Saturday, June 16, 2007
Super Saturday....
Today I traveled to the Habitat for Humanity Center to help facillitate a group of ambassadors. Our service project was to help unload trailors (some very big trailors) of donated items for Habitat's Renovation Station. I noticed something truley noteworthy of praise and recognition. In the begining, many of the ambassadors did not know one another, and therefore conversation was minimum. However, that did not create a barrier in their teamwork. All of the ambassadors worked together, and took concern in each others safety, and had each others back- literaly. The work was not easy, and many of the ambassaodrs had to overcome fears. On our walk home I noticed something different about the group of ambassadors in front of me. On the walk over, the group was rather quiet. But on the way home there was a mix of bustling laughter and complaints of much needed showers. Unintentionally, these ambassadors formed friendships through helping others in need. Bridgebuilder
through the eyes of a jr. facilitator
Ambassadors are assigned to a group, which slowly becomes their family throughout the week. Each group has its own big brother/ big sister mentor, a HOBY Jr. Staffer. We are honored to have one of these incredible superheroes sitting in our office right now. Zapp is flash of lightening way faster than a speeding bullet. This fire ball of energy's super strength is motivation. "Sometimes a group just doesn't want to start because they're missing a certain something. Zapp has the knack for finding each group members' motivating factors and allows the team to make a worthwhile experience for everyone. Zapp empowers the group to achieve their goals." Zapp has generously agreed to show us the HOBY experience through the eyes of an alumni jr facilitator and her team. We are now turning the keyboard over to the one and only Zapp....
" When the ambassadors were finally separated into their respective groups, everyone was awkward and shy. Conversations were filled with small talk about peoples favorite colors and nervous giggles. But as the day went on, the more comfortable everyone felt around one another. By Saturday the HOBY spirit was showing through as the small chit-chat grew into detailed discussions about the ambassadors passions, politics, and views about life in general. In my group, I represent enthusiasm and motivation. At first, several of my group members were nervous to come out of their shell because there were some very enthusiastic ambassadors that were very intimidating because of their passion for HOBY and leadership. The rift that was slowly developing between the group caused for some tension between the members. As their junior facilitator, I talked to each ambassador separately to find out more about them. Their likes, dislikes, organizations they were involved in, etc. At lunch that day, I made sure that my group sat together and I talked to them about how important it was to communicate to everyone within the team in order to completely appreciate the HOBY experience. By befriending them, I was able to open their minds to learning about different aspects of life that they weren't able to see before HOBY. Through leadership labs that were created and run by all the junior facilitators (motivation, group dynamics, communication) we were able to teach them about different leadership skills, how to motivate people to work, and how to talk to their team when things go awry. Now, as the final night with the ambassadors approaches, we hope that we were able to teah them how to improve their leadership skills beyond what they had before. How to take these skills and approach problems and difficult cirrcumstances head on with confidence. To teach their fellow classmates how to do the same and work as a group toward a common goal. We sincerely hope, that through this HOBY Leadership Program, that they take what they learned, and use it successfully through out the rest of their lives. "
" When the ambassadors were finally separated into their respective groups, everyone was awkward and shy. Conversations were filled with small talk about peoples favorite colors and nervous giggles. But as the day went on, the more comfortable everyone felt around one another. By Saturday the HOBY spirit was showing through as the small chit-chat grew into detailed discussions about the ambassadors passions, politics, and views about life in general. In my group, I represent enthusiasm and motivation. At first, several of my group members were nervous to come out of their shell because there were some very enthusiastic ambassadors that were very intimidating because of their passion for HOBY and leadership. The rift that was slowly developing between the group caused for some tension between the members. As their junior facilitator, I talked to each ambassador separately to find out more about them. Their likes, dislikes, organizations they were involved in, etc. At lunch that day, I made sure that my group sat together and I talked to them about how important it was to communicate to everyone within the team in order to completely appreciate the HOBY experience. By befriending them, I was able to open their minds to learning about different aspects of life that they weren't able to see before HOBY. Through leadership labs that were created and run by all the junior facilitators (motivation, group dynamics, communication) we were able to teach them about different leadership skills, how to motivate people to work, and how to talk to their team when things go awry. Now, as the final night with the ambassadors approaches, we hope that we were able to teah them how to improve their leadership skills beyond what they had before. How to take these skills and approach problems and difficult cirrcumstances head on with confidence. To teach their fellow classmates how to do the same and work as a group toward a common goal. We sincerely hope, that through this HOBY Leadership Program, that they take what they learned, and use it successfully through out the rest of their lives. "
Friday, June 15, 2007
Freedom calls.... and business heroes
"Freedom is not free." This inscription on the Korean Memorial should also be inscribed in our hearts. With our own busy daily lives, we often forget how lucky we are to live in this great nation. Hundred of thousands of men and women devote their lives to protecting our freedom. This year's HOBY ambassadors had the opportunity to talk with real life American heroes serving in the Air Force and Marines at the Al-Asad military base in the Anbar region of Iraq. WTAE recorded footage of the event and will air it on the six o'clock news tonight. The video conference allowed ambassadors to ask the military personal questions.
Following the video conferencing, the third panel session of speakers addressed entrepreneurship, particularly "The Business of Bioscience Agriculture Initiatives" and "The Business Outlook: Where is Western PA Today?".
The ambassadors and most of the staff are currently on an offsite mission. They are stationed at various businesses throughout the southwestern PA for panel session four. When they return, a number of business professionals will join the ambassadors for a career dinner.
