IMPORTANT MESSAGE REGARDING MEMBERSHIP
IN THE AUTISM SOCIETY
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Effective immediately, membership in the Autism Society will be changing. The National Autism Society in Bethesda, Maryland has made the decision at the national level to retain all membership fees collected. From this point forward, membership dues paid to the national organization will no longer provide any support for local programs here in San Diego or anywhere in the state of California.
In response, and in order to provide our local members the option of supporting local programming, we have reinstated a local membership option. You will not automatically become a member of the local autism society chapter UNLESS you specifically join the local chapter. You may choose to join the local chapter (Autism Society San Diego), the national organization (Autism Society) or both.
The Autism Society San Diego membership dues are $40 per year. Member benefits include reduced fee for Camp I CAN, eligibility for Surf Camp and more. Financial assistance for membership dues is available by contacting our office at info@sd-autism.orgSupporting our San Diego chapter through your membership assures access for all to our ongoing, free, important and meaningful programs and events. Additionally, through local membership you'll join our organization's outreach and awareness efforts regarding autism.
The Autism Society of San Diego is dedicated to working very hard for our community. Some of the many benefits we provide to our community include:
- Free support group meetings: Central SD, North County SD, Spanish Language, Collaborative with San Diego Unified School District, Families and Friends of Adults on the Spectrum, Aspies and Friends
- Monthly e-newsletter with distribution of over 2000
- Website with current local and national autism resources, events and information
- Active social network site communications-Facebook, Twitter
- Local office support with 24 hour response during business week to phone and email inquiries
- Free, annual end of summer party
- Free, annual holiday family parties
- Two free monthly Family Pizza and Pool/Gymnastic Parties : Central San Diego location and Escondido
- Adaptive Swim Lesson Program for persons with Autism in partnership with Aqua Pros Swim School
- Co-sponsor Surf Camp for Children with Autism with Aqua Pros Swim School
- Co-Sponsor Camp I CAN with Toby Wells YMCA and Palomar Family YMCA-Summer day camp for children and teens with autism
- Collaborative Sponsor of San Diego County Sheriff Departments "Take Me Home" Program
- Monthly County Coffee Talk meetings for social networking and informal information
- Member of United Way/CHAD and active participant in their Speakers Bureau
- Sponsor of yearly education conferences
- Community based autism information presentations to businesses, schools and local philanthropy and community service groups
- Autism Resource Guide for newly diagnosed families, produced in collaboration with Rady Children's Hospital of San Diego
- Dr. Bernard Rimland Research Grants to Graduate Students studying Autism
- Monthly Autism Family Friendly Dining Event-"Meet and Eat"- in partnership with Denny's restaurant.
- Monthly Sensory Friendly Family Movies in partnership with AMC Movie Theaters
- Annual Appreciation/Recognition Event for Professionals and Businesses in San Diego
As a special thank you for joining the local chapter, we will send you a San Diego Autism Society large car magnet. To join or renew chapter membership, go to www.sd-autism.org.
Thank you for your support.
Shirley Fett
President |
