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6/11/2013
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HOBY students learn path to leadership, public service at Rhode Island State House
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 STATE HOUSE – Though the morning was wet and dreary, the House chamber was buzzing with excitement Friday as 32 high school students from the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Program (HOBY) had the opportunity to engage in intimate discussions on politics, civic engagement and community leadership with four state lawmakers at the Rhode Island State House.
Leading the discussion groups were Representatives Patricia A. Serpa (D-Dist. 27, West Warwick, Coventry, Warwick), Lisa P. Tomasso (D-Dist. 29, Coventry, West Greenwich), Frank G. Ferri (D-Dist. 22, Warwick) and Sen. Joshua Miller (D-Dist. 28, Cranston, Providence). Each legislator – whether it was in their introductions, group discussions or the final question and answer period – had the opportunity to share their experiences as legislators, political candidates and everyday people who work to balance their personal lives with their professions and politics.
“Being a state representative has been one of the most enriching experiences of my life,” Representative Serpa said. “I never realized how many opportunities I would have to help people through this job.”
She related to students in a discussion group that “it’s not all about passing bills and laws. It’s not all about what you see at session during the week. Being a legislator is sort of a full-time job, and there are a lot of ways we help people outside of the House chamber. It can be stressful knowing how your choices affect so many people. But I want you to be inspired. I don’t want you to be afraid. I always say ‘Look under every rock,’ because you never know what you will find. And this was the most wonderful rock.”
Representative Tomasso revealed that it was through her own service in the community that prompted her to run for office, despite some thinking her gender, do-gooder spirit and lack of money would be major obstacles to a victory.
“Being a legislator has allowed my children to learn some valuable life lessons,” she said. “It has shown them that no one succeeds on their own and that we should always be grateful to the people who made sacrifices to give us what we have now. I think it has taught them the importance of service. I’ve also had to teach them that there will always be bullies. Unfortunately, it’s a fact of life. But I have taught them that we do not wilt. If you believe in yourself and what you’re doing for the greater good – if you can look at yourself in the mirror every morning and be comfortable with your choices – then you just have to keep moving forward.”
Senator Miller’s path differed from those of some of his colleagues in the legislature, and he was all too happy to share his source of inspiration with the youth leaders.
“I was thinking about when my activism really started, and I think I was partially inspired because I grew in the ‘60s, and that period of time was really all about protest and making change,” the senator said. “I think back to the first time I ever stepped foot in the State House, and I believe it was to protest the war in Vietnam. That probably ignited something in me and taught me that we have a responsibility beyond ourselves.”
Representative Ferri told students that he learned to stay true to the old saying, “Treat others how you would want to be treated.” It was advocating for marriage equality that sparked his run for office, but with that finally a reality in Rhode Island today, he hopes to continue to serve in office for however long he can be effective.
“I’ve learned a lot as a legislator, including that diversity of opinions is what puts you in the right direction,” he said. “We don’t always know what the future holds for us but we do our best to make it work. I think that’s true for everyone.”
After introductions, the students were broken up into smaller groups and each legislator was allowed 10 to 15 minutes per group to answer questions about everything from balancing family life with political life to the consequences of their votes. At the end of these sessions, each student had the chance to sit in the seat of a legislator in the House chamber and ask general questions.
Founded in 1958, HOBY is a national volunteer organization which aims to provide lifelong leadership development opportunities and empower students to achieve their highest potential through community and public service outreach. Rhode Island HOBY Leadership Seminar Chairman Neil Swami and Corporate Board President Todd Willits said students must complete at least 100 hours of community service each. Last year, the group logged approximately 2,000 hours of community service.
Rhode Island HOBY alumni include Rep. Maria E. Cimini (D-Dist. 7, Providence) and Tom Coderre, chief of staff for the state Senate president. For more information about the organization, visit www.hobyri.org.
For more information, contact:
Brenna McCabe, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-2457
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