BellaOnline Forums Family Special Needs Children Down Syndrome Buddy Walk® on Washington

http://tinyurl.com/BWalkNDSS
The Buddy Walk� on Washington will be a powerful way for advocates in the Down syndrome community to:
Send a strong message of advocacy from the Down syndrome community about important national policy priorities
Meet and create positive relationships with policy makers; relationships which can become long term partnerships
Connect with other Down syndrome advocates from around the country
Learn new strategies for successful advocacy
Educate elected officials about the strengths and needs of their constituents with Down syndrome

Preliminary Conference Schedule

Wednesday, February 24

2:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Interactive advocacy training at the Washington Plaza Hotel to unite and prepare for visits on Capitol Hill

6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Buddy Walk� on Washington Reception and Award Ceremony at the Washington Plaza Hotel
(dinner served)

Thursday, February 25

8:00 a.m.-9:30 a.m.
Legislative Breakfast on the Hill

9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Meetings with Senators and Members of the House of Representatives
(lunch on your own)

To arrange your stay, contact the conference hotel, the Washington Plaza Hotel; let the reservation agent know you will be attending the Buddy Walk� on Washington to receive the special conference rate...

FAQ 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! We suggest that you begin to start setting up meetings in mid-January, and advise that you plan to have all of your meetings scheduled by the beginning of February. Stay tuned for information on an upcoming training webinar and stay tuned for additional information and resources on this website that will help prepare you to schedule and attend meetings.

NDSS Down Syndrome Buddy Walk on Washington DC Feb 24-25, 2010