In 2012, President Barack Obama declared a week in April to be dedicated to volunteerism. "Service is a lifelong pursuit that strengthens the civic and economic
fabric of our Nation. With every hour and every act, our lives are made
richer, our communities are drawn closer, and our country is forged
stronger by the dedication and generous spirit of volunteers. I
encourage every American to stand up and play their part -- to put their
shoulder up against the wheel and help change history's course."
National Volunteer Week - this year - begins on April 21st and ends April 27th. Looking for volunteer opportunities in Winona? Here are is one great way to volunteer during National Volunteer Week!
April 22th - Levee Park - 12:00pm to 5:00pm
Earth Day Clean up
Volunteerism doesn't stop at the end of the week! Become a dedicated member of your local community through volunteerism and service.
Interested in Volunteering? Contact these local Winona Agencies
Earth Day is an annual day where events worldwide are held to increase awareness and appreciation of the Earth's natural environment. Spring is here; what better time to plant a tree? This year's Earth Day will be held on Monday, April 22.
Here in Winona you can participate in many activities to help spread awareness and appreciation of this beautiful Earth.
Saturday April 20
12:00 - 5:00
Levee Park
Free Concerts in the Park
Performances by Winona State University Dance Society
Activities for kids of all ages! The Winona community encourages you to ride your bike to the park that day! A map of bike routes can be found at the City of Winona website.
Monday April 22
1:00 - 3:00
Winona Friendship Center
Sandra Lines, Photographer and Writer, will be giving a presentation honoring the work of nature.
Below is a list of fun ideas that you can do with the family on Earth Day:
Plant a tree
Build a bird house or feeder
Make a craft using items you would normally have thrown away
Read a book to learn more about the environment
Hold a garage sale, donate, or reuse recyclable items
In order to highlight the growing need for concern and awareness
about autism, the Autism Society has been celebrating National Autism
Awareness Month since the 1970s. The United States recognizes April as a
special opportunity for everyone to educate the public about autism and
issues within the autism community.
Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears
during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to
communicate and interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set
of behaviors and is a "spectrum disorder" that affects individuals
differently and to varying degrees. There is no known single cause of
autism, but increased awareness and funding can help families today.
There are many ways to get involved in the autism community. The
Autism Society encourages its members and supporters to keep current on
and active in ongoing advocacy issues regarding autism, stay abreast of
the latest in autism-related news and issues through our online
newsletter, ASA-Net, and make an effort to attend autism events
and conferences in your area. The benefits of being involved in the
autism community are many—not the least of which is educating yourself
about the most appropriate treatments and resources available to help
your loved one on the spectrum.
Reach Out to Your Local Affiliate
The Autism Society’s affiliates provide a number of ways in which
individuals and families can obtain support and share their experiences
with others in their communities. Our affiliates are an obvious place to
turn for encouragement, accurate information and education.
Join the Autism Society in getting involved with the autism community this April.
An Inspiring Story
Miss Montana 2012
Alexis Wineman
Platform: Autism Speaks
Alexis Wineman believes "Autism doesn't define me." As a top 15 winner and the first ever "America's Choice Award Recipient" she inspired millions of Americans.
Though the glamor of the Miss American Pageant has worn off - she continues to advocate and raise funds for Autism organizations.
Her desire to help people with autism comes from experience. Wineman was diagnosed with Pervasive Development Disorder(PDD-NOS),
including borderline Aspergers Syndrome when she was 11 years old.
Following her diagnosis came years of counseling, an exhaustive battery
of tests and at least one misdiagnosis.
Wineman was often teased and bullied during her school years and avoided interaction with others when she was younger. She rose above and was crowned Miss Montana in 2012.
Friday, April 12, is the last day to nominate a awesome 'tween or teen for a Peace First Prize. Why should you nominate someone you know? The Peace First Prize Program celebrates a type of citizen we have seen in today's youth - the "active citizen." The Active Citizen may not necessarily participate in our electoral process, but instead cares about their local community through volunteerism, leadership and promoting similar ideals in others.
The Benefits of the Peace First Prize are unlimited - national recognition, a scholarship and the motivation to continue putting others above self.
ThePeace First Prizeis your chance to celebrate the powerful contributions of peacemakers. The Prize will recognize young people between the ages of 8-22 for their compassion, courage and ability to create collaborative change. Through a two-year $50,000 Peace First Fellowship, the organization will invest in their leadership as peacemakers and share their stories with the nation.
If you are interested in nominating a student please select the link below:
