Speak Up! for Special Olympics Texas

June 20, 2009

Welcome!

Margaret LarsenPresident & CEO

Jan SartainBoard Chair

About Speak Up!• Class A volunteers and Global Messengers

• Motivational and informational speeches

• Commitment to give two presentations per year (Stay in contact with SOTX staff about speaking engagements and speech content)

Expectations of ParticipantsDuring Training:

• Be attentive.

• Respect participants.

• Discuss personal ideas.

• Learn ways to provide information.

“Pairing Off” Icebreaker

Andi Baca Kelly and Olivia Newman

Speaker Video Clip 1

Preparing for A Speech• Plan

• Know your audience

• Organize

• Prepare materials

• Practice

• Time yourself

• Troubleshoot

Speaker Video Clip 2

Do’s• Keep it upbeat.

• Use notes.

• Be yourself.

• Be aware of non-verbal communication.

• Face your audience.

Do’s• Be clear.

• Stay within time.

• Summarize.

• Allow time for questions.

Don’ts• Don’t memorize.

• Don’t read your speech.

• Don’t mumble or speak in monotone.

• Don’t gesture or move a lot.

• Don’t talk down to the audience.

Don’ts• Don’t speak too fast, slow, loudly or softly.

• Don’t play with items in your pocket.

• Don’t assume anything.

• Don’t get flustered.

Identifying Do’s and Don’ts Exercise

Welcome to Our Guest Speaker!“Gabby” Speakerton

Speaker Evaluation Exercise

Language Guidelines• MR vs. ID, people-first language

• Children AND adults

• Uses wheelchair

• Special Olympics athletes

• Olympics

• Special Olympics Texas

• No “the”

Break for LunchCaliente Potato Fiesta

Speaker Toolkit• Flash drives – “modules”

• Annual Reports

• Fact sheets

• Medals

• Brochures

• Calendars

Presenting to Your Audience Exercise

Mastering Your ModulesGeneral Families

R-word Campaign Young Athletes

Volunteering Sponsorships

Coaching Law Enforcement Torch Run

SOTX MissionTo provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for CHILDREN and ADULTS with INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

SOTX Structure• There are 19 area offices andthe chapter headquarters.

• The chapter headquarters is in Austin,to be centrally located.

• Chapter provides support/services to areas so that they can focus on the delivery of the program.

• SONA and SOI

Support• 501(c)(3) non-profit

• Receives no funding from United Way, state or local governments

• Donors/Sponsors

• Official Partners

SOTX By the Numbers• 32,240 total athletes (ages 2 and up)

Growth of 16.7% over previous year

• 58,617 total athlete participation

• 46,577 volunteers

Coaches• 3,055 coaches

• 1,066 sport knowledgeable coaches

• 498 MATP certified coaches

• 39 athletes are certified coaches

• 266 coaches trainings were held in 2008

Competitions• 22 sports

• 245 competitions annually

• 3 statewide (chapter) competitions: Winter Games, Summer Games and Fall Classic

• National and World Games

Young Athletes (YA)• For ages 2 to 7 years

• Sports play program

• Future Stars Sports Day

• Benefits – children and families

Motor Activities Training Program (MATP)• Designed for athletes unable to participate in traditional Special Olympics sports

• Created to enhance motor skills, sports skills and physical fitness.

• Eight-week training culminates in Challenge Day.

Athlete Leadership Program (ALPs)• Allows athletes to have a “voice.”

• Leadership opportunities

• Athlete Input Council

• Global Messenger program

Unified Sports• Involvement and team pairings encourage inclusion.

• Offers competition in every team sport.

• Goals include skills development, competition experiences, inclusion, socialization and friendship, and transition.

Healthy Athletes• Free health screenings.

• Offers screenings in 7 areas: Fit Feet, FUNFitness, Health Promotion, Healthy Hearing, Opening Eyes, Special Smiles and MedFest.

• Impacts athletes and health care professionals.

Healthy Athletes Screening Stats• 26% had never received an eye exam; 24% needed glasses

• 44% had obvious tooth decay

• 19% failed hearing tests

• 25% needed physical therapy

• 54% had one or more types of skin or nail conditions

Campaign Elements• Brochures

• Merchandise: pins and shirts

• Messaging

• Television PSAs

Campaign ElementsBillboards

Online Campaign Elementswww.specialolympicstexas.org/rword

www.myspace.com/specialolympicstexas

www.facebook.com/people/Sotx_Tx/1409569425

www.youtube.com/specialolympicstexas

www.twitter.com/SOTexas

Celebrity Campaign

Everyone Can Get Involved Volunteer…Become a coach…Serve as a Unified Partner…Fundraise as a Torch Runner… Sponsor an event or the R-word campaign.The possibilities are endless.

