What's Raised here - Stays here

February 23, 2008

I'm on alot of lists and some from other states and the mantra lately has been

the same ---- National Autism Organizations that organize and do walks in a

state - being criticized for not giving back to that state... I agree. If an

organization is going to come in and take our money from a walk or whatever -

then a large portion of that money should go back in that state.

Wonder if we all advocated for " What's Raised here - Stays here " - if that

would change.

Yes, maybe a small portion going to a National Research Initiative -- but the

majority that is raised in a certain state - staying in that certain state.

Maybe on the pledge forms have a place where the walker could designate funds

going to - for that state. Or that the Organization organizing the walk -

having to spend the extra time setting up a grant program for that state where

Autism organizations and parents - IN THAT STATE could apply for.

I honestly respect and love the Autism Speaks person in Houston that I know

of, there may be more than one.... But I have quit participating in the Walk

Now in Houston simply because as an Autism organization in Houston - I have

requested sponsorship funds for our conference, etc - and have not received

anything (I did receive a small sponsorship for the slaw seminar from

Autism Speaks. This was the first time of all the times asking).

So if I'm going to raise money for anything - it is for what we do in our

chapter - to serve families in our area. Not to give to someone for out of

state use... I'm not going to raise funds for an organization that I'll never

see the money from again - anymore! Same goes for all National Autism

Organizations. I'm supporting local help for local families. I'll give my

membership to like ASA National for contribution to the National Initiative and

Legislative efforts -- but even if ASA had a walk in Houston -- unless our

chapter received a portion of those funds for our use to serve families -- I

ain't doin it!

I think if more parents would contact National organizations - it could be a

win - win for both. Yeah - you can come in our state and do your walk -- but

you are going to need to prove to us that the money WE raise for YOU - will go

to serve Families in OUR state....

Again - a small percentage yes for National Research Initiatives....

Anyway - ya'll's thoughts on that?

Sincerely,

M. Guppy

Autism is a very silent world; but the potential in that world speaks

volumes.... Texas Autism Advocacy: www.TexasAutismAdvocacy.org

" There are some aspects of a person's life that we have no right to

compromise. We cannot negotiate the size of an institution. No one should live

in one. We cannot debate who should get an inclusive education. Everyone

should. We cannot determine who does and who does not get the right to make

their own choices and forge their own futures. All must. "

February 25, 2008

I think it depends on the organization, its mission and structure. I

strongly agree that ASA money should stay within the local community - ASA

is all about its local chapters. But, I happen to believe Autism Speaks

operates more effectively as a national organization - whether or not you

agree with their activities... Then there are organizations whose ONLY

mission is to raise funds for research (like OAR), and those funds really

need to be used at a national level.

Geraldine

_____

From: Texas-Autism-Advocacy

[mailto:Texas-Autism-Advocacy ] On Behalf Of M.

Guppy

Sent: Saturday, February 23, 2008 11:32 AM

To: texas-autism-advocacy

Subject: What's Raised here - Stays here

I'm on alot of lists and some from other states and the mantra lately has

been the same ---- National Autism Organizations that organize and do walks

in a state - being criticized for not giving back to that state... I agree.

If an organization is going to come in and take our money from a walk or

whatever - then a large portion of that money should go back in that state.

Wonder if we all advocated for " What's Raised here - Stays here " - if that

would change.

Yes, maybe a small portion going to a National Research Initiative -- but

the majority that is raised in a certain state - staying in that certain

state.

Maybe on the pledge forms have a place where the walker could designate

funds going to - for that state. Or that the Organization organizing the

walk - having to spend the extra time setting up a grant program for that

state where Autism organizations and parents - IN THAT STATE could apply

for.