Each year, NDSS hold a Buddy Walk Conference to bring together Walk organizers from across the country. Over the past four years, the conference has taken place in Columbus, OH, Jacksonville, FL, San Diego, CA and Boston, MA. This year, we have decided to make this conference a virtual event so organizers from all over can attend without costly travel expenses. In 2014, the Buddy Walk Conference will be in person again.
The 2013 Buddy Walk Conference will be held on Friday April 26 and Saturday April 27. Registration for the conference is $10 per person. The same sessions will be held on both days so participants will be able to choose from the dates and times that are most convenient.
Conference Schedule (subject to slight change)
Friday, April 26
11:00am - 12:00pm
Welcome and Opening Remarks (Becky Switalski, NDSS National Buddy Walk Director)
An overview of National Buddy Walk Partner and 2013 Preferred Vendor GoodThreads (Andrew Urban, VP of Business Operations)
12:15pm - 1:00pm
Making the Most of Your Teams and Team Captains (Abbey Slee, Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio)
or
How To Successfully Secure Media Coverage For Your Buddy Walk (Jennifer Connolly, Down Syndrome Aim High Resource Center, NY)
1:15pm - 2:00pm
Best Practices in Engaging the Community In Your Buddy Walk (Maureen Gallagher, Massachusets Down Syndrome Congress)
Or
Making Your Buddy Walk An Advocacy Machine (Sara Weir, NDSS VP of Advocacy and Affiliate Relations and Ginny Sessions, NDSS Grassroots and Development Manager)
2:15pm - 3:00pm
Small Group Brainstorming (Self-Advocates, Fundraising/Partnerships, Volunteers or Entertainment/Event Day Activities)
Saturday, April 27
11:00am - 12:00pm
Welcome and Opening Remarks (Becky Switalski, NDSS National Buddy Walk Director)
An overview of National Buddy Walk Partner and 2013 Preferred Vendor GoodThreads (Andrew Urban, VP of Business Operations)
12:15pm - 1:00pm
How to Successfully Secure Media Coverage For Your Buddy Walk (Alana Kennon, Down Syndrome Association of Tulsa)
or
Recognizing Top Fundraisers - Before, During and After Your Buddy Walk (Pam Sandonato, NDSS VP of Development)
1:15pm - 2:00pm
Secrets of a Successful First Time Buddy Walk Organizer (Teri Hawthorne, The Arc of Greater Beaumont, TX )
or
Making the Most of Your Teams and Team Captains (Alejandra Lima, Down Syndrome Association of Houston)
2:15pm - 3:00pm
Small Group Brainstorming (Self-Advocates, Fundraising/Partnerships, Volunteers or Entertainment/Event Day Activities)
Register now for the Buddy Walk Conference.