Questions and Answers
This is a continuously evolving list
Q. What is the Neurodiversity HOPE Lions Club?
A. It is a Lions Club connecting parents and responsible adults with other parents and responsible adults who care for autistic adults and autistic children. The club is meant to play a supportive role to parents and guardians. Many times parents face situations that others have already figured out.
Q. Lions Clubs are generally service organizations, correct?
A. True they are. This Lions Club provides opportunities to serve in communities and exchange information between home caregivers of autistic children and adults.
Q. When will this club be operational?
A. When 20 people have signed up and paid, or when December 31st 2025 is reached and we have at least 6 members. If we cannot to get a sufficient number of participating members, a full refund will be given.
Q. Can I join immediately?
A. Yes, you are encouraged to join immediately.
Q. Can someone explain how the Club will initially function before I join?
A. Yes, informational sessions are available on a regular and scheduled basis to meet the needs of the interested individuals.
Q. Are there grant opportunities to support needs of autistic individuals?
A. Yes, Lions Clubs International has a foundation that may be a funding source for qualifying projects to aid the autistic community. As a secondary source of funding Michigan has a Lions Foundation as well that may provide opportunities as well. Note that these are standard grant opportunities where a grant request must be filed and may change from time to time or eliminated completely.
Q. Other than the current $75/year dues are there any other commitments required?
A. No. The $75 fee pays for dues for one year in the Neurodiversity HOPE Lions Club which is in the formation stage.
Q. The club is in the formation stage. Will I get my money back if it does not form by December 31, 2025?
A. Yes.
Q. Why is this club being formed?
A. To support parents of autistic children. Frequently, parents of autistic children face challenges that are unique. Bringing together the community of parents of autistic children acts as both an information exchange and as an outlet to get families involved in their community.
Q. What happens if I no longer decide to be a member of the club?
A. You stop being a member of the club. There is no further commitment.
Q. Has a major health organization backed this initiative?
A. While we do have a commitment from some employees of a major health organization that work with autistic individuals, we do not receive funds or backing from any major health organization. The employees volunteer to satisfy their passion for autistic individuals. It is their form of service.
Q. Will this be structured like any other Lions Club?
A. Yes. It is a Lions Specialty Club. The purpose is to organize like minded individuals facing the same or similar issues.
Q. Are there other benefits?
A. Another major benefit is educating communities to the needs of autistic families. Autism is widespread. Knowledge of autism is not necessarily widespread.
Q. Does the club offer latitude to members to navigate the offerings of the club after it has already been formed?
A. Yes. Lions Clubs operate under the general guideline of “Your club, your way.” The guiding principle is the Lions Clubs Code of Ethics.
Q. Who do I contact for more information?
A. Lions Clubs International Director, Dave Wineman; E: dw@abadata.com T: 989-225-3279.