Autism Speaks U Light It Up Blue Q&A Transcript!

5:00

We'll begin in one minute!

5:01

Let’s do roll call!

5:01

Submit the following:
• Name of college/university
• If you are a member of an Autism Speaks U, Alpha Xi Delta or Theta Delta Chi chapter and your position.

Example: Autism Speaks U Miami University, President

5:01

Comment From Michelle Keppler

Autism Speaks U Binghamton University, President

5:01

Comment From Anokhi Shah

Autism Speaks U Northwestern University, Awareness and Volunteer Chair

5:01

Comment From Kelly (DePaul)

Autism Speaks U DePaul University, Vice President

5:01

Comment From Guest

Autism Speaks U Tulane University, Awareness Chair

5:02

Comment From Guest

Autism Speaks U Boston University , Vice President

5:02

Comment From Leah Mong

Ohio State University

5:02

Comment From Guest

Ohio University

5:02

Comment From CHRIS

AUTISM SPEAKS JOHN CARROLL

5:02

Comment From Leah Podergois

Autism Speaks U Marquette University, Vice President

5:02

Comment From Hannah Greeson

Autism Speaks U Texas A&M, Co-Volunteer Chair

5:02

Comment From Laura Kirsch

Cornell University

5:02

Comment From Samantha

Samantha Mayes Member Autism Speaks U (Kaplan) Member

5:02

Comment From Guest

Autism Speaks U, The College at Brockport, VP

5:02

Comment From Kelly McNamara

Autism Speaks U Bloomsburg University, President

5:02

Comment From Morgan Hobbs

West Virginia Wesleyan College, Alpha Xi Delta, Philanthropy Chair

5:02

Comment From Lindsay Goffinet

Florida Gulf Coast University..... Autism Speaks U.....President

5:03

Comment From Val Bolte

Alpha Xi Delta, Philanthropy chair

5:03

Comment From Jen Zipf

Alumnae

5:03

Comment From heather peace

Kaplan University Online, Fundraising and marketing chair for Autism Speaks branch

5:03

Comment From Guest

Autism Speaks U Cal Sate Fullerton, President

5:03

Comment From Hugo Le Du

Autism Speaks U University of Michigan, Web Administrator

5:03

Comment From Kristin Lock

Autism Speaks U Liberty University, President

5:03

Comment From Guest

Sorry!... Autism Speaks U University of California Santa Cruz, President

5:03

Comment From Karen Ni

Autism Speaks U University of Southern California, Marketing Chair

5:03

Comment From Guest

Autism Speaks U, Ohio University, Fundraising Chair

5:03

Comment From Maya White

Autism Speaks U Binghamton University, Advocacy/Awareness Chair

5:03

Comment From Michelle

Auburn University, Alpha Xi Delta, Philanthropy Chairman

5:03

Comment From Amy Litz

Autism Speaks U, UW-La Crosse, President

5:03

Comment From Kelley Burr

University of Northern Colorado, Recruitment/Awareness

5:03

Comment From Megan Pruitt

Autism Speaks U Texas Christian University, President

5:03

Comment From Jennifer Walls

Alpha Xi Delta Gamma Zeta Chapter at Eastern Michigan University. Jennifer Wall. Programs Vice President

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Comment From Madi Evans

Autism Speaks U George Washington University, President

5:03

Comment From Jen Schwartz

Autism Speaks U, Binghamton University, Vice President

5:03

Comment From Nicole Giles

Autism Speaks, Gettysburg College, Vice President

5:03

Comment From Tessa M.

Ohio University Member of Alpha Xi Delta Pi Chapter Philanthropy Chair

5:03

Comment From Yair Sakols

Northwestern University, Marketing/PR Chair

5:03

Comment From Natalie Fernandez

Autism Speaks U, Florida Gulf Coast University, Treasurer

5:04

Comment From Laura Kirsch

Cornell University, Autism Speaks U, President

5:04

Comment From Manoj Kanagaraj

Autism Speaks U Duke University, Volunteer Chair

5:04

Comment From Leah Mong

Autism Speaks U Ohio State University, Vice President

5:04

Comment From Guest

Autism Speaks U Indiana State University, Co- CHair

5:04

Comment From Alyssa Black

Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Autism Speaks U, Fundraising Chair

5:04

Comment From Lakesha Moore

Autism Speaks U Armstrong, Marketing Chair

5:04

Comment From Stephanie Tufano

Autism Speaks U UMass Amherst, Co-President

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Comment From Guest

Slippery Rock University, Autism Speaks, Vice Pres of Fundraising

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Comment From Devin

University of Wisconsin La Crosse, secretary of Autism Speaks U and member of Alpha Xi Delta

