3. Athlete Leadership Programs (ALPs) - provide training and support
for athletes who desire to expand their participation in Special Olympics
both on and off the competition field. Through ALPs, athletes receive
training and have opportunities to hold positions of leadership and
influence. In these roles, athletes help determine policy and set direction
for Special Olympics. Ultimately, ALPs helps to create a “culture of
welcome” throughout the organization as athletes are welcomed into their
new leadership roles and serve alongside other volunteers.
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4. Roles available through ALPs
Athletes on the Board of Directors Two athletes may serve on the Special Olympics Vermont Board of Directors.
Athletes as Global Messenger undergo training to act as spokespersons on behalf of Special Olympics.
Athletes in Training for Leadership Once athletes complete the ALPs training they are eligible to teach future leadership
training programs offered to new ALPs students.
Athletes as Committee Members serve on a variety of local, area, and state committees, Games Management Teams and
Games Evaluation Teams. The statewide Athlete Council is made up of a group of athletes who represent athletes throughout Vermont
by gathering suggestions and developing recommendations for Special Olympics Vermont.
Athletes as Coaches & Officials receive training to serve as coaches & officials for Special Olympics Vermont sports teams
throughout the year.
Athletes as Volunteers join the volunteer forces of Special Olympics Vermont by helping out with sporting events, fundraising events
and other activities throughout the year.
Athletes as Donors contribute financially to SOVT in support of State and County Programs and special events.
Athletes as Writers contribute to Special Olympics Vermont newsletters, blogs & posts.
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5. Program Basics for ALPs
• ALPs is a year-long training program that takes you through six areas of
development
• Athletes must fill out application & be accepted into the ALPs program
• All ALPs athletes must have a mentor to participate.
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6. Why have a Mentor?
Mentors will support the athlete as they choose to become involved and
continue to grow in the ALPs program. Through the ALPs courses, the
athlete and mentor will develop a unique relationship that will increase
self-confidence, build leadership skills and provide many other benefits
that will impact both of you.
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7. Role of the Mentor
• Help ALPs athlete develop and express his or her opinions. ( As a mentor it is never
appropriate to make your own point. Doing so will often cause the athlete to adapt his or
her views or to not express them at all.)
• Be encouraging and supportive. Respect athletes as equal partners in the ALPs
experience.
• Listen to and value ALPs athlete’s opinions and preferences.
• Work with parents, guardians, case managers and/or shared home providers to explain
what ALPs is and the significance of the program to the athlete.
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8. Role of the Mentor
• Be an advocate for the athlete, and help him or her experience meaningful positions of
influence & leadership.
• Ensure the ALPs athlete you mentor understands the minutes from each meeting & is
prepared for any questions or discussion that may arise from the minutes.
• Attend ALPs training with the athlete & participate in the appropriate meetings, workshops
and activities throughout the year.
• Ensure the ALPs athlete you mentor has transportation to & from ALPs trainings,
meetings, & events.
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9. ALPs Areas of Study
1. Global Messenger- master the art of public speaking and spread the Special Olympics word.
2. Technology- develop necessary computer skills to navigate email, internet & other online communication
tools
3. Governance- provide skills to become an effective board & committee member
4. Coaching & Officiating- become certified as a coach for SO teams & learn skills to officiate competitions
5. Fundraising- understand the process of research and preparation that goes into a fundraising program
and what to expect if you are asked to be part of a fundraising meeting with potential contributors
6. Healthy Lifestyles- learn the importance of being a strong & healthy Athlete and encourage other
athletes to attend the clinics and/or guide them through their first clinic
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12. Requirements to be a Global
Messenger
Find a mentor to support your speech writing and speaking engagements
Complete Global Messenger training
Write with your mentor a SOVT speech
Prepare additional materials to showcase your SOVT experience (Power Point, slideshow) with mentor
support
Arrange to present your SOVT speech and materials to the SOVT staff
Arrange 2 opportunities, transportation and present your SOVT speech at outside organizations or
businesses.
Accept 2 invitations to speak for SOVT at events, banquets, schools or clubs
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17. Fundraising
Understand the process of research & preparation that goes
into a fundraising program. What to expect if you are
asked to be part of a fundraising meeting with potential
contributors.
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18. Healthy Athletes
Learn the importance of being a strong & healthy athlete.
Encourage other athletes to attend the clinics and/or guide
them through their first clinic.
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Why are we here today:Learn about Athlete Leadership ProgramsHelp you decided if you are an Athlete LeaderFind the Athletes to lead SOVT into the future!
ABBY
6 areas of development are: Global Messenger, Governance, Technology, Coaching & Officiating, Fundraising, & Healthy AthletesWe will be concentrating the Global Messenger training & introducing Governance this weekend. A task force of athletes, mentors & volunteers outlined trainings for 4 of the 6 programs.
Mentor is a partner. Someone you like working with, someone who brings out the best in you
ABBY
ABBY
We are here to concentrate on GM & Governance. We have an action packed weekend planned to train the first official SOVT class of athletes on being a Global Messenger. Tomorrow we will have a session scheduled introducing Governance and it’s many facets. This Governance session open for any athlete to attend. So if you have ever been curious about what happens on a board, committee or thought about applying to become a SOVT board member, that is the session you don’t want to miss! It will be run by an athlete and mentor from SONH.
KELLYThere is no better spokesperson for SOVT organization than our athletes. The Global Messenger program trains interested athletes in doing so.The Global Messenger program focuses on public speaking, writing and developing a speech, the different ways to present a speech, and how to prepare properly for a presentation. SOVT Global Messengers will be prepared to speak to corporations and businesses, at State and Regional Competitions, the SOVT Awards Dinners and to service clubs around the state. Topics include seeking volunteers or assistance for their Local Program, giving thanks to clubs or individuals for their support, congratulating volunteers, athletes, coaches, etc. on their achievements in Special Olympics.Each Global Messenger must have a mentor who is certified as a Local Program Volunteer. The role of the mentor is to assist the athlete in arranging for speaking engagements, to help write speeches and to help with transportation. SOVT will often request Global Messengers for particular events but it is expected that the athlete and mentors will seek 2 opportunities to make presentations about Special Olympics and to spread the word about their organization.Global Messenger training is open to all interested athletes.
ABBYYou have done these steps! Find a mentor to support your speech writing and speaking engagements-Complete ONE conference training- We will do these!Write with your mentor a SOVT speech Prepare additional materials to showcase your SOVT experience (Power Point, slideshow) with mentor supportArrange to present your SOVT speech and materials to the SOVT staffArrange 2 opportunities, transportation and present your SOVT speech at outside organizations or businesses. Accept 2 invitations to speak for SOVT at events, banquets, schools or clubs
We have our friends from SONH that will be with us tomorrow. They will be presenting Governance and doing a intro training for all interested athletes. For any of you that have thought about being on the SOVT Board of Directors, this training is where you start! Or for any athlete interest in learning about being on a board or committee of any kind (not just SOVT). I would recommend you attend the Governance session on Saturday. To get you thinking about Governance:What does effective communication mean to you?Name someone that does a good job communicating.What areas would you like to know how to do better?How do you think you’d be most successful?
KELLYAdditional growth will depend on athlete interest. The programs will be designed with our SOVT athletes and to have the maximum flexibility to ensure individuals can be successful. Our intention at SOVT is to launch all the ALPs areas/programs SOI has developed. We are also working with SONH and opening ALPs trainings in NH & VT to athletes. VT athletes who are interested will have the opportunity to join the SONH ALPs Global Messenger training in March. So what do you have to look forward to?
