• Local program coordinators must approve all nominations.
• Local programs may nominate one athlete and one speech coach.
• Each Global Messenger and speech coach must submit a SONC Volunteer Screening Form with their application.
• Applications are due no later than Friday, August 7, 2020. 
• Applicants will be contacted for a brief webcam interview after their application has been received.
• Four athletes and their speech coaches will be chosen and notified by email once the completed forms have been received.
• If you have questions, pease contact Katie McGhee, Director of Digital Media for SONC, by email or phone at 919-719-7662, ext. 112

All athletes applying to be a Global Messenger must:

• Be actively involved in Special Olympics, exhibit enthusiasm and be able to share that enthusiasm
• Be 16 years or older (unless age requirement is waived by SONC prior to this training)
• Have a desire to speak in front of a group
• Must exhibit enthusiasm and willingness to recruit new athletes, donors and volunteers
• Have capability to travel (on own preferred but not required)
  • This does not mean that the athlete must be able to drive.
• Have the following Special Olympics accomplishments:
  • Proficient in at least one sport
  • Competed at a state-level competition

Participating local programs are required to:

• Assign a speech coach to work with the athlete
• Prepare and implement a one-year written plan after the workshop for utilizing the Global Messenger in various markets (primarily adults, families and parks & recreation) and geographic locations throughout the state
• Allow the SONC staff to use a trained Global Messenger at a variety of statewide functions, including tournaments, SONC Leadership Conference and other statewide functions
• Cover all costs of the Global Messenger while he/she is conducting official Special Olympics business for the local program (SONC will cover expenses relating to state-level presentations)
• Submit progress reports to SONC

JOB TITLE:     Speech Coach
PURPOSE:       Assist a Global Messenger in making presentations for Special Olympics.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepare and submit an application for participation.
• Attend (in-person or online) state-level Global Messenger Training with selected athlete.
• Assist athlete with speech preparation during Global Messenger training.
• Be prepared to follow up with Global Messengers upon returning home from Global Messenger training.
• Assist Global Messengers in changing their presentations to fit the situation.
• Maintain an inventory of supplies needed for that Global Messenger’s presentation.
• Assist in scheduling presentations.
• Coordinate athlete presentations with the SONC Communications Department and the appropriate local program coordinator.
• Assist the SONC Communications Department with scheduling chapter Global Messenger presentations.
• Ensure completion of Global Messenger report forms.
• Send suggestions for improvement to the SONC Communications Department.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Good organizational skills.
• Some experience in working with athletes and in “training” others.
• Public speaking skills.
• At ease with media.
• Working knowledge of mission, philosophy and outreach goals of Special Olympics.
• Holds no other time-consuming job in Special Olympics.

SUPERVISED BY: Local Program Coordinator and SONC Communications Department

TRAINING PROVIDED:

• Global Messenger training and Global Messenger manual.
• Orientation by SONC to include:
  • Overview of all Global Messenger and PR materials available
  • Review of public relations manual developed by Special Olympics International
  • Who Covers Expenses?
  • Review of Chapter Staff and Committees
  • Review of Job Description
  • How Families, PR and Outreach Committees interact with one another
  • Review of Chapter policies, goals and objectives as they relate to Global Messenger
  • Procedure for sending memos to the field and for communicating with staff and volunteers
  • Evaluation procedures