Be a fan of dignity, respect, strength determination, courage and fun.

Get involved with Special Olympics Texas!

800.876.JOINwww.specialolympicstexas.org

Erase the R-Word Campaign

It started with Special Olympics’ terminology change in 2004; SOTX took the initiative with further action to make a societal change.

Key PlayersIn 2006, Special Olympics Texas assembled a group of experts from different fields to work together in the hopes that, ultimately, this committee will take steps so people statewide will recognize this new terminology and embrace it.

Eliminate the R-Word● As a global organization, Special Olympics recognizes intellectual disabilities as the most widely accepted and least objectionable term that is synonymous with mental retardation, and wants other organizations and people to do the same.

● Using the R-word to describe people with intellectual disabilities, or even using the R-word in ANY manner, is hurtful and disrespectful.

Why Eliminate the R-Word?In an ideal world, labels would not exist, but unfortunately they do and language choices can have a powerful impact on impressions and attitudes.

It’s never okay to say. Words do hurt.

R-Word Campaign Hits the Streets

Beginning September 15, 2008, 105 Erase the R-Word billboards went up in the Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, El Paso, Houston and San Antonio areas.

Join the Campaign● Visit www.sotx.org to take the pledge online and encourage others to take the pledge.

● Become friends with SOTX on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Change.org and YouTube. These sites feature Erase the R-word flair, campaign information, pictures, blog topics and Public Service Announcements.

● Watch the R-word Public Service Announcements on the Special Olympics Texas YouTube channel.

Online Campaign Elementswww.specialolympicstexas.org/rword

www.myspace.com/specialolympicstexas

www.facebook.com/people/Sotx_Tx/1409569425

www.youtube.com/specialolympicstexas

www.twitter.com/SOTexas

Support Positive Change

● Show your support and sign the pledge online.

● Educate your friends and family to never use the R-word.

● Wear your R-word t-shirt and button with pride.

R-Word T-Shirts

● R-word t-shirts are available for purchase.

● Wear your t-shirt to make a positive statement and change terminology.

Taking it to the Schools● Student Letter Writing Campaign

● Legislative Day

● Essay Contest

● R-Word Pledge

● Student Assembly

● Volunteer Opportunities

Now Go Make Positive Change!

Volunteers The Heart of Special Olympics Texas

Volunteer Oath

“"I promise to give of the time in my life so that Special Olympics athletes can have the time of their lives. I promise to support Special Olympics not just as an expression of charity, but as a form of respect for my fellow human beings. I promise to spread the word of volunteerism because, in giving, I receive so much more in return."

● Volunteers are essential to this organization; without them Special Olympics would not exist today.

● More than 1.5 million individuals around the globe dedicate one of the most precious gifts to Special Olympics – their time.

● There are more than 46,000 Special Olympics volunteers in Texas!

Volunteers Make SOTX Work!

● If you can serve water…you can volunteer!

● Volunteers can register online for Class A or Class B status.

● Youth ages 8 to 14 are welcome to help out, but must be accompanied by a parent or adult volunteer.

Who Can Volunteer?

Have regular close contact with athletes, are in a position of authority or supervision, are in a position of trust, or handle substantial amounts of cash.

These volunteers must:• complete a Class A Volunteer Application.• complete General Orientation and Protective Behaviors.• pass a criminal background check or complete Minor Reference Form if under age 18.• be at least 15 years old.

Class A Volunteers

Also know as “Day of Event” VolunteersHave limited contact with athletes and are supervised by coaches or chaperones.

These volunteers must:• complete a Class B Volunteer Registration Form.• pass a photo identification check.• be 15 years or older to volunteer alone; 8-14 year olds must be accompanied by one adult for every four youth.

Class B Volunteers

How Can I Get Involved?• Unified Sports Partner

• Committee Member

• Communications

• Outreach

• Medical Personnel

• Administrative

• Coach/Assistant Coach

• Fundraising

• Trainer

• Official

• Torch Runner

• Chaperone

Volunteer at the Local Level

You can volunteer locally through one of Special Olympics Texas’ 19 area offices, which conduct more than 250 competitions per year.

