Our fourth Leadership 4 Service project - World Vision in Grand Prairie

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Dr. Bob Pierce began World Vision to help children orphaned in the Korean War.  To provide long-term, ongoing care for children in crisis, World Vision developed its first child sponsorship program in Korea in 1953.  As children began to flourish through sponsorship in Korea, the program expanded into other Asian countries and eventually into Latin America, Africa, Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Today, monthly contributions from sponsors enable World Vision to provide impoverished children and their communities with access to clean water, nutritious food, education, health care and economic opportunities.

Their impact, in their words:

When our work began in 1950, our approach was basic. We provided food and shelter for children in orphanages through child sponsorship. Over the years, we’ve learned the complexity of finding long-term, meaningful solutions to poverty.  We work in the most difficult contexts, in some of the poorest countries. But we believe in children. And when we partner with children and families, we can help them transform their communities.

Making progress

Measuring the progress of our development work toward community change is essential.

• We design each program to measure specific indicators to track our progress toward child well-being.
• We measure where things are at the start by carrying out a baseline survey.
• We look at how each community is doing in relation to other communities and the rest of the country.
• We monitor progress along the way.

How does World Vision help transform a community?
Watch this fun, animated video to see how we work in the field, partnering with children and families to help them break the cycle of poverty.

• After 3-5 years, we re-measure those indicators to compare with the baseline.
• All of the information we’ve gathered can help the community reprogram, make better decisions, and even change course if necessary.

All along the way, we share our results with the community and community stakeholders so that they can be aware of what change is being reported, and validate it. The community also provides us with context through qualitative interviews and focus group discussions.

Our 3rd Leadership 4 Service Project - Mission Arlington

Mission Arlington

Since its inception in 1986, Mission Arlington/Mission Metroplex has served as a standard for excellence in non-profit social work by a faith-based organization.  Both religious and mainstream organizations have recognized the efforts of Mission Metroplex and Mission Arlington.  Here are just some of the services that this OUTSTANDING non-profit provides:

After School Programs

Students receive help with their homework each week during the school year at multiple locations.

Busing

In partnership with the Arlington Independent School District, Mission Arlington assists children safely to and from school who are not within the school districts bus routes, but still would have to cross dangerous intersections.

Camps

Summer camps are one of Mission Arlington’s specialties. We host up to 10 camps during July, created with four different groups in mind: Preschool, school age, pre-teens and high school students.

Carnivals

Mission Arlington works with managers of apartment communities, police and fire departments, and other civic and community organizations to host carnivals for children and teenagers. Popcorn, snow cones and the Mission Arlington “bouncy house” are just a few of the ways to bring smiles to the faces of children and adults alike.

 

Financial Help

Direct financial assistance is provided to help families with portions of their rent, utility, gasoline, and prescription costs. Information about social service agencies is also available for those who need further help.

Food, Home and Personal Needs

We supply families with short-term supplies of groceries, personal hygiene items, diapers, baby formula and more to help them get by when resources are tight.  Mission Arlington is here to make sure donations such as clothing, furniture, appliances and other household items get to those in need.

School Supplies

Starting school with the basic essentials such as paper, pencils, rulers and more is important to the success of students. Each summer, Mission Arlington partners with the community to provide the basic start-up school supplies required by the Arlington Independent School District for families who do not have the means to purchase these items for their children.

 

Transportation

Mission Arlington transports people in need to various locations in Arlington for jobs, education and job training, social service needs, childcare, after-school programs, tutoring, and more.

During our seminar service projects, HOBY will help this non-profit by storing through donations, stocking shelves, prepare food baskets and anything else that we can do to help those in need.

