Volunteers
THE FREEDOM TO CHOOSE
Unfortunately, a very small number of our young people seem to attract most of the news. They are in the public eye because they have stolen cars, vandalized schools, created disturbances — in some way rebelled against society. These headline–makers represent only a small part of our teenage population. It is a fact that 98.7 percent of ouryoung people are law–abiding, constructive citizens. There is too much focus on the negative. It is time we accent the positive — pat the good guys and gals on the back — let them know there are rewards for being responsible members of the community.
I do NOT believe we are all born equal — CREATED equal in the eyes of God, YES — but physical and emotional differences, parental guidance, varying environments, being in the right place at the right time, all play a role in enhancing or limiting an individual's development. But I DO believe every man and woman, if given the opportunity and encouragement to recognize his or her own potential, regardless of background, has the Freedom To Choose in our world. Will an individual be a taker or a giver in life? Will that person be satisfied merely to exist, or seek a meaningful purpose? Will he or she dare to dream the impossible dream?
I believe every person is created as the steward of his or her own destiny with great power for a specific purpose: to share with others, through service, a reverence for life in a spirit of love.
-- Hugh O. Brian
HOBY Idaho volunteers act as a team and work together as a team. The saying “many hands make for small work” really applies to HOBY Idaho. Our programs would not be possible if we did not have OUTSTANDING volunteers to help guide our young leaders.
HOBY Idaho has identified the specific characteristics and skills that we believe make a good team member. This sets a standard by which we are able to assess each person against and also a standard by which we can make choices of who our staff will be.
We have set three primary factors for identifying, reviewing, and inviting people to HOBY Idaho’s events as volunteers. They are:
- Coaching
- Leadership by example
- Teamwork
Coaching skill. We recognize there are many coaching styles, however we believe that within the HOBY environment a coach is; aware and skilled to facilitate the ambassadors bring themselves together as a team, questioning with sensitivity to open new avenues of thinking and awareness, compassion with passion, dynamically flexible, and finally having compassion for the inner being of every participant regardless of their views⁄beliefs⁄experiences⁄social or economic status.
Leadership by example. While many believe this is self–explanatory, we believe there are some specific items that are important. First, a leader is aware of their choices and aware of the impact their choice has on others. Leaders have a strong spirit that sets aside their egos and personal agendas for a greater good. A leader’s voice speaks for all, even the softest voice. Leadership, at HOBY, is not about winning, but rather about opening all to succeed on their path not our path.
Teamwork. The power of a ‘team’ in life is very important. A concept to live and communicate. Teams work as one mind, one spirit, and one force. They move a group forward by focusing on something greater than themselves. At HOBY, success occurs independent of an individual, a curriculum, or central organization. Success occurs through the freedom to choose. Choosing to make a difference. Choosing to accept others. Choosing to be yourself. Choosing to set aside differences. Choosing to let go of judgments. Choice.
HOBY Idaho is always looking for new volunteers to move HOBY Idaho into the future. Check out our opportunities!
