Join our community
Volunteers are the heart of our organisation, and are central to the success of many of our programs and services – something that we are incredibly grateful for.
As a community not-for-profit, our strong volunteer base has helped us grow into the organisation we are today, and have played a significant role in shaping many of our values and programs. We value the contributions of Autistic people and their allies to our mission in many different forms, and invite you to join us in building a community by Autistic people, for Autistic people.
The benefits of volunteering
- The satisfaction of helping others
- Stronger community connections and friendships
- Building spaces that support your values
- Learning new skills
- Having fun!
Current Volunteer Roles
If you’d like to be involved, there are many ways you can contribute and be rewarded by making a difference at Empower Autism. The majority of our volunteers currently support our Peer Groups programs, although if you feel you have a different skill that you’d like to contribute to our organisation, we’d love to hear about it through the email volunteering@empowerautism.org.au .
We are currently looking to develop a brand new Self Advocacy Peer Group – a monthly online peer group for Autistic adults focused on self-advocacy and the systemic challenges Autistic people face in our everyday lives. The group will be discussion-based – drawing on the collective wisdom of its members to explore areas where participants would like to self-advocate. To support this group, we are seeking a volunteer facilitator, which is where you come in!
Empower Autism is seeking an Autistic person with a passion for human rights and a strong understanding of the legal and systemic frameworks that affect Autistic people.
In this volunteer role, you will facilitate a monthly online peer group focused on self-advocacy and the systemic challenges Autistic people face in our everyday lives. The group is discussion-based, drawing on the collective wisdom of its members to explore areas where participants would like to self-advocate.
This is a meaningful opportunity to lead Autistic human rights in Queensland and contribute to lasting, Autistic-led change for Autistic people.
Purpose of position
Qualifications & Experience
Key Responsibilities
- Leading robust conversations, ensuring alignment with Autistic needs and interests.
- Creating an inclusive space that nurtures Autistic voices.
- Engaging with Autistic people in the peer group.
- Communicating with Autistic people and the Empower Autism community.
- Representing Empower Autism in the peer group setting.
- Completed or undertaking tertiary education in a field like law, politics or social science.
- A deep respect for Autistic self-determination and self-advocacy.
- Identify as Autistic.
Youth Peer Group Facilitators
Work in a team to facilitate autism positive peer group meetings for autistic teens 14-18 years. These groups participate in board games, trivia evenings and also travel to community venues during the term.
You can register your interest below or email volunteering@empowerautism.org.au with more questions.
The hours of attendance at each location are listed below:
- Youth Peer Group at The Gap, Wednesday evenings 5:45pm-7:45pm weekly during school term.
- Youth Peer Group at Carina Heights, Thursday evenings 5:45pm-7:45pm weekly during school term.
- Youth Peer Group at Stafford, Friday evenings 5:45pm-7:45pm weekly during school term.
- Youth Peer Group at Mango Hill, Friday evenings, 5:45pm-7:45pm weekly during school term.
Youth Peer Group Coordinators
Coordinate the on-site tasks required to run both the Parents and Youth Groups and facilitate autism positive Parent peer group meetings.
This involves supporting the Youth Peer Group Facilitators, completing attendance sheets, communicating with Empower Autism staff, and facilitating discussions with parent groups and visitors from relevant support organisations.
You can register your interest below or email volunteering@empowerautism.org.au with more questions. The hours of attendance at each location are listed below:
- Youth and Parent Peer Group at The Gap, Wednesday evenings 5:45pm-7:45pm weekly during school term.
- Youth and Parent Peer Group at Carina Heights, Thursday evenings 5:45pm-7:45pm weekly during school term.
- Youth and Parent Peer Group at Stafford, Friday evenings 5:45pm-7:45pm weekly during school term.
- Youth and Parent Peer Group at Mango Hill, Friday evenings, 5:45pm-7:45pm weekly during school term.
FAQs
With a wide range of services and programs to be involved in, there is something to suit all commitment levels. We recognise that the level of involvement you can commit to will vary depending on your personal circumstances such as; study, work, and family commitments. We’ll also support you to adjust your commitment as your personal circumstances change.
We provide a comprehensive induction into Empower, together with specific training for the program/s you’ll be volunteering in. Our staff will be there to support you whenever needed.
We have a duty of care to ensure a safe environment for employees, volunteers & participants and in order to ensure this we need our volunteers to provide, obtain or commit to the following:
- Blue Card
- Yellow Card
- Police Check
- Referee checks
Empower and NDIA Codes of Conduct
It’s easy to get started as a volunteer. Simply fill out the expression of interest for in the relevant volunteer position description above, or email us at volunteering@empowerautism.org.au We’ll be in touch once we receive your interest to discuss your skills and preferences and match volunteering opportunities that will suit.
