Above all, I represent the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Cheyenne and the State of Wyoming. As such, I will act as a Christian.
~ I will reflect the Lord’s command to Love neighbor as self and calls for deep sensitivity and respect for others.
~ I will uphold the teachings and beliefs of the Catholic faith, in my words, deeds and actions.
~ I will follow all Safe Environment policies of Cheyenne, including but not limited to:
* I will always know the whereabouts of the youth I am responsible for
* Report suspected abuse of minors to the appropriate authorities and will fully cooperate with all necessary proceeding steps.
* Complete the Diocesan Safe Environment and Background check
* I will treat everyone with respect, loyalty, patience, integrity, courtesy, dignity and consideration.
* Honor the quality of all people avoiding all forms of discrimination and respecting the dignity of each person without regard to economic status, age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or physical or mental abilities.
* I will not use physical affection to initiate inappropriate contact with minors or touch a minor in a sexual or inappropriate manner.
* I will follow practices that demonstrate appropriate relationships between all diocesan/parish personnel and minors that are important for a child’s development and a positive part of ministry.
* For the most part when working directly with minors, there should always be a minimum of two adults present, more if the number of minors is greater than 7.
* When private conversations are necessary they should occur in rooms that provide a safe environment of open access and visibility. Never in isolated rooms or places.
Concerning dress and appearance:
~ This is a Catholic gathering and so I will dress appropriately.
~ As a witness to my faith I will not wear clothing that has inappropriate messages or advertisements on them.
~ All clothing that I wear will be modest in appearance. This means no clothing that allows my stomach, cleavage, bra straps or underwear to show. This includes guidelines for swimwear as well.
~ I will dress appropriately in churches, holy sites, and places of prayer and worship.
Concerning use of alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs, and firearms;
~ I will not smoke or use tobacco products in the presence of minors.
~ I will not purchase or distribute tobacco, alcohol, or illegal substance to/for minors.
~ I will not use, possess, or be under the influence of alcohol, or illegal drugs while supervising minors.
~ I will not purchase, download, possess or distribute pornography.
~ I will not be in physical possession of any firearms during a gathered youth event.
~ I will not use any form of physical discipline.
Concerning my surroundings and environments;
~ I will attend all scheduled activities, arriving promptly and staying for the entire event.
~ I will never be alone in sleeping accommodations with a minor that I am not a parent or guardian of.
~ I will not search or enter the sleeping accommodations of minors without the knowledge of the trip coordinator and/or the minor, and only with due cause
~ I will not confiscate a youth’s belongings without having the youth waive his/her right to the possession or without the intent of returning that item. Exceptions to this include dangerous items such as weapons.
~ I will at all times be aware of and adhere to emergency plans and evacuation routes appropriate to the event in which I am participating.
~ I will be prepared to assist in an emergency and other required tasks as they arise.
~ I understand that we are guests of the parish/diocese/facility where the event is taking place; as such I will respect the property, belongings, employees and fellow patrons of the establishment.
Concerning my interaction with others
~ I will use positive reinforcement and communication rather than criticism, unhealthy connotations or comparison in addressing minors.
~ I will not humiliate, ridicule, threaten, demean, nor degrade minors or others, nor tolerate such behavior in the environment for which I am responsible.
~ I will follow all youth technological guidelines as laid out in the Diocese of Cheyenne youth ministry policies.