I volunteer for Autism Speaks because:

..." I believe in them and believe that a brighter future is not only possible for our children, with continued dedication of Autism Speaks, it is inevitable."  Pam Herbert,  Austin Walk Co-Chair          

..."I feel that my generation needs to find the cause and cure for Autism.  I want my children and young loved ones to not have the Autism Factor weighing heavily over their heads when they are ready to reproduce.  Autism Speaks is the most proactive researching and advocacy Autism group I have found.  I am dedicated to Autism Speaks "  - Shelly Grabe, Austin Walk Co-Chair

..." I am Joseph's Mom, and he deserves my every effort to help find a cure "  - Ann Marie Arcadi, Dallas/Ft.Worth Walk Chair

..."because the research they fund MAY someday make a significant difference in my son's life and because the awareness raised by their Walk Now for Autism events WILL make a difference in my son's life." - Beau Rogers, West Texas/San Angelo Walk Chair

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.

• Greater Austin
• Dallas/Ft. Worth
• Houston
• West Texas 

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 New Jersey Walks 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.