of Extension
Personal Ethics
- An Extension worker should develop and maintain a high degree of personal integrity.
- An Extension worker should meet all personal obligations faithfully.
- An Extension worker should maintain a pleasing appearance and desirable conduct at all times.
- An Extension worker should reflect attitudes of high regard for Extension’s clientele, the Cooperative
- Extension Service and its objectives, and other Extension personnel.