5:04

Comment From Nick Pandelios

Autism Speaks U Wilkes University

5:04

Comment From April

Marian University, Alpha Xi Delta

5:04

Comment From Michelle

Auburn University, Alpha Xi Delta, Philanthropy Chairman

5:04

Comment From Georgette Dumpert

Autism Speaks U University of South Florida, Co President

5:04

Comment From Emily Freiburger

University of Northern Iowa, Alpha Xi Delta-Delta Chi, Philanthropy Chair

5:04

Comment From Guest

Autism Seaks U Texas A&M University, Co-Historian

5:04

Comment From Jigar Shah

Autism Speaks U University of California Irvine, President

5:04

Comment From Emily Riepenhoff

Xavier University, President

5:04

Comment From Doris Kisel

Autism Speaks U University of Texas at Austin, President

5:04

Comment From Jen Zipf

Alumnae, Alpha Xi Delta, National Philanthropy Territory Director of Alumnae Involvement

5:04

Comment From Anne Harman

Alpha Xi Delta, President

5:04

Comment From Sandi Stafford

West Liberty University, Alpha Xi Delta, President

5:04

Comment From Danya

Autism Speaks U University of Michigan-Dearborn, President (Danya Berri, I do not have facebook so my name may not appear)

5:04

Comment From Tom Gansel

Autism Speaks U Marywood University, Website Coordinator

5:05

Comment From Guest

Alpha Xi Delta Lycoming College, Philanthropy Chair

5:05

Comment From Emily Riepenhoff

Autism Speaks U Xavier, President

5:05

Comment From Lindsay Goffinet

Autism Speaks U at Florida Gulf Coast University, President

5:05

Comment From Amanda Ravenstein

Pittsburg State University, President

5:05

Comment From Jennifer Walls

Alpha Xi Delta, Gamma Zeta. Programs Vice President

5:05

Comment From Ryan Keeney

Autism Speaks U WVU, Recruitment Chair

5:05

Comment From Alyssa R.

Alpha Xi Delta Lycoming College, Public Relations Vice President/ Co-Philanthropy Chair

5:05

Comment From Natalie Fernandez

Autism Speaks U, Florida Gulf Coast University, Treasuer

5:05

Comment From Theresa Moore

University of Minnesota-Co-President

5:05

Comment From Alicia Elms

Autism Speaks U, Indiana State Co- Chair

5:05

Comment From Michael Antonchak

Autism Speaks U Boston College, Community Chairperson

5:05

Comment From Caroline Christ

Autism Speaks U University of San Francisco, President

5:05

Comment From Yair Sakols

Autism Speaks U Northwestern, Marketing/PR Chair

5:05

Comment From Anne Harman

West Virginia Wesleyan College, Alpha Xi Delta, President

5:05

Comment From Guest

Autism Speaks U West Chester University, Community Service Chair

5:05

Comment From Gressia Chong

Autism Speaks U, Texas A&M University, Co-Historian

5:05

Comment From Alyssa Black

Indiana University Of Pennsylvania, Fundraising Chair

5:05

Comment From Ray Sadri

Autism Speaks U Cal State Fullerton, President

5:05

Comment From Tessa M.

Ohio University Alpha Xi Delta, Philanthropy Chair

5:05

Comment From Lamees E.

Autism Speaks U Texas A&M University, President

5:05

Comment From Amanda Ravenstein

Autism Speaks U Pittsburg State University, President sorry

5:05

Comment From Brittany Brownrigg

Autism Speaks U SUNY New Paltz, recruitment chair

5:05

Comment From Guest

Autism Speaks U: University of Toledo, Presdient

5:05

Comment From Julianna Mootz

Autism Speaks U Towson University, President

5:06

Comment From Guest

Autism Speaks U: University of Toledo. President

5:06

Comment From Ashley Killain

Autism Speaks U Case Western Reserve University, President

5:06

Comment From Kristen Ellefson

Alpha Xi Delta - Philanthropy and Community Outreach Manager

5:06

Comment From Nick Pandelios

Autism Speaks U Wilkes University, Secretary**

5:06

Comment From Elizabeth Klejka

Alpha Xi Delta, Lycoming College, Philanthropy Chair and Recording Secretary

5:06

Anyone else? Roll call is closing.....

5:07

Comment From Monica

University of Virginia, Founder

5:07

Comment From Mackenzie Kretz

Alpha Xi Delta gamma Zeta Philanthropy Chair

5:07

This month’s Facebook Q&A will cover Light It Up Blue, World Autism Awareness Day and Autism Awareness Month.

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This Q&A is text only – when submitting a question/comment there will be a delay from when it appears on the chat client.

5:07

When entering a response or question, include your school name and if you’re in an Autism Speaks U, Alpha Xi Delta or Theta Delta Chi chapter, so students can reach out to you if they have questions.

5:08

This is an interactive discussion with polls and questions asked throughout.

Follow along for the ENTIRE HOUR and offer as much feedback as possible.

