The Student Board of Directors is composed of students with and without intellectual disabilities who attend quarterly sessions focusing on:

  • Special Olympics Minnesota as a movement for change and inclusion
  • Youth leadership
  • Social justice and advocacy
  • Sports as a platform for attitude change
  • Inclusion of all abilities
  • Local and state strategies for youth engagement and activation in Summer Camp, Young Athletes and other activities to be determined by the Student Board of Directors

Youth with and without intellectual disabilities not only lead in the design and facilitation of the meetings, but also help to create solutions to social justice and school climate challenges. The Student Board of Directors ensures that strategies for inclusive leadership are incorporated in all meeting agendas.

Special Olympics Minnesota Student Board of Directors Nomination Criteria

Special Olympics Minnesota is pleased to cover 100% of the costs affiliated with two youth and one chaperone attending the Student Board of Directors meetings. This includes travel to meetings, meals during meetings, on-site transportation for activities.

  • Youth must be between ages 14 – 21.
  • Youth do not need to be the same gender and can come from different schools/towns.
  • Youth who are nominated must agree to fulfill the Youth Commitment to Special Olympics outlined below.
  • Youth need to be self motivated and able to work in group as well as independent settings with little assistance or follow-up by adults/chaperones and have to ability to discuss advocacy, express ideas and feelings and discuss school environment.
  • Youth need to be able to travel with a chaperone in a 3:1 ratio.
  • Youth need consistent access to email and the internet in order to properly prepare for and execute all activities/communication related to Special Olympics Minnesota. Youth also need access to a telephone to participate in conference calls prior to the schedule meetings and events.

Youth Commitment to Special Olympics

  • Youth will participate in all conference calls and four annual Student Board of Directors meetings.
  • Youth will commit to following through on all preparation activities prior to the Student Board of Directors meetings as outlined on the calls and in follow up emails/communication.
  • Youth are committed to the work of the Student Board of Directors in their home town throughout the 2012-2013 academic school year.
  • Youth will communicate on a consistent basis with their Special Olympics Minnesota program staff.
  • Youth will serve as key leadership within his/her home town.

Chaperone Overview

  • Each student / athlete is required to provide one adult chaperone that will be ultimately responsible for the youth attending the Student Board of Directors meetings.
  • Chaperones must be age 21 or older. It is preferred that the chaperone be an active supporter of Special Olympics Minnesota in his/her hometown.
  • Chaperone must travel with his/her youth to and from the Student Board of Directors meetings and will participate fully in the Student Board of Directors meetings and trainings to support the overall needs of the youth attending from their community.
  • Chaperones are responsible for all behavior and medication management for their youth.
  • Chaperones will attend all Student Board of Directors meetings and activities.
  • Chaperones will follow all rules and requirements as outlined by the Special Olympics Minnesota volunteer code of conduct.