In January 2026, the ASNV Board decided to begin our first Self-Advocate Advisory Council. This group of self-advocates advises and supports the ASNV team in the development, implementation, and evaluation of our programs, services, and supports, to ensure we are appropriately including, incorporating, and amplifying autistic voices in the work we do.  Our Council Members represent a broad range of ages, cultures, and autistic experiences.

​​

Purpose

The Self-Advocate Council exists to:

• Provide authentic autistic perspectives on ASNV programs, services, and initiatives.

• Identify emerging needs and priorities within the autism community.

• Advise the Board and staff on accessibility, inclusion, and communication.

• Help strengthen ASNV's advocacy efforts at the local and state level.

• Develop future leaders within the autism community through meaningful service and leadership experiences.

 

What Council Members Do

Council members may:

• Review and provide feedback on new programs, events, and services.

• Offer recommendations on accessibility, inclusion, and community engagement.

• Help identify important issues affecting autistic adults and families.

• Review educational materials, communications, and resources from the perspective of lived experience.

• Participate in advocacy initiatives, legislative events, or public awareness activities when interested.

• Serve on planning teams for conferences, workshops, or community events.

• Share ideas that help ASNV better serve the diverse autism community.

• Build leadership skills through committee work, public speaking opportunities, collaboration, and mentorship.

 

Who Should Apply?

We are seeking autistic adults who:

• Want to make a positive impact within the autism community.

• Enjoy sharing ideas while listening respectfully to others with different experiences.

• Are dependable and willing to actively participate.

• Believe in collaborative problem-solving.

• Are interested in growing as leaders and advocates.

• Can think beyond their own experiences to help represent the broader autism community.

 

No previous leadership or advocacy experience is required. We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds, communication styles, support needs, ages, professions, and life experiences.

High school students (ages 16–17) are also encouraged to apply as Junior Council Members. Junior Members will serve alongside adult Council members while receiving additional mentorship and leadership development opportunities. This role is designed to help young self-advocates build confidence, strengthen leadership and communication skills, and prepare for future roles in community advocacy and nonprofit leadership.  

 

Selection Process

Council members will be selected through a thoughtful application process designed to create a diverse and collaborative group of leaders.

The process includes:

1. A written application describing your interests, experiences, and reasons for serving.

2. A brief interview with members of the selection committee.

3. Selection based on a combination of lived experience, commitment, reliability, diversity of perspectives, and the ability to work collaboratively.

The Council will strive to reflect the diversity of the autism community across age, race, gender, communication styles, life experiences, and support needs.

The Council will include up to two Junior Council Members (ages 16–17) who will participate as full contributing members while receiving mentorship from ASNV leaders and experienced self-advocates.  

 

Member Expectations

Council members are expected to:

• Attend quarterly Council meetings.

• Review materials before meetings when requested.

• Participate respectfully and constructively in discussions.

• Maintain confidentiality when appropriate.

• Contribute ideas and feedback that advance ASNV's mission.

• Serve as positive ambassadors for inclusion and self-advocacy.

 

A Leadership Opportunity

 

The Self-Advocate Council is more than an advisory group—it is a leadership development opportunity. Members will gain valuable experience working alongside nonprofit leaders, participating in community initiatives, and developing the skills needed for future leadership roles on nonprofit boards, advisory committees, advocacy organizations, and within their own communities. Whether your goal is to become a stronger self-advocate, influence meaningful change, or prepare for future leadership opportunities, the ASNV Self-Advocate Council offers a place to learn, contribute, and grow together.

 

​

If you are interested in serving on the ASNV Self-Advocate Council, we encourage you to apply! Click the link below to complete the application and tell us more about yourself, your interests, and how you'd like to contribute to the autism community.

 

​

​

 

If you have questions about getting involved, please reach out today!​