Welcome to the 2026 HOBY NY Central Volunteer HUB!

We’re so excited to have you considering joining us at the HOBY NY Central Leadership Seminar. Our 2026 seminar will occur at Hobart & William Smith Colleges in Geneva, NY. Volunteers will report on the afternoon of Thursday, June 11, and the seminar will take place for ambassadors from Friday, June 12 to Sunday, June 14!

HOBY NY Central (HOBY NYC) welcomes students (called “ambassadors”) from Western and Central NY for a weekend-long, immersive leadership experience that challenges students to think critically, communicate effectively, and act with integrity. The seminar leaves students and volunteers with a robust network and the tools to change the world around them.

This digital guidebook is packed with everything you’ll need for the weekend. From submitting your volunteer application, to arriving on site in June, be sure to explore all of the pages AND keep an eye out as we add more!

Last year, nearly 70 volunteers contributed to the success of the seminar. Our dedicated volunteers are critical to creating a life-changing, educational, and inclusive leadership experience for our ambassadors. If you have any questions, the Director of Staff and Ambassador Experience is here to help. We can’t wait to see all the amazing things you’ll help our ambassadors achieve — let’s make it unforgettable!

Sincerely,

Emily Dittmar [lsc@hobynycentral.org]
Leadership Seminar Chair

Anna Mercer [ae@hobynycentral.org]
Director of Staff & Ambassador Experience

Our Mission

HOBY’s mission is to inspire and develop our global community of youth and volunteers to a life dedicated to leadership, service, and innovation.

At HOBY, we believe all students have the potential to lead. Our seminars bring students together across different backgrounds, cultures, and communities. We help students discover a newfound sense of awareness, confidence, connection, and purpose. Our seminars are proven to cultivate personal growth and inspire action. Students leave HOBY with the knowledge and passion needed to make a positive impact on the world around them. Being a part of the HOBY community unlocks a world of opportunities and connections beyond our seminars.

HOBY Values

Volunteerism: We believe in the power of people coming together to create positive change.

Excellence: We encourage creativity, innovation, and constant improvement in leadership and beyond.

Integrity: We build trust and respect by staying true to our word and continually improving our programs.

Diversity: We celebrate all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, ensuring everyone has a voice.

Community Partnership: We work with others to make sure every young person has access to the HOBY experience.

Learn more about HOBY’s mission and values at hoby.org.

Learn more about HOBY’s history and founder at hoby.org.

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