A basic 101

1. Special Olympics
Be a fan
Special Olympics Project Unify – Fan Community Training
Prepared for Project Unify Staff
November 2010

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

3. 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

4. • Accessing the Fan Community
– Visit www.specialolympics.org/fans
– Or, via the Special Olympics Homepage
Let’s Get Started

5. Registering Your Program

6. Registering Your Program
• dfg For Project Unify Programs,
your Username should be:
ProjectUNIFY[City/State Name]
i.e. ProjectUNIFYDetroit or
ProjectUNIFYVirginia

7. 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.

8. Uploading Photos & Videos

9. 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

10. Opportunities for Communication
Groups
Share content directly with
Project Unify supporters by
uploading videos, photos or
audio tracks and posting
comments.
Message Boards
Start or join discussions
with other Fan Community
members. Ask and answer
questions, get new ideas
and more.

11. Opportunities for Communication
Blogs
Blogs are your opportunity
to share longer stories
about your program/region.
Share successes, event
descriptions and more.

12. Sharing Documents & Resources
Great example from PU Texas:

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

14. Activating & Engaging Youth
Getting Youth Involved with the Fan Community
1. Share your username and password with YAC
members so they can upload content
2. Create a YAC-specific profile
*Use format: PU[City/State]YAC
3. Encourage youth leaders to create their own
accounts and upload content
PUColoradoYAC

15. Activities for Engaging Youth
Youth Reports
Encourage YAC members to
attend local games and then
share their experience via
blog, video or photo posts.
Photo/Video Contests
Host 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’ Opportunities
Encourage youth to share their Special
Olympics experience or stories of inclusion
in their school via the Fan Community.

16. Best Practice Examples
ProjectUNIFYColorado ProjectUNIFYSouthCarolina

17. 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!

18. And, we’re off!
Time to get started!

19. Ask and you shall receive…
QUESTIONS?

20. Questions/Comments for SOI
Ryan Eades
Manager, Online Brand Communications
Special Olympics International
Phone: 202-824-0292
Email: reades@specialolympics.org
Community: ryaneades
Rebecca Ralston
Temp, Online Brand Communications
Special Olympics International
Phone: 202-824-0212
Email: rralston@specialolympics.org
Community: rjralston