(NOTE FROM BLOG ADMIN: I apologize for not going into more detail with the events at this point in time. I will be updating this blog later with more detail after I have a chance to meet with junior staffers who were present at the various events. Please check the blog in the mornings for updated information. Thank you for your patience!!)
Following the video conferencing, the third panel session of speakers addressed entrepreneurship, particularly "The Business of Bioscience Agriculture Initiatives" and "The Business Outlook: Where is Western PA Today?".
The ambassadors and most of the staff are currently on an offsite mission. They are stationed at various businesses throughout the southwestern PA for panel session four. When they return, a number of business professionals will join the ambassadors for a career dinner.
(NOTE FROM BLOG ADMIN: I apologize for not going into more detail with the events at this point in time. I will be updating this blog later with more detail after I have a chance to meet with junior staffers who were present at the various events. Please check the blog in the mornings for updated information. Thank you for your patience!!)
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Warning: enthusiasm is taking over W&J
"To be enthusiastic, you must act enthusiastic." After registration, you may have noticed the congregation of ambassadors in the courtyard between the residence hallls. Their first mission, whether or not they chose to accept it, was to catch the HOBY spirit. Jr. Staffer Joey led the inaugral energizing session. Ambassadors quickly learned the HOBY way through indtroductions and cheer practice. Teambuilding continued as the ambassadors banned together under their superhero groups.
The opening ceremony marked the official start of the 2007 HOBY PA West Seminar. The program was kicked off with a briefing of the HOBY story. Then a superspeaker really amped up the crowd during his keynote address. Rick Grandinetti shared his power of positive thinking through an interactive discussion about how we all live our own 'dashes'. Motivating the masses is Mr. Grandinetti's super strength; he has inspired audiences through over five thousand keynote speeches.
Super heroes in training have super appetites, which were satisfied during lunch in the dinning hall. Several ambassadors had the opportunity to leave lunch a little earlier to interview the afternoon's guest speakers. These lucky "volunteers" introduced the panelist for the session on education entitled "Higher Education - How Do You Get the Most out of Your Education?". The educational exploration continued with a college fair and campus tour.
Over the course of the weekend, HOBY ambassadors and staff become one happy family; so it is only fitting that we take group pictures to mark the occasion. Energizers kept all in attendence lively while building an appetite for dinner.
As this blog is being updated, the ambassadors are involved with some communication of their own. At this very moment, there is a split panel session taking place that questions "Advertising and National Media: Influencing Opinions" and "The Future of the Newspaper, eMedia, and Local News."
Stay tuned for more HOBY updates throughout the week!
The opening ceremony marked the official start of the 2007 HOBY PA West Seminar. The program was kicked off with a briefing of the HOBY story. Then a superspeaker really amped up the crowd during his keynote address. Rick Grandinetti shared his power of positive thinking through an interactive discussion about how we all live our own 'dashes'. Motivating the masses is Mr. Grandinetti's super strength; he has inspired audiences through over five thousand keynote speeches.
Super heroes in training have super appetites, which were satisfied during lunch in the dinning hall. Several ambassadors had the opportunity to leave lunch a little earlier to interview the afternoon's guest speakers. These lucky "volunteers" introduced the panelist for the session on education entitled "Higher Education - How Do You Get the Most out of Your Education?". The educational exploration continued with a college fair and campus tour.
Over the course of the weekend, HOBY ambassadors and staff become one happy family; so it is only fitting that we take group pictures to mark the occasion. Energizers kept all in attendence lively while building an appetite for dinner.
As this blog is being updated, the ambassadors are involved with some communication of their own. At this very moment, there is a split panel session taking place that questions "Advertising and National Media: Influencing Opinions" and "The Future of the Newspaper, eMedia, and Local News."
Stay tuned for more HOBY updates throughout the week!
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
The adventure begins....
As the ambassadors, our soon to be community superheroes in training, are sleeping comfortably in their beds, a few brave souls remain at work in HOBY PA West's headquarters. Our league of extraordinary volunteers has been busy preparing for the ambassadors' arrival. From staff training to superhero costuming tweaking to name tag printing, everything seems to be going according to plan.
In just a few hours, the ambassadors' will by embarking on quite an adventure. The HOBY experience is an enthusiastic journey that teaches one "how to think, not what to think". Over the next several days, ambassadors will participate in panel discussions, site visits, community service projects, leadership labs, and other activities that will enhance their strengths and develop the powers essential to a community superhero.
The best way to explain HOBY is to experience it firsthand. Through the magic of the Internet and the eyes of an alumni, you too can be part of HOBY! The Jr. Staff, fearless alumni who return to the seminar each year to guide those who follow in their footsteps, will continue to update this blog throughout the seminar weekend. You don't want to miss the opportunity to share this once-in-a-life time experience with your HOBY ambassador!
Just a few hours of waiting left... then the adventure begins....
In just a few hours, the ambassadors' will by embarking on quite an adventure. The HOBY experience is an enthusiastic journey that teaches one "how to think, not what to think". Over the next several days, ambassadors will participate in panel discussions, site visits, community service projects, leadership labs, and other activities that will enhance their strengths and develop the powers essential to a community superhero.
The best way to explain HOBY is to experience it firsthand. Through the magic of the Internet and the eyes of an alumni, you too can be part of HOBY! The Jr. Staff, fearless alumni who return to the seminar each year to guide those who follow in their footsteps, will continue to update this blog throughout the seminar weekend. You don't want to miss the opportunity to share this once-in-a-life time experience with your HOBY ambassador!
Just a few hours of waiting left... then the adventure begins....
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