DSA Magazine Issue #1

DSA MAGAZINE Issue 1

Next Issue:
Articles for Each Advocacy Group
Book & Resource Corner - Calendar

Research – Policy - Sponsor Page

THE DSA COMMUNITY C.A.R.E.S. connections - actions - resources - education - support DOWNSYDROMEALABAMA.ORG (WALK)

October 4th Veteran’s Park - Hoover FUNDS SUPPORT

4800 Valleydale Road - East of I65 - West of Hwy 280 - North of Hwy 119 - South of I459 NEW BABY OUTREACH
Staff & the Welcome Team greet New Parents
Participating Is Easy, Fun & A Great Opportunity To…  Pre-Birth or Newborn Diagnosis
 Parent to Parent connections
Raise AWARENESS Promote ACCEPTANCE Be An ADVOCATE  Materials, information and resources
 Support Group
~ SEE EVENT MAP & WAYS TO REGISTER INSIDE ~
NEW! Book Drop Off for DSA LENDING LIBRARY

at Parking Lots & Registration Tables
Bring any gently used books related to Down syndrome for DSA’s New Lending Library

12pm - Set up & Registration Opens

Set up your camp chairs - Tents - Picnic blankets - Pavilion seating
for a fun & meaningful day with family, friends or an entire team

NEW! Serenity Area Available - for those who are sensory sensitive

12:30 - 2pm Picnic, Food Trucks & Activities
Picnic Areas - Pete’s Hot Dogs & Irresistible Catering - Playgrounds

Inflatables for all ages - Games

2 to 3:30pm Ceremony & Walk

DJ Rob Langford - Awards - Entertainment - Balloon Release - 16th Buddy Walk®

The actual walk will begin around 2:30pm with the ribbon cutting ceremony and exuberant cheering!
Though the walk only covers a short distance, takes approximately 30 minutes to complete, it
represents a lifetime of potential and dedication to quality of life for every individual with Down
syndrome in Central Alabama!

3:30 - *5pm Celebration Festival
Crafts (Home Depot & others) - Amazing Face Painters - Selfie Photo Stage Interactive

Sports Activities - Inflatables - Games - Playgrounds

*At 5pm every participant is commissioned to promote and increase - Lifelong Awareness,
Acceptance & Advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome until we gather again next year on
October 2, 2016. TAKE HOME - National Down Syndrome Awareness Month Yard Signs

DSA is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Donations are tax deductible as permitted by law.

DSA MAGAZINE | Issue 1 2

HOW TO REGISTER… FUNDS SUPPORT

$10.00 - ages 4 & up includes admission wristband Workshops - Seminars - Conferences
 Presentations by local and national experts.
FREE - Individuals with Down syndrome + kids age 3 & under  Related and Important topics
 Relevant to appropriate age groups
Create your own personalized Walk T-shirt  Helpful to:
or purchase a 2015 Commemorative T-shirt for $7.50  Those with Down syndrome
 Family & Caregivers
THERE ARE 3 CONVENIENT WAYS TO REGISTER:  Health Professionals
Registration Form –On page 5  Educators
Mail to DSA 1929 Canyon Rd. Vestavia Hill, AL 35216  Service Providers
 Advocates
Online - visit downsyndromealabama.org (WALK)  The Community at large

In Person -
PRE-REGISTRATION & WRISTBAND PICK UP
DSA Office - 1929 Canyon Road, Vestavia Hills, Alabama 35216

Come anytime within the hours posted to deliver registrations, donations and pick up
wristbands (& DSA ’15 Walk T-shirts)

Sat. Sept. 26th - 9am to 5pm Sun. Sept. 27h - 12pm to 5pm
Mon. Sept. 28th thru Award Deadline Thurs. Oct 1st 9a m to 7pm

At The Buddy Walk® - Sun. Oct 4th 12 to 2pm (t-shirts available while supplies last)

MEMORIAL BALLOON RELEASE

At an appointed time we will have a moment of silence, then release balloons and
memorial cards that remember and celebrate the life of a loved one with Down
syndrome, a parent, caretaker, relative, service provider or friend.

Call 205-988-0810 to request balloons and awareness cards
White Memorial Balloons will be available at the Buddy Walk® Stage

FUNDS SUPPORT PARTICIPATE AS AN…

HEART 2 HEART Hospital Outreach INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPANT - Anyone who wants to show their personal support of
Coordinators and Staff reach out to individuals with Down syndrome and Down Syndrome Alabama
families who come from all over
TEAM - A group formed to gather and celebrate their honoree, group and the DSA cause.
Alabama to local hospitals seeking care
for their loved one with Down syndrome. WAYS TO PARTICIPATE…
DSA will visit, provide information and
WALKERS - are individuals, families and groups who attend the event and join the Walk
connect parent/caregivers to other
parents/caregivers who have been TEAM MEMBER - are individuals, families and groups who create or join a Team established to
celebrate an honoree or group at the Walk (Team Packets available upon request or at
through a similar experience. downsyndromealabama.org (WALK – scroll down)

VIRTUAL WALKERS - are individuals, families and groups who want to support the event but
are unable to attend the Walk

