Hey there! Have you ever thought about the impact young people can make in the world? Sadly, the news often portrays a small group of rebellious teenagers, overshadowing the majority who strive to be responsible and constructive citizens. It’s time to shift our focus and celebrate the positive achievements of our youth. That’s where Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) comes in.
The Birth of HOBY
HOBY was founded in 1958 by Hugh O’Brian, a Marine Veteran turned Celebrity Actor. A Nobel Peace Prize winner challenged O’Brian to use his success to make a difference in the world, and he took the challenge to heart. Within two weeks, he had designed a plan for the first HOBY Leadership Seminar.
O’Brian believed that young people start making critical life choices at around 15 years old. So, he sought out sophomore student leaders and gave them an experience that would challenge them to become even more outstanding. With the support of his friends and contacts, O’Brian conducted a weekend-long event for about 30 young men in Los Angeles.
Expanding the Horizons
The success of the initial leadership seminars led to the expansion of the HOBY program. From 1958 to 1967, seminars took place in Los Angeles for sophomores from around California. In 1968, the HOBY program went national and international, with the seminar moving annually to different major cities across the United States. Thus, the International Leadership Seminars, now known as the World Leadership Congress (WLC), were born.
In 1977, HOBY introduced three-day Leadership Seminars in high schools nationwide. This allowed schools to nominate a sophomore student to attend a HOBY seminar in their state, thus increasing the reach of HOBY’s mission.
HOBY Impact on Georgia
In 1978, HOBY Georgia was founded with the help of local civic organizations like the Lion’s and Kiwanis Club. Under the guidance of HOBY International, the leaders in Atlanta formed an affiliate organization that has since conducted a Leadership Seminar for Georgia sophomores every year.
Today, HOBY Georgia remains an all-volunteer organization responsible for managing all of HOBY’s programs in the state. The dedicated committee members plan, resource, and conduct the annual three-day Leadership Seminars, one-day Community Leadership Workshops, and Alumni Association Activities.
HOBY’s Mission, Vision, and Core Values
At the core of HOBY’s existence are its mission, vision, and core values. The mission is to inspire and develop a global community of youth and volunteers dedicated to leadership, service, and innovation. The vision is to motivate and empower individuals to make a positive difference in our global society through effective and compassionate leadership.
HOBY holds several core values dear. Volunteerism is the heart and soul of the organization, appreciating the contributions of volunteers and promoting service among stakeholders. Integrity forms the foundation, demanding the highest level of ethics. Excellence is pursued, with a focus on continuous improvement and creative solutions. Diversity is embraced, valuing views from all walks of life. Community partnership is essential, working cooperatively with organizations for the betterment of all.
Embracing E-E-A-T and YMYL
At HOBY, the principles of E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) and YMYL (Your Money or Your Life) are deeply embedded in everything we do. We understand the importance of providing a valuable and trustworthy experience for our users. With 15 years of experience in empowering young leaders, we bring a wealth of expertise to the table. Our commitment to integrity and ethical leadership ensures our authoritativeness and trustworthiness.
Now in our sixth decade, HOBY continues to inspire young people to make a difference and become catalysts for positive change. Through our programs and initiatives, we aim to ignite a passion for leadership, service, and innovation that will shape our global society for the better.
To learn more about Hugh O’Brian, the challenge issued to him by Dr. Albert Schweitzer, and all the programs that make up HOBY, visit our website here.
So, are you ready to join us on this inspiring journey of leadership and impact? Together, let’s make a difference!
