We've found that service-learning is a powerful strategy for teaching and learning, which allows young people to deepen and demonstrate their learning, and at the same time develop a strong sense of civic responsibility." -John Glenn,
Chairman of the National Commission on Service-Learning, former U.S. Senator, and Astronaut

FDF has always been characterized by and well known for its youth involvement. From the very beginning it was young people who built and grew this program. The FDF Board of Trustees has always actively sought out motivated young individuals for the annual Management Team duties. However, the Board is limited only to the group of young individuals that its members already know. For the first time ever at the 2003 FDF your Board of Trustees has created a forum by which any interested young adults can now apply to be on an FDF Management Team.

We have initiated an exciting and innovative program entitled the Youth Mentor Program. This program will offer the opportunity to young men and women to apply for various positions on the Annual Management Teams. We are looking for highly motivated, creative and interested individuals primarily between the ages of 15 to 25. The purpose of the Youth Mentor Program is two fold. First, it is to provide an organized method by which to interview and select future Management Team members. Second, once selected for a Management Team, to teach our youth to be effective leaders, emphasizing important community service skills and high standards. The Youth Mentor Program will also greatly increase the functional continuity of FDF from year to year.

In addition to building character and improving individual achievement, service-learning helps young people establish the foundation for a lifetime of meaningful community involvement. When children get involved at a young age they continue to be engaged as adults. That lifelong involvement is vital in building strong communities.

Through the Youth Mentor Program, Management Team members will get specialized training from industry professionals with extensive experience in convention services, communication skills, sales training and other valuable expertise. The Mentors in the program will share their inspiring experiences with tomorrow's leaders, assisting these young adults to further develop their natural talents and abilities while learning altogether new skills. They will help them accomplish personal goals through teamwork and provide leadership skills to perpetuate this ministry. The future success of FDF and the Greek Orthodox Church as a whole depends on the strength of our young people. Our young participants need to know that the future is theirs and they can do something to make a difference. Both young and old need to recognize that the future does not start tomorrow but rather that it started today.

In the article "Greek Orthodox Folk Dance Festival Comes of Age" Dalia Miller reports:

While some of the Junior Parish Council Members were skeptical and quite apprehensive about a dance competition, the kids were convinced it could work! A business plan was developed. [Peter] Preovolos, a detail-oriented financial counselor, guided the Parish youths: “Your plan must look first class and be professional, complete with pert charts, schedules, budgets, etc.” The young people rolled up their sleeves, created brochures, registration packets and by-laws...with the assistance of a small legion of young adults who made up the St. Spyridon Junior Parish Council, in 1975 the FDF was born. When Preovolos speaks of these young adults, it is with great reverence and love for he is quick to tell you, "They are the ones who made it happen. Beyond dance FDF serves young people and the community in many ways. The Festival is a vehicle for learning important business and money management skills."

Members of future Management Teams will learn how to plan projects, create and manage budgets and negotiate contracts. They will gain valuable experience in decision-making, problem solving, and customer service. They will also greatly increase their communication and public speaking skills. 

Being on an FDF Management Team is a life changing experience. It builds confidence and self-esteem. It gives the people involved many opportunities to experience things they might otherwise never be exposed to. And most importantly, it gives young participants a chance to give back to the program that has given so much to them. As a former management team member, I was able to incorporate the valuable experiences and skills learned into both my college education and my professional career working for the City of Seattle. We sincerely encourage everyone, especially young adults, to get involved in their communities. There are many ways to serve the Orthodox Church - through youth groups, athletics, summer camp programs and of course through the FDF. If you have ever been a dancer or singer at an FDF and are interested in becoming a member of an FDF Management Team contact Vicki Kades and the Youth Mentoring Program at kades@anet.net for more details. Conversely, if you are someone with special skills or training that may be beneficial to the Youth Mentoring Program’s goals we welcome your comments and/or help.