LIGHT IT UP BLUE PARTICIPATION PACKET

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1 Join Autism Speaks to Light It Up Blue on April 2, With your help, we will shine a bright spotlight on the public health crisis of autism and improve the future for everyone who struggles with the disorder. LIGHT IT UP BLUE PARTICIPATION PACKET On Wednesday, April 2, 2014 Autism Speaks invites you to Light It Up Blue. Everything you need to begin planning your participation is included in this packet. Autism Speaks volunteers and staff will help you every step of the way! Who can Light It Up Blue? Individuals and Families Buildings and Landmarks Retail Locations Schools and Universities Cultural Institutions Restaurants Media Additionally, Airports, Bridges, Sports Arenas, Concert Halls, Homes, Houses of Worship, Websites, and Corporate Offices can Light It Up Blue too! For more information, please visit our website On behalf of the individuals and families affected by autism, and all those we serve, thank you. Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Bob and Suzanne Wright, grandparents of a child with autism. Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that inhibits a person's ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by behavioral challenges. Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed in one in 88 children; one in 54 boys in the United States, affecting four times as many boys as girls. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called autism a national public health crisis whose cause and cure remain unknown. The mission of Autism Speaks is to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders. We are dedicated to funding global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and cure for autism; to raising public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families, and society; and to bringing hope to all who deal with the hardships of this disorder. We are committed to raising the funds necessary to support these goals.

2 INDIVIDUALS & FAMILIES Everyone can individually participate in Light It Up Blue. Here s how. raise awareness about autism. Here are some ways to participate as individuals and families: Ways to Light It Up Blue in person: Wear your Autism Speaks puzzle piece pin every day throughout the month of April, and tell people about autism if they ask about it. Wear blue clothing and ask your friends, co-workers and schools to wear blue too. Take a group photo and upload it to our Flickr site at Purchase blue light bulbs from Home Depot or your local lighting supply store and replace your outdoor lighting with these blue bulbs. Host a cocktail party and serve blue-themed drinks and food. Contact your local bakeries to see if they would frost their donuts with blue icing and donate a portion of proceeds from the baked goods to Autism Speaks. Raise funds for Autism Speaks by asking colleagues to donate $5 to wear blue jeans to work on Wednesday, April 2, 2014 Ask the building where you work if they would be willing to have flyers about Autism Speaks and World Autism Awareness Day in the foyer on April 2. Celebrate Light It Up Blue online: Visit and download the Light It Up Blue iphone application to add your photos to the Light It Up Blue website and to see participating buildings. Change your Facebook profile picture to the Light It Up Blue logo and tag at least 10 of your friends. Update your Facebook status to read Light it up blue to shine a light on autism. Post on your blog about how you are lighting it up blue to raise autism awareness. Celebrate your loved one affected by autism by telling a brief story about his/her recent accomplishments or how that person has impacted your life. Tweet facts about autism and use the hashtag #lightitupblue. For example, Autism affects 1 in 88 children. #lightitupblue Add the Light It Up Blue logo to your signature and type your s in blue font throughout the month of April.

3 BUILDINGS & LANDMARKS Landmarks, Buildings, Airport Terminals and Air Traffic Control Towers, Bridges, Sports Arenas, Homes, Houses of Worship and more can Light It Up Blue. Here s how. Tell your tenants and guests about our partnership. Light up your building in blue using blue lighting filters or gels. (The Autism Speaks Blue PMS Color is 279 and the RGB color is R:80, G:145, B:205) Order Light It Up Blue supplies from Autism Speaks (Go to for a link to the Light It Up Blue store) to create a visual display within your building or landmark such as posters, window clings etc. Consider organizing a media event, like a ceremonial flipping of the switch to provide a visual display and entice media coverage. Purchase Autism Speaks lapel pins for building staff to wear throughout April. Include a mention about Light It Up Blue in your elevator banks, e-newsletters, on your Website and on your Facebook wall. Take photos and upload them to our website devoted to Light It Up Blue at Make a financial contribution. Many properties and landmarks show support for Autism Speaks by incorporating a fundraising component. Become a Light It Up Blue partner by donating a percentage of sales from admissions on Monday, April 2 in honor of World Autism Awareness Day, or on other designated days throughout the month of April in honor of Autism Awareness Month, to Autism Speaks. Involve the local media. Your support IS newsworthy reach out to the media to let the community know about your great work to support Autism Speaks.

