Developing the next generation of leaders is a key component of the Woodford County 4-H program. One approach in this process is participation in state-level 4-H programming that seeks to provide teens with the skills and mindset to enact change within their own communities. Kentucky 4-H Issues Conference allows 4-H’ers to connect with other teens from around the state over pertinent issues facing them while learning what it takes to address those issues back at home. Woodford County 4-H sent three participants to the 2018 Kentucky 4-H Issues Conference. These teens spent four days and three nights discussing such issues as college prep, environmental consequences and drugs and how they could work in their own communities to offer solutions. Not only did the participants comment on all of the connections they made from around the state, they also expressed an increased understanding of the issues they focused on and a desire to seek out more leadership opportunities in Kentucky 4-H. Specifically one participant remarked on their interest in a long-term goal of serving as Kentucky State Officer and two participants were impressed by the State Teen Council opportunities they learned about and expressed interest in serving in that capacity as well. By utilizing a state level conference such as 4-H Issues Conference, Woodford County 4-H is developing teen leaders who are actively seeking future opportunities to serve their club, county and state.