Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Update

We are proud to announce that the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Advisory Committee of the Board has been working diligently over the past several months to bring this important social movement to the forefront of SOPA’s operations. This Advisory Committee consists of Board members, staff members, athletes, and volunteers.

To date, we have completed:

• A Committee charter, a DEI statement and policy as well as guiding principles. These items are posted on our DEI page of the website and can be viewed here Diversity, Equity & Inclusion - Special Olympics Pennsylvania (specialolympicspa.org)
  
  
• An action plan is being constructed to roll-out to all stakeholders which will include policies, procedures and plans around maintaining a diverse and inclusive agency.

As always, we seek and value your input, your experiences, and your suggestions around this very important topic. This is the start of a very long journey. We look to be back to you periodically with updates on this journey.

Please feel free to contact the Committee liaison, Dan Reardon, at dreardon@specialolympicspa.org

SOPA's Volunteer Positions and Requirements

Linked here, you can find the Special Olympics Pennsylvania volunteer positions and their specific requirements. Questions? Reach out to chammell@specialolympicspa.org who can direct your volunteer question accordingly. Thank you in advance for storing a copy of this document as well as ensuring volunteers meet the requirements before engaging with our athletes!

News from the Field Department - July 2022

It’s that very exciting time of year when Special Olympics volunteers and leaders start actively searching for new help.  We all need coaches, general helpers, Management team members and Athlete Leaders.  The more wonderful people we can get through our volunteer onboarding process - the easier it all becomes.

Some steps for recruiting volunteers:

1. Know what positions you need to fill.  What sports need coaches?  Where do you need help with your 4:1? Is there a Management Team position that needs filled?
2. Get a good position description with expectations.  Be ready to print those and talk about every point and value.
3. Gather your volunteer recruiting team (or friends that know people) and start brainstorming prospects.  Who do you know who would be good at what you need?  Don’t forget recent retirees and athlete family members.
4. Prioritize your list.  Who is your best candidate?  Who would be best to talk with them about this opportunity?  Get a visitation team together to make the approach.  Consider having someone who can go into detail about the position and its value, someone who has a great story about volunteering with the program and someone they can’t say no to (spouse, boss, pastor?).  Rehearse and prepare for the meeting. Determine who will ask the big question.  Once the question is out there.  Be silent and wait.
5. Once you get someone to agree to volunteer, be sure to bring them onto the team.  Get them a shirt, hat, bag, whatever.  Give them a calendar so they know when practice is and when the events are.  Introduce them to everyone and get them trained and started ASAP.

Do these steps and you are sure to get the help you need.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out to your Field Directors or your Regional Executive Directors.  We love to help!

Free At-home COVID-19 Tests for People Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision

The Biden-Harris Administration has launched a new initiative to expand the availability of at-home tests that are more accessible for people who are blind or have low vision. The tests work with a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone/tablet app to provide users with audible instructions, and audible test results. Read more about the tests.

How to get the tests: Order online or by calling 1-800-232-0233.

• Each order will include two rapid-antigen tests that are more accessible for people who are blind or have low vision.
• Orders will ship free, while supplies last.