For the past three of four years I have attended, learned and provided my time as a Facilitator for the Colorado Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Program. I am also a Member at Large on their Board of Directors. Known as HOBY, this two and a half day conference revolves around teaching 15 and 16 year old sophomores who are going into their junior year of high school, “how to think, not what to think”. These Ambassadors, as they are referred to, are selected by their high school councilors to represent their school, yet more importantly there are selected for their current leadership activities or potential for leadership.
There were over 140 young people from all over Colorado that attended this years event. I was again fortunate to have brilliant Ambassadors, Alyssa, Ashton, Brenna, Jordy. Maggie, Raina, Ryan and Will, along with a vibrant, energetic and enthusiastic Assistant Facilitator, Louisa. Together these eight young women and men recharged my belief that the future will be in good hands as these Ambassadors take their learned skills, information and use their new network of HOBY friends back to their home schools to volunteer and make a difference in their communities.
Attending panel discussions on Business, Media, Volunteering, Education, the Environment and addressing personal prejudice, these HOBY Ambassadors interact, discuss and think about how leadership is critical to successfully addressing the problems and issues that face leaders. Learning development activities also create opportunities for team building and introspective thought.
In addition to creating new friendships, having fun and learning HOBY cheers, there is a challenge of following up this event with 100 hours of community service in any activities the Ambassadors feel they can contribute to. The whole program is maintained and financially supported with all volunteer help who contribute their time, energy and money to ensure continued opportunities for future leaders. Donations by local businesses and service clubs like the Kiwanis and the Optimist help with their financial investment in tomorrow.
This years closing keynote speaker was former Denver Bronco, media commentator and author, Reggie Rivers. Mr. Rivers connected with the HOBY Ambassadors by sharing his heartfelt message of attaining success and creating better behaviors to achieve one’s goals. Mr. Rivers humor, stories and wit were a fitting close to this years theme of Faces of Leadership.
You can contribute to HOBY and to the building of future leaders by donating at; http://www.hobycolorado.com/
There were over 140 young people from all over Colorado that attended this years event. I was again fortunate to have brilliant Ambassadors, Alyssa, Ashton, Brenna, Jordy. Maggie, Raina, Ryan and Will, along with a vibrant, energetic and enthusiastic Assistant Facilitator, Louisa. Together these eight young women and men recharged my belief that the future will be in good hands as these Ambassadors take their learned skills, information and use their new network of HOBY friends back to their home schools to volunteer and make a difference in their communities.
Attending panel discussions on Business, Media, Volunteering, Education, the Environment and addressing personal prejudice, these HOBY Ambassadors interact, discuss and think about how leadership is critical to successfully addressing the problems and issues that face leaders. Learning development activities also create opportunities for team building and introspective thought.
In addition to creating new friendships, having fun and learning HOBY cheers, there is a challenge of following up this event with 100 hours of community service in any activities the Ambassadors feel they can contribute to. The whole program is maintained and financially supported with all volunteer help who contribute their time, energy and money to ensure continued opportunities for future leaders. Donations by local businesses and service clubs like the Kiwanis and the Optimist help with their financial investment in tomorrow.
This years closing keynote speaker was former Denver Bronco, media commentator and author, Reggie Rivers. Mr. Rivers connected with the HOBY Ambassadors by sharing his heartfelt message of attaining success and creating better behaviors to achieve one’s goals. Mr. Rivers humor, stories and wit were a fitting close to this years theme of Faces of Leadership.
You can contribute to HOBY and to the building of future leaders by donating at; http://www.hobycolorado.com/
