Each year, PFO works to bring together a community of teens (8th grade through 12th grade) who are dedicated, diverse, and determined to create change in their community. Because of the large volume of teens interested in our program, we use a thorough application and interview process. Teens are not required to bring any specific skills to the table, however we are looking for teens who are passionate about what we do and want to be a part of our mission:
Mission: We provide a unique experience for teens by developing leadership skills, establishing relationships with children with special needs, and exploring passion for the arts.
The PFO Commitment: PFO strives to teach its teen’s commitment, teamwork & dedication. We believe that these three foundational elements are essential for a successful PFO experience. Please take a careful look at the PFO season timeline before deciding to submit an application.
PFO Season timeline
| ▪ Late September | 4 day retreat* | Times TBD |
| ▪ October through December | Once a month Buddy Events | Sunday afternoon (2 – 4 pm) |
| ▪ October through December | Optional once a month Special event | Friday evenings |
| ▪ January through February | Once a week committee meetings | Saturday mornings (10 am – 12 pm) |
| ▪ February through March | Rehearsals for one of three arts experiences; theatre, music or visual arts | Afternoons & Evenings |
| ▪ Mid March | Arts Festival Weekend | Lasts two weeks, teens required at certain events |
| ▪ Mid April | Banquet | Friday evening |
* All teens must attend the retreat for the full time. If you are unable to attend for the entire time you will not be allowed to continue in PFO.
Application Timeline
▪ April 1st, 2010 Applications available online for 2010/2011 season
▪ April 20th, 2010 Applications for interested PFO teens due
▪ April 26th through May 1st, 2010 Interviews for interested PFO teens
▪ May 15, 2010 2010/2011 PFO teens announced
Steps to applying
1) Download and fill out an application available on our website as of April 1st, 2010
2) Send your application to “Playing for Others, P.O. Box 5494, Charlotte, NC 28299″
3) Receive an invitation to continue on to the interview process
4) Attend an interview with at least one parent/guardian
5) Hear back by May 15th whether or not you have been accepted
General Q & A about applying to be a PFO teen
Q: What are you looking for in a perspective PFO member?
A: Desire, dedication, positive attitude, willingness to learn, strong feelings about acceptance and inclusion
Q: Is there a cost to participate in the program?
A: Yes, each teen pays an adjustable program fee based on what is comfortable and affordable for the family. We offer several different types of payment plans and details of the fee will be discussed during the interview process. No teen is turned away because of the fee.
Q: What does a teen get out of PFO?
A: The list goes on and on! But here are a few:
Teens learn…
▪ the importance of acceptance and inclusion
▪ that a person is a person regardless of ability, appearance, social status etc.
▪ how to follow through and work as a team
▪ the business side of the non-profit world
▪ that they can live within a community of teens and adults who are positive, supportive and all striving to make the world a better place starting right here at home
▪ that you can take what you’re passionate about and use it to benefit the greater good
Q: What in the schedule is non-negotiable?
A: The retreat. Any teen who is not able to attend the entire time may not continue in PFO. For the remainder of the year, we ask that teens make every effort to be in full attendance however we understand the demands of school, personal life and for many of our seniors, college prep.
Q: What if I am nervous to have a buddy with special needs?
A: That’s normal! During the retreat, you will receive training on working with children. In addition, we partner new teens with experienced PFO teens and form a buddy relationship of three.
Q: Where do we meet?
A: The retreat & committee meetings will be held at Whitehead Manor at the corner of Rama Rd. & Sardis Rd. Buddy events are all over Charlotte depending on the theme. Arts Festival events will be at Actor’s Theatre, McGlohan, & Amelie’s French Bakery & Cafe.
Q: When will I find out if I am accepted?
A: No later than May 15.
Q: How do you decide who gets in?
A: This is based on many factors such as attitude, desire, grade level & school (for example we don’t want this to become the almost all Myers Park extracurricular club), gender, willingness to learn etc. This information is gleaned from the application and face to face interview.
Q: How are parents involved?
A: Parents are only expected to provide transportation to and from events. How they get involved beyond that is completely up to them. During the interview process (which at least one parent must attend with their teen), we will provide details on how interested parents can get more fully involved.
Q: Where do PFO teens come from?
A: All over Charlotte & beyond! Teens come to us because of their love for the arts, their desire to be apart of something greater than themselves, to work with children with special needs, or simply to create positive change in their community.