The Kentucky 4-H Issues Conference was started in 1989. Carlisle County has always had a strong presence at the conference and encouraged participation from senior 4-H'ers every year. This year, Carlisle County had two teens not only attend, but serve on this year's state planning committee. The two youth were able to make an impact in not only planning the conference, but also through facilitating workshops and helping develop leadership skills in other teens. One of Carlisle County's teens was voted as Returning Member of the planning committee, and will return next year to assist in planning the conference again.

Since its inception, the conference schedule has changed, 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
• 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% of respondents felt the Conference was a success and achieved its goals.
• 91% of respondents are able to communicate with peers who are different than themselves.
• 91% of respondents have used the decision-making process taught during 4-HIC.
• 91% of respondents have confidence to speak in front of groups of different ages.
• 90% of respondents connected with at least one caring adult in a positive way.
• 99% of respondents have used skills learned during 4-HIC at home, in school, or in their community.
• 100% of respondents would recommend their peers attend the KY 4-H Issues Conference.

Because of Issues Conference and the opportunity to serve on the state planning committee, Carlisle County teens not only benefited from this experience, but were instrumental in creating the successes listed above.