April is Volunteer Appreciation Month and we want to take this opportunity to thank you for continuing to enrich the lives of individuals of with an intellectual disability through sport.
Special Olympics would not exist today — and could not have been created – without the time, energy, commitment and enthusiasm of our volunteers. We owe so much to the thousands of people who find the time to make the world a better place.
THANK YOU
You make it possible for over 3,300 athletes to take part in every day sport programs throughout Alberta!
SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE!
Not only are you putting in countless hours for our athletes, but you are also bringing in more volunteers!
Did you know that 1 in 3 individuals that inquired about volunteering on the SOA website, were driven there by previous volunteers?
Seasoned volunteers are key in helping to recruit the much-needed volunteers for our programs and events! Each volunteer that you refer will allow more athletes with intellectual disabilities to participate in the sports they love!
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for sharing your experience!
Here are a few other ways that you can continue to spread the word about Special Olympics:
Talking Points & Key Messages
- Share your experience and the impact you have had personally & professionally, and focus on the fun aspects of being a Special Olympics volunteer.
- Several programs are only one to two hours a week. The commitment is not huge!
- No prior knowledge of Special Olympics pr any specific sports is necessary - we will provide the training for you!
- There is no cost involved with volunteering!
Perhaps you have some co-workers or other professional contacts that are looking for volunteer opportunities for themselves or for a group. Here are some sample e-mails that you could send:
- Sample #1
Hi _________,
Thanks for reaching out about Special Olympics volunteer opportunities! You could coach weekly programs or volunteer at events...there are so many ways that you can help! The best part is, you don't need any prior experience and the time commitment is a little as 1 hour per week!
I highly recommend you sign yourself and your staff up. There's also lots of great information on their website. www.specialolympics.ca/alberta.
Best,
-Your Name
- Sample #2
Hi _________,
As you know, I’ve been a Special Olympics coach for a few months now, and they are looking for more coaches to volunteer. I really think you’d have a lot of fun.
Let me know if you want any more info about it or have any questions. You can also check out their website at: www.specialolympics.ca/alberta.
Best,
-Your Name
Social Media Posts
Social media is also a great way to reach out to friends and family to let them know what is going on at Special Olympics! Here are some sample posts that you could use:
- Facebook (/SpecialOAlberta)
"The time I get to spend with our Special Olympics athletes is always the highlight of my week. I highly recommend fitting time in your schedule to be a volunteer. www.specialolympics.ca/alberta/volunteers
- Twitter (@SpecialOAlberta):
“Just watched @calstampeders @alexsingleton49 plunge at the #PolarPlungeYYC @Alberta_LETR - HILARIOUS. Can't wait to help out at next year's plunge!”
- Instagram (@SpecialOlympicsAlberta):
“Had an awesome time at the @SpecialOAlberta bowling qualifier today. We're getting excited for #Calgary2019”