Special Olympics Wisconsin
Youth Activation Summit held during National Games
The Youth Activation Summit (YAS) took place on the University of Nebraska, Omaha campus July 18 - July 23. The Summit provided a forum where participants acquired and enhanced knowledge and skills needed to activate youth around the country.
Throughout the week, Wisconsin delegates Janelle Boll, Sarah Limbach, Autumn Vander Velden, Matt Noll, Krysten Kirsch, Dale Gaffner, and Michelle Schmidt joined roughly 200 representatives from across the United States to attend a completely youth-designed-and-facilitated week of activities.
During the YAS, one of the main focuses was on increasing delegates understanding of how social justice movements affect change. Delegates then learned how to apply these tactics in their own communities, using Special Olympics as the catalyst for inclusion.
The sessions of the week were centered around social justice and how to get from wanting social justice to having social justice. A few of the sessions included the following topics: ways to motivate and activate groups, leadership by youth, working together for a common purpose, ways to involve others, learning how to work together with adults, and networking through promoting Special Olympics with others.
Delegates also attended an Opening Ceremonies Viewing Party; the debut of Project UNIFY's play "It's Our School, Too!", a trip to the Gallup headquarters to learn about our strengths and find out how to utilize them to the best of our ability witha Hawaiian Luau and BBQ. Additionally, everyone had the privilege and unforgettable experience of being "Fans in the Stands" at the various 2010 Special Olympics USA National Games venues and participating in the Flag Football Clinic. At the end of the week, YAS delegates traveled back to Lincoln to join the 3,000 athletes for the Closing Ceremonies where Project UNIFY was highlighted.
During this time together, everyone talked about the lessons, ideas and strategies for creating more inclusive environments in our respective school communities through Project UNIFY. SOWI delegates' hope is to utilize their new knowledge and enthusiasm gained throughout the Youth Activation Summit to create a Wisconsin Youth Activation Committee. With a focus on the ideas of acceptance, respect, unity, human dignity, understanding, teamwork, and friendship they will begin to create environments where Special Olympics athletes feel safe and welcomed!
