As someone who has seen firsthand the commitment and dedication of volunteers at the branches of the National Autistic Society, I am deeply concerned by the recent decision to take 10% from branch funds yearly. The effort to raise these funds is significant, with devoted volunteers taking time out of their days and the strain of their lives to fundraise.

Some of my close friends run NAS Branches and I see how much hard work and effort they put into running them and the amount of hard work and effort they put into fundraising to gain the funds needed to run the branch activities that they do. 

These collected funds are intended for the community; they are destined to fund activities for autistic people and their families within the community. From sensory-friendly movie events to social groups, these resources enrich the quality of life for countless individuals. It's not just about creating safe spaces; these activities foster a sense of belonging, enhancing social skills and reducing feelings of isolation that many autistic individuals experience.

The decision to cut into the hard-earned funds raises a question on fairness and integrity. It interferes with the original mission of the raised funds and impacts the quality and quantity of services provided. The National Autistic Society's core value statement insists on enriching lives and supporting independence – this decision seems to undermine that promise.

We respectfully request that the National Autistic Society revisit this decision. Let's honor the hard work of volunteers and serve the community as originally intended. Please sign this petition to demand that the National Autistic Society reverse their decision and let the full amount of raised funds benefit the autistic people and their families in our communities.