I became part of the HOBY family as a second cousin, or maybe an in-law...my oldest daughter Abbey was selected as an ambassador in 2007, and the timing couldn't have been more perfect.  We moved to Texas from Connecticut when she was in the 8th grade and she was not happy about it (understatement.)  Thanks to some wonderful friends she became active in Student Council which led to her nomination.  HOBY seemed to be a turning point for her, one which she has never turned back from.  She became more confident and sure of herself and her convictions...if you know Abbey well I realize it is hard to believe she hasn't always been so "passionate"!  It was as though HOBY was the missing piece to a puzzle just waiting to be completed, and she has been 'going confidently in the direction of her dreams' ever since.  When Abbey was in the second grade she had to make a poster about what she liked and didn't like (I still remember she drew cute little green peas as dislikes, and soccer as her favorite sport...go figure) and what she wanted to be when she grew up. She drew a picture of herself as the first female President of the United States.  Not being much of a conformist that is probably not in her future, however, I have no doubt--with HOBY by her side--she will do great things in this world.

My son Jimmy was nominated as an ambassador in 2009.  Although they are brother and sister they have very different leadership qualities that were nurtured by their experiences at HOBY.  Jimmy has always been the "mayor", as we call him.  Everyone always knows him, sometimes they are not sure how they know him, they just do.  When he walks into a room it is like you can feel the energy...and HOBY has electrified him!  Year after year when seminar starts Jimmy becomes an exponent of himself.  His ability to motivate others, make them feel good about themselves, and just pump up the crowd becomes almost magical when surrounded by the HOBY "vibe".  I can't really explain it, I guess I should given I will be LSC next year, but I really can't put words to it.  Maybe having 300 people together, ambassadors and staff included, that all want to have a positive impact on our community, in one way, shape or form, is infectious. 

Daughter #2 (only in birth order...don't worry) Molly was an ambassador last year.  I don't think, even though she had listened to endless stories about HOBY, she had any idea what to expect.  We all tried very hard to stay away from her during the seminar as we wanted her to have her own experiences...and boy did she!  She seems to be an interesting mix between Abbey and Jimmy...passionate about topics that are important to her but also that girl that will act absolutely ridiculous if it means it will make someone smile.  Once again, HOBY has helped to guide her ideas of leadership and how that looks for her, as she is again very different in many ways from her siblings. 

And of course, we have Megan who will hopefully be HOBY 2015...wow...

What I love about HOBY, and the principles that the program is based on, is that what kind of leader it helps you to become is up to you.  You decide what that will look like and how it will manifest itself in your life.  Although it may change as you get older, the path that these skills take you down is up to you...but it is really comforting to know that your HOBY family will be by your side, holding your hand throughout your journey. 

Thank you Hugh O'Brien for letting us be a part of your family.

Lisa  "Momma" Walsh

My HOBY Story... as told by Abbey Walsh

This year’s HOBY Texas North theme – “Riding Roughly West” – is a powerful reminder of my own HOBY journey. I moved to Texas from New England when I was in 8^th grade, and man did I hate it. The people were too nice, I was too far from my friends, and I really didn’t like country music. Needless to say, the culture shock was immense. Thankfully I made friends who forced me to join clubs with them in high school, one of which was Student Council.

During my sophomore year of high school I was called to the guidance counselor’s office, out of the blue. I didn’t know what was going on – was someone in my family sick? My counselor told me I had been nominated by my Student Council advisor to attend HOBY for my outstanding leadership potential. I couldn’t believe it. Me? I was shocked that someone believed in me and honored to be the sole nominee from my school.

HOBY truly turned my life around – by giving me the courage to unlock the leadership potential I had been hiding inside for so long. To be the person I always knew I could be. The confidence I found at HOBY has propelled me forward to accomplishing goals I have always dreamed of, and then continuing to dream bigger and push harder. I have made lifelong bonds with many of the people I have met at seminar over the years. HOBY is my family – both literally and figuratively (you’ll meet my mom, brother, and sister too!). Thank you to all of my Jaguars, Blue Bandits, Noisy Neighbors, Impulsive Immortals, Dynamic Ducttapers, and all HOBY staff for the memories that will last a lifetime.

