Troy High School – Autism Youth Ambassadors
Mission StatementOur goal is to raise awareness about the prevalence of autism today while fundraising and volunteering to help families affected by autism. We work with TACA’s foundation office to plan and implement strategies that help us interact with youth who have autism in our communities. We also plan community fundraising efforts and volunteer our time at TACA sponsored events. We wish to promote student involvement in the autism community and inspire other high school students join our cause. |
  
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How We Got StartedWhen we first came to Troy, we realized that our school had a large population of special education students and students with autism were often the most prevalent in that population. At that time, we had limited knowledge of the causes and the symptoms of autism. After researching the disorder and meeting with a campus teacher who has an autistic child, we realized not only the significance of the disorder but also the general lack of awareness within the student body. |
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What We DoWe have started a grassroots movement devoted to bridging the social gap between individuals with and without autism. Starting with just one club two years ago, we have now spread autism awareness globally by creating dozens Autism Youth Ambassadors chapters around the world (still growing!). To accomplish our goals, we work with TACA’s foundation office to plan community involvement events that bring together the youth of the autism community around southern California. In addition, we volunteer our time at Friday Night Clubs to help ensure that teens with special needs get the same opportunities as their typical peers and we help raise funds to donate to autism organizations like TACA. |
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Our ProgressSince our humble beginnings, we have gained a presence within our school community and the autism community. In our school, we have doubled our members since the first year. From our inception, our members have donated hundreds of hours to the autism community. We have also gained valuable friends. TACA, our parent organization has been a wonderful support. With TACA’s help, we were able to raise thousands of dollars for children with autism. Furthermore, our message has gained a wider audience as other schools have joined us in raising awareness for autism. This year alone, we have helped incorporate AYA in over 20 schools around the world. |
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Our MottoFundraise We raise money in order to improve the lives of families with autistic children by providing them with support, education and other services. Volunteer We volunteer in order to better understand people with autism and to help the organizations that are dedicated to help these people. Educate We educate students by exposing them to the world of autism. We also raise awareness in our school, community, and families about autism and its influence in the world. Have Fun While making a difference, we still have fun. We bring joy to the lives of children with autism in our community by involving them in social activities. |
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Our Log2010-2011 School YearKey Events:
Future Plans
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ContactClick here to contact Co-Presidents Manoj Kanagara and Ralph Ma. Visit the Youth Autism Ambassadors’ website: www.autismambassador.org |
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Board Members2010-2011 Club OfficersCo-Presidents Manoj Kanagaraj and Ralph Ma Publicity Directors Larissa Purnell Secretary Jaennia Ding Research and Awareness Director Layla Stahr Events Coordinators Alex Wong |