4 RETAILERS Independent merchants, large retailers, malls and shopping centers can Light It Up Blue. Here s how. Make a financial contribution. Many retailers connect with customers by incorporating a fundraising component. Become a Light It Up Blue partner by donating 20 percent of your sales on April 2 in honor of World Autism Awareness Day, or on other designated days throughout the month of April in honor of Autism Awareness Month, to Autism Speaks. Become a Light It Up Blue partner by selling Autism Speaks merchandise, with all proceeds benefiting the organization. Items available include stuffed animals, car magnets, paper puzzle pieces, silicone bracelets, pins and more! In 2010, Calvin Klein Outlet Stores in Chicago, IL offered customers a 20% discount with every $20 donation, raising $9,000, with 18 stores participating. Calvin Klein s corporate office then matched the stores fundraising with an additional donation to Autism Speaks! Educate your employees. Invite Autism Speaks staff into your business to provide information about autism and how your support of Autism Speaks is helping the community. E Street Denim offers customers the opportunity to save 20% off all purchases in one week s time by making a one-time donation of $75. E Street s promotion resulted in more than $34,000 raised! Tell your customers about our partnership. Order Light It Up Blue supplies from Autism Speaks (Go to for a link to the Light It Up Blue store) to create a visual display within your business. Provide Autism Speaks lapel pins for your staff to wear during April. Ask your building management company to turn the exterior lights of your building blue. Offer a special discount to customers wearing blue on April 2. Include a mention of your participation in your e-newsletters, on your website and on your Facebook wall. Please upload a photo to our website devoted to Light It Up Blue at Lord & Taylor s 47 stores nationwide participated with staff wearing blue and Autism Speaks pins. To expand their participation in 2011, 14 stores lit blue and select stores sold Autism Speaks merchandise raising over $10,000 for Autism Speaks. Involve the local media. Your support IS newsworthy reach out to the media to let the community know about your great work to support Autism Speaks.

5 SCHOOLS & UNIVERSITIES Schools pre-schools, elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, colleges and universities can Light It Up Blue. Here s how. Educate and empower students. Provide the opportunity for students to learn about autism and to take a role in changing the future. Download the Autism Speaks School Community Tool Kit for age-appropriate resources on introducing autism, tolerance, acceptance and compassion to school-aged children. College students can host events, start an Autism Speaks U Chapter, or become a campus ambassador. Learn more by visiting Empower educators. Invite Autism Speaks to your school as part of a professional development day to present information about autism and the School Community Tool Kit. Involve your school community in our partnership. Light your school blue by applying blue filters/gels to exterior lighting or by using blue light bulbs. Organize an art contest with the skyline lit up in blue in honor of Autism Speaks. Winning entries can be prominently displayed throughout the month. Organize a fundraiser. Younger kids can take up a collection, organize a mini-walk or relay events, like a teeter-totter-a-thon. The more fun, the more kids will want to participate! Wear blue! Encourage students, teachers and all school staff to wear blue on April 2 or another designated day in April, Autism Awareness Month. Please upload a photo to our website devoted to Light It Up Blue at The entire student body and staff of Prairie Center Elementary School in Olathe, Kansas wore blue on April 1, 2011 to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day and participate in Autism Speaks Light It Up Blue. Tell your community about our partnership. Order Light It Up Blue supplies from Autism Speaks (Go to for a link to the Light It Up Blue store) to create a visual display within your school or on your campus. Include a mention in your e-newsletters, on your website and on your Facebook wall. Light your school, campus, sorority/fraternity buildings blue. Involve the local media. Your support IS newsworthy! Reach out to the media to let the community know about your great work to support Autism Speaks. Older students and families can blitz the media, visiting morning TV news shows on the plaza in blue puzzle piece gear. Create signs to get more attention!

6 CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS Museums and other cultural institutions can Light It Up Blue. Here s how. Educate your employees. Invite Autism Speaks staff to speak with your employees to provide information about autism and how your support of Autism Speaks is helping the community. Tell your guests about our partnership. Order Light It Up Blue supplies from Autism Speaks (Go to for a link to the Light It Up Blue store in March 2013) to create a visual display within your institution. Light up your building in blue. Provide Autism Speaks lapel pins for your staff to wear during April. Include a mention in your e-newsletters, on your website and on your Facebook wall. Please upload a photo to our website devoted to Light It Up Blue at Involve your members and guests in our partnership. Children s museums can organize an art contest with the skyline lit up in blue in honor of Autism Speaks. Winning entries can be prominently displayed throughout the month. Offer free or discounted admission to anyone (or limit to the first 100, for example) wearing blue. Organize an evening reception for your members on April 2, in honor of World Autism Awareness Day. Give event guests a blue light to Light It Up Blue and speak to the increasing prevalence of autism and how to help. Welcome the autism community. Work to develop and offer autism-friendly events, assistive devices, quiet rooms, plan your visit guides and other visual supports to make your institution more accessible to individuals with autism. Make a financial contribution. Many cultural institutions show support for Autism Speaks by incorporating a fundraising component. Become a Light It Up Blue partner by donating 20% of your admissions on April 2 in honor of World Autism Awareness Day, or on other designated days throughout the month of April in honor of Autism Awareness Month, to Autism Speaks. Become a Light It Up Blue partner by selling Autism Speaks merchandise in the gift shop, with all proceeds benefiting the organization. Items available include stuffed animals, car magnets, paper puzzle pieces, silicone bracelets, pins and more!