5:08

Tomorrow, a link to the Q&A transcript will be posted on the Autism Speaks U Facebook page (facebook.com/AutismSpeaksU).

Print off a copy to share with your chapter’s officers and members.

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The Q&A will cover these 5 topics:
1. What’s Light It Up Blue & World Autism Awareness Day
2. How to light up a building or monument blue
3. Additional ways to Light It Up Blue
4. Resources & materials
5. FAQs

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TOPIC 1: What’s Light It Up Blue & World Autism Awareness Day?

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Monday, April 2 = Light It Up Blue & World Autism Awareness Day

April = Autism Awareness Month

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Light It Up Blue is Autism Speaks 4th annual awareness campaign, where iconic buildings, landmarks and schools across the world change their lights from white to blue on April 2nd in Honor of United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day.

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So what does this mean?

April is a BIG deal, and we need your help turning everything BLUE!

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Last year, more than 250 college campuses and 3,000 iconic landmarks and buildings in 45 countries turned their lights blue in honor of Autism Awareness Month.

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This is a global initiative – everything from the Empire State building to the Sydney Opera House to Christ the Redeemer Statue in Rio de Janeiro will GO BLUE!

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This year, Autism Speaks wants colleges to host events and light up buildings blue on April 2 AND throughout April!

5:10	Did your school light it up blue last year? Yes ( 59% ) No ( 41% )

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Here are few images of campuses that participated in 2012

Hint: use these as ideas!

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That's of UConn lights up the Wilbur Cross building.

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Here's Louisiana State University decorating their school mascot in a blue cape.

5:11	Louisiana State University decorates their school mascot in a blue cape.

5:11	Members of Theta Delta Chi at UMass Dartmouth light up the school's Campanile.

5:13	Members of Theta Delta Chi at UMass Dartmouth light up the school's Campanile.

5:13	Autism Speaks U at Cornell University lights up Milstein Hall.

5:14	California State University Channel Islands lights it up blue and displays the Autism Speaks logo on the side of a building.

5:15	Members of Alpha Xi Delta at Southern Polytechnic State University paint their campus rock blue in honor of World Autism Awareness Day!

5:15	Is your school planning to light up a building/monument blue this year? Yes ( 97% ) No ( 3% )

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Below are 5 easy ways to get your school to participate in Light It Up Blue.

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1. Decide what building you want to light up blue and have a few back ups. Determine this BEFORE asking your school to participate, so you’re prepared when meeting with the school.

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2. See if there’s an Autism Speaks U chapter (http://bit.ly/officialchapters) or one of our philanthropic partners (Αlpha Xi Delta http://alphaxidelta.org/chapters and Theta Delta Chi http://bit.ly/U8AY0d) on your campus. If so, connect and work together.

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3. Download a sample letter template athttp://bit.ly/liublettertemplate. Modify it and send to your Student Activities Office. Then contact their office to follow up on the request. Do this via email or make an in-person appointment.

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If you do not hear back within a few days, send a follow up email, call or go in person. Don’t be afraid to be persistent!

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4. Ask different department heads (Psychology, Education, Communication, Speech & Hearing, Nursing, etc.) to also contact the Student Activities Office to ask the campus to light it up blue.

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The more support you get from academic departments, student organizations and Greek Life, the more likely the school will honor the request.

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5. Explain to your school why it’s important to Light It Up Blue:

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Example I: your campus will align itself with over 250 prestigious colleges and universities worldwide who participated in last year’s record breaking awareness campaign, including Cornell, Johns Hopkins University, Northwestern, UC Berkeley and Penn State.

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Example II: your school’s participation will help shine a bright light on the growing health crisis of autism, which affects 1 in 88 American children – or 1 percent of the world’s population – approximately 70 million people.

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TOPIC 2: How to actually light up a building blue.

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Here are 2 ways:

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1. The school purchases blue bulbs from a hardware or lighting supply store and replaces the white bulbs with blue ones. Contact your school’s facilities manager for specific details on what type of lights will be needed.

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2. Place blue filters over the existing lights. These inexpensive filters can be purchased at http://www.rosco.com/LIUB/ or from a local lighting supply store.

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A few tips about the filters:

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If the installed lights are very bright white light, then it is recommended to use Roscolux #80 Primary Blue.

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If the lights have a medium intensity or the surface isn’t highly reflective, use Roscolux #68 Sky Blue.

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The school’s facilities manager will be able to discuss this in more detail, but it’s helpful to have this information on hand.

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If the lights cannot be changed and filters won’t work, schools can ask their theater department to create a light box and put a puzzle piece cut-out over the light. See how UMass Medical School did this.

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TOPIC 3: Additional ways to Light It Up Blue

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If your school is unable to light up a building blue there are SO MANY other ways to support Autism Speaks on April 2 and throughout the month of April!

