Issue 3: April 2024
Volunteer Opportunities Austin Tx, Summer 24
Camp for all
Do you like the outdoors? Do you like helping kids? This opportunity might be perfect for you! This camp needs volunteers like you to provide kids with special needs the opportunity to attend summer camp. Activities at this camp include archery, arts and crafts, horseback riding, photography, and ropes course! For more information or to apply visit https://www.campforall.org/volunteer/.
Austin Public Library
The Austin Public Library has a volunteer program just for teens! If you choose to volunteer here, some things that you get to do are helping prepare programs, re-shelving books, and helping run teen programs. For more information visit https://library.austintexas.gov/volunteer.
Austin Creative Reuse
The Austin creative reuse is a local Austin business where anyone can go to donate or buy used arts & crafts materials. There are many activities volunteers can do here including rolling fabric, sewing up old dog toys, and sorting and packaging materials. There are two types of volunteers at the ACR, there are regular volunteers where you choose your time and day and there are core volunteers who go to the ACR on a consistent basis. For more information visit https://austincreativereuse.org/volunteer.
Austin Parks Foundation
If you like the outdoors and you care about humans' effect on the planet this volunteer opportunity might be perfect for you. At the Austin Parks Foundations, you can help beautify Austin parks by cleaning up trash. For more information about their volunteer programs visit https://austinparks.org/volunteer/.
Keep Austin Fed
Keep Austin Fed is an organization that brings food deliveries to those families who are low income and have a hard time getting meals. By volunteering here you are able to keep those who otherwise wouldn't get food, get food!. For more information visit https://www.keepaustinfed.org/volunteer.
Autism Awareness Month
Supporting autistic peers involves understanding their unique needs and providing assistance in ways that respect their autonomy and individuality. Here are five ways to support your autistic peers:
Educate Yourself: Take the time to learn about autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including its characteristics, strengths, challenges, and common misconceptions. Understanding the diversity within the autism community can help you better support your peers by recognizing their unique abilities and differences.
Respect Autistic Perspectives: Recognize and value the perspectives and experiences of autistic individuals. Avoid making assumptions or imposing your own interpretations of their behavior or preferences. Instead, listen actively, communicate respectfully, and seek their input in decision-making processes.
Create Inclusive Environments: Foster environments that are inclusive and accommodating to the sensory, communication, and social needs of autistic individuals. This may involve providing sensory-friendly spaces, offering clear and concise communication, and respecting personal boundaries and preferences.
Offer Practical Support: Be willing to offer practical support based on individual needs and preferences. This could include providing assistance with organization and time management, offering social support in group settings, or helping to navigate unfamiliar situations or sensory overload.
Promote Acceptance and Advocacy: Advocate for autism acceptance and promote inclusive practices within your community, workplace, or social circles. Challenge stereotypes and stigmas surrounding autism, and actively work towards creating a more supportive and understanding society for autistic individuals.
Remember that supporting autistic peers is an ongoing process that requires empathy, patience, and a willingness to learn and adapt. By fostering acceptance, understanding, and inclusivity, you can help create a more supportive and empowering environment for autistic individuals to thrive.
Solar Eclipse Myths from Around the World:
On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse passed through the North American continent, including through Austin. In that spirit, here are some ways that cultures throughout the world have rationalized solar eclipses throughout history:
Many cultures in ancient times believed that solar eclipses happened because an animal or deity had eaten the sun. In China, it was believed that the sun was eaten by a dragon, and the Choctaw Native American tribe believed the culprit was a squirrel. The ancient Norse believed the sun was being devoured by a wolf, in Yugoslavia; a werewolf. And in ancient India, they believed a demon called Rahu had swallowed the sun and moon after they decapitated him (it’s a long story).
Other cultures believed that the sun was occupied with a fight. The Batammaliba culture of Togo and Benin believed that the sun was fighting with the moon, specifically in a marital context. In Armenia, it was believed that the sun was “invaded” by a mysterious, dark celestial object. The Kalina tribe in Suriname believed that the sun and moon were siblings caught in a violent feud, and an eclipse was the result of one sibling knocking the other unconscious.