The document describes an Athlete Leadership Program (ALP) offered by Special Olympics Vermont. The ALP provides training for athletes to expand their roles within Special Olympics beyond just competing. Through the ALP, athletes receive leadership training to serve on the Board of Directors, as public speakers, on committees, as coaches and officials, and in other volunteer roles. The ALP is a year-long program that covers six areas: public speaking, technology skills, governance, coaching/officiating, fundraising, and healthy lifestyles. Athletes must apply and be accepted into the program. They are also assigned a mentor for support through the training and activities.

1. Athlete Leadership
Program
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2. What is ALPs?
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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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10. Global Messenger & Governance
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11. Global Messenger
Master the art of public speaking and spread the Special
Olympics word.
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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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13. Governance
Provide skills to become an effective board & committee
member
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14. The Future of
ALPs with SOVT
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15. Technology
Develop necessary computer skills to navigate email,
internet & other online communication tools.
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16. Coaching & Officiating
Become certified as a coach for SO teams & learn skills to
officiate competitions
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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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19. Thank You
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