DNA Inc. Membership
By becoming a member of DNA Inc., you are part of a supportive, inclusive, and empowering community that is dedicated to advocacy, representation, and real change.
Our Constitution ensures that members receive meaningful benefits that align with our mission.
How DNA Inc. Works
DNA Inc. offers both a community association and the home of a separate social enterprise. These two parts work together — but they are not the same.
DNA Inc. Community Collective as an Association
DNA Inc. Community Collective is a not-for-profit, neuro-affirming organisation that focuses on:
• Peer support and community connection
• Advocacy, justice, and systemic change
• Leadership and lived-experience expertise
• Inclusive programs and public benefit initiatives
Membership is about belonging, voice, and shared governance.
Membership
Anyone can join DNA Community Collective as a General Member (free).
People who wish to support DNA Inc. financially can become Paid Members through a one-time contribution. Paid membership is lifetime.
Membership:
• Does not require volunteering
• Does not guarantee paid work
• Supports DNA Community Collective’s advocacy and community work
Divergent Futures Studio as a Social Enterprise
The Social Enterprise is a separate pathway that supports Neurodivergent people to earn income in flexible, accessible ways.
It includes:
• Creative products and digital resources
• Services and lived-experience consulting
• Micro-enterprises and ethical economic models
Participation happens through a separate Expression of Interest and agreement.
Why This Structure Matters
This separation protects:
• Member rights
• Fair work practices
• DNA Inc.’s charitable and DGR obligations (DGR currently under approval)
• The autonomy and dignity of contributors
It allows DNA Inc. to be both radical and responsible.
In Short
• Membership = community, voice, governance
• Social Enterprise = optional, pathways to paid opportunities
• Advocacy, authenticity, and care sit at the centre of everything
DNA Inc. exists to organise, protect, and empower — not to make us fit in, but to make systems change to fit us.
Join DNA Inc. today and help to create the change you want to see in the world.
Membership FAQ
Why does DNA Inc. have paid membership?
Paid membership helps DNA Inc. remain sustainable, independent, and community-led.
Membership contributions support advocacy, accessibility, governance, insurance, and free or low-cost community activities.
Is membership required to access resources?
No.
DNA Inc. offers community resources and engagement beyond membership wherever possible.
Membership is a way to support the work, not a gate to care.
Is membership a business fee or advertising cost?
No.
Membership is not a subscription for promotion or income.
Any visibility opportunities are optional, incidental, and community-focused.
Does paying for membership guarantee promotion or work?
No.
Membership does not guarantee:
- advertising
- paid opportunities
- social enterprise participation
Paid work occurs only through separate social enterprise processes which provide a pathway to opportunities.
Why not make everything free?
We aim to keep access as open as possible.
However, running an ethical, accessible organisation requires:
- insurance
- compliance
- administration
- governance
- systems that prevent burnout
Membership helps share that load.
How is the money used?
Membership funds are used for:
- community events
- advocacy and systems work
- accessibility improvements
- resource creation
- organisational sustainability
Funds are not distributed to members.
Can I still be involved if I can’t afford membership?
Yes.
DNA Inc. recognises financial barriers and values participation in many forms.
If cost is a barrier, we encourage people to reach out.
Why does this matter?
Because community-led work needs care, structure, and sustainability.
Membership helps DNA Inc.:
- stay accountable
- resist exploitative models
- keep lived experience at the centre