Two weeks ago I graduated from the American University in Washington, DC, with a degree in International Development specializing in sub-Saharan Africa. While in college I studied abroad at the University of Cape Town in South Africa, tutored in underserved areas of the city, and worked for an organization that builds schools in Sierra Leone. Later this year I will begin my next adventure in the Peace Corps. The inner strength and leadership I have learned at HOBY over the years has made each of these dreams possible.

Moving to Texas and participating in HOBY have taught me that life begins at the end of your comfort zone. To me, “Riding Roughly West” means embracing the unknown and tackling new challenges head on. So when you see me at HOBY Texas North this year – this is my 7^th year!!! – you best believe I will be wearing my cowboy boots, singing country songs, and saying “y’all” with the best of these Southern natives. 

What will you do today to conquer your unknown?

 The Impulsive Immortals - HOBY Texas North 2010

STATE OF TEXAS H.R. No. 1594 / RESOLUTION

STATE OF TEXAS H.R. No. 1594 / R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, Student participants and supporters of Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership of North Texas are gathering on June 8, 2013, to celebrate HOBY Texas North Service Day, and this special observance provides a fitting opportunity to recognize this outstanding organization; and

WHEREAS, Created in 1958 by film star Hugh O'Brian, HOBY has motivated over 400,000 young people to work over 2,400,000 hours for positive change in their homes, schools, and communities; HOBY seeks to promote democracy and free enterprise while encouraging social responsibility and does not endorse any particular political or religious agenda; the organization's programs are conducted throughout the United States and abroad, and the North Texas chapter was incorporated in 1982; and

WHEREAS, HOBY focuses on students at the sophomore level of high school, and individuals are nominated by their schools for participation; in the course of completing the program, young people learn the values of volunteerism, integrity, excellence, diversity, and community partnership; HOBY graduates emerge with a better understanding of what it takes to succeed as a compassionate and innovative leader in today's global society; and

WHEREAS, Hosted this year by The University of Texas at Arlington, HOBY Texas North Service Day results in approximately 1,000 hours of community service to the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and the students and organizers participating in this event are indeed worthy of commendation; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas Legislature hereby honor Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership of North Texas and extend to all those involved with HOBY Texas North sincere best wishes for a memorable service day and continued success; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the group as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.

[Previous Hit] Sanford [Next Hit]

______________________________
Speaker of the House

I certify that H.R. No. 1594 was adopted by the House on May 1, 2013, by a non-record vote.

______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House

My HOBY Story....by Karen Honiball 2013 Volunteer LSC

My HOBY Story...

I am not a HOBY alum, but I got involved as soon as I could :)  My husband is a 1984 Massachusetts alum and when we moved to Texas over 7 years ago, he became active in HOBY again.  I decided a couple of years ago to "come along for the ride".  From that moment on, I was hooked and have never looked back.  I started as a Senior Facilitator in 2010 and had the most outstanding team!  My first seminar was amazing, energizing and inspiring.  These young leaders impressed me so much that I wanted to become even more involved with HOBY.  My husband was right!  Darn!

The past 3 years I have been part of the seminar planning committee and this year became the 2013 Leadership Seminar Chair.  I am both honored and humbled to have the privilege of leading the charge in planning this years' seminar.  With a great deal of help, the 2013 "Riding Roughly West" seminar will be EPIC.  We will host over 200 bright, talented, determined young minds at our new site on the campus of the University of Texas at Arlington from June 6th-9th.  I am looking forward to meeting our new ambassadors and reconnecting with our volunteers.  There is still much work to do, so I will leave with you with this..."Change your thoughts and you can change the world"(Norman Vincent Peale).  Until me meet again...

Our second service project! The Molly Hollar Wildscape.

After an amazing visit and service project last year, HOBY Texas North has been invited back to serve at the Molly Hollar Wildscape.  The Wildscape's mission is to "Educate the community to use native plants to attract wildlife, conserve resources, and connect with nature." Here is a bit more about this amazing organization:

Members of the Arlington Conservation Council and the Arlington Organic Garden Club founded the Molly Hollar Wildscape on half an acre in 1994 to trumpet ecosystem preservation and the benefits of native plants. The organizations did the heavy lifting — literally, as in boulders — plus helped to match  $3,000 from their meager treasuries with a like amount from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and the game was on.