Volunteer at the State LevelYou can also volunteer at the state-level:

- Fall Classic in Bryan/College Station in October - Winter Games in Austin in February- Summer Games in Arlington in May- Equestrian in Bryan in May

At the state-level we always need volunteers for sport-specific positions (officials, judges, or referees), as well as event-day-of-event volunteers.

Volunteer Today!

Everyone brings their own unique talents and contributions.

From coaching to serving refreshments - each volunteer can make a difference in a life!

Special Olympics Coaching

“Athletes First, Winning Second”

Is Coaching For You?

• There are more than 3,000 coaches in Texas.

• The requirements are very simple… have a big heart and enjoy having a good time and making a difference!

• As a coach, your attitude towards sports and competition will directly affect your athletes.

• Coaches have the opportunity to bring a sport to an area where it may not currently exist.

Why Coach?

• Coaches give athletes awareness of self worth, ability and courage.

• Travel the globe.

• Promote fair competition, organize and conduct training programs, and teach staff and athletes the rules of the sport.

Coaching Objectives

• Have fun.

• Help athletes.

• Exercise sound judgment.

• Be a role model.

What Makes A Successful Coach?

• Knowledge of the sport

• Motivation

• Empathy

• Communication

Coaches Conduct

• Role models

• Positive attitude

• Experience vs. competition

Training

• Coach Education System

• Certification

• No experience necessary

Steps to Become A Certified Coach

1. Complete General Orientation training (online or in person).

2. Complete Protective Behaviors training (online or in person).

3. Attend sport-specific coaches training.

4. Work a minimum of 10 hours with SOTX athlete or team.

5. Be a registered Class A volunteer (1 and 2, plus background check).

• Coaching is fun! Share the responsibility and excitement with friends and family.

• Coaching is a bonding experience. Spend time with your athlete or family member and make new friends.

• Meet other coaches who share your passion for sports and Special Olympics.

Ready to get started? Contact your area director today!

Special Olympics Families

“Families are FUNdamental”

Why Family Involvement is Important

• Care, encouragement and support of athlete

• Input on how things should be done

• Often our most dedicated coaches and volunteers

• See first-hand the benefits of involvement and can help play a big role in our outreach

How Can Families Get Involved

• Volunteer• Coach• Officiate • Write a newsletter article • Help provide transportation

• Help with fund raisers • Be on a calling tree • Support your athlete • Attend family meetings • Bring in new families

Getting Involved as a Coach orUnified Partner• Become a certified coach or assistant coach.• Organize, coach or play on a Unified Sports team.• Use specific sports expertise to help set up sports clinics or training schools.• Become a trainer to instruct coaches and individuals.• Help a certified coach with transportation, chaperoning or other needs.

Area Families Committee Activities• Develops an understanding and sensitivity to all levels of family involvement at all levels of the organization.• Provides an enjoyable experience for family members at all Games and competitions.• Creates a feeling of acceptance and belonging.• Provides a positive, inspiring experience for all. • Educates families in opportunities for involvement.

State Families Committee Activities• Provides support and directs to services/resources.• Host reception area at state Games.• Provide education tracks at the annual conference.• Represent family issues on the Board and Committees. • Provide information and resources to families.• Encourage growth of family involvement at the area level.

Help Us Open Doors• Encourage schools to include SOTX sports training programs in an existing adapted PE curriculum.• Utilize Special Olympics sports skills program guides to start an after-school sports program.• Volunteer to help start Unified Sports teams.• Help start Special Olympics Partner Clubs. • Create a booster club to support your team.

Young AthletesSOTX’s Future Sports Stars

What is the Young Athletes (YA) Program?• Sports play program designed to introduce children to

sports prior to eligibility at age eight.

• For children ages two to seven years old.

• Utilizes physical activities to develop fundamental tracking and coordination play.

What is the Focus of YA?• Work on skills as part of school day.

• Skills are in line with Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals.

• Culminating day called Future Stars Sports Day held once or twice a year.

• Prepare children for the next step – Special Olympics participation.

Examples of Activities • Walking and running

• Balance and jumping

• Trapping and catching

• Throwing

• Striking

• Kicking

Future Stars Sports DayOffers the opportunity for (3) very diverse groups to network

and build relationships…

The FSSD brings (1) ID families and typically developing families at together at an event; (2) school personnel (administration, teachers, staff, students etc.) participation; and (3) SOTX support.

Benefits to the Athlete• Socialization – establish strong bonds with typically

developing peers of same age

• Coordination and strength building

• Awareness of self worth and self confidence

• Introduction to sports

Benefits to Families• Introduces them to

resources and support

• Offers the opportunity to share success with the athlete

Young Athletes in Texas• At the end of 2008, SOTX had 2,047 Young Athletes, with

12 areas running the program.

