General:
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What exactly is PFO? |
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PFO is a nine month volunteer opportunity for teens who love the arts to work with children with disabilities, learn the business side of the non-profit world, and refine their artistic talents all while bettering the community around them.. |
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Who does Playing for Others benefit? |
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Playing for Others will choose a different non-profit in Charlotte every year that directly impacts children. It is a “kids for kids” project.
2006-2007: LifeSpan 2007-2008: Down Syndrome Association of Charlotte 2008-2009: Easter Seals, United Cerebral Palsy 2009-2010: Mitey Riders |
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How is Playing for Others making a difference in the community? |
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1) Learning to see past a child’s disability to the child themselves 2) Promoting inclusion and acceptance 3) Breaking down stereotypes of teenagers 4) Using their creative talents to benefit the greater good 5) Setting a goal of raising enough money to purchase a needed item for the partner non-profit |
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What is the nine-month schedule? |
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Late September: PFO retreat October through February: Once a month “buddy events” on Sundays from 2:00-3:15 pm January through February: Once a week committee meetings on Saturdays from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Late February, early March: Four week arts experiences in Theatre, Music or Visual Arts Mid March: Arts Festival Weekend |
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Is there a cost to participate in the program? |
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Yes, each teen will pay a program fee. This is new for us so the details are currently being worked out. |
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What are the “hidden” costs? |
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There are no hidden costs. There are costs associated that are optional however… ▪ extra tickets to the Arts Festival beyond the 2 comps each family receives ▪ participating in the Silent Auction ▪ participating in your teen’s personal fundraising goal ▪ purchasing any merchandise during the Arts Festival ▪ any cost associated with extra buddy events your teen and buddy might do Ex. Tickets to the movies, to see a show, birthday present etc. |
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Who started PFO and why? |
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Local area theatre professionals started PFO to teach children to take what they’re passionate about and use it to benefit the greater good. For the full story please read: “Putting Passion into Action, How Playing for Others Began” by Founder Jen Band. |
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What in the schedule is non-negotiable? |
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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. |
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What if I am nervous to have a buddy? |
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That’s normal! Newer or nervous teens will be partnered with another experienced PFO teen and have a buddy relationship as a group of three. |
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Where do we meet? |
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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 (Theatre Experience), TBA (Music Experience) & a local restaurant (Art Experience). |
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How do you decide who gets in? |
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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. |
Teens:
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What type of teen is involved in Playing for Others? |
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Teens who are passionate about the arts, whether it’s drama, music, dance, film, photography, visual arts etc., and teens who want to make a difference in their community. |
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Where do PFO teens come from? |
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All over Charlotte & beyond! Teens are united by their love of the arts whether it’s theatre, music, dance, photography or any number of art forms. |
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How many teens are involved in the program? |
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Our number keeps growing! 2006-2007: 40 teens 2007-2008: 47 teens 2008-2009: 55 teens 2009-2010: 72 teens |
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How old are the kids in Playing for Others? |
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PFO members must be rising 8th through 12th grade. |
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What is the time commitment for a teen in the program? |
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Estimated total: 100 hours 19 hrs ~ Retreat in September 2 1/2 hrs once a month from October through February ~ Buddy Events 2 hrs every Saturday morning during the months of January & February ~ Committee meetings 10 hrs over the course of two weekends in March ~ Arts Festival Weekend 30 minutes to 2 hours checking email per week |
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What are you looking for in a perspective PFO teen? |
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Desire, dedication, positive attitude, willingness to learn, strong feelings about acceptance and inclusion |
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What does a teen get out of PFO? |
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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 |
Adults:
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What type of adult is involved in Playing for Others? |
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Adults who believe in giving back, in being a positive role model for teens and ones who love the arts. |
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What role do adults play? |
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Each committee has an adult advisor to help guide the process. Interested adults can email playingforothers@gmail.com for more information. |
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Do parents of PFO teens have a specific role? |
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Parents of PFO teens can serve on a variety of committees within PFO to help support the work the teens are doing. Committees include but are not limited to; Wine Events, Non-Profit Partner, Arts Festival, Silent Auction, Publicity, Corporate Sponsors, Grants |
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What is the time commitment for an Adult Advisor in the program? |
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100 hours. Advisor Retreat: 8 hours during the month of September Full Advisor Meetings: 3 hours total, 1 hour during month of October, December & March Retreat: 17 hours, during month of September Buddy Events: 4 hours, TBA Meetings with Chairs & Secretaries: 6 hours, 1 hour per month October – March Committee Meetings: 16 hours, Saturdays 10-12 am during months of January & February Arts Festival Weekend: 16 hours, month of March In-direct: 30 hours, TBA |
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I know an adult who would be a great Advisor, are you still looking for people? |
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We are always looking for adults to serve as role models for our teens! They can email playingforothers@gmail.com with their interest. |