Author: Jen Franklin Kearns, ds-connex team member

World Down Syndrome Day, March 21st, is a terrific time to raise Down syndrome awareness; often times, Down syndrome organizations use 3/21 as the launch date for their Buddy Walk® initiatives. This year, seven national Down syndrome organizations (International Down Syndrome Coalition, National Down Syndrome Congress, LuMind Foundation, Global Down Syndrome Foundation, National Down Syndrome Society, International Mosaic Down Syndrome Society, and Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action) have come together to create an amazing event to further mark World Down Syndrome Day.

On March 21st, they are asking that the Down syndrome communities come together with the Spread the Love on WDSD: Random Acts of Kindness project, to elevate awareness and understanding of Down syndrome. This initiative can be orchestrated in addition to any annual events hosted by your organization in recognition of WDSD, and it is a low cost idea that can easily be carried out by your membership.

The instructions for this event are simple:

1. On March 21st, wear a shirt that identifies yourself as part of the Down syndrome community.

2. Choose an act of kindness to share; 1-3 acts of kindness are suggested for WDSD15.

3. Print out the WDSD postcard and give with your Random Act of Kindness; be sure to include your organization’s contact information on the postcard!

4. Using the hashtag #WDSD15, post photos of your Random Acts of Kindness to your social media accounts to help build awareness of the event.

Watch this webinar recording to learn more!

For ideas and to start planning your #WDSD15 activities, check out our new Pinterest board! We would love to hear any additional ideas you might have; please share them in the comments section. We look forward to seeing all the great #WDSD15 photos on social media!