Events happening after the trip that changed our lives.

Hello!

I hope all is well with you. Me and Caitlin have been very busy after our conference by carrying out the mission of Special Olympics Project UNIFY to foster a atmosphere of acceptance, inclusion and respect for all people regardless of abilities. We are excited to announce that January 10, 2010, Delaware will be hosting a Special Olympics Project UNIFY Delaware Youth For Unity Conference for high school youth with and without disabilities. This conference will cover topics in regard to the Spread the Word to End the Word Campaign, activities to bring together youth to help develop plan of actions for how their school will be able to spread the word of acceptance, respect, dignity, humanity and inclusion. This conference will last about three and a half hours and will be at the University of Delaware. For more information please check out this link -http://www.sode.org/initiatives/project-unify.asp

I have also been accepted into the naitonal Youth Activation Committee - the purpose is to educate, motivate, and activate youth around the country, with an emphasis on school communities, in an effort to develop a society where all people are agents of change – fostering respect, dignity and advocacy for people with intellectual disabilities by utilizing the programs and initiatives of Special Olympics. This committee is made up of twenty people with and without intellectual disabilities. We are planning the Summer 2010 National Youth Activation Summit. I am part of the Program Development sub-committee and we are excited for a great year =)

I am so thankful for this opportunity to help make the world a better place for all people regardless of abilities. I am so happy that together, we are breaking down barriers of hate, discrimination through education about the importance of inclusion for ALL people regardless of abilities. One of my favorite quotes is from the founder of Special Olympics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver "Every person, regardless of whatever different abilities they may have, can contribute, can be a source of joy, can beam with pride and love."

I am sorry for not keeping this blog updated. Have a good day !

Clement