Our Mission

The Kentucky Y

outh Development Foundation, Inc (KYDF) was formed by the Kentucky Department of the Military Order of the World Wars under the leadership of Major General Carl Black. KYDF is a non-profit corporation (501c3, EIN 86-1172659) which is organized exclusively to promote youth activities that teach leadership, inculcate patriotism, as well as develop individual responsibility good citizenship. Our organization is patriotic and educational with the purpose of fostering interest in maintaining and preserving America's free enterprise system and democratic government with its freedoms and justice under the law in all our citizens with its freedoms and justice and justice under the law in all our citizens in all our citizens but especially in our youth who will be our leaders in the not too distant future. The KYDF was formed to support Region II of the Military Order of World Wars (MOWW) Patriotic Education and as the Chapter Commanders and elected Department and Region staff officers of and within Region II, the MOWW shall be, by virtue of their elected office, ex officio directors of the corporation, without vote.

The Military Order of the World Wars is a veteran’s organization comprised of officers of all branches of the military. The organization was formed in 1919 as way to give back to the community and its motto is “it is more noble to serve than be served”. This national organization has been very active in the Louisville community conducting the Veteran’s Day Parade “Massing of the Colors” and conducting youth leadership conferences. To support its Patriotic Education in the Louisville area the Louisville Chapter formed the 501(c)3 Kentucky Youth Development Foundation, Inc. (KYDF) 86-1172659.

The KYDF's Single Day Youth Leadership Conference (YLC) focuses on developing teams and exercising individual potential providing insights and self-esteem exercises to:

• • To enhance understanding of the principles of a free society and to appreciate the role /sacrifices citizens and history play in our life.

  • To appreciate the observance of the flag, customs, history and etiquette.

  • To strengthen the awareness of one’s capabilities / opportunities to cope with adulthood responsibilities within a democracy.

  • To increase understanding of leadership styles through models and self-esteem exercises.

These Single Day YLC’s will facilitate approximately 1000 high school students from Kentucky and Indiana and take place at the Louisville Scottish Rite. The YLC is free to the students as the facility and speakers are volunteers.