Thirty thousand volunteer hours later, The Wildscape has expanded into a splendid four-acre enhancement of a last lone stretch of the Eastern Cross Timbers, which runs through central Arlington but has been devastated by development.

Tucked away in one of the city’s most popular parks, the wildscape serves as a living lab, the natural elements providing a backdrop for programs and tours.

It beckons, on many levels, the tree hugger and the good corporate citizen.

In 2000, Northrop Grumman employees, for the company’s Good Turn Project, built a pavilion, benches;  kiosks,  bridges, boardwalk; and much more.. Other improvements have been made possible through additional funding from U. S. Fish and Wildlife, the local chapter and state Native Plant Society of Texas, Arlington Parks and Recreation Dept., North Texas C.O.G., several local businesses and individuals. Volunteers have rescued many native plants to live out their lives in the Wildscape. The Wildscape attracts all manner of similar enthusiasts, from Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists, to Rotarians and Scouts, to young people in (volunteered by) Tarrant County Juvenile Services, to the occasional passer-by. It is a designated site for Master Naturalist training field trips and Master Gardener volunteer site.

Volunteers have grown many, many plants, which have either been planted in The Wildscape (more than $20,000 worth) or been sold at fundraisers ($10,000 proceeds, and counting).  . This human return on investment has extended outreach to volunteers who are physically challenged or of advanced years, who delight in gardening but cannot participate in strenuous digging, bending and planting.

Then there’s the “Walk on the Wild Side,” where school students come through in small groups to hear of the Eastern Cross Timbers and native plants, see butterflies emerging from their pupae and mosquito larvae swimming in magnified containers, and learn how to identify bird songs. The Arlington Conservation Council has celebrated Earth Day at The Wildscape with visitors learning about environmental issues.

Our first Leadership 4 Service project is announced!

After each seminar, we challenge our Ambassadors to commit to 100 hours of community service to "pay it forward".  During the seminar, we give each student the opportunity to get a 5 hour head start through several service projects that we schedule for Saturday, June 8th.  We are proud to announce our first service project. . .approximately 30 - 40 of our Ambassadors, alumni and volunteers will be traveling to Crossroads Community Services to volunteer.  Here is a little bit about CCS:

Crossroads Community Services nourishes people and powers change by providing nutritious food, nutrition and life-skills education, and clothing to those in need in the Dallas community.  CCS opened its doors in 2001 as the urban outreach ministry of First United Methodist Church, Dallas. Since then, CCS has distributed enough groceries to prepare over 10 million healthful meals.
 

In 2005, CCS became the first food pantry in the nation to distribute food based on the recommendations of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Clients select the food they prefer from each food group in the amount recommended to them based on their age, gen-der and activity level. Our focus on nutrition allows our clients an opportunity to receive healthy groceries that are usually too expensive or not accessible for them.  CCS also offers nutrition and life-skills education work-shops that teach our clients how to prepare nutritious meals on a small budget, and how to set and attain goals that are meaningful to them.  Our innovative food distribution method sets us apart from many other food pantries. By working with over 40 Community Distribution Partner sites throughout Dallas County, we reach areas with the greatest need while keep-ing costs to a minimum. Participants at these sites volunteer to pick up the groceries from our in-house pantry, and work together to distribute it to families enrolled in our program at their sites.
 

Through our Clothing Closet, those in need can select arti-cles of gently-used clothing, which clients often use when going on job interviews, to school, or other special events for work or their community. By distributing clothing and nutritious food, we are able to help our clients stretch their budgets further, so that they can afford to pay rent, utilities, and healthcare expenses.
With the help of supporters like you, in 2011 CCS:

 Provided 13,535 clients with enough food to prepare 1.1 million healthful meals.
 Distributed 148,517 articles of clothing, saving our clients over $891,000.
 Hosted 753 volunteers who served 21,370 hours — the equivalent of 10 full-time employees.

