Today, Orlando Mayor Dyer and community partners will volunteer with the Real Men Outdoors program to demonstrate the types of initiatives that will benefit from the Cities of Service grant.

On Wednesday, June 30, the City of Orlando was chosen to receive the $200,000 Cities of Service Leadership Grant that builds on existing volunteer programs to engage more residents, businesses and community groups.

As part of the grant, Mayor Dyer has identified two priority areas where increased service can have the most significant impact - youth crime prevention and youth educational enhancements. The Real Men Outdoors program trains male youths to become strong leaders through a highly structured, high adventure, outdoor-oriented curriculum based on life skills such as outdoors survival training, leadership training, physical training and character development.

The focus and dedication on youth programming builds on Mayor Dyer’s existing service programs including the Community Service Work-Alongs and the Mayor’s Matching Grant program.

Through the grant, the City will work with Volunteer Florida and local community organizations to develop a comprehensive plan and coordinated strategy that matches volunteers to youth crime prevention and education programs- like Real Men Outdoors. The City has initially partnered with UCF, the Orlando Magic, Orange County Public Schools, Heart of Florida United Way and The Community Foundation for the Cities of Service grant.