The Message Button
We’re building a neurodivergent network through Neuro Spicy Collective, hoping to create stronger connections among neurodivergent people, families, caregivers, and community organizations.
There is one small problem: apparently, building connections requires introducing yourself to people you don’t already know.
I know you’re out there. I’ve seen your organizations on Facebook. I’ve read your posts, looked at your events, admired the work you’re doing, and occasionally hovered over the “Message” button before deciding tomorrow might be a better day to introduce myself.
Does that count as outreach? Probably not. Does it feel like I’ve been quietly lurking on your pages? A little. 🤣
Showing Up
There was a time when this would have been easier for me. When I was younger and serving on the board of a nonprofit, I went to every event. I went to everybody else’s events, too. I knew people, and I enjoyed being in the middle of things.
These days, I love the quiet of my house. Traffic is less appealing. Crowds can be a lot. My current philosophy is that if I can’t find parking within five minutes, I’m out of there.
My brother Ernie is the opposite. He’s a social butterfly who gets stir crazy if he stays home too long. Portland’s festival season gives him plenty to look forward to, from Cinco de Mayo and the Rose Festival through summer events and the Greek Festival. He loves coastal outings, too, especially the Cannon Beach sandcastle competition.
I love that he has places he wants to return to every year. But being at an event isn’t always the same as finding a personal connection. You can be surrounded by people and still wonder where to begin.
Starting With Hello
That question has been on my mind as we build this network through Neuro Spicy Collective. How does a new organization introduce itself to groups that have already spent years doing this work?
I don’t want to barge in with a grand plan. I don’t want to duplicate what others have built or assume I know what a community needs before I’ve listened to the people in it. I want to learn what already exists, show up when I can, share useful resources, and see where genuine partnerships might grow.
An introduction doesn’t have to be a complete partnership proposal.
Maybe I’ve been making the first step too complicated. It can simply mean saying hello and asking, “What matters to you?”
So, hello.
If you’re part of a neurodivergent group, community organization, support network, or advocacy program in Oregon, we’d like to meet you. We want to hear about the work you’re doing, what you’re seeing in your community, and where working together might make sense.
And if you’ve also spent a little too long hovering over the “Message” button, you can start with hello. I’ll understand.