HEY HOBY SOUTH FLORIDA!

Tommy Osborne, Lisa Walsh, Karen Honiball and our OUTSTANDING HOBY Texas North alumni and volunteers came together for our last training. . .and wouldn't you know it. . .Tommy Osborne was sporting an OUTSTANDING HOBY SOUTH FLORIDA T-SHIRT!  So we thought we'd throw a little "HOBY SHAKE" your way to celebrate your day of service today!

HAVE AN OUTSTANDING SEMINAR!  Y'ALL ROCK!

HOBY HUGS. . .HOBY Texas North (deep in the heart of Texas)

HOBY TRAINING, SIR!

Those who remember the classic movie STRIPES may remember the scene where an officer asks Bill Murray "What kind of training are you doing?" to which he replies "AAARRRRMMYYY TRAINING, SIR!"  Well today if you ask a HOBY alum/volunteer what they are doing, you may get a similar answer.  Our final HOBY staff training is today at the University of Texas @ Arlington.

Think about it for a minute.  In order to come back as a volunteer, either as a junior facilitator or on junior staff, a person has to fulfill several requirements.  First, they have to go through an application and recommendation process.  They have to have completed or are about to complete their 100 volunteer service hour commitment (these are called Leadership 4 Service hours and are hours logged volunteering for local community non profits).  Then they have to attend at least one if not both training sessions and give up their Saturday doing so.  What makes it more impressive is that some of these volunteers are several hours away and need to be at UTA by 9:00am.  Their reward?  Being able to participate at the seminar and positively impacted the high school sophomores who come to the seminar this year.  When you see this dedication to leadership and service, that is when you feel better about what this generation can and will accomplish.

For those wondering what happens at training. . .

The LSC, Director of Staff (both volunteers) and the core volunteers set up various training modules and discussion points.  Today the team will be talking about how to make each small group inclusive, how to ensure that everyone's views are welcome and expected and that everyone feels part of the process.  They will review the calendar and go through the various leadership exercises that take place in between speakers and panel discussions.  They will go through the mock trial information, where our Ambassadors (the seminar attendees) will discuss a presented issue both from an ethical and a legal perspective.  And most importantly, they will be assigning teams today which means that our 2013 Attendees / Ambassadors should be getting phone calls this week letting them know what team they are on and what to expect at seminar.

When all is said and done. . .it is pretty OUTSTANDING, don't you think?

#MyHOBYStory - Rich Honiball

#MyHOBYStory - Rich Honiball

I am one of the "older ones". . .one of the ones who went through HOBY long before the 2013 Ambassadors were born.  And from time to time, I am reminded of that.  But as the father of an eight year old, HOBY reminds me how powerful this young generation is and how important it is that we prepare them to lead.  As my daughter grows older, the 2013 HOBY attendees will be the doctors, lawyers, business leaders, civic leaders, scientists, teachers, and others that she will turn to in a time of need or that will influence the world around her.  That is why HOBY continues to be important to me.

I attended HOBY in 1984 as a high school sophomore representing Brockton High School in Massachusetts.  I had not heard of HOBY but I had a teacher who had and who thought that it would be a good opportunity for me to put myself out there - meet others who may have the same challenges and opportunities as I did at the time.  I was on the one hand a good student and class president but on the other hand, I was pretty shy, didn't make friends easy and didn't always apply myself.  I remember my father dropping me off at Boston College where that year's seminar was held and after he left, I was met with this group who was cheering and welcoming me.  The unease that I felt at that moment turned to acceptance and warmth over the course of the next several hours.  I listened, I learned, and though the impact on my wasn't immediate - the experience ultimately changed my life.

I say not immediately because I soon lost touch with friends I had made and did not come back to volunteer in any way.  But several, actually many years later after my wife, daughter and I moved from NYC to Dallas, I decided it was time to get involved and I discovered the local HOBY in my area and started on a journey that has taken me from local volunteer, to serving on the corporate board as president to national board member.  But the single most profound change in me can be tied back to a single moment with a single person which demonstrated for me how powerful this organization can be....

