Code of Conduct for High School-Aged Youth Leaders

 

“I, then…urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received” (Eph 4:1)

 

The Diocese of Gary OYYA (hereafter “OYYA”) calls upon youth serving in diocesan-level leadership roles to adhere to the following Code of Conduct. These behavioral standards are based on the principal expectations our church has articulated in Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops document on Youth Ministry.

 

Principle One: Personal and Spiritual Growth

…calls youth leaders to healthy and appropriate interaction with peers and adults.

 

1. Youth leaders will model behavior that maintains a safe environment for themselves, peers, and adult leaders.

2. Youth leaders will strive to keep physically and emotionally healthy, guarding against substance use and abuse.

3. Youth leaders will strive to witness in all relationships the chastity appropriate to their state in life.

4. Youth leaders have a responsibility to stay attuned to their own spiritual life, nurturing an ongoing prayer life.

 

Principle Two: Responsible Participation

…calls upon youth leaders to fully adhere to the rules and regulations expected of all leaders at OYYA-sanctioned activities, and to demonstrate behavior consistent with Diocese of Gary safe environment policies.

 

1. Youth leaders help promote an environment that is both safe and friendly.

2. Youth leaders will fully adhere to all rules and regulations established by OYYA.

3. Youth leaders have a responsibility to respect other persons and/or property.

4. Appropriate affection between adults and minors is important for development and a positive part of church life and ministry.

5. Some forms of physical affection may initiate or appear to initiate inappropriate conduct and relationships and must be avoided. Excessive physical, intimate contact (excluding friendly hugs) violates diocesan safe environment standards, including displays of affection between consenting adults and between consenting minors.

 

Principle Three: Discipleship in Jesus Christ

… invites young people to witness in word and deed their discipleship in Jesus Christ.

 

1. Youth leaders model a life consistent with the teachings of the Gospel, promoting through their own lives the way to love God and neighbor as self. This responsibility is carried beyond OYYA activities and into the world. (See 1a below)

 

1a. Anyone displaying behavior, including via internet communications, that is not consistent with the expected behavior of a strong Catholic teen leader will be subject to removal from his/her leadership role. This includes, but is not limited to:

   - Violent, inappropriate, or promiscuous behavior inconsistent with the teachings of the Catholic Church.

   - Excessive and unnecessary use of violent or profane language, either in person or via internet communications.

   - Illegal and immoral actions of any kind.

 

2. Youth leaders will be sensitive to the good of the community.

 

3. Youth leaders will reach out to all people in a spirit of humility, reverence, and respect.

 

I have read the Code of Conduct above and am aware that a failure to adhere to this Code of Conduct may result in my removal from my current leadership role.

 

 

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OYYA Code of Conduct is an adaptation of NFCYM “Youth Participant Behavior Standards”