Special Olympics' Project UNIFY is a year-long U.S. national project, funded by the U.S. Department of Education.
The goal of Project UNIFY is to activate youth around the country in an effort to develop school communities where all young people are agents of change - fostering respect, dignity and advocacy for people with intellectual disabilities by utilizing the programs and initiatives of Special Olympics.
Project UNIFY initiatives include a host of core activities, both on the national and the grass-roots level. Local projects that meet Project UNIFY objectives will be supported through a grant process for local Special Olympics Programs.
Youth Activation Committee
Special Olympics believes that through sports young people can make a difference in friendships, schools and communities. Project UNIFY is youth driven, with a Youth Activation Committee (YAC) made up of young people representing middle schools, high schools and colleges nationwide. Members of the committee will work together over the course of the year to develop strategies promoting school communities where all young people are agents of change. During their time on the committee, YAC members will provide leadership to Special Olympics and Project UNIFY by participating in Special Olympics global events, providing advice and counsel on strategies to reach other youths, engaging in and promoting Special Olympics activities in their home environments, communicating and networking via Web connectivity with other youth around the country, and reviewing Project UNIFY materials for innovation and viability.
Core Activities
Communications & Engagement
Be a Fan – “R Word”
Social Networking
Sports Experience
Fans in the Stands
Inclusive Schools
SOGII – Essay Contests
Partners Clubs
School Enrichment
Youth Summits
Early Childhood Enrichment
Inclusive Sports
Unified Sports
Camp Shriver
Athlete Leadership & Self-Advocacy
Traditional Sports
Games/Tournaments
Coaching
Volunteers
Project UNIFY Expected Results
Special Olympics activities and opportunities to participate for young people of all ages and all ability levels increase in schools across the country.
Students with intellectual disabilities become part of the core fabric of the education community and are perceived as assets in their school and community.
Students without intellectual disabilities increase their knowledge, skills and comfort in forming positive social relationships with students with intellectual disabilities and come together to address societal issues.
Policymakers and education leaders develop policies and support quality practices to encourage positive school climates with safe and nurturing learning environments for all students.
Contact
Andrea Cahn, Director, Project UNIFY
+1 (202) 824-0343 or acahn@specialolympics.org