Volunteerism is Key to Offering Successful Neuroscience Outreach with Limited Resources

As sponsors of a university Society for Neuroscience (SfN) organization, we and our student members are committed to neuroscience outreach but with limited resources, it is not feasible for us to host a week-long program during National Brain Awareness Week (BAW). Hence, we decided on a half-day program wherein attendees are provided with information about the workings of the nervous system and current research in the field in a fun and interactive environment. Our volunteers — mostly undergraduate students — select hands-on activities, gather required materials, and actively engage participants of all ages. We coined the event Brain Awareness Day (BAD) and organize the annual program on a budget between $100–$300.