ASAW Bucket list
Written by the AUREA Team
Word count: 725
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
In just over a week’s time Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week will be here. The aim is simple: community growth and educational advocacy. There are countless people getting involved this year and surely more will pop up in the weeks to come. With a young community and a relatively few people within it it can be difficult to imagine our lofty goals being achieved.
Fortunately every action, no matter how small, counts.
How can you get involved? Take a look at the bucket list we’ve put together and see which ones are calling your name.
1. Spread the word
We’ve got hashtags and prompt lists aplenty. We’ve got pamphlets and posters galore.
2. Participate in an aro event
There are lots of ways you can get involved online and plenty of time to prepare.
3. Wear something green
It’s our colour and it’s our week, wear it with pride.
4. Tell an aro something you appreciate about them
Whether they’re a friend or someone you admire, tell that aromantic something sweet.
5. Throw a party
The aro community isn’t at a stage yet where we can all rush off to local events but that doesn’t mean you can’t still celebrate. Invite some people over and enjoy yourself!
6. Read a book with an aro character
Here is a comprehensive list of aros of all kinds. You’ll definitely find something you’re looking for here.
7. Request a book with an aro character from your local library
Get us aros on the shelves and who knows, maybe someone will finally get their introduction to this identity.
8. Make a meme
Or a pun, or a joke, and show the world! Let’s have some fun for ASAW.
9. Reach out to someone
Is there a connection you’ve been wanting to make? An old friend you’ve been meaning to contact? Are you just simply long overdue for a good time with a certain someone? Tell them that.
10. Work on a project you’ve been putting off
You might be wondering what this has to do with ASAW. This week is all about us and for your own sake, have a good think about this one.
11.
Wear aro merch
Be bold!
12. Make some aro merch
Don’t have any aro pride gear and can’t afford any at the moment? Make yourself some.
13. Look up your local queer group
See what’s out there. See who’s out there and maybe the next time they meet up you could tag along too.
14. Make a dessert and add green food colouring
Why not? It’ll be as much fun as it looks off-putting.
15. Think about the future
Where would you like to see aro advocacy go? Where would you like to see your life go? What’re your plans for tomorrow?
16. Treat yourself
It’s our time and it’s our week!
17. Volunteer
A significant part of aromantic advocacy is intersectionality, so what can you do for others? Sign up for that volunteer program you’ve been meaning to, give blood, do a friend a favour - whatever you decide to do, it’s valuable.
18. Go somewhere alone
If this isn’t something you normally do, be brave! There’s a whole world out there and it’s yours to explore.
19. Go somewhere with a loved one
Do something different or do something you’ve talked and talked about but always put off. Make a memory.
20. Introduce someone to amatonormativity
This presumption affects everyone, not just aros, have a discussion about it. Maybe you’ll both learn something.
21. Take a selfie
You’re alive and that’s worth celebrating. Take a photo that makes you feel happy. If you want to make a statement head over to Aromantic Official and chime into the #BeingAromanticIs.
22. Put an aro flag in a public place
Print one off at the library and tack it to the community board. Or scrawl AROMANTIC across a whiteboard at your school. This week’s about awareness and most people don’t know the bare minimum about us.
23. Make Valentine’s Plans
This one’s coming in a little earlier than ASAW, but why not. Take the day and make it your own.
24. Go somewhere green
Find yourself a quiet place amount some beautiful trees and enjoy the outdoors for all it’s worth.
25. Live life the way you want to live it
Put yourself first, you deserve it.