We wanted to share a wonderful Blog post from our partners at NEXT for AUTISM and their Next Gen Connect program to promote a more inclusive workplace.  

Autism employment statistics continue to be of concern. Many autistic adults are underemployed or have difficulty securing employment. Mentorship is one method to promote employment. A tried-and-true practice of building a professional community and career advancement, mentorship’s main premise is that a mentee learns from a mentor who has more knowledge, skills, and abilities, and all the learning is for the mentee – but is this really true? Just because someone has more years on the earth or a few more layers on their resume can the relationship be such that only one member of the pair can learn from the other? What if each member of the pair entered the relationship with the shared expectation that they would learn from each other? With a little finesse the power dynamic can shift from mentor to mentee to offering a co-mentoring experience where both members benefit. Co-mentoring is defined as an intense mutual mentoring relationship that is common among peers but transcends age, rank, and organizational level boundaries.

With generous support from the Bhatia Family Foundation and in collaboration with NEXT Gen Board, NEXT for AUTISM has embarked in a co-mentoring initiative – NEXT Gen Connect. This program has been established for young professionals who may or may not be autistic and aspiring young autistic professionals. These peers connect with a shared goal of promoting a more inclusive workplace. Established professionals learn about neuroinclusivity while aspiring autistic professionals build their network and develop skills and connections to secure employment. Our goal is to ensure a workplace that truly values autistic employees, and that every autistic adult who wants to work can secure meaningful employment.

Here’s what one of the co-mentors shared after their first meeting in our pilot launch of NEXT Gen Connect:

I met with my co-mentor today. It was so nice getting to know him and learning more about him.  The materials were excellent – I thought they structured the meeting well and promoted thoughtful discussion.  We chose a theme for our next meeting that I think complements both the prepared materials  and his goals. This is so much fun!” – Alexa West, NEXT Gen Board Member

NEXT for AUTISM believes that we can all learn from each other. NEXT Gen Connect is a model of inclusivity, ensuring each co-mentor, both, teaches and learns. This inclusive model is what we want in the workplace, increasing the understanding that everyone has something to offer. To be honest, this desire for inclusivity extends beyond the workplace, it is what NEXT for AUTISM wants for society, an understanding and belief that diversity is a strength. 

For more about Next For Autism please visit: https://www.nextforautism.org/​

India is facing a major humanitarian crisis with another wave of COVID-19, crossing the 19 million case mark, and is getting nearly 400,000+ cases a day. The country's healthcare system is close to collapse. Hospitals are filled, unable to care for any new patients. In addition, there are oxygen supply and ventilator shortages. People are dying and need international help. We are looking at ways that we can assist, but in the meantime, we encourage those looking to help to donate to www.pathfinder.org or www.unicefusa.org who are working on the ground
​to provide critical life-saving supplies. 

We are in this together!  

We wanted to share a message below from NAPAWF in response to the act of violence that took place this week in Georgia. We stand in solidarity with our Asian and Asian American neighbors. Please consider supporting organizations supporting Asian American communities where you live, as well as local, Asian-owned businesses that may need support more than ever now.
 
From NAPAWF
We are appalled, devastated, and angry at the violence in Georgia that has taken eight lives, six of whom were Asian American women. We must call this moment what it truly is: white supremacy, anti-Asian racism, sexism, and sexual violence against Asian American women.

Asian American women have consistently reported 2-3 times more incidents of harassment and violence than men. The coronavirus has been weaponized against us to enable even more racialized misogyny but we continue to courageously speak up so our stories are heard and demand that our leaders address racism and violence against us head on.

We need a response to these escalating incidents of harassment and violence that centers Asian American women and elders. Intentional centering of women and elders must result in true aid, community support, government support, and an emphasis on our lived experiences, so that relief flows to those who need it most. We do not need more law enforcement – time and time again, more law enforcement did not lead to protection and safety. It instead leads to more violence aimed at and control of Black and brown communities, including our own community members. 
We are asking elected officials for a response that:

• centers the needs of the communities on the ground
• tackles the systemic racism and white supremacy that continues to plague our nation
• addresses the needs of the survivors with services such as increased culturally informed victim support, community support, meaningful physical and mental health access including for all immigrants, and economic assistance that focuses on those who need it most.

As a minority, immigrant family, we are deeply saddened by all the events that have transpired throughout this country. Not only the police brutality we have seen recently, but the disproportionate access to care minorities and underprivileged communities have endured through Covid-19. Unfortunately, these issues are not new. However, we FIRMLY believe that individuals and families - through social activism and charity – can and will make a difference. Our foundation is currently evaluating charities to support. If anyone has charities dedicated to ending discrimination and social justice, please contact our Foundation Manager Mandi at mandi@rkbhatiafoundation.org ​