Q: What is HOBY?
A:Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) is a non-profit organization committed to inspiring and developing our global community of youth and volunteers to a life dedicated to leadership, service, and innovation. Founded in Los Angeles, California in 1958 by actor Hugh O’Brian, HOBY programs provide youth selected by their schools to participate in unique leadership training, service-learning and motivation-building experiences. HOBY also provides adults with opportunities to make a significant impact on the lives of youth by volunteering. Over 4,000 committed HOBY volunteers plan and execute the programs each year, serving both at the local HOBY affiliate level and on HOBY’s Board of Trustees. Due to the selfless efforts of volunteers and the contributions of generous donors, nearly 10,000 students participate in HOBY programs annually. Today, over 450,000 proud alumni make HOBY stronger than ever. HOBY alumni are leaders in their schools and communities, throughout the United States and the world, making a difference for others through service.
Q: What is the purpose of the state leadership seminar?
A: The seminar supports the primary objectives of Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership: motivate and empower individuals to make a positive difference within our global society through understanding and action based on effective and compassionate leadership; to interface these potential leaders with recognized leaders in business, industry, government, science, education, and the professions through give and take workshops; to stimulate opportunities for these young people to demonstrate their leadership abilities when they return home for betterment of community and country.
Q: How are students selected to attend a HOBY Leadership Seminar?
A: Each October, the National Association of Secondary School Principals sends nomination materials to all 22,500 public and private high schools in the United States. Each school selects an outstanding sophomore, based on their leadership potential, to represent their school at their state seminar. Since only one student is selected, it is an honor to be recognized as a leader among peers.
Q: What do students receive by attending their state leadership seminar?
A: Known as HOBY’s flagship program, the Leadership Seminar is designed for seminar attendees, or HOBY Ambassadors as they are called, to recognize their leadership talents and apply them in becoming effective, ethical leaders in their home, schools, workplace and community. The high level of energy, encouragement and motivation as well as the interaction with peers, panelists and volunteers are important elements in nurturing the students’ future leadership roles. In addition, students participate in hands-on leadership activities and meet state leaders in such as areas as business, government, education, media and the non-profit sector. Ambassadors will also participate in a service learning community project. Throughout the seminar, students build new friendships and networks for the future.
Q: What are the benefits after attending a HOBY Leadership Seminar?
A: Many Ambassadors return home with a new vitality, a greater sense of purpose, and a new set of resources that they can use to make their schools and communities better places in which to live. With this new enthusiasm, HOBY Ambassadors can create a ripple effect of social responsibility in their communities. Ambassadors are asked to become part of HOBY’s commitment to the “President’s Summit for America’s Future”. By undertaking a community service project(s) involving at least 100 hours, they have the opportunity to join 10,000 other HOBY Ambassadors in making a difference in your school, community, place of worship, or other “environment”. Alumni can continue their involvement by attending Alumni functions, volunteering for the annual leadership seminar, or teaching at a one-day Community Leadership Workshop (CLEW) held in local communities. HOBY seminar attendance can be added to resumes and college applications. Alumni are eligible to receive Ambassador Leadership Scholarships from various colleges and universities to help fund higher education through graduate school.
Q: Who is Mike Roy?
A: Mike is the Connecticut Leadership Seminar’s chairperson who leads an all-volunteer committee. He is a 2009 CT alum, volunteering with the seminar ever since in various positions. This is his second year as chair after already serving as Vice Chair and Director of Operation, as well as a junior staff member. Mike has additionally served as a member of the World Leadership Congress held in Chicago since 2012 in various positions. In his professional life, he serves as an Americorps member for City Year in Seattle.
Q: What kind of supervision is provided at the leadership seminar?
A: The seminar is chaperoned by qualified adult male and female facilitators who stay at the facility 24 hours a day. Most facilitators were HOBY Ambassadors and now volunteer their time. Groups of 8-10 Ambassadors are organized into small teams led by an adult facilitator.
Q:How can I follow what is happening at the seminar?
A: The seminar committee will be posting updates to our Facebook Fan Page and Twitter accounts all weekend, beginning Thursday afternoon. Become a fan of HOBY Connecticut on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/hobyct and follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/cthoby .
Q:What transportation arrangements have been made?
A: We are unable to provide transportation to and from the seminar. It is the parent’s responsibility.
Q:What are the accommodations like?
A: Participants will be assigned to dormitory rooms with two to room on floors reserved exclusively for the seminar. Students will need to bring their own towels, pillows, bed linens, and toiletries. Everyone will receive breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. Students should have eaten breakfast prior to arrival on Friday. On the Medical History Records Form, please indicate any special dietary considerations, including vegetarianism, and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Q:What if I need to take medication while I am at the seminar?
A: Please provide information about your medication on the Medical History Records Form and bring the Physician Medication Verification Form with you to the seminar (documents are included in this packet). Make sure to read and comply with the Policy for Use of Medication During a HOBY Event.
Q:What if I am unable to attend the seminar?
A: If circumstances arise that prevent you from attending, we want to give another student from your school the opportunity to attend. Please notify the person at your school who selected you, and call HOBY Connecticut at (860)304-6374.
Q:Who may I contact should I have additional questions?
A: Additional questions or concerns should be directed to Mike Roy at mroy@cthoby.org or call (860)933-5243. You can also contact our Director of Staff Natalie Gaudette at (860)884-0250 or ngaudette@cthoby.org