The goals of HOBY do not end with the leadership seminar and CLEWs, but continue through the efforts of the Alumni Association. The WVHOBY Alumni Association was chartered in 1991.

Past participants of the HOBY programs have the opportunity to join this vibrant Alumni Association. The Association seeks to foster the development of leadership skills and personal growth in each member. The Association, divided into districts, meets often, and its activities include: community service projects, personal development workshops and assistance with WVHOBY programs. The goals of the Alumni Association are:

1.To foster the continuance of the Seminar, CLEWs and their theme

2.To provide an opportunity to expand the leadership skills that are presented as part of HOBY programs

3.To provide a communication network of all former Ambassadors to serve as part of HOBY programs

4.To share information about ongoing activities, individual Ambassador interest, and the needs of the Foundation.

All Ambassadors have the opportunity to maintain their contact with WVHOBY programs by becoming members of the Alumni Association.

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP EDUCATION WORKSHOPS

Each year HOBY is committed to sharing leadership programs with a larger student population. One popular way service clubs with similar interest in youth programs and leadership development do this is through local, one-day HOBY workshops called Community Leadership Workshops (CLEWS).

Most schools are already familiar with HOBY's "flagship" program to which one outstanding sophomore from every high school in your state is invited to attend an expense-paid, three-day HOBY Leadership Seminar. Because they already participate in this HOBY program, schools often welcome the opportunity to send several participants to an area CLEW.

CLEWS are designed to provide opportunities for sophomores to develop leadership skills and to learn more about America's Incentive System. This is done through a combination of techniques: panel presentations question-and-answer sessions discussions interaction by peers with one another leadership simulation activities MOTIVATION!

Through the process the young leaders are taught competencies of leadership and the concept "how to think, not what to think" so that they are better prepared to take their place in school, community, family, and eventually business.

CLEW description Copyright © 1997 Oklahoma HOBY Alumni Association

HOBYS UNDERSTAND GRANDPARENTS ARE SSPECIAL (H.U.G.S PROGRAM)

The West Virginia HUGS program was introduced to alumni members at the 1990 HOBY reunion. A major focus of the association has always been to provide support to the community in the form of service projects. HUGS was the offspring of this emphasis. Why does the alumni association stress the importance of this project? Because of the group we are reaching out to... the elders of the community. Our grandparents and the senior citizens of our communities are in need of care and attention. Who's better to send than a group of teenagers that is actually motivated and "pumped up about life?"

When a district is planning a HUGS program, a nursing home or senior center is contacted and a date is set up. When the HOBY's arrive, the usually bring gifts or crafts along to give to the residents. While at the facility, HOBY's spread the spirit-of-enthusiasm to the elder members. How? By just being themselves! Laughing, talking, and smiling, sharing their enthusiasm to brighten up someone else's day!

The great thing about HUGS is that you are not only giving to others, but giving a gift to yourself. You can see how much your short visits mean to them, and leave the place with a grin from ear to ear and a special feeling in your heart.

WORLD LEADERSHIP CONGRESS

The culmination of HOBY's Leadership Development Seminars is our annual World Leadership Congress. From each of the 90 seminars that are held each spring in all 50 states, a boy and girl are selected to attend an all-expense paid week long stay at a major university campus where they will interface with their peers from the U.S. plus 32-45 young leaders who represent thirty-some foreign countries. The 1996 WLC was held at Rice University in Houston, Texas during the week of August 6, 1996. The 1997 WLC will be coordinated by Purdue University in Indianapolis, Indiana.