Legislative & Policy Issues & The Buddy Walk

Because the Buddy Walk brings large groups of people together for a fun filled day to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome, it is an incredible opportunity to harness this energy to improve public policy and services for people with Down syndrome and other disabilities.  This can seem like a daunting task that requires someone with political expertise, but it is actually very easy!  Without a lot of time or complication, you can use your Buddy Walk to bring about positive legislative change.

Click here  to download an easy guide to using your Buddy Walk to bring about postive change. 

Here are a few of the ideas from the guide:

Invite local elected officials to your walk.  What a wonderful impact meeting families and enjoying the day could have on a government representative and his or her understanding of Down syndrome!  School board members, mayors, city council members…anyone would be a welcomed VIP guest.  You can even invite your local federal representatives. Click here to find their contact information.  Click here  to download a template for the invitation.  You may also want to extend an invitation for these VIP guests to say a few words to the crowd.  When an elected official visits you walk, be sure to take lots of pictures (for your newsletter!) and follow up later with a thank you note.  A visit from a VIP can create a long term positive relationship with your local group and may also help increase media attention for you walk.

Have an advocacy table at your walk.  Many walks have tables of information on a wide range of services and resources.  Why not have one table dedicated to legislative action?  Improving public policy is only possible when many people are taking action.  Use your advocacy table to sign as many people as possible up to receive action alerts and information from the NDSS National Policy Center.  Click here  to download a form people can use to sign up for these alerts.  You may also want to take the opportunity to educate walkers about some of the current legislative issues and ways they can help (usually a quick email or phone call is all it takes!).  Click here for the most up to date information on NDSS National Policy Center’s current initiatives.

Share the information.  Send an email to walk participants and all of your contacts urging them to get involved.  Click here to download a sample email.