PROVINCIAL CORRESPONDENCE
Not only is it important for the Community Council to keep in touch with its constituents but it is equally as important for the Provincial Office to keep in touch with the Community Councils and all Stakeholders of the organization.
Each month the Marketing Department releases an e-newsletter. The newsletter contains information regarding special events, fundraising initiatives and provincial updates. You can sign up to receive the e-newsletter at www.specialolympicsontario.com
The program department maintains sport specific forums which are used to answer frequently asked questions, post meeting minutes from sport specific meetings, post technical packages and discuss rule changes. These forums can be found in section 14 of this resource.
SOO events calendars can be found on the provincial and district websites. These websites also contain information regarding upcoming events and initiatives, answers to frequently asked questions and contact information for SOO staff.
Twice a year SOO also releases the Provincial News Update (PNU). This document contains updates from each department of the organization along with staffing updates, major games updates and relevant information for both the administrative and sport specific volunteer. Latest copies of the PNU can be found on your district website.
Advisory Forums/Special Meetings/Focus Groups
Provincial Advisory Forums are just one example of a type of meeting that can be held to give constituents an opportunity to give feedback regarding issues and/or special projects. The Advisory Forums are held once a year in a number of communities across the province. Topics typically include provincial initiatives that have an impact on athletes and volunteers at the community level. The forums also have a question/answer period where members and stakeholders can discuss other issues and brainstorm solutions with staff and other volunteers.
Special meetings can easily be held in your community to help deal with specific issues such as athlete concerns, conflict resolution, and fundraising strategies or simply to increase public awareness.