LIC/JDance x President's Volunteer Service Award

Dear Parents, 

I hope this letter finds you well. We are writing about a very exciting opportunity available for your children that we hope you will consider!  Long Island Conservatory and JDance started our affiliation with the President’s Volunteer Service Award in 2011. This award is given by the President of the United States in recognition of the important role that volunteers have in strengthening both our local and national spirit. We did not participate in the award during the pandemic but given we are moving towards a post-pandemic life where things are opening up and hopefully continues to do so, we see new potential performance opportunities on the horizon so are bringing this back starting this fall. 

How are hours earned? 

The award is given at different levels and is dependent on the amount of service hours your child puts in. For every charity/service based dance event and the hours of practice that go into preparing for those performances/events, we will record those hard-earned hours and they will be credited to your child.  

Performance opportunities will vary with the largest event of the year being our annual Dancing for Hope performance in June. In the past (pre-pandemic), we had performances at Bar Beach during the Asian American Festival, at Nassau County City Hall for Lunar New Year celebrations, cancer association events, nursing home/hospital performances, etc… We will announce performances as early as we can so you can save the date and will also let you know roughly how many hours will be earned for that event. In the fall, we will be announcing a new schedule of classes that is dependent upon how many children sign up for this program and commitment. Any class that is held where there is rehearsal or practice towards a specific performance will be counted. 

In the fall, we will be announcing a new schedule of classes that is dependent upon how many children sign up for this program and commitment. Any class that is held where there is rehearsal or practice towards a specific performance will be counted.

What benefit does this have for my child?

Other than the amazing benefits that dance in general has on your child’s physical and mental wellbeing, here are some specific benefits of committing to this program: 

• Teaching your child a commitment to service especially through doing something they love is a gift that will influence them throughout their lives  

• Your child can use these hours towards middle/high school community service hours 

• Starting in high school, exceptional members will be invited to do internships at JDance in both paid and unpaid opportunities. These hours also count towards volunteer hours 

• You can include your experiences and hours during the college application process 

• Members exhibiting exceptional leadership skills and team work abilities may request letters of recommendation from the LISMA JDance director 

What are the award levels? 

Hours are measured over a 12-month period and awards are given on a cumulative basis. Our 12 month period is from September 1st to August 31st. 

Hours by Award                Bronze Silver Gold 

Kids (5-10)                        26-49 50-74 75+ 

Teens (11-15)                       50-74 75-99 100+ 

Young Adults (16-25)       100-174 175-249 250+ 

Along with the ultimate honor of presidential recognition, recipients will also receive a personalized certificate, an official pin, medallion or coin, and a congratulatory letter from the president of the United States. 

If you're interested in your child joining in this opportunity, please fill out the below (one per child) and email it to us at sojackie@jdanceny.com. Any questions can also be directed to that email.

Best,   

Jackie Youn 

Director, JDance 

Full Name (Child): _______________________________________

Age: __________________________________________________

Grade at school:_________________________________________

Full Name (Parent/Guardian): ______________________________

Address: _______________________________________________

Phone Number: _________________________________________

Email address: __________________________________________