National Nonprofit Day: Celebrate the Difference We Make Together

Every August 17, National Nonprofit Day recognizes the organizations, employees, volunteers, donors and community members who work together to make a difference. The day celebrates the positive impact nonprofits have on communities and encourages people to learn more about the causes they support. National Nonprofit Day was established in 2017. (National Day Calendar)

And for organizations like ours, the work isn’t just about a mission statement. It’s about people.

It’s about the autistic child who finds a place where he belongs. The parents who realize they aren’t navigating this journey alone. The teenager who finally makes a friend. The college student who gets the educational supports she needs. The adult who finds an employer with accommodations. The caregiver who gains knowledge, resources and hope.

For nearly twenty-five years, Autism Oklahoma has worked alongside Oklahomans impacted by autism to create opportunities to grow, learn, connect and live meaningful, joyful lives. Through vocational, educational and social programming, AO helps build a state where autistic people and their families can find much-needed community and opportunities to thrive.

And none of that happens alone.

Nonprofits are powered by community. Every program, resource, event and connection is made possible because people choose to invest their time, talents and resources in something bigger than themselves. National Nonprofit Day is an opportunity to recognize that collective effort and to consider how each of us can play a role.

How can you celebrate Autism Oklahoma this National Nonprofit Day?

There are many ways to support the work happening at Autism Oklahoma, and no effort is too small.

Give. A donation helps Autism Oklahoma continue providing meaningful programs, valuable education and critical resources to families across Oklahoma.

Share. Like, comment on and share Autism Oklahoma’s social media posts. Every share helps our message reach another family, community member or potential supporter.

Shop our Amazon Wishlist. Purchase needed supplies and resources directly from our wishlist to help support the programs and people we serve.

Volunteer. Give your time and talents at an Autism Oklahoma event or program. Volunteers help create welcoming spaces and meaningful experiences for our community.

Get involved. Attend an event, participate in a program, tell a friend about Autism Oklahoma or simply learn more about the work we do.

Host us. We love to visit businesses across the state to share our important work, as well as the benefits of autism acceptance and inclusivity.

This National Nonprofit Day, we invite you to celebrate not just Autism Oklahoma, but the power of people coming together to create a more connected, inclusive Oklahoma.

Because when we invest together, we can do more than support a nonprofit. We can create opportunities. We can build community. And together, we can find joy.