AMASE is intended as a structure to promote autonomy and collaboration, and empower autistic people to help each other.
We have a committee charged with overseeing the general running of the organisation, but the idea of mutual aid is for people to look out for each other, and get together to make things better.
So while members of the committee are active in pushing projects forward, we want to make it as easy as possible for all our members (and all Autistic people!) to contribute to the life of the community. One way to do this is with working groups committed to helping to make things happen. Any potential working group should draw up its own Terms of Reference describing its purpose and any special considerations. Each one will have a channel on the AMASE Discord, and may or may not also meet in person.
The working groups should be semi-autonomous, but since they will act in the name of AMASE we will need committee agreement on any major decision, and every working group should have at least one committee member actively involved. Working groups may also wish to agree a volunteer convenor to work with the committee to take responsibility for keeping them going, and report to the committee periodically.
Please email info@amase.org.uk or post on the AMASE Discord if you are interested to know more about working groups, or if you would like to propose an additional working group.
On Discord:
Discord is primarily a text-based platform, but also allows the sharing of links, pictures and other media. One of its useful features is the ability to use reaction buttons (👍 and so on) helpful in establishing consensus – AMASE’s preferred method of decision-making at every level. Sometimes consensus is impossible and it makes sense for a majority to overrule dissenters, but it is always worth making the effort to find a consensus position where possible.
The channels for working groups are intended mainly for discussion relating to what they’re working on.
Please ask if you need help with anything!