Success Story4-H Issues Conference Continues to Strengthen Community Engagement



4-H Issues Conference Continues to Strengthen Community Engagement

Author: Charles Stamper

Planning Unit: Administration - Cooperative Extension Service

Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

Since its inception in 1989, the Kentucky 4-H Issues Conference schedule has changed in its look and content, but the focus and goals have not. 

The goals of the KY 4-HIC are for Delegates to:
     Enrich their citizenship/civic engagement roles.
     Enhance their leadership skills.
     Develop public presentation skills.
     Gain an understanding of local issues and learn the process
     of addressing local issues.

During the four-day intensive conference, a partnership occurs between the Delegates (youth) and the Facilitators (adult) which leads to a successful learning experience. Delegates were involved in 20 hours of hands-on experiences during the 2017 KY 4-HIC. Below are the results of the initial evaluation conducted after the conference.
     95% Felt the conference was a success and achieved its goals.
     91% were able to communicate with peers who are different than themselves.
     91% have used the decision-making process taught during 4-HIC.
     91% have confidence to speak in front of groups of different ages.
     90% connected with at least one caring adult in a positive way.
     99% have used skills learned during 4-HIC at home, in school, or in their community.
     100% would recommend their peers attend the KY 4-H Issues Conference.

Demographic breakdown for the 2017 KY 4-HIC: 

     75 Delegates 

     25 Adults

*Conference participants represented diversity of race & ethnicity. 






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