First of all, I just want to say I hope it's alright for me to post this, if not, go ahead and take it down, but I didn't see any rule against it and I could use all the help I can get!

I am Aurora Davis, a rising junior at West Monroe High School. After attending a life-changing Hugh O'Brian Youth (HOBY) Leadership seminar, I am pleased to be attending the World Leadership Congress, an international meeting of all of the world's young future leaders, and I am e-mailing you to ask for your financial support.

Hugh O'Brian, television's legendary Wyatt Earp, developed the HOBY program in 1958 for high school sophomores following a nine day experience in Africa with humanitarian Albert Schweitzer. This program teaches and inspires young people to think critically for themselves and to appreciate a life dedicated to service and social change. I currently have the unique opportunity to attend the World Leadership Congress, a HOBY program aimed at those who have just finished their time at their HOBY seminar, and who want to further their leadership skills in a widely diverse environment. I will be exposed to in-depth leadership theories, develop a blueprint for a service project that I would like to complete, and gain real-world experience from knowledgeable professionals in making my goals a reality.

In West Monroe, there is not much support for the LGBT+ community, especially those who are in their teenage years. After the Orlando tragedy happening during my HOBY seminar, it really struck a cord with me that I am supposed to make a difference in the LGBT+ community in my area. My school does not have any kind of support for LGBT+ students, despite having a quite large population of them in the school. The project that I am planning would be first a club in my own school for LGBT+ students like myself to have a safe place where we can be ourselves without judgement from the outside. I know that could make all the difference to an LGBT+ person in an household that doesn't support the lifestyle. The club would also work educate students about safety if they are confronted and healthy relationships. The club would then work to give other students a level of understanding of the LGBT+ people and hopefully create a better atmosphere of acceptance. I believe that by attending the HOBY World Leadership Conference it will further assist me in developing the project and to face the challenges that come with running such a club.

I am responsible for an $1875.00 program fee and approximately $450.00 in airfare. I am seeking your financial sponsorship in any amount to assist me in getting to the World Leadership Congress. I come from a single parent household, so getting a hold of this much money before the deadline would be a nearly impossible feat. No donation is too small; and will not only assist in me attending the program, but will jumpstart my efforts to be a leader off the LGBT+ community to those who sometimes need it most. Your donation can make an impact on me now, and the community later.

I have a GoFundMe here where you can also learn more about the WLC, and what happens there. Thank you all so much in advance for any donations you may give!