Lemonade is a Hit!
Our lemonade/chocolate chip cookies stand was a big success! We worked from 11-3 and set it up right in front of our house. Christian, my 17 year-old autistic son, enjoyed taking care of customers and giving them their change. He even helped count the money at the very end and said, "We're rich!" I made a flyer explaining what we were doing and had my daughter put them on doorsteps in our neighborhood. People stopped by and commented on the flyer, we met new neighbors, and we raised $253 for Autism Speaks!!!!! We had quite the event going...My daughter played her trombone as my youngest son yelled to passing cars, and my neighbor's kids blew bubbles and twirlled a baton! We had an awesome time and we are thinking about doing it again for Labor Day! Thanks for sharing the lemonade stand idea with us.
Victoria Waite
Bell, CA
 
See more photos on the Los Angeles Chapter's Facebook page!
How Can I Help?
People often tell us they want to volunteer but have limited time availability or can’t get to meetings that aren’t near them. Autism Speaks attends many conferences, health fairs and community events on weekends, weekdays or evenings. This is a really easy way to help our chapter!
The general duties are:
- Help with set up of the booth/table, and the literature being displayed
- Explain Autism Speaks mission to fund research, raise awareness and advocate for families
- Answer basic questions about our programs
While this might sound overwhelming—it’s not! Our new volunteers usually pick up the routine in 30 minutes and find they really enjoy talking with other families and giving back to the community.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer please call (323) 549-0500 x765 or email losangeles@autismspeaks.org
Volunteer Opportunities--NEW!
U.S. Autism and Asperger Association Conference, Westin Hotel at LAX
Thursday, July 9: 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Friday, July 10: 8:00am - 6:00pm
Saturday, July 11: 8:30am - 5:30pm
Sunday, July 12: 9:00 am - 3:00pm
Special Needs Network Back to School Inclusion Event, Los Angeles
Sunday, August 30: 2:00 - 6:00pm
We are looking for people to be there and provide information to the community. It’s an easy way to interact with parents and other attendees. And this is also a good way to get your friends and other people involved with Autism Speaks and our chapter!
If you would like to help out, email losangeles@autismspeaks.org or call (323) 549-0500 x765.
We are always looking for volunteers to help plan an event or join an existing committee. Please contact your local office if you would like to get involved.
Community Leadership Committee Descriptions
- Family Services Liaison Chair
- Sub-Committee provides feedback from community stakeholders in an effort to ensure that local community needs are addressed.
- Community Advocacy Chair
- Sub-Committee activates the local grassroots advocacy efforts in accordance with national autism initiatives.
- Science Ambassador Chair
- Sub-Committee educates local community about Autism Speaks science initiatives and portfolios.
- Walk Now for Autism Chair
- Planning Committee - help plan and execute the walk.
- Team Mentoring Committee - mentor new team captains. If you can volunteer to make some calls and answer some questions about how to recruit and motivate teams this committee is for you.
- Corporate Sponsorship Committee - create list of prospects and help to reach out to potential local sponsors.
- Walk Kick-Off Dinner Committee - organize events to help us Kick-Off the Walk in style.
- Youth Committee - plan mini events and volunteer on Walk Day. Opportunities for involvement are available for all age levels.
- Community Outreach Committee - recruit new team captains, get your local stores and schools involved and spread the word about Autism Speaks right in your own backyard.
- Resource Fair Committee – recruit and build the Community Resource Fair.
- Publicity Committee - responsible for many of the public relations and marketing aspects of the Walk event, including media relations, media sponsorships and public service announcements.
- Walk Day Logistics Committee - help with the nuts and bolts of the walk day and all of the equipment needed for a safe and fun day. Many hands make light work.
- Food & Refreshments Committee - secure food and beverage donations. Lots of walkers means lots of hungry people on Walk Day.
- Entertainment Committee - recruit entertainers and develop creative activities for Walk Day. Walk Day is family fun day.
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