7 RESTAURANTS Restaurants, bakeries and café s can Light It Up Blue. Here s how. Tell your customers about our partnership. Order Light It Up Blue supplies from Autism Speaks (Go to for a link to the Light It Up Blue store in March 2013) to create a visual display within your restaurant. Light the windows or storefront with blue light bulbs or strings of blue lights. Include a mention in your e-newsletters, on your website and on your Facebook wall. Print menus on blue paper and feature the Light It Up Blue logo prominently along with a message about Autism Awareness Month. Incorporate the Light It Up Blue or Autism Speaks logo into décor and food plating. Provide Autism Speaks lapel pins for staff to wear throughout the month of April. Offer blue inspired drinks with a portion of the sales to be donated to Autism Speaks. Educate your employees. Invite Autism Speaks staff into your business to provide information about autism and how your support of Autism Speaks is helping the community. Make a financial contribution. Many restaurants connect with customers by incorporating a fundraising component. Become a Light It Up Blue partner by donating a percentage of sales from April 2 in honor of World Autism Awareness Day, or throughout the month of April in honor of Autism Awareness Month, to Autism Speaks. Become a Light It Up Blue partner by designating the proceeds from a special blue-themed drink or food special to Autism Speaks. Coco Pazzo, a local authority on Tuscan inspired Italian dining created a special check presenter in honor of Light it Up Blue. Employees wore blue puzzle piece pins throughout the month of April to help raise awareness. Involve the local media. Your support IS newsworthy reach out to the media to let the community know about your great work to support Autism Speaks. Please upload a photo to our website devoted to Light It Up Blue at

8 THE MEDIA The media can participate in Light It Up Blue. Here s how. Help to shine a bright spotlight on autism on World Autism Awareness Day, April 2, and throughout April (Autism Awareness Month). The media plays a powerful role in raising awareness about the increasing prevalence of autism, the early signs and symptoms of autism, and the unique contributions that people with autism make to the community. Autism Speaks is happy to help provide spokespeople, content or other resources to bring any of these opportunities to fruition. Turn your website blue or add the Light It Up Blue web banner to your site. Include links to for more information. Request Autism Speaks PSAs to run throughout the month of April (and all year long!). View available TV PSAs on the Autism Speaks YouTube channel. Radio scripts and print ads are also available. Add the Light It Up Blue or Autism Speaks logo to the broadcast. Interview an Autism Speaks representative. Autism Speaks volunteers and staff are spokespersons trained and ready to help raise awareness and feature a local family affected by autism. Invite Autism Speaks volunteers to plaza portions of a newscast. Run an article, which Autism Speaks can provide, in your print publications. TV anchors and reporters can wear the Autism Speaks lapel pin in honor of World Autism Awareness Day. Add a fundraising component by inviting employees to contribute. Jeans days, bake sales (everyone loves blue frosting!) and other activities are a fun way to raise funds for Autism Speaks. Media Talking Points Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that impacts communication, behavior and social relationships. 1 in 88 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, including 1 in 54 boys. More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes & cancer combined. Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S. Currently, there are no effective means to prevent autism, no fully effective treatments and no cure. Research indicates, however, that early intervention can result in significant improvements. Autism costs the nation over $35 billion per year, a figure expected to significantly increase in the next decade There is no medical detection or cure for autism.

9 2014 LIUB PARTICIPATION FORM Thank you for your interest in Autism Speaks 2014 Light It Up Blue campaign on April 2, To confirm your participation, please or fax this form to CONTACT INFORMATION Building/Business Name (As it should be listed in Press) Business Type: Contact Name: Contact Title: Address: City: State: ZIP: Tel: Fax: PARTICIPATION OPTIONS My building or landmark will Light It Up Blue on the following dates: Participation Description: My business would like to be a Light It Up Blue Partner by conducting an in-store fundraising promotion in support of Autism Speaks. Program Description: Program Time Frame: My business would like more information on how to order Light It Up Blue merchandise from Autism Speaks. My business would like to be a Light It Up Blue Sponsor by donating $ in support of Autism Speaks. Payment Information: Check # (made payable to Autism Speaks) Credit Card VISA MASTERCARD DISCOVER AMEX Credit Card # Expiration Date: CCV #: / Signature: Date: