PAY GREEN TO WEAR BLUE GUIDEBOOK. The most comfortable way to support

PAY GREEN TO WEAR BLUE GUIDEBOOK The most comfortable way to support

PAY GREEN TO WEAR BLUE FOR AUTISM SPEAKS Pay Green to Wear Blue is a fun and comfortable way for businesses and employees to raise funds and increase understanding and acceptance for people with autism. Here s how it works: Work with your HR department to allow employees to wear jeans to work for a small donation to Autism Speaks. Hold your campaign for a day, a week or a month it s up to you. Have fun and bring employees together. Boost morale by showing your colleagues that they work for a business who cares! What is Autism? Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, refers to a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. We now know that there is not one autism but many subtypes, and each person with autism can have unique strengths and challenges. Most forms are caused by a combination of genetic and environmental influences, and many are accompanied by medical issues such as GI disorders, seizures and sleep disturbances. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates 1 in 68 children is on the autism spectrum. About Autism Speaks Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. We do this through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions. Through partnerships and collaboration, we are committed to: Increasing global understanding and acceptance of people with autism Being a catalyst for research breakthroughs Increasing early childhood screening and timely interventions Improving the transition to adulthood Ensuring access to reliable information and services throughout the life span You Can Make A Difference Your donations, big or small, can make a difference in the lives of people living with autism. Thank you for participating in Pay Green to Wear Blue. 1

5 STEPS TO SUCCESS 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) Build your team: Ask your Human Resource and/or Community Affairs Department to get involved. Typically professionals in these roles can help disseminate information about company-wide campaigns and may know employees affected by autism who would want to assist in this effort! Whether your team is large or small, success is all about achieving your goal together. Set your Goals: A goal properly set is halfway achieved, so determine what you and your team can successfully accomplish. You ll need to determine how long your campaign will be, how many people will be on your team, and establish a fundraising goal. Enclosed is a Goal Achievement Worksheet checklist to monitor your progress. Set the Stage for Success: Incentives often lead to goal success. Kick off your team s campaign with a work pep rally! Work with Human Resources to determine if an incentive can be made available for this campaign. For example, the top fundraiser receives 1 day of PTO or an office trophy, or perhaps an end-of-the campaign pizza party for campaign participants. Autism Speaks staff may be available to help you kick off your program by hosting a quick morning meeting or lunch.they can discuss why this cause is so important and how your company s efforts will help advance the mission of Autism Speaks to change the future for people with autism and their families. Motivate and Have Fun: As the campaign leader, be sure to high five those who are participating and encourage everyone to join. Through our enclosed campaign materials it will be obvious that your company is involved in supporting people with autism; however, every campaign needs an internal champion to rally the troops! Enclosed are Campaign Post suggestions that can be shared on an internal network or email and an external social media network to tell employees how well your company campaign is going and highlight top achievers. Wrap up and Give Thanks: As your campaign comes to an end, it s always important to share the impact your employees have had on the autism community. Through an enclosed Closing Campaign Celebration Email, you will be able to share the impact and generosity of everyone s hard work. Be sure to acknowledge participants and the campaign incentive winners. Let people know how they can get more involved. Paying Green to Wear Blue helps advance autism research breakthroughs, supports advocacy efforts and promotes solutions across the spectrum and throughout the life span. 2

The most comfortable way to support CAMPAIGN MATERIALS PAY GREEN TO WEAR BLUE GOAL ACHIEVEMENT WORKSHEET Goal Achievement Worksheet Build your goal and manage your campaign tasks through this helpful document. PRE-CAMPAIGN WORK Campaign Leader Name: Campaign Co-Leader Name: Donation Goal: Campaign Dates: Campaign Incentives: Kickoff Date / Time: CAMPAIGN WORK Post the Campaign Sign Up Sheet throughout the office Send Team Building Email Host Campaign Kickoff Post the Campaign Progress Sheet and Campaign Poster POST CAMPAIGN WORK Share Closing Campaign Celebration Email Mail in campaign check with Donation Submission Form Plan next year s campaign leader and dates I PAID Pay Green to Wear Blue The most comfortable way to support PAY GREEN TO WEAR BLUE Make a donation to rock blue jeans at work! CAMPAIGN GOAL CAMPAIGN DATES: Sign Up List Advertise your campaign and gather interested participants. Progress Chart Use this goal thermometer to motivate your team and monitor your success. Pledge Stickers Print these fun recognition stickers to give to all participants who donate and bring more awareness to your campaign. Pay Green to Wear Blue Poster Hang this poster to create campaign and autism awareness. CAMPAIGN LEADER: ADVANCE RESEARCH BREAKTHROUGHS INCREASE EARLY CHILDHOOD SCREENING & INTERVENTION Donation Submission Form Send in your campaign donations with this sheet so that your contribution can be accurately noted and acknowledged by Autism Speaks. IMPROVE TRANSITION TO ADULTHOOD ENSURE ACCESS TO RELIABLE INFORMATION 3

AWARENESS TEMPLATES PAY GREEN TO WEAR BLUE AWARENESS TEMPLATE Kickoff Invite Sample Email and Post Dear [Colleagues], [Insert company name] is hosting a campaign called Pay Green to Wear Blue, on [insert dates] to help raise funds and awareness for people affected by autism. This campaign allows you to wear blue jeans to work for a small donation to Autism Speaks! [Insert personal story or reason why you want to do campaign here] We are going to kick off this campaign with an informal meeting on [enter date, times and location]. Please join us to learn more about Autism Speaks and the impact our campaign can have! We will be accepting donations and sharing all the campaign details at that time. If you re unable to make it, we will have Sign Up Sheets posted [enter location(s)]. Thank you for helping us make a difference for this very important cause! See you soon, Post: Colleagues we are hosting our Pay Green to Wear Blue campaign kickoff on [insert dates] and invite you to be a part of our coordination team. Come join us and learn about the most comfortable way to support Autism Speaks and how to make a difference in the lives of families for this important cause! If you re unable to make it, we will have Sign Up Sheets posted [enter location(s)]. Thank you for helping us change the future for individuals and families affected by autism! See you soon, PAY GREEN TO WEAR BLUE AWARENESS TEMPLATE Closing Campaign Celebration Email Dear team/colleagues, Pay Green to Wear Blue, our campaign to raise funds and awareness for autism, was a major success. Together, we raised [enter dollar amount] to help change the future for all who struggle with autism! Thank you for your participation and continued support. I hope you enjoyed this fun way to give back to such a great cause! Not only was this campaign fun but it was fruitful in supporting people affected by autism. If you donated $10, you enabled 20 families to place an Autism Alert Sticker on their home window to alert neighbors and help keep their children safe. If you donated $50, you provided a educational Transition Tool Kit to help families on their child s journey from adolescence to adulthood. If you donated $100, you provided 5 families with direct, one-on-one support from a member of the Autism Response Team, a trained expert in guiding families through difficult situations. Way to go! If you d like to learn more about Autism Speaks and how your donations impact the autism community, visit AutismSpeaks. org today! Or, you can reach out to our local Autism Speaks staff person [enter name and contact information here] if you d like to be more involved or need further resources. Thanks again and have a wonderful day, Team Building Email Sample emails can be used to solicit the help of your Human Resource or Community Affairs colleagues in implementing the Pay Green to Wear Blue campaign at your company. Kickoff Invite Email and Post This email and social media post example is designed to help you recruit campaign participants and spread the details of the campaign kickoff. Campaign Post This is a sample post that that can be used on your work email or intranet to help your colleagues stay up to date with your campaign goal progress. Closing Campaign Celebration Email Saying thank you is always important, so use this email to recognize participants and make them aware of the campaign s success in generating funds that make an impact on families affected by autism. Note: The resources provided in this packet are suggested samples and should only be used with the permission of your employer. Be sure to speak to your HR Department before initiating any employee fundraising campaign. 4

RESOURCES Goal Achievement Worksheet Page 7 Sign Up Sheet Page 8 Progress Chart Page 9 Pledge Stickers Page 10 Campaign Goal Poster Page 11 Donation Reply Form Page 12 Campaign Request Sample Email Page 13 Kickoff Invite Sample Email and Post Page 14 Campaign Sample Post Page 15 Sample Campaign Success Email Page 16 We re Here to Help Page 17 How Your Donations Help Page 18 The Autism Speaks Autism Response Team Page 19

PAY GREEN TO WEAR BLUE GOAL ACHIEVEMENT WORKSHEET PRE-CAMPAIGN WORK Campaign Leader Name: Campaign Co-Leader Name: Donation Goal: Campaign Dates: Campaign Incentives: Kickoff Date / Time: CAMPAIGN WORK Post the Campaign Sign Up Sheet throughout the office Send Team Building Email Host Campaign Kickoff Post the Campaign Progress Sheet and Campaign Poster POST CAMPAIGN WORK Share Closing Campaign Celebration Email Mail in campaign check with Donation Submission Form Plan next year s campaign dates 7

PAY GREEN TO WEAR BLUE SIGN UP SHEET The most comfortable way to support Autism Speaks Join in a fundraising campaign to support Autism Speaks to help change the future for people with autism and their families. Sign up below to join your colleagues in donating $[dollar amount] to enjoy the pleasure of wearing blue jeans to work. Our Pay Green to Wear Blue campaign will run from [start date] to [end date]. Indicate below if you d like to receive campaign information via email or phone and how many dates you d like to participate, and we ll gladly share more campaign details and donation direction with you! Name Email/Phone # of Days 8

PAY GREEN TO WEAR BLUE Make a donation to rock blue jeans at work! CAMPAIGN GOAL CAMPAIGN DATES: CAMPAIGN LEADER: ADVANCE RESEARCH BREAKTHROUGHS INCREASE EARLY CHILDHOOD SCREENING & INTERVENTION IMPROVE TRANSITION TO ADULTHOOD ENSURE ACCESS TO RELIABLE INFORMATION The most comfortable way to support 9

Pay Green to Wear Blue The most comfortable way to support Pay Green to Wear Blue The most comfortable way to support Pay Green to Wear Blue The most comfortable way to support Pay Green to Wear Blue The most comfortable way to support Pay Green to Wear Blue The most comfortable way to support Pay Green to Wear Blue The most comfortable way to support fits avery template 5164 10

MAKE A DONATION TO ROCK BLUE JEANS AT WORK! CAMPAIGN GOAL: DATES: CAMPAIGN LEADER: Pay Green to Wear Blue The most comfortable way to support HOW YOUR DOLLARS HELP: ADVANCE RESEARCH BREAKTHROUGHS INCREASE EARLY CHILDHOOD SCREENING & INTERVENTION IMPROVE TRANSITION TO ADULTHOOD ENSURE ACCESS TO RELIABLE INFORMATION 11

PAY GREEN TO WEAR BLUE DONATION REPLY FORM Please complete this form and send along with your donation to: Autism Speaks Attn: Data Services Pay Green to Wear Blue Campaign 1060 State Road, 2nd Floor, Princeton, NJ 08540 Check should be made payable to Autism Speaks: Name: Organization/Group (if applicable): Address: City: State: Zip: Phone: Email: Autism Speaks Local Representative: For Autism Speaks Use Only: DATE: CHECKS: MONEY ORDERS: GRAND TOTAL: Total Number Total $ Value Project Code: Date Received: Source Code: PGWB16 12

PAY GREEN TO WEAR BLUE AWARENESS TEMPLATE Campaign Request Sample Email Dear [Human Resource or Community Affairs colleague], I m writing to ask for your support in an autism awareness and fundraising campaign that I would like to host at [company name]. The campaign is called Pay Green to Wear Blue, it s a day, week or month long campaign that allows employees to wear blue jeans to work for a small donation to Autism Speaks. Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of people with autism and their families. [Insert personal story or reason why you want to do campaign here] I d like the opportunity to show you the campaign materials to determine if it s something we could implement at [company name]. Thank you for your consideration and support, 13

PAY GREEN TO WEAR BLUE AWARENESS TEMPLATE Kickoff Invite Sample Email and Post Dear [Colleagues], [Insert company name] is hosting a campaign called Pay Green to Wear Blue, on [insert dates] to help raise funds and increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism. This campaign allows you to wear blue jeans to work for a small donation to Autism Speaks! [Insert personal story or reason why you want to do campaign here] We are going to kick off this campaign with an informal meeting on [enter date, times and location]. Please join us to learn more about Autism Speaks and the impact our campaign can have! We will be accepting donations and sharing all the campaign details at that time. If you re unable to make it, we will have Sign Up Sheets posted [enter location(s)]. Thank you for helping us make a difference for the 1 in 68 children in the U.S. with autism. See you soon, Post: Colleagues we are hosting our Pay Green to Wear Blue campaign kickoff on [insert dates]. Come join us and learn about the most comfortable way to support Autism Speaks and how to make a difference for people living with autism and their families. If you re unable to make it, we will have Sign Up Sheets posted [enter location(s)]. Thank you for helping us change the future for individuals and families affected by autism! See you soon, 14

PAY GREEN TO WEAR BLUE AWARENESS TEMPLATE Campaign Sample Post Our Pay Green to Wear Blue campaign to wear jeans to work is in full effect, with a goal of raising [enter goal] to help change the future for people living autism! Join us in the most comfortable way to give to Autism Speaks by signing up today with [enter team members name] or filling out the Sign Up sheet found [enter location]. Make a difference. Let s show we care!! 15

PAY GREEN TO WEAR BLUE AWARENESS TEMPLATE Closing Campaign Celebration Sample Email Dear team/colleagues, Pay Green to Wear Blue, our campaign to raise funds and increase understanding and accepantce of people with autism, was a major success. Together, we raised [enter dollar amount] to help change the future for people living with autism! Thank you for your participation and continued support. I hope you enjoyed this fun way to give back to such a great cause! Through your support, we are helping Autism Speaks: Increase global understanding and acceptance of people with autism Be a catalyst for research breakthroughs Increase early-childhood screening and timely interventions Improve the transition to adulthood Ensure access to reliable information and services throughout the life span Way to go! If you d like to learn more about Autism Speaks and how your donations impact the autism community, visit AutismSpeaks.org. Thanks again and have a wonderful day, 16

Increasing global understanding and acceptance From grassroots dedication to award-winning public awareness campaigns and the United Nations passage of the World Autism Awareness Day Resolution, Autism Speaks works to increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism worldwide. Enhancing lives today and accelerating a spectrum of solutions for tomorrow Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions across the spectrum and throughout the life span for the needs of people with autism and their families. We do this through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions. World Autism Awareness Day, World Autism Month and Light It Up Blue initiatives, shining a light on autism worldwide Collaborative Ad Council public service campaigns increasing autism awareness by over 50% Autism Speaks Walk, the largest autism fundraising event throughout North America, supporting the diverse needs of the autism community Being a catalyst for research breakthroughs Autism Speaks scientifi c research projects, fellowships and collaborative initiatives deepen our understanding of autism and improve methods for diagnosing, treating and supporting people on the spectrum. Helped lead the explosion of genomic discovery about biology of autisms Collaborative Autism Treatment Network of leading academic medical centers conducting research to develop evidence-based best practices and cutting edge care Advocacy for increased federal funding dedicated to autism research and advanced medical innovations legislation Increasing early childhood screening and timely intervention With partnerships and collaboration, Autism Speaks continues to address areas of critical importance to children with ASD and their support systems. Management & Collateral 2% Fundraising 19% Research 16% 63% Family Services, Awareness & Advocacy Global Autism Public Health initiatives that address the needs of underserved populations throughout the world Physician education of early intervention and school-based intervention resources Improving the transition to adulthood Autism Speaks champions promote the well-being, fi nancial security and equal opportunity for adolescents and adults on the autism spectrum. We are fully committed to investing in our mission objectives. More than 75 percent of every dollar funds programs and services in science, family services, awareness and government advocacy, exceeding Better Business Bureau guidelines each year. To find resources, join a fundraising walk or make a donation, go to AutismSpeaks.org Support of legislation enabling special tax-preferred savings for disability-related expenses, including autism Promotion of legislative policy supporting transition to adulthood for young adults Online access to resources that enhance all facets of adult life including education, employment, housing and community living Ensuring access to reliable information and services throughout the life span Autism Speaks empowers people with autism, their families and service providers through access to information and referrals. Global expansion through development and translation of vital tool kits and resources, across the lifespan from diagnosis through adulthood Funding to increase programs and services for people with autism and family support Real-time support and guidance for people with autism and their families through the Autism Response Team 17

HOW YOUR DONATIONS HELP MORE THAN 400,000 people participate in the largest autism fundraising event throughout North America. $3 B increase in authorized federal research funding for autism over the last 10 years led by Autism Speaks advocacy efforts. $150 M invested in primarily scientific grants, resulting in an additional $396 million of funding from public sources focused specifically on autism. MORE THAN 800,000 copies of Autism Speaks Tool Kits have been provided to families and professionals, offering critical information and support. AIDED MORE THAN 1 M people with programs and resources. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ NEARLY $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $900,000 $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ in Autism Speaks Cares funds have $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ assisted families affected $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ by sudden hardships since 2010. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ AN ESTIMATED 2.5 M annual visits to the Autism Speaks Resource Guide, a nationwide database of autism service resources. Helped lead genomic discovery about biology of autisms MORE THAN $8 M in community grants and scholarships since 2007. tens of thousands of people receive direct assistance each year. 13 medical centers and academic facilities collaborate with Autism Speaks to develop cutting edge clinical care TO NEARLY 40,000 children each year. 18

10 WAYS THE AUTISM RESPONSE TEAM CAN HELP 1. When You Don t Know Where to Start: The Autism Response Team (ART) is specially trained to connect people with autism, their families and caregivers to information, tools and resources. Call ART at 1-888-AUTISM2 (288-4762), en Español 1-888-772-9050 or email FamilyServices@AutismSpeaks.org. 2. Find Local Services: Do you need help finding local autism service providers in your area? ART can help you access the Autism Speaks Resource Guide, our online national database of service providers and resources searchable by state and zip code. 3. Learn the Signs: Are you concerned your child has a developmental delay? Trust your instincts and contact ART to learn how to connect with local Early Intervention resources. Early intervention services can make extraordinary differences in your child s development. 4. Find the Right Tools: Contact ART to learn more about our Family Services Tool Kits! Autism Speaks Tool Kits provide information, timelines, strategies, and more on many topics relevant to the autism community. Examples include the 100 Day Kit, School Community Tool Kit, Special Needs Financial Planning Tool Kit and more! 5. Newly Diagnosed Children: Learn how to make the best use of the first 100 days after receiving a diagnosis! Families who have a child that has been diagnosed with ASD in the last 6 months can call ART to request a complimentary hard copy of our 100 Day Kit for Young Children or for School Age Children. 6. Know Your Child s Rights: Looking for where to start the search for more information on your child s educational rights? Contact ART to learn more about the rights and entitlements of children with autism. We can provide resources that will help you prepare for your child s IEP meeting. 7. Stay Informed: ART can help you locate a wide variety of autism-related resources listed in the Autism Speaks Resource Library. Contact us to find out about the latest books, articles, websites and so much more! 8. Parent Support: Sometimes managing the dayto-day challenges of living with autism is overwhelming and can be isolating! Today, it is estimated that 1 in 68 children is diagnosed with autism in the United States. Contact ART for help connecting with other families who know what it s like to walk in your shoes. 9. Transition to Adulthood: Wondering about how to start planning for your adolescent child s future? Contact ART to learn about our Transition Tool Kit that provides options to explore as you and your adolescent with autism begin to plan for adulthood. 10. Adult Services: Connecting adults with autism to support services, resources and information is a priority for Autism Speaks. Contact ART for more information on local resources for adults with autism, including employment and housing information! 19

Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. We do this through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions. To find resources, join a fundraising walk or make a donation, go to AutismSpeaks.org.