PURPOSE:

The Special Olympics Nebraska Youth Activation Committee (YAC) is a group of Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors, with and without intellectual disabilities, from across Nebraska. This group works together to educate, motivate, and activate youth to become agents of change in their communities and advocate for the respect, inclusion, and acceptance of all people. The goal of the YAC is to promote Unified Champion Schools by reaching out to other youth and school administrators. The YAC also collaborates with Special Olympics Nebraska to carry out initiatives, events, and activities throughout the year.

EXPECTATIONS:

Youth Activation Committee members are expected to do the following during the 2025-2026 Academic Year:

• Obtain a teacher/coach recommendation letter and email to shansen@sone.org at the time of your application. This recommendation would preferably be from a teacher/coach who is already involved with Unified activities on campus.
• Attend at least 8/10 monthly meetings (virtually or in person).
• Volunteer at one Special Olympics Nebraska event per season (Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring). It is encouraged to volunteer at multiple per season if your schedule allows.
• Plan, promote, and participate in the Youth Summit.
• Recruit at least 10 students to attend the Youth Summit.
• Create a Polar Plunge team with your school to raise money for your Unified teams and clubs.

STUDENT SELECTION:

Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors of all ability are welcome to apply. We strongly encourage you to apply as a Unified Pair (unified partner and athlete from your high school). You must reside and go to school in the state of Nebraska.

INTERVIEW PROCESS:

Once your application has been received, you will go through an interview process with Special Olympics Nebraska staff members. Questions will be sent to you prior for practicing purposes. Strong candidates show a history of leadership in various extracurricular activities, are motivated to make positive change, are able to provide counsel on how to reach and engage youth and are ready to promote Special Olympics activities in their schools and communities.

What is in it for You?!

Students who have been inovlved in the YAC see growth with their leadership skills, are fulfilled by volunteering at events and changing the culture of their school campuses for the better, meet like-minded advocates and people from across the state to network with and befriend, and so much more! Hard-working YAC members receive highly regarded college applications for a job well done.