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Here are 11 additional ways to light up your campus blue:

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1. If there is an electronic marquee on campus, ask them to display the Light It Up Blue logo and announce that it’s World Autism Awareness Day & Autism Awareness Month

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2. Light up the sorority and fraternity houses blue. If changing the lights is too difficult, turn the porch light blue or decorate the house with blue holiday lights.

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3. Encourage students, faculty and staff to all wear blue on April 2, or on another designated day in April. Gather together, take a picture and send it to photos@autismspeaksu.org.

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4. Get a banner hung in the student center or a residence hall to let everyone know that it’s World Autism Awareness Day.

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5. Does your school have a well-known statue, monument or mascot? If so, decorate it with Autism Speaks U banners, gear and blue balloons!

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6. Paint the campus blue! See how one school got approval to paint their campus’ wall.

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7. Host a “BLUE” fundraiser, like a blue ice cream social, blue flower sale or blueberry bagel eating contest! This campus hosted a completely BLUE bake sale!

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8. Partner with the school’s athletic department and have sports teams add Autism Speaks U logo to their uniform or helmets!

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9. Work with the campus coffee shop to add custom stickers to coffee sleeves that promote your events and Autism Awareness Month!

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10. Sell puzzle piece cards for $1 each, have students sign their names and hang them up in the center of campus to raise awareness.

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11. Deck out in blue from head to toe for your school’s big game, or purchase a blue suit for someone to wear while passing out materials!

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There are SO many different ways to light up your campus blue!

Be creative, think OUTSIDE the box and remember to send us pictures!

5:26

QUESTION: What events is your campus hosting to celebrate Light It Up Blue and Autism Awareness Month?

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Please include your school name and if you’re in an Autism Speaks U, Alpha Xi Delta or Theta Delta Chi chapter.

5:27

Comment From Devin Minor

UW-La Crosse Autism Speaks U & Alpha Xi Delta. We'll be lighting our clock tower blue

5:27

Comment From Morgan Hobbs

Alpha Xi Delta, WV Wesleyan College. We dye our fountain blue!

5:27

Comment From Manoj Kanagaraj

Duke University Autism Speaks U. We will be lighting up our chapel's lights blue.

5:27

Comment From CHRIS

Autism Speaks, John Carroll. We will be lighting up our clock tower

5:28

Please also include your event ideas in addition to what what you will be lighting up!

5:28

Comment From Kelly McNamara

Autism Speaks U, Bloomsburg University, we are holding a blue bake sale in the student service center (main campus building) Lighting the buildings, and mascot statue blue, and placing blue glowsticks in the trees on campus.

5:28

Comment From Guest

I know Autism Speaks U at Ohio University wants to pair and work with Alpha Xi Delta together on Autism events since we are new to campus!

5:28

Comment From Jaclyn Sessel

Autism Speaks U Boston University we are hosting a dance fundraiser that will get together student dance groups complete with donated meals, items for a raffle and blue giveaways. We are also lighting up the dining hall blue and a plaza on campus.

5:28

Comment From Ryan Keeney

Autism Speaks U, West Virginia University. Trying to light up our Woodburn Hall blue

5:28

Comment From Laura Kirsch

Cornell University, Autism Speaks U: lighting up buildings on our arts quad blue, and blue desserts in dining halls

5:28

Comment From heather peace

Kaplan University- Autism Speaks U- Still in talks to light up a building/place

5:28

Comment From Ashley E. King

Lighting up the Centennial Mall at the University of Toledo on April 2nd and the fountain outside of the Student Union!

5:28

Comment From Sandi Stafford

West Liberty University, Alpha Xi Delta... We are hosting a Football FrenXi tournament, as well as lighting up the Education Department blue and having an all blue bake sale!

5:29

Comment From Michelle Rogge

Alpha Xi Delta, Auburn University. We light up three of our well known landmarks blue. We have restaurant nights that raise money and sell baked goods on our concourse

5:29

Comment From Julianna Mootz

Towson University Autism Speaks U - A walk around campus with blue glow sticks decorate mascot

5:29

Comment From Sarah Massagee

Alpha xi delta SPSU, we are hosting a game tournament and we also are going to be lighting up a local KFC. The one with the historic big chicken. Also we will be painting the rock again

5:29

Comment From Olivia Singleton

Armstrong Atlantic State University- We will be lighting up the front of our library and tying blue ribbons around campus

5:29

Comment From Alyssa Moorhead

UW-Mwaukee Autism Speaks U, We will be lighting the outside of various buildings around the campus blue

5:29

Comment From Taylir

Autism Speaks U, Brockport. We're having our fountain and the iconic white tower lit up in blue light, along with maybe have all Greek life decorate their houses blue

5:29

Comment From Elinor

Autism Speaks U Tulane University. We are planning to light up either the auditorium on campus or houses on greek row, and we also want to host a blue tie-dye party and a bar night.

