2008 Buddy Walk™ Policies & Procedures

The National Down Syndrome Society is thrilled that you are considering organizing an NDSS Buddy Walk™. Whether this is your first walk or your fifth, we welcome you to the National NDSS Buddy Walk™ Program. The Buddy Walk™ is an exceptional advocacy event for individuals with Down syndrome, promoting the awareness and understanding of Down syndrome in communities across the country.

As a trademarked program, it is extremely important that all Buddy Walk™ events communicate a consistent and uniform public message. With the Buddy Walk™ program gaining national and international recognition, NDSS has established the following guidelines for all Buddy Walk™ events. Please read the following policy statements with regard to organizing a Buddy Walk™ in your community and then sign and return the attached Buddy Walk™ Agreement. After receiving your signed agreement form, NDSS will provide you with access to our Buddy Walk™ support services.

NDSS must be notified of your intent to organize a Buddy Walk™ each year by the attached Buddy Walk™ Agreement and Registration forms, which need to be signed and returned. Please note that we are no longer able to accept e-mail registrations. It is important that NDSS has an accurate and up-to-date listing of Buddy Walk™ events across the country so that we can help you promote your walk and present an accurate number of participating walks. Remember the more individuals that walk the greater our voice!

The Buddy Walk™ is a trademark of the National Down Syndrome Society. Usage of the trademarked Buddy Walk™ logo is required on all materials and cannot be altered or manipulated in any way. For more information on usage of the Buddy Walk™ logo, please refer to the Graphic Standards section of your manual.

In order to demonstrate the national visibility of the walk, the Buddy Walk™ logo must be used on letterhead, event materials, brochures and when working with the media. Your own logo should also be used.

As a registered walk, it is important that you use the most up to date information on the National Buddy Walk™ Program (number of walks held last year, number expected this year, money raised and number of participants.) This information is on our website and will be provided to you with your materials.

If your Buddy Walk™ is a fund-raiser for your local organization, we ask that you contribute 25 percent of your walk proceeds, after expenses, to NDSS. Contributions from local Buddy Walk™ events help to support research, education and advocacy efforts on the national level. If you are not able to contribute 25 percent, any contribution would be appreciated.

The National Down Syndrome Society is not able to provide event insurance for participating Buddy Walk™ events. It is the responsibility of the local Buddy Walk™ committee and organizing body to secure appropriate event insurance coverage. However, NDSS does have information about securing event insurance and is prepared to assist with your insurance related questions.

If your Buddy Walk™ is within one hour of another registered Buddy Walk™, it is imperative that you communicate with the other organizing group to ensure that both walks will not happen on the same day within neighboring communities.

Please provide NDSS with a copy of all print and media materials used to promote local Buddy Walk™ programs. This includes: brochure, local community articles and/or pictures.

NDSS is here to help you organize a wonderful event. NDSS can provide guidance with public relations, fund-raising, marketing, finance and much more!