Is it worth joining the NAS?

[coppertop]

The local support group sent me an application form to join the NAS. Does anyone have any opinions on whether it's worth joining or not? I'm indecisive at the best of times so all help in decision-making is welcome!

[Jimjams]

depends on the area. I joined but there's nothing doing down here so didn't rejoin. Toyed with the idea of setting up a branch but decided it was too much work. If you're in Surrey I'd say join- they seem very active.

[Davros]

YES, it is worth joining. This is something I feel quite strongly about! By supporting the NAS, whether you benefit directly or not, you are helping to keep Autism on the political agenda and helping them provide very practicl support for a lot of people. The NAS does a huge amount of work with policy makers (often with PACE) to get autism considered when policy is being formulated and has been instrumental in having it specified separately as a disability that needs to be considered in things like Anti Social Behaviour Orders. The NAS is also the place that policy makers and the media goes to when Autism comes up so, whether you support them or not, they are representing you and it is worth having a stake in that. They not only provide branches but parent-to-parent, befriending, a general helpline and an education advocacy helpline. They have also just set up a research trust. I don't think they are very good at telling people just how much they do and are often seen as irrelevant, they most certainly are not! I am a Council member so I could be seen to have a vested interest but it is for the reasons above that I became a Council member. I have been very impressed with the people involved with the NAS and the great progress they have made and continue to make.

[coppertop]

Thanks for that. I think you're right about the NAS not letting people know just what it is that they do. Our local NAS group is pretty good, even though I can't always get to their meetings etc. I've decided that I will pay up and join.

[Davros]

Oh good, that means you will be able to vote for me when my time is up!

[coppertop]

When will that be?

[Davros]

I get 3 years and I'm on my second term now. So I think I'll be up for election next Spring. I will get some unmarked fivers ready for then...

[coppertop]

All bribes... ahem..donations welcome.

[Davros]

The funniest thing is that I've been "elected" twice with no votes! No-one else stood in the place that I wanted, hardy har har.
BTW, they have started doing a newsletter by email, go to the website and its in a box on the right hand side. And they are doing a news service but I can't see how you get to that, maybe signing up for the first one gets you the other one?

[coppertop]

My membership pack arrived this morning so get hoarding those fivers, Davros.

[Davros]

No, I am printing them