By: Ray Simpson, Self-Advocate
Meet Jason!
“I think leadership should be as a team, not just a couple of individuals.” – Jason
This month
for our Self-Advocacy Spotlight newsletter, our theme is Leadership. Jason will be sharing his leadership experience with the Special Olympics and Shriners. Jason has been a self-advocate with the Arc west central Minnesota for about five years. He has volunteered at the USA world games. He has also been with the Special Olympics since he was eight years old. “I like being a part of these groups to speak up for others and help others speak.”
Being a leader with the Shriners and Special Olympics means a lot to Jason. “I see a lot of kids that don’t have good leaders as parents. The Shriners Provost offers leadership programs for kids so they can be their own leaders.” (The Shriners Provost is an organization that offers funding and support to The Children’s Hospital and Special Olympics) Jason started as being part of the special Olympics when he was young. He wanted to feel more connected with his community. When he turned eighteen, he left the special Olympics. He then decided he wanted to volunteer for it. Jason is now a level two volunteer. A level two means he can coach and be an area director. He has also volunteered for the Shriners Circus to direct people and sign them in.
Jason enjoys being able to advocate for those who are part of special Olympics. “Being a volunteer has helped me grow as a leader in my community more. I have stood up for players in special Olympics by talking to coaches for them if there are issues. I tell the coaches what might be going on with the players, so they understand. This has helped the players so they don’t get let go. I think leadership should be a team, not as a couple of individuals.
”Traveling is Jason’s favorite part of volunteering with the Special Olympics and Shriners. “I like getting to know everyone and travel. You have to pay for hotels, but it’s still worth it. People tell me I am a great person for leadership and an advocate. That is why I like to travel with them. I get to share my experiences with others, and they get to share with me.”
Jason wanted to thank the special people in his life who he turns to for support. His family, friends, and coworkers. The Arc Minnesota, The Shriners, and the Special Olympics. Katie from the Arc West Central, Donna, and Wayne from the Special Olympics, and Joe and Kelly from the Shriners.
Jason had advice to share for people who are looking to be leaders in their communities. “Look at volunteer opportunities near you. Sometimes parks are looking for people interested in cleaning them up. You can talk to me or Katie from the Arc West Central and we can set you up with leadership opportunities. There are a lot of kids in need of leaders who don’t have anyone to help them. You can talk to the Shriners and see about volunteering with Special Olympics. Go into your community and see what help is needed.”