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, more than 10,000 students participate in HOBY programs annually. Today, over 425,000 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: to 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: 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 areas as business, government, education, media, and the nonprofit 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 pays for the seminar?
A: The school is asked to pay a registration fee to HOBY HQ (our offices in Westlake Village, CA). Sometimes this fee is paid by the parent/guardian. The all-volunteer Maryland committee raises the state seminar expenses for room & board, copies & postage, and program supplies (approximately $100,000) from generous sponsorships from the private sector, service organizations, and individuals. Women’s Clubs, Jaycees, Kiwanis, and Optimists financially sponsor individual schools to the seminar.
Q: What is an LSC?
A: The LSC is the Leadership Seminar Chair. This individual has been voted by the Maryland Board of Trustees to lead this year's efforts in planning and executing the Maryland Leadership Seminar. The LSC leads a fully volunteer committee which works year-round to ensure the smooth, safe, and life-changing experience which happens at Seminar. Natalie Gaudette is the LSC for the 2024 HOBY Maryland Seminar and can be reached at seminarchair@hobymd.org.
Q: What transportation arrangements have been made?
A: Volunteers are responsible for getting themselves to and from seminar. Oftentimes volunteers are able to carpool or find other similar arrangements to ease transportation difficulties. If you have any concerns about getting to Seminar, email seminarchair@hobymd.org for assistance.
Q: What are the accommodations like?
A: Participants and volunteers will be assigned to dormitory rooms with two to four participants on floors reserved exclusively for the seminar. All attendees will need to bring their own towels, pillows, bed linens, and toiletries. Everyone will receive nutritious breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. 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: Who may I contact should I have additional questions?
A: Additional questions or concerns should be directed to Natalie Gaudette at seminarchair@hobymd.org.