5:29

Comment From Val Bolte

Alpha Xi Delta University of Nebraska Omaha- We have lights in the front entrance of the workout facility that will be light up blue

5:29

Comment From Anokhi Shah

Autism Speaks U Northwestern University. We will be lighting our clock tower blue, speaking to dining halls (with blue desserts) to raise awareness, and tying blue ribbons around campus trees.

5:29

Comment From Nicole Giles

autism speaks, gettysburg college, We will be lighting up Penn Hall, the old civil war hospital, blue

5:30

Comment From Lauren

Alpha Xi Delta-Gamma Eta We light up our fountain in the middle of campus

5:30

Comment From Michelle Keppler

Autism Speaks U Binghamton. We'll light up our Library Tower Blue and a large bank downtown in the community blue! Hoping to chalk the main quad with facts about autism as well!

5:30

Comment From Georgette Dumpert

University of South Florida; Our school will be lighting up a few areas of the campus with blue lights - main student building and our mascot that is located in the center of campus. We are also trying to have other buildings in the Tampa are "blue"

5:30

Comment From Ashley Killian

Autism Speaks U Case Western Reserve University Chapter. We'll be lighting up our management building, PBL, blue. Working with educational services on a documentary on how autism affects

5:30

Comment From Brittany Brownrigg

Autism Speaks U SUNY New Paltz, We are lighting up our atrium in our student union building

5:30

Comment From heather peace

Kaplan University Online Autism Speaks U, will also be planning events with local highschools in members areas to hold walk a thons etc

5:30

Comment From Monica

Autism Speaks U at the University of Virginia is trying to light up the Lawn blue.

5:30

Comment From Michael Antonchak

Boston College Autism Speaks U. We will be lighting up dorm lobbies across campus

5:30

Comment From Nahomie N.

Autism Speaks U, UConn, we will be lighting up one of main buildings(Wilbur Cross)

5:30

Comment From Amanda Ravenstein

Autism Speaks U-Pittsburg State University. We are going to be lighting up our main building on campus.

5:30

Comment From Val Bolte

Alpha Xi Delta University of Nebraska Omaha- We are also going to look into making the whip cream in our coffee shop blue for april!

5:30

Comment From Ashley E. King

lighting up Centennial Mall at the University of Toledo - President

5:30

Comment From Daniel Harpaz

UMass Amherst, Autism Speaks U, We will be lighting our Fine Arts Center Blue, Doing an awareness week with different events planned all week including a guest speaker coming in... and on April 7th we will be hosting an Autism Speaks 5K Race event in the Center of Amherst....

5:30

Comment From Doris Kisel

Autism Speaks U University of Texas at Austin. We are planning on handing out blue carnations on April 2nd, having a Zumbathon, and asking businesses around campus if we can decorate their windows blue. We're also going to ask for permission to decorate two longhorns blue! Hopefully they say yes!

5:31

Comment From Hugo Le Du

Autism Speaks U University of Michigan. We're painting "the rock" blue and trying to light up parts of campus blue. In addition we will be going bucketing

5:31

Comment From Kelly (DePaul)

Autism Speaks U: hosting a bue bake sale and will be trying to light up one of our buildings blue. Selling puzzle piece cards at a near by Starbucks

5:31

Comment From Tom Gansel

Marywood University blue lights on trees, buildings, blue lights in windows of dorms, decorate hallways classrooms and dorms blue, blue drinks and food, presentation on autism, zumbathon, blues music Kariokee night

5:31

Comment From Lakesha Moore

Armstrong Atlantic State University, Autism Speaks U, We will be hanging puzzle pieces in the window of the library foyer. We will also be in front of the library entrance selling autism speaks bracelets and giving away information. We will ask Greek life and other campus organizations to come up with their own way to light it up blue. The winning organization will be giving a trophy that they can keep until the following April and pass on to the next winner.

5:31

Comment From Alyssa R.

Lycoming College Alpha Xi Delta, we are hosting a Football FrenXi AmaXing Challenge and are trying to find a community landmark to light up blue.

5:31

Comment From Emily Riepenhoff

Autism Speaks U Xavier; Bowling Night, an ALL blue Fashion Show, and a Bake Sale! Also stickers for our school's coffee place

5:31

Comment From Caroline Christ

Autism Speaks U University of San Francisco, We are lighting up two of our largest buildings blue this year for the third year! We are also holding our annual volleyball tournament "USF Spikes Out Autism as well as tabling, bake sales, attending Greek events, and a movie night in the residence halls!

5:31

Comment From Ray Sadri

Autism Speaks U-Cal State Fullerton: Lighting up the building in front of our school BLUE, we will have a table set up in front of that twice a week for the whole month with information and various table events such as a cupcake eating contest. At the end of the month we will have 'College Night' with a DJ at a restaurant owned by our biggest sponsor and the entire restaurant will be BLUE and there will be BLUE drinks!

