Participation Opportunity
Nominations Open for New Volunteer Board Members
We encourage Autistic members of ASAN-AUNZ who are living in Australia or New Zealand to nominate for board positions with ASAN AUNZ.
We will be electing 2 Board Members at our 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM).
On this page, we provide details on:
- Board vacancies
- About the role
- Essential criteria
- Diversity and inclusion
- Privacy
- How to nominate
Nominations for new volunteer board members will be accepted until midnight Sunday 22nd November 2026 (your local time).
Information about nominees will be made available on our website after nominations close, from Friday 27th November 2026.
Board members will be confirmed at our 2026 Annual General Meeting on Sunday 6 December 2026.
Board vacancies
There are 5 vacant positions on the ASAN AUNZ board. To fill these vacancies (in accordance with our rules):
- up to 2 board members will be elected at our AGM.
- up to 2 ASAN AUNZ Autistic members will be co-opted as board members to fill gaps in skills or representation.
- 1 board member position will remain open.
This approach will result in 4 continuing board members, 2 newly elected board members, 2 co-opted board members and 1 vacancy.
About the Role
ASAN AUNZ’s Board has a strategic focus and is continuing its transition from a working Board model.
While the organisation builds the staffing and resources needed for staff to manage all day-to-day operations, Board members are expected to contribute to strategic and governance responsibilities and provide agreed practical support where additional capacity is needed. This support is coordinated with staff and respects their roles and responsibilities
Board members are expected to commit 10–15 hours per month, including attending monthly Board meetings, preparing for meetings and undertaking agreed work between meetings. Board members are expected to serve in a volunteer capacity until the 2029 AGM and meet the role’s expected time commitment for the duration of their term.
Our guiding principles are:
- Our approach is grounded in the social and human rights models of disability. We recognise the disabling effects of inaccessible environments, unmet support needs, prejudice and discrimination. We work to address these barriers and uphold Autistic people’s rights to equity and self-determination.
- We recognise the Autistic neurotype as an equally valid part of human diversity. All Autistic people are equally valued members of our community, whatever their abilities or support needs.
- We challenge stereotypes and assumptions that limit Autistic people’s choices and opportunities.
- We use identity-first language, recognising autism as an integral part of a person’s identity. The word “Autistic” also carries cultural and political significance.
- We do not tolerate restrictive practices or members who promote restrictive education or management practices.
Essential Criteria
Before nominating please note that Board members must be:
- Autistic Adults who are members of ASAN AUNZ
- Agree to accept the guiding principles of ASAN AUNZ
- Reside within Australian and New Zealand countries or associated Territories.
- Meet additional requirements outlined in the nomination form, including background checks, relevant clearances, conflicts of interest, and compliance with ASAN AUNZ policies.
- Bring skills, lived experience and knowledge in areas that will assist the board with its decision making and governance processes. These include:
- Financial management and/or accounting
- Governance or leadership expertise
- Government or stakeholder engagement
- Working with vulnerable cohorts
- Co-design or advisory group facilitation and participation
Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept nominations that don’t meet these requirements.
Diversity and Inclusion
ASAN AUNZ is committed to expanding diversity on our Board, so that we authentically represent our members and the broader Autistic community. We encourage nominees to tell us how they would bring diverse perspectives and lived experience to the Board.
Privacy
Information provided in your nomination (excluding contact details) will be shared with ASAN AUNZ members to help them make an informed voting decision, including being published on the ASAN AUNZ website.
How to Nominate
To nominate for a volunteer Board Member position, you can:
Click above to access, complete and submit the online form.
Click above to download the form as a PDF. Complete this and send to secretary@asan-aunz.org with the subject ‘2026 Board Member Nomination – <insert your name>’
Provide a non-text nomination (including written, audio or video).
Please email your non-text nomination to secretary@asan-aunz.org with the subject ‘2026 Board Member Nomination – <insert your name>’. Ensure you answer all the questions required in the nomination form in your alternate format.