Leading for the Future Conference

1. 2013 Conference
Vermont
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2. Local & School
Program Accreditation
Vermont
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3. SOI Operating Rules and the SOVT
Accreditation Requirement
Why we need to provide clear and
consistent expectations and experiences
What are program rights &
responsibilities
How do we implementation the plan
3 / Special Olympics Vermont

4. The WHAT, WHY and
HOW of Accreditation
Vermont
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5. What is Program Accreditation?
Local program accreditation is authorization
from Special Olympics Vermont for a particular
geographic region or area of the state to be
granted approval to act as the official Special
Olympics representative organization in and for
that designated area of the state.
5 / Special Olympics Vermont

6. Why is Accreditation Necessary?
Special Olympics Vermont (SOVT) is authorized and
accredited annually by Special Olympics, Inc. (SOI) to
use the Special Olympics name, trademarks, service
marks, symbols and copyrighted materials to raise
funds and operate a program. In order for SOVT to
achieve accreditation from SOI, an Area (Local
Program) Accreditation process must be in place.
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7. Why, continued…
Local Program accreditation is an authorization or
“license” to use the Special Olympics
name, trademarks, service marks and copyrighted
materials, to raise funds and to operate a program in
a given geographic region of the state. Accreditation
also serves as a monitoring tool to insure quality and
compliance in all Local Program functions, including
sports trainings and competitions, outreach, volunteer
management, fundraising, finance and family
involvement.
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8. Why? For them…
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9. Maintaining our status
If accreditation is approved by SOVT, the Local
Program warrants that is will conduct its activities
validly to be exempt from Federal taxation under
Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and
the State of Vermont.
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10. How are Programs Accredited?
The Director of Programs and members of the Local
Program Leadership Committee (task force) meet in
mid-January to review each Local Program to ensure
the program meets the requirements for accreditation
set down in the Local Program Accreditation Plan. If
it does, the program is awarded a “Certificate of
Accreditation” for the year.
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11. If there are challenges
If a Local Program (for any reason) does not meet the
requirements, the Director of Programs will meet with
the Local Program Coordinator to determine a suitable
course of action to remedy any deficiencies.
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12. Help when needed
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13. Solving challenges
 Once SOVT and the Program Coordinator agree on
a plan, the Program will be granted a provisional
accreditation.
 If the minimum standards are not met in the agreed
upon time frame, additional action will be taken.
 Accreditation cannot be granted if the requirements
of the provisional accreditation have not been met or
if there is no plan of action to remedy any
deficiencies.
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14. The Program Director and
Program Coordinator will work
together to solve program
challenges on a case by case
basis with support from SOVT.
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16. Rights of
Accreditation
Vermont
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17. Rights of an Accredited Program
1. Authorization to conduct a Special Olympics program
2. Use of the Special Olympics name and logo
3. Support and direct assistance (materials, awards,
liability insurance coverage)
4. Technical and consultative services
5. Authority to raise program funds in the name of SO
6. Sanctioning of athletes to participate in accredited
state competitions and to be eligible to advance to
Regional, USA and World Games
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18. Team USA for the 2013 Winter World Games
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19. Accreditation
Commitments
Vermont
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20. Responsibilities of an Accredited
Program
Prior to being granted Accreditation, a Local Program
must agree and be subject to the
rules, regulations, policies, procedures and
requirements established by Special Olympics
Vermont. The Local Program requesting
accreditation recognizes Special Olympics Inc. (SOI)
and Special Olympics Vermont as the legal and
binding authorities on Special Olympics policies and
practices.
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21. To become Accredited, a Local
Program must:
 Submit an application for accreditation
 Submit an annual plan and a review of the
previous year
 Have program representation attend annual
Leadership Conferences as offered by SOVT
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22. The overall commitment
Upon acceptance of the official Certificate of
Accreditation and the mandate it represents, a
Program Coordinator and the Local Program
Management Team accepts full responsibility to meet
established criteria to retain the rights and
responsibilities granted through accreditation for the
Special Olympics Local Program and to implement its
programs, philosophies, goals and objectives.
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23. The Local Program also agrees to
abide by SOI principles to
maintain a quality program and to
commit the program to
excellence and Olympic ideals.
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24. Requirements &
Reporting
Vermont
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25. Program Annual Plan
 Roster or updates for Program Management team,
coaches and athletes
 Local Program budget
 Outline of fundraising plan (Fundraising Project
Application for Approval required for all activities)
 Sports offered or planned
 Dates of Local Program meetings (if applicable)
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26. Program Review
The report is designed as a self-assessment tool for
evaluating growth, successes and challenges during
the previous year. This report is conducted by the
Local Program Coordinator and key program
management, and will be reviewed by the SOVT
Program Director and Local Program Management
Team.
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27. Why the review?
This tool will help determine if Programs are meeting
accreditation requirements and/or need additional
support from SOVT in the following areas:
 Administration and Organization
 Training & Competition Opportunities (for coaches and athletes)
 Financial Management
 Volunteer Recruitment and Management
 Fundraising, Public Relations and Outreach
 Family Involvement
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28. Implementation
A Two Year / Two Phase Plan
Vermont
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29. So how are we going to do this?
This plan has been developed to allow Programs two
calendar years to implement ALL minimum
requirements of the Accreditation Plan. At the end of
2014, the Program must be in full compliance with
those select requirements listed in PHASE ONE, and
all requirements must be met by the end of 2015.
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30. Phase One
Accreditation Requirements to
be implemented in 2014
Vermont
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31. These may already be in place in
your program
Phase One:
 Financial requirements and procedures are followed
 Program budget is developed
 Volunteer screening policy in effect
 Athlete training standards & requirements are met
 Fundraising guidelines are established and approval
forms are submitted as required
 Attendance requirements for conferences are met
 Year-end review is submitted
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32. Phase Two
Accreditation Requirements to
be implemented in 2015
Vermont
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33. These must be in place by 2015
Phase Two:
 Coaches training standards and requirements are met
 Fundraising program is developed
 Volunteer recruitment, management & recognition
programs are in place
 Leadership committee is developed
 Outreach plan is established
 Family services and activities are implemented
 Complete program annual plan is written
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34. All ONE SOVT…
We’re in this together!!
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35. Thank you!
Vermont
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