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Volunteer Opportunities

I volunteer for Autism Speaks because:

..."We remember our first Walk three years ago...We can describe it as coming home after a long journey. When we started this journey with our son almost 9 years ago there was no sense of belonging.  We felt as if anywhere we went we had to give full disclosure of our lives to combat the world one person at a time. The Walk to us was the community we were always looking for.  It remains a overwhelming sense of belonging and family for us. We are finally home." - Tricia and Jon Brouwers, Walk Chairs

We are always looking for volunteers to help plan an event or join an existing committee. Please fill out the sign-up form to indicate your interests or contact the Chicagoland Chapter by calling (224) 567-8573 to learn more.  Current volunteer needs include, but are not limited to, the following:

Board Committees

  • Advocacy
  • Community Outreach
  • Events

Walk Now for Autism Speaks Committee

Ride for Autism Speaks

  • Planning Committee

Various Opportunities to Serve as an Autism Speaks Ambassador

Community ambassadors are needed to help connect area families with the Autism Speaks 100 Day Kit, Autism Syndrome/High Functioning Autism Tool Kit for families of newly diagnosed children, and the Transition Tool Kit.

If you can commit to participate in one ambassador training (by conference call) and to make between five and ten personal visits to providers in your area (contacts will be provided by Autism Speaks), please sign up to help. 
  • Volunteer Expos
  • Speaking Opportunities
  • Science Ambassadors

Awareness Campaigns

  • Light It Up Blue (LIUB)

Autism Speaks to Young Professionals (AS2YP)
New in 2011!  Learn more about this volunteer group.

In-Office Support and Internships

  • If you or someone you know is interested in gaining exposure to fundraising, event management and community outreach, then working in our office could be a good fit.

Send in Your Family Profile

Often, when news about autism breaks, we receive media inquiries for interviews with area families.  If you are willing to volunteer for these types of opportunities, please complete a family profile sheet and return it by fax to 224-567-8574 or by e-mail to chicago@autismspeaks.org.