| Advocacy - Buddy Walk® on Washington |
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 The National Down Syndrome Society Celebrates the First Annual Buddy Walk® on Washington
On February 24th and 25th 2010, NDSS brought together almost 200 advocates for people with Down syndrome and their families (including many self-advocates) in Washington D.C. to send a strong message to elected officials about important national policy priorities. The event kicked off with an interactive training, which prepared all participants for their experiences on Capitol Hill and shared new strategies for successful advocacy. The trainings included detailed information about national policy priorities (including authorizations of the ABLE Bill and the 21 Act and appropriations for the Kennedy Brownback Bill). That evening at the reception and award ceremony, NDSS honored Down syndrome leaders and advocates from across the country. Steve Beck and Alex Reid were honored for their work on the ABLE Bill. Doris Erhart was given an award to recognize her governmental affairs work with the Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma, NDSS and AIA. Governmental Affairs Committees from Indiana and Maryland were awarded honors for their state-level advocacy work and John Anton, a young man with Down syndrome, was named the NDSS Advocate of the Year. John has been an advocate in Massachusetts working with legislators, policy makers, and disability advocates for over 10 years. The next day, the group traveled to Capitol Hill, where they enjoyed a breakfast honoring members of the House and Senate who have worked tirelessly to protect the rights and improve the lives of people with Down syndrome. Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Congressman Pete Sessions and Congressman Anders Crenshaw all addressed the group, as did a representative from Senator Casey's office and NDSS self-advocate Erin Thompson. After breakfast, groups met privately with the elected officials from their home states. Madeleine Will, Vice President of Public Policy at NDSS said, "The Buddy Walk on Washington was such an important and successful opportunity for the Down syndrome community to communicate their needs and priorities to decision-makers in Washington D.C. We know, though, that this work doesn't end today, but will continue as each group who came to Washington continues to cultivate their relationship with their members throughout the year." Snaphots from Buddy Walk on Washington 2010
Click here to view the entire photo gallery NDSS plans to return to the Hill for the Buddy Walk on Washington again in February 2011. Click here to learn about the important policy initiatives pursued in Click here to read a message from the Congressional Down Syndrome Caucus. BUDDY WALK ON WASHINGTON PARTICPANTS: Click here to download a meeting feedback form and be sure to return it to NDSS via mail, email, or fax.
Also, make sure each office receives a thank you note from your group. It is nice to include a picture of your group with the member if you were able to take one. In the thank you note, you can address any questions that you were asked and agreed to answer later. You may also want to provide additional information on the legislative priorities that were discussed at your meeting.
Registration Exact dates and registration information for the 2011 Buddy Walk on Washington are not yet available. Continue to check back for more information. Frequently Asked Questions Why is it called the Buddy Walk® on Washington if there is no walk involved? While we don't want to disappoint anyone who may be expecting a mile loop to walk or cheering supporters, we have chosen to call the advocacy conference the Buddy Walk® on Washington to help send a cohesive message about Down syndrome awareness and inclusion. Further, one of the things many advocates will ask the legislators for during the meetings will be to attend a local Walk. Using this name for the conference will help the elected official connect local and national Down syndrome awareness activities with the local advocates with whom they are building a relationship. Will there be help for me to set up meetings on Capitol Hill? Will there be training and assistance on how to best approach and meet with elected officials? Absolutely! Once you are registered for the conference, you will receive informational emails and information about training webinars that will help you understand how to schedule these meetings. How much will it cost for my group to attend? Are there scholarship opportunities available? The cost of registration is $25. Beyond that cost, you will need to factor in hotel accommodations, food and travel costs. If cost is prohibitive, please contact NDSS. Who should attend this conference? What about self-advocates? Anyone with a passion for advocacy and/or an interest in meeting legislators on the Hill is encouraged to attend! You do not need to be an expert! When groups are considering who will travel to Washington, it is important to remember what a strong and positive impact self-advocates can have on legislators and what a wonderful experience such meetings can be for self-advocates. Groups are strongly encouraged to include self-advocates, but self-advocate attendees should have a leadership role in the local Down syndrome community, an interest in policy and meeting with legislators, and be over the age of 18. It is more than ok to bring a child with Down syndrome who is younger than 18 to the meetings on the Hill, especially given the special connection children can bring to the issue. However, it is important to note when you are planning for your trip, that the conference events (such as the training, award ceremony and breakfast) are not "child friendly" and child care will not be provided.
You will want to schedule a meeting with as many of your legislators (members of the House of Representatives and Senate) as possible. In order to find out who your legislators are, go to: What topics will I cover in the meeting? You will be briefed on national policy initiatives during the Buddy Walk® on Washington advocacy training and webinar. Of course you will want to invite your legislators to your Buddy Walk® and ask them to join the Congressional Down Syndrome Caucus, too. What role can a self-advocate play in the meetings? Self-advocates are ideal ambassadors from your organization and there is so much a Congressional representative can learn from meeting individuals with Down syndrome! However, it is important to note that self-advocates who attend the meetings with representatives should be at least 18-years-old, have a leadership role in your organization and an interest in policy. Be sure any self-advocate who attends has a major role in the meeting, and that he or she knows what to expect from the meeting is prepared to participate. The interactive training on the first day of the Buddy Walk® on Washington is an ideal opportunity to prepare self-advocates to meet with legislators. |
