Special OlympicsBe a fan

Special Olympics Project Unify – Fan Community TrainingPrepared for Project Unify StaffNovember 2010

Welcome

Our online Fan Community is one of the main engagement tools through which we connect and communicate with supporters across the globe.

Why Use the Fan Community?

Creating groups and uploading videos, photos or audio allows members to connect and share with other members, exchange best practices, celebrate successes and answer questions.

The Fan Community also facilitates two-way conversations between SOI and community members, helping constituents become a larger part of Special Olympics’ family.

Community MembersSOI

• Accessing the Fan Community– Visit www.specialolympics.org/fans– Or, via the Special Olympics Homepage

Let’s Get Started

Registering Your Program

Registering Your Program

• dfg For Project Unify Programs, your Username should be:

ProjectUNIFY[City/State Name]

i.e. ProjectUNIFYDetroit orProjectUNIFYVirginia

Customizing Your Profile

Here’s your chance to make the page your own:

- upload a profile picture, - write a mini-biography about your program, or - apply a customized background to your profile.

Uploading Photos & Videos

Tagging Media

Three ways to tag:1. Type “Project Unify”

into the tags box 2. Select the category

“Project Unify”3. Add media to the

“Project Unify” group

Opportunities for Communication

GroupsShare content directly with Project Unify supporters by uploading videos, photos or audio tracks and posting comments.

Message BoardsStart or join discussions with other Fan Community members. Ask and answer questions, get new ideas and more.

Opportunities for Communication

BlogsBlogs are your opportunity to share longer stories about your program/region. Share successes, event descriptions and more.

Sharing Documents & Resources

Great example from PU Texas:

Sharing Content

Share your community content with friends and family via email and social media outlets.

Activating & Engaging Youth

Getting Youth Involved with the Fan Community1. Share your username and password with YAC

members so they can upload content2. Create a YAC-specific profile

*Use format: PU[City/State]YAC3. Encourage youth leaders to create their own

accounts and upload content

PUColoradoYAC

Activities for Engaging Youth

Youth ReportsEncourage YAC members to attend local games and then share their experience via blog, video or photo posts.

Photo/Video ContestsHost a photo & video contests with youth in your area. Have members upload media with a specific tag and then judge the contest by number of views or ratings.

‘Share Your Story’ OpportunitiesEncourage youth to share their Special Olympics experience or stories of inclusion in their school via the Fan Community.

Best Practice Examples

ProjectUNIFYColorado ProjectUNIFYSouthCarolina

Participate, Win Prizes!

Welcome to the rewards and recognition portion of our show!

To date we have five Project UNIFY programs who have been very active in the community. Please be in awe of:

Washington – 1694 Points Colorado – 1672 Points Wisconsin – 1315 Points South Carolina – 1273 Points Oregon – 1133 Points

For their proficient use of the Fan Community, each of these programs will be awarded 25 branded USB jump drives!

We’ll be continuing our bribery incentive laden program over the next year with many great prizes, so get it the community, and get active!

And, we’re off!

Time to get started!

Ask and you shall receive…

QUESTIONS?

Questions/Comments for SOI

Ryan EadesManager, Online Brand CommunicationsSpecial Olympics InternationalPhone: 202-824-0292Email: reades@specialolympics.orgCommunity: ryaneades

Rebecca RalstonTemp, Online Brand CommunicationsSpecial Olympics InternationalPhone: 202-824-0212Email: rralston@specialolympics.org Community: rjralston