Inclusive Youth

Leadership

Special Olympics

Introductions

• What is your name?

• Where are you from?

• How long have you been involved with SO?

• What inspired you to become involved?

• Do you believe that in order to be a leader you must be: …popular?...academically gifted?...outspoken?

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Common Language

PU – Project UNIFY

YAC – Youth Activation Committee

IYL – Inclusive

Youth Leadership

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Common Language

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What is inclusive leadership?Turn to page 3 in your books.

If you are wearing something that is red, read the first pillar.

Green – green pillar

Lime – lime pillar

Orange – orange pillar

Blue – blue pillar

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Roles of an Inclusive Leader

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1. Unique talents

2. Believes that people of all abilities can participate in leadership opportunities

3. Recognizes potential in ALL people to be effective leaders

4. Advocates for inclusion of people with ALL abilities

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Game Time!

Commonalities and Uniquities

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As a group, let’s define inclusion.

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Inclusion

Empowering all individuals to feel comfortable and maximized in their efforts to contribute to

society.

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What does youth leadership look like?

In schools?

In communities?

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Youth Leadership

• Effective communication and active listening

• Delegating tasks and responsibilities

• Inspired to help others

• Unique experiences

• Exemplifies positivity and creativity (unconventional ideas)

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Pillar 1: Inclusion

For too long, people with intellectual disabilities have been excluded and ignored in schools, the

labor force, and society in general.

Turn to page 17.

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Pillar 2: Co-Leadership

What challenges do you think co-leadership presents?

How are people with ID perceived as leaders?

What are the benefits to youth both w/ and w/o ID who work, learn and share

together?

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Co-Leadership Activity

Hula Hoop Challenge

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Reflection on Activity

Was the task easier or harder than you thought it would be?

How were you able to incorporate partnership with the people on either side

of you?

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Pillar 3: Teamwork

Individual Contributions +

Collective Contributions =

Teamwork15

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Pillar 3: Teamwork

How do these items relate to teamwork and leadership?

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Let’s break it down

New group of people = anxiety

Trust + Honesty + Support = UNITY

Everyone is an asset to the team; Teamwork makes the dream

work!17

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Pillar 4: Communication

How do you communicate with others?

What is your favorite form of communication?

In your personal opinion, what is the most effective form of communication?

How do you communicate as a leader?

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Communication is Essential1. Communication is key to successful

leadership

2. Main methods of communication:‣ Talking

‣ Listening

‣ Body language

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Practice Time!

Back to Back

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Pillar 5: Environment

What type of environment empowers you to learn and share with your school community?

What kinds of behaviors and attitudes lead to a negative and hurtful environment?

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Environment?

We often think of environment as referring to outdoor conditions (temperature, weather conditions)

Environment has TWO meanings! • Physical and social space in which we learn, share and work with one

another.

• We do our best work in an environment that is supportive and

encouraging.23

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What is community?

As a pair, reflect on the following questions:

1. What are common ways people make you feel supported?

2. How can we promote inclusion in our communities and schools as “a must” rather than “an option”?

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Solution = Project UNIFY

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Closing ThoughtsWhat can you do to get started?

What should your first 3 actions be?

How can you get people involved?

What changes will you like to see?

Are you excited to get started?26