5:31

Comment From Theresa Moore

University of Minnesota...we are still in the process of finalizing our plans but we brainstormed having a blue bake sale, decorating the campus blue, and lighting up one of the buildings blue. We also want to handout blue puzzle pieces with facts about Autism on them.

5:32

Comment From Karen Ni

Autism Speaks U USC. We are lighting up the VKC globe blue, decorating the campus with blue balloons and other events throughout the week.

5:32

Comment From Danya

Autism Speaks U-University of Michigan Dearborn, we'll be painting our rock, having a golf outing fundraiser, bringing kids from a local school for autism to tour our campus, and we are working on lighting up our University Center hallway

5:32

Comment From Emily Riepenhoff

Autism Speaks U Xavier: Lighting up light posts, bushes, 4 buildings and decorating mascot

5:32

Comment From Lakesha Moore

We will also have balloons and banners around the pillars and rails of the library while we are in the front.

5:32

Comment From Devin Minor

Alpha Xi Delta and Autism Speaks U UW-La Crosse. Alpha Xi Delta will also be hosting a Step It Up 5k and we'll look into working with the campus coffee shops for blue whipped cream and puzzle piece stickers

5:32

Comment From Olivia Hardesty

Alpha Xi Delta Epsilon Kappa at WKU we have local business pain their windows and do dine and donates!!

5:32

Comment From Ashley E. King

lighting up Centennial Mall at the University of Toledo - President

5:32

Comment From Samantha McGinty

West Chester University, Autism Speaks U, decisions are still being made in regards to which buildings will be lighten up. Blue bake sale, blue mascot, and blue ribbons are also being discussed.

5:32

Comment From Ashley E. King

lighting up Centennial Mall at the University of Toledo - President

5:32

Comment From Jennifer Walls

Alpha Xi Delta Eastern Michigan University is lighting up the Ypsilanti water tower again

5:33

Comment From Carey Read

University of Illinois, Autism Speaks U. We are hoping to light up a significant building on the quad and have a blue bake sale. We are also hoping to get several on campus businesses to put blue lights in their windows and have flyers available to customers.

5:33

Comment From Michelle Rogge

Alpha Xi Delta, Auburn. We will also be handing out blue ribbons that say alpha xi delta, autism speaks on them for students to put on their shirts and backpacks

5:34

All of these are FANTASTIC ideas! Next time you need some inspiration, please go through this list!

5:34

TOPIC 4: Resources & materials for April

5:35

Once the school has confirmed that a building will be lit blue and/or your event(s) have been confirmed, emailautismspeaksu@autismspeaks.org to receive materials. Note: Alpha Xi Deltas should email kellefson@alphaxidelta.org

Include your name, school, mailing address, name of building being lit blue and event name/time/date/location.

5:35

Participation needs to be confirmed by March 1 in order for your campus to receive materials. Each school that confirms their plans by March 1, will receive 100 quarter cards, 100 slim jims, 100 stickers and a banner.

5:36

Don’t start from scratch when designing materials! Below are this year’s Light It Up Blue materials for college students!

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Light It Up Blue College Handout (http://bit.ly/liubcollegehandout): offers ideas on how to get your campus involved.

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Light It Up Blue 8.5 x 11 Flyer (http://bit.ly/liub_flyer): enter in your information and use to promote your events.

5:36

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Light It Up Blue Quarter Cards - (Color: http://bit.ly/liubcard or Black & white: http://bit.ly/liubcardsbw),

Distribute these outside buildings being lit up, so students connect the color blue to autism and Autism Speaks.

5:37

Light It Up Blue Stickers - (http://bit.ly/liubstickers): pass out to students on campus, so everyone knows your campus Lights It Up Blue for Autism Speaks!

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And last but not least....Light It Up Blue Banners & Logos – (http://bit.ly/YEjSuc): these images can be posted on the school’s website/TVs/marquees. There’s also a Facebook cover image and Twitter icon to use.

5:38

TOPIC 5: FAQs – These questions were asked numerous times last year. Let’s address them now so you have all the information while planning.

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Q: Is April 2 the only day my school can light up a building or host an event?

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A: No, The school and local community can Light It Up Blue any time in April as it’s Autism Awareness Month!

5:38

Q: My school says lighting up a building with cost XX amount of dollars. How do we get this expense covered?

5:38

A: If the school says it will cost XX amount to light up a building, apply through the school (generally the Student Government Association) to get the costs covered. Note this needs to be done in advance.

If partnering with a Greek organization or student club see if they have a philanthropy budget to help cover the costs.

5:39

Also ask the school if they can lower the cost as it is a worldwide initiative that is educating students, faculty and staff on autism, which is a global health crisis.

