ALPs Events for 2010 Athletes as Volunteers April 23-25, 2010 Camp Friendship, Annandale ALPs at Summer Camp June 11, 2010 St. Olaf College, Northfield ALPs in your backyard TBD Challenges Through Choice September 11-12 Hopkins High School Beginner Global Messenger November 5-7, 2010 Camp Friendship, Annandale What is ALPs? ALPs stands for Athlete Leadership Programs. Special Olympics defines ALPs as: 1.  Allowing athletes to choose how and in what role they participate in Special Olympics, such as athlete, coach, volunteer and/or leader. 2.  Encouraging athletes to take meaningful positions of influence and leadership throughout the organization to help determine policy and set direction. 3.  Providing additional training for athletes as they develop their leadership skills in new roles. 4.  Allowing athletes to explore opportunities for participation in roles previously considered "non-traditional."  Through ALPs, athletes are trained to serve as public speakers, assist coaches, volunteers and gain knowledge about the responsibilities of becoming an effective board or committee member.  IMPORTANT MESSAGE:  One of the key things to remember when considering getting involved with ALPs is that each athlete needs a mentor as a partner who can attend the ALPs training session.  Mentors can be a friend, teacher, co-worker, coach or family member who would work with the athlete during and after the training to ensure that the skills learned are implemented. Learn more about mentoring. For exciting information on specific ALPs initiatives, visit the links below: Global Messengers - Beginner and Graduate -Learn public speaking skills so you can represent Special Olympics -Write speeches aimed at your target market -Speak to different groups about Special Olympics to help raise funds, recruit coaches, volunteers and athletes -Engage your audience and move them to action -Have your voices heard! Athletes as Coaches -Assume leadership roles within your delegation -Learn the duties and responsibilities of an athlete coach -Understand how to transition from your role as an athlete to that of a coach -Determine your coaching style -Have your voices heard! Governance and Leadership 101 -Learn what it takes to become a good committee or board member -Understand how a meeting is conducted -Gain basic knowledge of budgets and financial reports -Learn the difference between fact and opinion -Learn to prioritize ideas and develop and present those ideas properly -Provide feedback and input to Special Olympics leadership -Understand the qualities of a good leader -Learn about different leadership styles -Determine what type of leader you are -Learn the importance of communication, teamwork and trust -Have your voices heard! Athletes as Volunteers -Assume a new role with Special Olympics -Discover the different levels of volunteer opportunities -Follow through on your commitment as a volunteer -Play an important role in the growth of Special Olympics programs -Have your voices heard! Challenges Through Choice -Experience personal growth of self empowerment -Challenge yourself through mental and physical activities -Build self esteem -Develop trust in yourself and others -Learn the fundamentals of teamwork and the importance of communication -Have your voices heard! Contact Heather Harmer at 612-604-1276 or 800-783-7732 ext. 276 (Minnesota only), or e-mail her at harmerh@somn.org for more information about these exciting ALPs opportunities.