NDIM - 2.5 weeks in, a reminder of why we're here, and how to get involved!
As we take stock of the last 17 days of madness, we wanted to share some thoughts on how we are doing, the joy of the unexpected, what is new, and what you can do!
NOVEMBER 2024
Good morning to subscribers!
Amongst the madness of the world we thought we would share some positive from our little, positive, 15-20% corner of the world, or should we say, our growing community of industry allies and business who want to do their bit to champion and celebrate neurodiversity.
As we embark on our first full month since launch, we thought we would share some great news stories, and of course, if you are reading this, you are part of that movement, and with it our thanks.
Lovely flattering metrics aside of subscribers/followers/engagements (though they do point to a sign of rising interest) we have had some real tangible highlights :
-DMs from senior leaders thanking us for this, wishing this was around sooner, to evoke the conversation, to normalise, and to help workplaces empower their ND talent.
-Calls with agencies, ad tech companies and publishers who are keen to embrace the 4S’ in to their workplace. There are a lot of things your company are probably already doing, there’s probably some longer term changes needed, but there’s also a lot of quick wins! But overall there is a sense of real actionable, simple adoption.
-Offers of support form major tech companies and agencies who are keen on potentially supporting events, leaning in to this and so on.
-PR opportunities emerged, incited to talks/podcasts etc.
-Partners and friends of industry sharing the love and word on this, including our good friends at the Conscious Advertising Network.
It is quite amazing, and to those of you who have helped so far, THANK YOU.
Why we are here and what we seek to achieve
When we launched this, the primary goal was one to shine a light on the neurodiversity of our colleagues and talent in or amazing industry, with a primary help promote the 4S of neuroinclusion in the workplace of Systems, Spaces, Safety & Support. and that remains the case, and the plan coming to life is great to see.
However what we have realised in addition is how much actually the community piece and conversation is needed, the softer ‘metrics’ of conversation, attitudes and thinking/engagement have come up and are harder to plan but important to embrace, and with the overwhelming offers of support, thanks and so on, we realise that there has been a need for this.
So as a reminder of our main objectives as an initiative :
EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT AND 4S ADOPTION/ADVOCACY.
COMMUNITY & ALLYSHIP - supported through this platform/potential events.
INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS - signposting NDIM is life blood on limited resource.
ASK - 10 things in 10 minutes - what can YOU do?
With these 3 objectives in mind of media company advocacy, shining a light on neurodiversity underpinned by industry initiatives championing it, there are areas where you can definitely make a difference. Here are some quick things you can do today to get involved further, or simply just share a link and click. If each subscriber does one thing, we are further forward than the day before!
Download our 4S User guide and go through the ideas checklists.
Focus on quick wins, and make plans for the longer term wins.
Send said guide to your big boss if not your area
Share this post (button at bottom of email) with those you think are interested.
Consider NDIM as part of your forthcoming talent/mental health/DE&I Events.
Reply to this email with ideas of how to contribute, write, host or other ideas.
Follow our LinkedIn Page and share/comment/tag.
Refer the NDIM Substack to your colleagues or LinkedIn.
Signpost us to your industry initiatives/federations with which you are a part.
Encourage both media leaders and neurodivergent colleagues to follow us.
Any one of these things that is easiest for you will make a huge difference, and is appreciated more than you know.
We also hope (in inverted commas) to organise something in the New Year when all of our favourite time (Christmas and New Year) has died down. All very TBA but will keep you posted here with first look/updates for 2025!
Get to know the NDIM Founders and Champions who are driving this
Last week, in our LinkedIn Post, we shone a light on some of the successful industry folk who have spent the majority of their amazing careers with their neuro situation, which is as we know both a gift and at times a curse, and in the positive spirit of NDIM, we do this to shine a light on and celebrate the possibilities. Check out the founding squads bios, their transparent stories and journeys here. As part of our ongoing content, amongst these updates, spotlights on companies, the conditions, the 4S’ etc and more, we also intend to shine a light on more senior leaders and industry talent in near future here, so if you want to be featured please do reply.
That is it for now. Keep being amazing the way you are, keep having the conversations, and over time we will be part of something you, your colleagues and your industry need.
Thanks!
Si, Jaz & the NDIM squad.