5:39

If the school cannot lower the costs and you are unable to receive funding, get creative in lighting up the campus blue – get permission to decorate the school’s mascot or statue, have the Light It Up Blue logo placed on the school website, TVs or electronic marquee (that’s free!) or host BLUE themed events.

5:39

Q: My school will be lighting up a building blue on April 2 and throughout April. Who should I contact at Autism Speaks to confirm our participation?

5:40

A: When the school confirms that a building will be lit up and/or you have a confirmed event for April emailautismspeaksu@autismspeaks.org. Remember to include your name, school, mailing address, event name/time/date/location and we’ll send out Light It Up Blue materials.

However, if you are an Alpha Xi Delta chapter, please emailkellefson@alphaxidelta.org.

5:40

Q: Does Autism Speaks want pictures of the buildings lit blue or of events?

5:40

A: YES!! Take pictures with a professional camera (no phones). Or even better, ask the school’s newspaper or photography club to take high-resolution pictures of the buildings lit blue and at the events. Remember what you’re doing is newsworthy, so involve the school and local media!

5:41

Send all pictures to photos@autismspeaksu.org and we’ll promote your efforts nationally.

5:41

Q: My school is lighting up a building blue, how can I let students know what this means?

5:41

A: Distribute awareness materials (such as the Light It Up Blue quarter cards) outside the building being lit up, so students connect the color blue to autism and Autism Speaks!

5:41

You can also make yard signs that read “Light It Up Blue & Celebrate Autism Awareness Month” and place them around the building lit up.

5:42

Now let's open it up to questions. What would you like to ask your fellow students?

Please keep questions to ones about Light It Up Blue and Autism Awareness Month.

5:43

Comment From Lindsay Goffinet

How far in advance should you contact the student activities center?

5:44

Students are contacting their Student Activities Office now. Please begin to make calls and appointments as soon as possible.

5:44

Comment From Devin Minor

Alpha Xi Delta and Autism Speaks U- UW- La Crosse. Are there any national businesses like chain restaurants that are already partnered with Autism Speaks that we could work with?

5:45

Your best bet is to get in touch with your local Autism Speaks contact to see what businesses they have worked with in the community. You can then reach out from there.

5:46

Restaurants to start with, that we've seen partner with a lot of our college events, include:

Panera, Chillis, Applebees, Buffalo Wild Wings, Friendlys, California Pizza Kitchen, Pinkberry, Ruby Tuesdays, etc.

5:46

Comment From Kristen Ellefson

Devin, you can email me at kellefson@alphaxidelta.org and I'll put you in touch with your local Autism Speaks representative. Thank you!

5:46

Comment From Michelle Rogge

Alpha Xi Delta, Auburn. when we contact Autism Speaks or Alpha Xi Delta and we receive those materials, do we have to pay for them? or are they just sent to us

5:47

Each school that confirms their plans by March 1, will receive 100 quarter cards, 100 slim jims, 100 stickers and a banner. If you need additional copies, you can use the links provided to print off more.

5:47

Alpha Xi Delta nationals might provide other materials, so please contact kellefson@alphaxidelta.org.

5:49

Comment From Jaclyn Sessel

Autism Speaks U Boston University: We are trying to light up buildings in the city of Boston but need details on marketing specifics and how the building will be portrayed, who can I contact at Autism Speaks U to provide this information?

5:50

Please connect with your local Autism Speaks contact in Boston, Russ Kenn for specifics regarding promotion that buildings will get locally.

5:50

Comment From Ryan Keeney

Autism Speaks U West Virginia University, what if the school is uncooperative? So far we have been having trouble with many people that would have the authority to allow our events. Short of banging down the door, we're getting nowhere.

5:50

Anyone have any tips for West Virginia University?

5:52

To start, I would connect with the Alpha Xi Delta chapter on campus to see how you can work together (both on events and for lighting it up blue).

5:52

Comment From Emily Riepenhoff

WVU- send out TONS of emails. I had trouble my first year and I had a lot of students on our Activities Council on board. Usually their the ones who votes on it regardless of adults who may have a job in the office

5:52

Comment From Doris Kisel

We're having the same issue with UT. Our plan is to ask business around the campus to help us. The two longhorns we'll hopefully be decorating belong to two different stores. We're hoping this will pressure UT to become more active in years to come.

5:52

Comment From Michelle Keppler

We went straight to the President of our university and he was very responsive, supportive and helpful

5:52

Comment From Michelle

Contact the media and let them know what you're trying to do and hopefully that will urge the school to get involved!

5:53

Comment From Lakesha Moore

Autism Speaks U Armstrong. We had the same issue. Student activities would no let us light up anything and the plant manager would not let us put signs around campus as well as ribbon around poles. We decided to reach out to the library and they were more than willing to let us light up the library.

