We aim to recognize and address potential inequity and underlying assumptions in our programming, policies, and services by seeking out and learning from individuals with lived experiences. We are committed to providing equal opportunities for employment, volunteering, and advancement in all areas of our work. We offer differentiated, multimodal formats for participation in our programming, and will work to implement any number of additional accommodations requested.
Our organization is governed by a neurodivergent-predominant Board of Directors and Advisory Councils, and includes multiply marginalized neurodivergent individuals. Given the intersectional impact of marginalized identities, we are particularly interested in expanding the presence of multiply marginalized neurodivergent community members within our leadership team. We respect the value that diverse life experiences bring to our organizational leadership. As an organization, ABB is committed to continuous improvement to identify where we need to grow our brains and do better.
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors governs our organization in the pursuit of our mission, in accordance with our values. As a new nonprofit organization, this is a Working Board. On average, Board members spend one hour per week in addition to 2 hours of meetings per month. In addition to governance responsibilities, Board members build bridges between ABB-VT and the community. We are not a “typical” Board. Meetings are held virtually, with a culture of non-defaultism. Board members communicate via spoken speech, chat, AAC devices; we are frequently joined by children, pets, and other Real Life phenomena. Our culture of decision-making utilizes the “Fist to Five” methodology, rather than the “default” of Robert’s Rules of Order, which we do not use here at ABB-VT.
Advisory Council
Our Advisory Council consists of community members who give feedback on our strategic goals and major organizational programming. Participation flexibly occurs in multiple different settings: Slack, email, virtual group or 1:1 meetings, surveys, etc. No specific time commitment is required. Advisory Council members also often meet with community partners and expand our community integration.
Junior Advisory Council
It is important to us that kids of all ages have a way for communicating their truths. Our Junior Advisory Council members let us know what is important to them, and what they are hoping we do for their community. Participation is also flexible; to date, Junior Advisory Council members have participated in virtual or outdoor low-demand casual discussions with organizational leadership, along with their parents. Older children and teens will have the option to participate in surveys and optional small focus groups.
