Volunteer

Volunteers play a huge supporting role in the success of OAR.  There are special volunteer roles within OAR’s office in Arlington, Virginia, and in other areas across the U.S. where OAR is hosting activities or exhibits.

Here is a list of volunteer needs.  Please complete the volunteer form, if you would like to sign up.  Thank you in advance for your support.

OAR’s Annual Conference

OAR’s Sixth Annual Applied Autism Research and Intervention Conference is approaching, and there is plenty to do in order to make this year another success!

First, let’s discuss some of the benefits of volunteering at this year’s conference:

• Free Registration – Each volunteer will receive free registration to whichever day (or days) is volunteered.  It is important to know that your tasks will not get in the way of attending any presentations you would like to see.  In fact, sitting through presentations is actually essential for a few of these jobs (such as timekeepers).

• Food – This year, OAR will be providing both a free continental breakfast and box lunches for attendees and volunteers.  Throughout the conference, drinks and snacks will also be provided, courtesy of OAR.

• Feeling Good – Volunteers will be able to interact with not only top professionals in the field, but with hundreds of people whose lives are daily affected by those with autism.  With current statistics showing that the prevalence of autism is now 1 in 150, it is more important than ever to show your support for families that are currently sharing in the struggle against autism.

OAR will be hosting its 2008 Annual Applied Autism Research and Intervention Conference at the Westin Arlington Gateway in Arlington, VA.  This venue allows space for up to 360 attendees, and we plan to use it! 

There will be several volunteer opportunities this year.  We will need people for the Registration Desk, Time-Keepers, and people to sign attendees in and out for CEUs.  For those that will be in town on Thursday, we will also need some volunteers to help put together Conference Bags.  The following is a description of the tasks associated with each job.  Depending on your availability, some tasks may be combined or separated as needed.

Registration Desk: (at least 3 people during mornings, 2 during breaks and lunch)

• Welcome attendees
• Check off names on the Registration List
• Register new attendees and take payment
• Distribute:
• Conference bags
• Guidebooks
• Name tags
• Point out:
• Ernest Hemingway Salon
• Restroom locations
• Answer attendees’ questions

Time-Keepers: (2 people, one in each room)

• Sit at the front of the room
• Hold up signs to signal speaker (halfway, 10mins, 5mins, and 1min remaining)

CEU Volunteers: (4 people, two in each room)

• Stand at the entrance to your assigned room at the beginning and end of each presentation
• Sign your initials next to “Verification Sign-In” or “Sign-Out” on forms (provided by attendees)

Conference Bags: (the more, the merrier!)

• On Thursday we will be putting together Conference Bags to smooth the registration process as much as possible.  These bags will include the Conference Proceedings book, as well as a few handouts.  If you are available, please consider helping us out!

This conference would not be what it is today if it were not for the support of dedicated volunteers through the years. If you have any questions about helping out, please contact Alyssa Napolitano or call 703-243-9717 (or toll-free 866-366-9710 ext. 227)

RUN FOR AUTISM

• Help recruit runners.  Distribute literature at work, local businesses, running clubs, etc.
• Race Expos.  These expos allow OAR to meet our runners, recruit runners for next year, and publicize autism and the need for autism research.  Our next Expos are:

August 3-4, 2007—New York
August 10-11, 2007—Chicago
October 5-6, 2007—Chicago
October 26-27, 2007—Washington, DC
January 11-12, 2008—Houston

• Race Day.  Help with on course support, cheering, water stations, or with Finish Line support and recognition for our runners.

August 5, 2007—The New York City Half Marathon presented by Nike
August 12, 2007—The Chicago Distance Classic
October 7, 2007—The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon®
October 28 2007—Marine Corps Marathon™ Washington, DC
January 13, 2008—Chevron Houston Marathon

OAR Office

OAR welcomes volunteers in general support roles like distributing copies of the newsletter and more focused support like a special project, researching information for the web site for example.

Organize an event/activity or represent OAR locally.

Special skills: OAR is always looking for people with expertise in: fundraising, writing, public speaking, graphic design, communications/PR, technology applications, and more.

If you want to volunteer, please fill out the form below.