Hi All!
It was great to see everyone at FDF. We still have not seen or heard from anyone so we wanted to share the letter that was emailed out today.
In case you have not seen this, take a minute to watch Parent Video that perfectly sums up how we are all feeling RN! We still need signatures - please pass along!
Letter sent Feb. 24th
Subject: Urgent Request for Dialogue and Improvements to FDF – On Behalf of Concerned Communities and Petition Signers
Your Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos,
FDF Board Members, Clergy, Metropolis Staff, and Management Team,
We write to initiate meaningful dialogue between the FDF Board and the participating communities. The FDF weekend remains a cherished celebration that brings immense joy to our youth and fosters Orthodox fellowship. However, persistent and escalating issues across multiple areas of the event can no longer be overlooked.
Communities deserve dignity, respect, and a high-quality experience commensurate with the significant time and financial investment required. We have sought dialogue twice previously (November 13, 2025, and February 2, 2026) without response. This is our final direct outreach before pursuing broader steps.
A petition launched in November 2025 has now gathered nearly 700 signatures, without aggressive promotion, reflecting longstanding concerns raised for years with minimal measurable progress.
We represent directors, parents, dancers, dance board presidents and members, and former FDF board members. Our goal is reasonable, specific improvements to ensure the ministry remains fair, credible, and valuable. Many communities are actively exploring alternatives for 2027, with others likely to follow based on discussions at the recent FDF.
Our requests focus on three core areas:
1. Ethics, Youth Safety, and Conflict of Interest
Enforce strict conflict-of-interest and conduct standards for board members, judges, and instructors (e.g., no social media activity from the judges’ table).
Apply rules consistently with clear accountability (e.g., documented enforcement of underage drinking policies and violation reporting/review processes).
2. Operations and Value
Improve food quality, variety, and availability (e.g., reliable options for early call times).
Ensure adequate hotel inventory through better planning and verification.
Adjust pass pricing to better reflect value (e.g., more affordable day and competition passes).
Address technical, production, and logistical issues (e.g., consistent sound, clearer announcements, practice room access, water stations).
3. Transparency and Communication
Publish a clear 2027 plan by May 1, 2026 (location, dates, hotel process).
Provide financial transparency: post-meeting budget summaries and minutes to show how funds are reinvested—current perceptions of cost-cutting amid rising fees are unacceptable.
Enhance judging transparency: publish the rubric, ensure consistent scoring, and share rankings, points, and judges’ comments promptly.
Reinstate Town Hall meetings or equivalent forums.
Next Steps Requested
By March 3, 2026, please provide a written response to these requests and schedule a meeting to discuss solutions. We propose including all five FDF Board members plus two members of the Metropolis Council (or trusted representatives) to ensure accountability and productivity.
We are eager to collaborate constructively. Meaningful improvements can begin immediately and be implemented for FDF 2027, demonstrating that concerns are heard and addressed.
If we receive no meaningful response or credible commitment to change, we will pursue alternatives for 2027 and share this communication with other concerned communities. We sincerely hope it does not come to that.
Respectfully,
On behalf of Petition Signers and Participating Communities