“Our vision for the event is to connect neurodivergent families and individuals across the valley; to connect kids, teens and adults with likeminded peers, to share resources and to help increase acceptance and pride in our identities. We would also love this event to be a starting point to create future collaborations amongst community members and groups to improve advocacy, accessibility and inclusion within our local communities.”
A few amazing volunteers and a couple of staff at a local non-profit rallied together to make our event happen. We started by spreading the word to invite volunteers to an initial meeting, allocated the tasks, then remained in contact via email after this (in hindsight an app like Slack would have been much better). Some tasks were easy to organize ahead of time, others needed to be closer to the time, but many tasks we underestimated the amount of time it would take or didn’t anticipate some last-minute tasks either. The biggest challenge was finding a suitable way to spread the word to the neurodivergent community of all ages, as not everyone looks at posters, or uses Facebook or reads their emails. It made a big difference to have volunteers who were just as passionate about making the event happen, so when personal things came up for us, we knew the others could help fill the gaps and keep the process moving forward. Next year will be much easier to plan!
Everything came together just in time, with volunteers ready on the day, lots of families intending on coming, several information tables set up by local organizations and the BBQ blazing. Lucky our outdoor venue had a new large covered area as it poured rain from the minute we started setting up, until the sun came out the minute we finished packing up. Despite this, we still had about 30-40 people attend, which was a great turnout considering how many families wanted to come, but couldn’t make the date too. The kids were ready to play with their rain coats on, they still played the outdoor games, played with the fidgets and craft supplies and we all ate lots of hot dogs and snacks.
Most importantly, we believe we achieved success in regards to the vision for the event. We were able to facilitate connections with familiar families and new families, with local resources and organizations, and with neurodivergent people of all ages. Many excellent conversations were had to increase understanding and solidarity, share dreams for the future, and start future collaborations. We have over a dozen people/families signed up to our survey who want to stay in contact to attend or help organize future events, others who are interested in advocacy efforts, and a couple of meetings lined up with local organizations to see how we can work together too. We look forward to seeing what the future brings!
