Thank you for your willingness to donate your time and energy to further the National Down Syndrome Society's mission to be the national advocate for the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. Together, we create opportunities for people with Down syndrome to enhance their quality of life, realize their life aspirations and become valued members of welcoming communities. Choose from many ways to get involved with NDSS and benefit the Down syndrome community!
Contact Your Local Affiliate
NDSS has over 350 local affiliate Down syndrome groups. Some affiliates are large operations and some are small neighborhood groups, each performing a variety of services to the Down syndrome community in their region. To find volunteer opportunities near you, try contacting one or more of our affiliates in your area to see if they need volunteers for their events and programs.
Join Your Local Buddy Walk®
The Buddy Walk is a one-mile advocacy walk created by NDSS to raise awareness about the gifts that people with Down syndrome bring to their communities. Participate in your local Buddy Walk or start your own!
Share Your Story
The My Great Story campaign seeks to ignite a new way of thinking about people with Down syndrome by collection and showcasing inspirational stories told by people with Down syndrome as well as their family members, friends, colleagues, employers and many others. View the collection and share your story!
Launch an NDSS Your Way Campaign
NDSS Your Way invites you to compete, celebrate and create with us through our new online fundraising program that is geared towards independent fundraisers interested in raising money on behalf of NDSS. Run a race, host a block party, plan a dance marathon, grow a moustache, or climb a mountain – however you choose to do it, do it for NDSS and do it Your Way!
Join Our Young Leadership Committee
NDSS has several Young Leadership Committees around the country and we are looking to establish more. We are seeking volunteer groups of young professionals, students or friends who are connected by their support for NDSS and people with Down syndrome.
advocate for people with down syndrome
Whether you aren’t sure who your local elected representatives are or you are a seasoned advocate it’s easy to get involved! Sign up to receive NDSS advocacy alert emails. These will let you know what you can do and when to make a difference for people with Down syndrome. A quick phone call or a form email is usually all it takes, and responding to NDSS advocacy alerts is the fastest and most effective way to support important Down syndrome legislative activities.
Stay Informed
Sign up to receive the monthly NDSS E-Newsletter (enter your email address in the right column) and follow NDSS on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube for the latest news and updates.
Donate
Your tax-deductible charitable donation to NDSS will help fund our mission to be the national advocate for the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.
External Resources
- The Arc
The largest national community-based organization advocating for and serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families
- Best Buddies
A volunteer program that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
- Special Olympics
Year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities
- Very Special Arts
Provides arts and education opportunities for people with disabilities and increases access to the arts for all