• In 2009, the goal for Young Athletes is 4,000 athletes with 19 areas running the program.

* If interested, contact your area director for additional information and support.

Partnering with SOTX The Values of Corporate Sponsorships

Impact on Your Employees• Strengthens organizational, leadership, communications

and decision-making skills

• Encourages teamwork

• Creates better quality of life where employees live and work

• Reduces stress and increases morale

Impact on Your Company• Bolsters image as “good corporate citizen” and builds

goodwill toward company

• Increases morale, loyalty and productivity

• Creates teambuilding opportunities

• Enhances employee recruitment and retention

• Improves communication and relations

Impact on Your Community• Generates renewed spirit of citizenship and civic pride

• Provides new talent and ideas to meet community needs

• Increases level and quality of community services through contributions

Why Partner with SOTX• The athletes and the lives you change!

• 501c3 non-profit; receives no funding from United Way or state/local government

• Funded solely by contributions from corporations, foundations, individuals, planned gifts and special events

• Cost to raise a dollar is $0.18

SOTX Goes the Distance for Partners…• Universal impact

• Vast recognition

• Favorable public perception

• Overwhelming support

• Out-pulls the Olympics

• High profile events and participation

Ways You Can Become Involved• Volunteer

• Donate

• Conduct a promotion with customers

• Make an in-kind donation

• Host a fundraising event with vendors and clients

• Make a matching gift

Law Enforcement Torch Run

Guardians of the Flame

Law Enforcement Torch Run• Largest grassroots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle

• Involves all branches of law enforcement including private and state prisons

• Actual running event in which officers run the “Flame of Hope” to the Opening Ceremonies of Special Olympics Texas competitions

Beginning in Texas in 1985, the Law Enforcement Torch Run has been a Special Olympics tradition for almost 25 years and has grown to become one of the largest in the nation.

LETR Beginnings

The Law Enforcement Torch Run honors the spirit of the Special Olympics movement and the courage of its’ athletes.

LETR Goes the Extra Mile

LETR InspiresLaw enforcement officers representing their state and nation’s Torch Run program comprise a "Final Leg Team" which carries the Flame of Hope to the Opening Ceremonies of the World Games every two years and National Games every four years.

In the last decade, Torch Run has contributed over $11 million through a variety of fundraisers such as Polar Plunge, t-shirt sales, Cops on Top and Tip-A-Cop.

LETR Fundraising

• In 2008, Texas Torch Runners raised more than $1,000,000. • In 2001, the Texas Torch Run was number one in the world, raising more than $2 million. The ongoing goal is to recapture that title.

Texas Strives for the Top Spot

Ways for Your Department / Unit / Agency to Get Involved• Volunteer • Sell LETR t-shirts• Work at a Tip-A-Cop or similar event with your fellow officers• Help recruit other officers or agencies• Serve in a leadership role

To its athletes, Special Olympics is much more than sports training and competition. Special Olympics changes lives. Together, the Law Enforcement Torch Run and the athletes of Special Olympics Texas are an inspiration to all.

LETR Means More

Break

Speech Elements/Making Your Burger• Opening

• Body

• Closing

* Did you cover the five W’s + H?

Burger “Add-Ons”• Stories are good.

• Don’t overuse statistics.

• Repeat key message

• Answer questions.

• Make closing memorable.

Celebrity Speech Faceoff

Sample Speech Outline: Open• Introduction

• Why you are “here”

• Attention grabber

• Factual Information

Sample Speech Outline: Body• Story

• Selling points

• Ask

Sample Speech Outline: Closing• Thanks

• Close

Customizing Your HamburgerDrafting Your Speech

Day of Presentation• Dress appropriately.

• Understand the room.

• Check equipment.

• Have materials ready.

Volunteers?Athlete and Board Member Speech

TV InterviewsTV Interview Video Clip 1

TV Interview Video Clip 2

TV Interview Video Clip 3

Speaking to the Media: Preparation• Deadlines

• Subject

• Two to three main points

• Printing materials

• Breaking news

• No acronyms

Speaking to the Media: During• Be enthusiastic

• Prepare

Tips for Media• Taped or live?

• Speak slowly

• Start over

• Don’t look at the camera

• Avoid nervous habits

• Limit information

Q & A

Congratulations to the first “class” to complete the Speakers Bureau training!