My first year back as a senior facilitator, I was paired with someone who had gone through theprogram the year prior - Jamie Drillette - who would be my junior facilitator.  By the second day, things were going well but there was one kid, one kid who just simply didn't engage with what was going on.  No questions, no comments, no input. . .he simply didn't seem to connect.  Maybe we had even made a mistake choosing him.  So I devised a plan to "engage" him.  Being successful in business, I decided that after lunch I would isolate him from the group, pull him aside and discuss with him how he was letting a valuable opportunity go to waste.   When I started to approach him after lunch, I saw Jamie playing some sort of hand clapping game with him one on one. . .something obviously useless and something that now delayed my opportunity to give back, to impact this student.  A bit miffed, I went back inside to get ready for the next session which was on volunteerism.  That is when it happened.  During this next session, this young man was engaged, enthusiastically asked questions, and connected with each of the speakers.  Whatever Jamie had done, she connected him with the seminar and broke through the wall that he had built.  When I sat down to talk to him later, no longer feeling the need to "lecture" him, I discovered that he was a great student but didn't always connect with the subject matter.  He was going to Costa Rica that summer for a three week mission trip to build homes for those in need.  He simply hadn't connected with the group yet and Jamie broke through that in a way far better than what I had planned.

So #MyHOBYStory?  Or I should say HOBY Lesson?  I give because I get back more in return.  Whatever lessons I may be able to pass along, I get so much more back from people like Jamie, Kara, Abbey and Jarvis.  And where is Jamie right now?  According to her Facebook page, I think she is in Uganda.  I think she thinks she can save the world be visiting every part of it through various service projects.  And I think she may be right.

Me with my dad and daughter during our road trip last summer

Our Leadership 4 Service Fundraiser

Our Leadership 4 Service Fundraiser

After every seminar, we ask that each "Ambassador" give back by committing to 100 hours of community service, or Leadership 4 Service hours.  We have a "service day" during the Saturday of the seminar where we participate in a variety of different service projects around the DFW area.  In the last five years. HOBY Texas North has logged over 37,500 hours with a value of over $750,000 to our local communities!  And that is just the hours that have been logged!!

However, we have some overachievers. . .many in fact.  From April 27th (Global Youth Service Day) to June 8th (HOBY Youth Service Day in the State of Texas), we have committed to logging 2500 hours and we are well on our way there.  We are also asking family and friends to help by donating a penny, two pennies, three pennies, a nickel or more per hour by clicking on the link above or below.  Every penny counts and helps fund our OUTSTANDING service projects during the seminar!

To donate, please click on the link below:
Leadership 4 Service Fundraiser

Ever come to a seminar and a flash mob breaks out!?!

There are many things that make our HOBY Seminars different - the peer relationships, the various speakers on so many topics, the dedication of the volunteers.  Of course, it is also the activities - whether or just for fun, an impromptu flash mob which took place in 2011!

Who is Hugh O'Brian?

If you are new to HOBY, the first question you might ask is, "what does HOBY stand for"?

We would answer, youth leadership and service, teaching young men and women not WHAT to think but HOW to think. . .and right about then you might say "No, I meant what to the letters H. O. B. Y. stand for!"

Oh, it is the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Foundation.  And before you ask who was Hugh O'Brian and why he started HOBY, let us tell you. . .

Beginnings in an African Jungle​

In the summer of 1958, actor Hugh O’Brian received the invitation that would change his life. O’Brian, then 33, had already made a name for himself as an actor portraying the legendary lawman Wyatt Earp on television and appearing in numerous films when a cable arrived from French Equatorial Africa. The cable reported that Dr. Albert Schweitzer would welcome him at any time for a visit.

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O’Brian had long admired the German doctor-missionary-theologian-musician. “I'd read so much about him,” O’Brian reflects. “He was a great humanitarian who could have done anything he wanted in the world, and there he was in the middle of Africa taking care of people.” Within two weeks O’Brian was on his way, by commercial airliner, bush plane and canoe, to the famed hospital that Schweitzer had founded in 1913 on the banks of the Ogooue River in Lambarene.