FUNDRAISING WALKER - any individual or team member dedicated to raising funds in
addition to walking at the event on behalf of an individual with Down syndrome, or a group and
the DSA cause

DONORS - an individual, family or group that makes a financial contribution to DSA as a general
gift or a designated honorarium for a specific individual or team

INDIVIDUAL & CORPORATE SPONSORS - any person or business making a financial or in-
kind contribution as a general gift or as a specific donation for an individual or team is
considered a sponsor. Corporate acknowledgement levels begin with donations of $500 and
above. Corporate Sponsor and Team Building materials are available upon request by calling
205-988-0810 or email [email protected] (WALK – scroll down)

DSA MAGAZINE | Issue 1 3

INVITE OTHERS TO PARTICIPATE… FUNDS SUPPORT

SHARE A BROCHURE - download & forward or print Advocacy Groups
for your contacts. downsyndromealabama.org (WALK -  New Parents
scroll down) Request from DSA 205-988-0810  Pre-School
 Elementary
SEND OUT LETTERS - create a personalized letter to  Birmingham City
handout or mail to your contacts  Middle School
 High School
CREATE ONLINE PERSONALIZED PAGE -  CHAMPS – Self Advocates
Go to downsndromealabama.org - Click Walk  Hispanic
Click Register Here will take you to Donor Drive  Mom’s Time
Click Participant Type - Create Team Page  Siblings
 New! Adoptive Families
PHONE & EMAIL INVITATIONS - personal contact is
still the most effective and meaningful way

STEP BY STEP…PLANNING AN ONLINE OR LETTER CAMPAIGN

One of the most effective (easiest) ways to increase participation is to launch a campaign
Reach out to contacts by drafting a personalized message to explain why you, your company,

and/or family are participating in the Walk.

Step 1: Develop Your Contact List - Remember the longer your list, the larger your results
Start with lists you already have: Address Book, Rolodex, Holiday Card List, Team/League
Rosters, Church/Club Directories, Vendors, E-mail List
Don’t forget people from your past: Classmates, Roommates, Teachers, Neighbors, Co-workers,
Teammates, Fraternal/Alumni Groups
Then add: Businesses you frequent, colleagues, families of your child’s current/past schoolmates

Step 2: Write Your Message - Here are a few tips for an Online Post or a Letter
-Include your fund-raising goal and the deadline for registrations/donations - to qualify for Team
Awards (deadline Oct 1)
-Speak from the heart and tell people why awareness, acceptance and advocacy for children and
adults with Down syndrome are important to you
-Share how inclusion, education, research and community support brings hope to everyone
associated with Down syndrome
-Express why we celebrate:
- How DSA is building an organization that will have programs for every stage of life
- Why DSA is worthy of financial support
- Inform them that their donation is tax deductible as allowed by law. Checks should be made out
to DSA [Down Syndrome Alabama] If you have an Honoree tell their history, activities,
learning and aspirations and express your hopes for them.
- Find a photo you can insert into the letter using your computer or include a picture with the letter
if you’d prefer.
-Consider Enclosing a self-addressed envelope if you are sending out letters

Step 3: Share the Link to your Online Personalized Page ~ OR ~ Mail your Letters
-Ideally your post or letters should go out about three to four weeks before the Walk – although
successful results have been achieved “in a pinch”.
-Team coordinators have also been successful with e-mail blasts or handouts.
-Spontaneous invitations are fun and surprising when someone you meet shows interest in your
loved one and then signs up or you bump into an old acquaintance that is ready to jump on board.

Step 4: Write Thank You Notes
Be sure to send out thank you notes to all of your supporters announcing your success.
Acknowledging your contributors’ generosity will ensure their future support! Include event
pictures if you can – they are yearlong keepsakes.

DSA MAGAZINE | Issue 1 4
Northwest Satellite - Gadsden
FUNDS SUPPORT

Central Alabama Satellite
 Northwest - Coordinator in Jasper
 North - Coordinator in Cullman
 Northeast- Coordinator in Gadsden
 Southeast - Coordinator in Vincent
 Southwest - Coordinator in Tuscaloosa

Networking with State Affiliates
 Bringing Up Down Syndrome in Huntsville
 Montgomery Area Down Syndrome Outreach
 F.R.I.E.N.D.S. in Dothan
 Down Syndrome Society of Mobile

Buddy Walk® FAQS…

What is The Buddy Walk®? The Buddy Walk® was developed by the National Down Syndrome Society in 1995 to bring together a wide
range of concerned individuals to reach out to friends, family and co-workers to promote awareness and inclusion for people with Down
syndrome and to raise funds for education, research and advocacy programs. The Buddy Walk® is one of the main fundraising events
for Down Syndrome Alabama.

How Far and Long is the Walk? The Walk is a very fun celebratory Walk that measures a
short distance and only takes 30 minutes to complete. The Walk is on gravel but it is still
wheelchair and stroller accessible. Friendly and well behaved pets are welcome.

