General:
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What exactly is PFO? |
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Playing for Others (PFO) is a leadership training program for teens who are passionate about the arts. Each year, PFO partners with another organization in Charlotte that directly works with children with disabilities. Through three main program components; Committee Work, Buddy Program, and the Arts Experience, teens learn the power of passion, the importance of civic responsibility and the acceptance of others. |
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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 |
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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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Mid-August: PFO retreat September 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 March-April: Arts Experience Rehearsals April-May: Arts Festival Performances |
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Is there a cost to participate in the program? |
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Yes, PFO’s yearly program fee is $500. However, we will not permit financial circumstance to exclude any teen. Please ask about our program assistance policy. |
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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. |
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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, gender, willingness to learn, etc. This information is gleaned from the application and a 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 art, storytelling, 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 and their desire to make a difference in their community.. |
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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 2010-2011: 60 teens 2011-2012: 73 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 Estimated total: 100 hours |
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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. |
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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. |