Special Olympics Minnesota Athlete Leadership Programs (ALPs) course descriptions Global Messenger Beginner Course  - The course objectives of this three-day workshop include getting comfortable writing and giving speeches, being able to represent Special Olympics Minnesota by encouraging others to get involved through financial contributions, volunteering, coaching and/or providing services to the organization. Global Messenger Graduate Course - This three-day follow-up training to the Global Messenger Beginner Course focuses on refining your public speaking skills to get the desired action from the audience and learning how to prepare for various media/presentation situations one encounters as a public speaker for Special Olympics. Already a Global Messenger? Click here to submit your Global Messenger Speech Report.

ALPs Global Messenger class of 2004

Governance and Leadership 101 Course - The combined three-day course objectives include developing athlete's confidence in stating opinions, listening to the ideas of others, working together in governance settings to solve problems, learning how to recognize your leadership skills, determining what type of leader you are and learning the importance of vision, communication, teamwork and trust.

Athletes as Coaches Course - The three-day course objectives focus on taking the athlete's talents and abilities to a higher level. Athletes become Level I certified through a detailed General Session and Protective Behaviors training aimed at athlete volunteers. Athletes receive training on athlete safety, how to determine their coaching style, and ways to plan and conduct a practice.

Athletes as Volunteers Course - This two-day course provides athletes with a basic understanding of what types of jobs volunteers do, why people volunteer, why athletes might want to volunteer, and what to expect when volunteering.

Challenges Through Choice Course - The two-day course ojectives include creatively solving problems, learning from successes and failures, risk taking, trusting others and engaging in both mental and physical activities. Through the course activities, the athlete will experience personal growth, build self esteem and learn the nuts and bolts of teamwork.

Contact Heather Harmer at 612-604-1276 or 800-783-7732 ext. 276 (Minnesota only) or email heather.harmer@somn.org for more information about these exciting ALPs opportunities.