"Life as an autistic person is never easy. Society has formed the bias, discrimination and stereotypes of being autistic," says mental health activist Blezzing Dada from Dublin.
"We are not the issue. Society is... April is Autism Acceptance Month but autistic self-acceptance never ends and is not always linear.
"I am asking people to see autistic people through a social model as being neurologically diverse. We are people who want to be defined by our strengths and not by a medical pathology that seeks to limit us by whatever our medical pathology predetermines.
"Not from a point of deficit. We are seeking to change that narrative and say that we are neurodiverse and we have a place in the world.
"Remember that you are perfect the way you are, the way you feel about yourself matters. The way others perceive you doesn't.
"I consider myself a global citizen, a human before anything else. My personal experiences reflect my passion and desire to immerse into communities and cultures via transformative justice lens.
"With volunteering; find what resonates with you, and you will find you are able to engage in a sustainable and purposeful way. Many people’s efforts today are in response to their former selves. They’re showing up for the child they were and filling that gap that they felt in their lives. That’s their way of giving back and showing appreciation.
"Contribute to being the change that you want to see. Figure out what brings you joy, because that’s what will keep you engaged.
"There are so many organisations that need your voice at the table, as well as your perspective, your wisdom and your intellect. Examples of where I do this are with SeeChange, spunout, mutual aid work/grassroots work with Cooking for Freedom Ireland, and A Lust For Life."
💜💙💗 Thank you to Blezzing for sharing her inspiring story!
📢 Share your volunteering story with our followers! We're looking for stories from people who feel volunteering has improved their lives. 📨 Please email [email protected] if that sounds like you!
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Get ready for National Volunteering Week!
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We can't wait for National Volunteering Week next month! 🤗 National Volunteering Week is a weeklong celebration of volunteering that will take place from 15-21 May 2023. This year's theme is 'Connecting Communities' and we hope you'll join us in celebrating the power of volunteering to enrich our communities, bridge social divides, and create opportunities for meaningful connections. 💜💙💗
You can get involved by:
📢 Sharing your volunteering story (email [email protected] to be featured on our social media)
🙋 Encouraging others to volunteer
🙌 Thanking volunteers!
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