5:53

Comment From Julianna Mootz

Autism Speaks U Towson - we experienced the same thing last year. This year we are going to try to contact different departments that were mentioned earlier to help gain support.

5:53

Comment From Gressia Chong

If your school doesn't want to participate, maybe you should focus all your efforts on gettin your community to support- restaurants, businesses, etc. Maybe then, your school will budge.

5:53

Comment From Carey Read

University of Illinois, Autism Speaks U. For West Virginia: Maybe try businesses or organization buildings on that are on campus but are not owned or run by the university. Try churches, YMCAs, coffee shops, bookstores, that kind of thing.

5:53

Comment From Michael Sanchez

That happened to us also. Try and find someone in your club that may have connections with one of them and have that member get involved with the process

5:53

Comment From Lindsay Goffinet

maybe try to pair up with a fraternity or sorority

5:54

Comment From Kelly McNamara

I would contact your dean. We were having the same problems at Bloomsburg, except once I brought it to the dean, he was really helpful in getting things done for us.

5:54

Comment From Val Bolte

Alpha Xi Delta, University of Nebraska-Omaha, We have experienced the same problems in the past and are still working on building relationships around campus. We have a large clock tower that we have been trying to make blue for April but had no luck. We tried a different building and had much more success. We are hoping that them seeing that it went well will help urge them to allow us to more buildings! Maybe that could help you too!

5:54

Comment From Amy

Autism Speaks U, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, We have had very similar problems. Our campus has a lot of hoops to jump through. We found it most helpful to set up personal meetings with a member of the Student Activites Office and tell them your plans. Often these people have suggestions and ideas to help you get the process started.

5:54

Comment From Taylir

Brockport, Autism Speaks U, If the school is going to be difficult with big events, do many small things to reach the students and bring focus to the community instead

5:55

Great tips! Next question....

5:55

Comment From Michael Sanchez

Michael Sanchez from Autism Speaks U Manhattan College. Wanted to ask how you got students involved with your light it up blue efforts last year?

5:56

Comment From Michael Antonchak

Autism Speaks U Boston College. You could try teaming up with some other service groups at your school to try to gain more support. If more people advocate for the event, you're more likely to get a response from the school

5:57

Comment From Michelle Rogge

Alpha Xi Delta, Auburn University. We have handed out ribbons to put on backpacks. they look like the breast cancer ribbon but are blue and say autism speaks on them! They are inexpensive to do and bring a lot of awareness on campus! Talk to other groups on campus and get them involved. Often if you give them support with their philanthropy or something they are involved in, they will give you support!

5:57

Great idea! Note though this year we are encouraging students to use the puzzle piece instead of the ribbon as the ribbon is not the symbol for Autism Speaks.

5:58

Comment From Samantha

You could try to contact your School's paper and have them print an article about it in advance... and ask for participation.

5:58

Comment From Brad

We advertised our events well in advance last year! Flyers, posters and handouts always work. The key is letting people know what your doing and why they should get involved and support your efforts!

5:58

Comment From Olivia Hardesty

Alpha Xi Delta Western Kentucky University We do what we call tabling and hand out freebies like stickers pins bracelets and puzzle pieces we also go and speak at different organizations meetings!

5:58

Comment From Samantha

Also, many communities have local Autism groups for parents of ASD children.. try contacting them to get the community involved

5:58

Comment From Devin Minor

AXiD and Autism Speaks U UW-L. It helps to show support for other organizations events and their members will be more likely to support you events.

5:59

Comment From Val Bolte

Alpha Xi Delta University of Nebraska Omaha- We handed out puzzle piece pins for backpacks!

5:59

Comment From Lakesha Moore

Autism Speaks U Armstrong. We posted flyers asking students to wear blue. The people wearing blue (more than just typical jeans) were able to stop by our booth in the student union and pick a free treat (blue cotton candy, cupcakes, cookies etc). This year to get more people involved we will advertise way in advance which will work better because we have been official for a year now and our name is known around campus and on social media.

5:59

Comment From Michael Sanchez

Just to share what we ended up doing last year weear we bought hundreds of blue candles and lined the stairs of a particular building with them. The students were really responsive to it

6:00

Comment From Ashley Crowder

Autism Speaks U App State. We plan on doing blue hair extensions this year

6:00

Comment From Marie Maguire

Has anyone used blue foam to make puzzle pieces?

6:00

Not that I think of, but that's a good idea! You can also try felt.

6:01

BIG thanks to all of the Autism Speaks U, Alpha Xi Delta and Theta Delta Chi chapters for your dedication and support. You are doing an incredible job!

6:01

For more information, visit www.AutismSpeaks.org/U!

If we did not get to your question or you have a few more, emailautismspeaksu@autismspeaks.org.

6:01

Have a great night!

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Autism Speaks U Light It Up Blue Q&A Transcript!

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