Policies and Procedures of the Rhode Island Special Olympics

Public Relations Policies

The Special Olympics Rhode Island Board of Directors and the Special Olympics Rhode Island Marketing & Communications Committee have implemented the following policy and procedures to strengthen and enhance the message, branding, awareness and education in every aspect of the organization.

The Special Olympics logo is at the forefront of the organization’s image and must be used consistently in all local, regional and national events. It is critically important that our public relations efforts represent the mission of Special Olympics: a unified, worldwide, Olympic-quality sports program. The Special Olympics logo and guidelines establish our identity and enable us to reach out more readily to all persons with intellectual disabilities, their families and to the entire population.

The Special Olympics Rhode Island Board of Directors and Marketing & Communications Committee mandate strict adherence to this policy.

Policy:

Public Relations will be an integral part of Special Olympics Rhode Island providing guidance and support to Program/Sports Staff and Development/Special Events Staff to ensure that the overall image of the organization is represented to the public. The Special Olympics Rhode Island Board of Directors will implement a fully integrated communications/marketing strategy that ensures the organizations’ integrity. To this end, there will be an internal review process for all materials (i.e. websites, flyers, posters, program books, postcards, invitations, newsletters, artwork for all printed materials, etc.).

All materials created by Development Staff, Program/Sports Staff, Event Committees (i.e. Torch Run, Sports Celebrity Carnival, Fashion Show, Benefest, TV Auction, Summer Games, Winter Games, etc.) must be reviewed and approved by the Chief Executive Officer and/or Director of Marketing & Communications and the Marketing & Communications Committee.
Local Programs/Teams must submit all materials that include the Special Olympics Rhode Island name and logo (i.e. newsletters, websites, promotional flyers, banners, team uniforms) for review and approval by the Chief Executive Officer and/or Director of Marketing & Communcations and the Marketing & Communications Committee.
Media contacts for events, publicity for programs or any other communication regarding Special Olympics Rhode Island will be initiated by the Director of Marketing & Communications with the approval of Chief Executive Officer and/or Marketing & Communications Committee.

The above policy is strictly enforced in order to create a cohesive communications/marketing strategy and to ensure that we are abiding by the national/international guidelines set forth by Special Olympics Inc. Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in the loss of the copyright and logo usage of the Special Olympics symbol.

Review Process:

The Marketing & Communications Committee meets on an as needed basis at the Special Olympics Rhode Island Office. All materials/documents and media requests from Specific Event Committees (i.e. Torch Run, Sports Celebrity Carnival, Fashion Show, Benefest, TV Auction, Summer Games, Winter Games, etc.), Development Staff, Program Staff and Local Program/Team Events must be received by the Director of Marketing & Communications at the SORI office, in a timely manner for consideration and approval.

Please Note:

If there is a special event or more immediate review necessary, please contact Gerri Walter immediately at (401) 349-4900. The Chief Executive Officer and Director of Marketing & Communications will be responsible for approving copy and layout of materials developed by Development Staff and Program/Sports Staff in a timely manner (one week for large, multi-page pieces and two days for one-page pieces or in case of tight deadline – one day).

Conclusion:

The Marketing & Communications Committee is confident that their combined experience, energy and commitment will provide a service to Special Olympics Rhode Island to successfully meet their communications/marketing goals and objectives. We believe that an organized approach will better state the overall interests of the organization, and we look forward to working with the Board of Directors, staff, coaches, athletes, volunteers and committee members in meeting these goals.

For additional information contact:

Gerri Walter
Director of Marketing & Communications
401-349-4900

Gerri Walter