There he was met by a very old man with a huge, white walrus mustache, wearing white pants, shirt and pith helmet. “That was his uniform,” says O’Brian, recalling his first sighting of Schweitzer. The actor spent nine days at the clinic complex where Schweitzer and volunteer doctors and nurses, working without electricity or running water, cared for patients including many with leprosy. O’Brian spent his days assisting the volunteers in the hospital and his nights with Dr. Schweitzer discussing global peace and world politics

Dr. Albert Schweitzer

Schweitzer, then 83, who had received the 1952 Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in behalf of the “Brotherhood of Nations,” was concerned about global peace prospects and was impressed that the young American had taken the time to visit him. The doctor led the actor through history over those evenings. Schweitzer was convinced that the United States was the only country in the world with the ability to bring about peace.

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Dr. Schweitzer told O’Brian that he felt “The most important thing in education is to teach young people to think for themselves,” which O’Brian would never forget. “He said the United States must take a leadership role,” O'Brian recounts, “or we are a lost civilization.” After an inspiring nine days, O’Brian prepared to return to America.

​

Before saying goodbye, Dr. Schweitzer took O’Brian’s hand and asked, “Hugh, what are you going to do with this?” It was these words combined with his unforgettable visit that compelled O’Brian to form Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY). Two weeks after returning from his 1958 visit to Africa, O’Brian put together a prototype seminar for young leaders.

The Growth of HOBY and launch of HOBY Texas North

From 1958 to 1967, HOBY leadership programs took place annually in Los Angeles. In 1968 the scope of the HOBY program grew to include national and international participants, which led to the expanded eight-day global leadership seminar called the World Leadership Congress (WLC) held annually.

 

In an effort to include more students nationwide, three- and four-day HOBY Leadership Seminars were instituted in 1977, with Delaware, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island being the first to conduct HOBY Leadership Seminars and in 1978, HOBY Texas North was founded.  HOBY’s influence has even extended worldwide with programs developed in such countries as Canada, Mexico, Israel, China, Taiwan, Korea, Bolivia, and Argentina.

Stay tuned for more information about HOBY and our 2013 Seminar!

Welcome to the 2013 HOBY Texas North Seminar Blog!

Since 1978, HOBY Texas North has served the region by inviting local area high school sophomores to our annual seminar and encouraging these students to not only discover themselves as leaders but to give back to our communities.  We have grown to be one of the top sites in the country, growing over 38% in just the last four years.

During our programs, we strive to teach young men and women not WHAT to think but more importantly HOW to think.  Our curriculum is based on the "Social Change Model", focusing on an individual's personal responsibility and commitment to lead, a person's ability to lead with a group, and a person's impact on society.  We accomplish this with the help of dedicating alumni, volunteers and local leaders in business, education, science & technology, government and other fields.  We have developed and introduced innovative programs that are used across the country and our alumni have attended both the World Leadership Congress and the new HOBY Advanced Leadership Academy.  ​

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At the end of each seminar, every Ambassador commits to giving back volunteer hours or "Leadership 4 Service" hours.  In the last five years alone, HOBY Texas North alumni have logged over 37,500 hours with a donated value of over $750,000.  We have forged partnerships with organizations from Big Brothers Big Sisters to Teach for America to Magdaleno Leadership to improve our reach and find as diverse a population as leaders as possible.  Our alumni have gone on to launch non profits, lead companies, run for office, attend West Point and join the Peace Corps - each finding their unique place and way to lead. 

As HOBY Texas North launches a new partnership with the University of Texas at Arlington, we look forward to inviting new youth leaders to our seminars and having an even greater impact on our schools and communities.

During the course of the next few weeks, we will bring you reflections of seminar's past, we will introduce several members of our alumni and volunteer base, and we will bring you the 2013 Seminar in "real time" so you can see what makes us OUTSTANDING!

For now, sit back, and enjoy the ride!

HOBY Texas North