Who Receives Funds? Down Syndrome Alabama…
…Is a not for profit organization whose mission is to promote lifelong Awareness, Acceptance

and Advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome throughout Central Alabama
…The DSA community C.A.R.E.S. connections - actions - resources - education - support
…Is an enduring advocate for quality of life issues and the rights of every individual with Down

syndrome

What does DSA do with the Money Raised?
Funds raised at the Buddy Walk® remain in Central Alabama and enable DSA to:
1. Offer Free Membership to DSA
2. Host a Website & Online Healthcare Referral Program
3. Purchase Materials for Baby & New Parents
4. Subsidize 9 Advocacy Groups & Activities
5. Provide for Advocacy Efforts & Materials
6. Underwrite Workshops, Education & Programs
6. Backing for Outreach Efforts & 5 Satellite locations
8. Offer salaries for staff to carry out DSA's mission

What if someone I invite cannot participate as walker? If they make a donation will it count toward my Individual or Team
Fundraising Total? Yes! They can be Virtual Walkers! Have them mail the registration form or return it to you [make checks payable to DSA
or use DSA online registration or Donor Drive [with a check/credit or debit card]
to make a donation. All donations must be received by midnight on October 1st
to count toward a Team’s overall fundraising total. [Donations received after
this date will be credited to an individual’s fundraising total] Instruct your team
member to notate the Team Name or their Honorees name on the check or
online form.

Can Individuals or Team members register after October 1st or on the Day
of the Buddy Walk®? Yes! They may register and pick up their t-shirt and
wristband on Oct. 4th, before the Buddy Walk® from 12:30-1:55pm to walk with
your team. Wristbands will only be available while supplies last. Funds raised by
these registering team members will not count toward the overall Team
fundraising total BUT these funds could be added to an individual’s fundraising
total after the day of the walk.

DSA MAGAZINE | Issue 1 5

2015 BUDDY WALK® REGISTRATION

Complete this form (one per family) Make checks payable to DSA

Mail to 1929 Canyon Rd. Vestavia Hills, AL 35216
 Individual  Family  Volunteer/Vendor  Donor/Company

Name________________________________________________

Address _____________________________________________
City________________________ State______ Zip__________

Phone # ( )______________________________________

Email________________________________________________

Honoree w/Down syndrome: __________________________________

Or in honor/memory of:_______________________________________

Are you a member of a Team? Yes No

Team Name:_________________________________________________

REGISTRATION $10 per person - Admission Wristband

FREE - Individuals with Down syndrome + kids age 3 & under
Teams & Individuals may create their own 2015 t-shirt
Or purchase optional $7.50 commemorative t-shirt

Total # persons with DS + age 3 & under _______Free
Total # age 4 & up ___@ $10.00 ea = $___________
# Optional T-shirt(s) ____@ $7.50 ea. = $___________

Additional Donation $___________
Ck #_______Ca____Total Enclosed $______________

Donations are tax deductible as allowed by law. DSA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

Indicate T-shirt quantities & sizes available while supplies last
Ch-XS___ Ch-S___ Ch-M___ Ch-L___
AS___ AM___ AL___ AXL___ A2X___ A3X___

One waiver per family must be signed. In consideration of me and/or my
minor child being permitted to participate in the DSA Walk, I hereby, for myself,
my heirs and personal representatives, assume any and all risks that might be
associated with the event. I further waive, release, discharge and covenant not to
sue Down Syndrome Alabama; City of Hoover; their sponsors, organizers,
volunteers or other representatives; or their successors and assigns for any and all
injuries or damages of any kind whatsoever suffered by myself and/or my minor
child as a result of taking part in the events and any related activities. I also
authorize the use by Down Syndrome Alabama of any photo, film or videotape
taken of me or my minor child at the event for any purpose.

Signed___________________________________

Date____/____/____

DSA MAGAZINE | Issue 1 6

CREATE TEAM T-SHIRTS & SIGNS FOR THE WALK

Have fun creating a catchy Team Name
Design a T-shirt for your team to wear
You can put sponsor logos on the back

Here are a few ideas…
Create a sign
that features your
Team Name
Be Creative
Use Pictures

WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT

Be brave when thinking about asking others to participate or asking for contributions can feel risky - BUT sharing your love
and commitment for an individual with Down syndrome can be educational, inspiring and motivating to others.

Boldly invite those on the list you’ve created and try not to be bashful with those you spontaneously meet who show
interest in your loved one or the person/group you are honoring.

You will have promoted Awareness for those with Down syndrome, encouraged Acceptance, made your Advocacy known
and shared information about the Walk!

Sometimes your risk may cultivate a fellow champion whose immediate focus will be upon your intended honoree for the
Buddy Walk® and because of this experience will surely take notice of others with Down syndrome in the course of their
daily lives.

Individuals, Families and Teams will WALK on October 4th at Veteran’s Park
Hoover to promote Awareness and Inclusion for people with Down syndrome.

Veteran’s Park - ADDRESS & DIRECTIONS

4800 Valleydale Road, Hoover AL 35242

Veteran’s Park is Located:
South of Hwy 459 - North of 119
East of Hwy 280 - West of I65

downsyndromealabama.org (WALK)
205.988.0810