Fw: NDSS: A New Strategic Direction

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From: Jon Colman <jcolman@...>Subject: NDSS: A New Strategic Direction"stpearson@..." <stpearson@...>Date: Monday, March 9, 2009, 9:43 PM

A New Strategic Direction: The Road to Value, Acceptance and Inclusion for People with Down Syndrome

Dear Friends,

The Down syndrome community faces a rapidly changing reality: There are new challenges, scientific innovations, newly emerging organizations and tough economic times. Since 1979, the National Down Syndrome Society has been committed to being a national leader in enhancing the quality of life and realizing the potential of all people with Down syndrome. Our commitment is just as strong today as it was 30 years ago. To this end, NDSS conducted extensive national outreach with families, self-advocates, affiliate leaders, board members, and others to better understand how NDSS can strengthen its commitment to the Down syndrome community and face the rapidly changing reality head on. After listening to this feedback, on February 6, 2009, the NDSS Board of Directors approved a new strategic direction with a stronger emphasis on public policy and public

awareness.

Click here to read A New Strategic Direction: The Road to Value, Acceptance and Inclusion for People with Down Syndrome to learn more about these changes.

An important component of the new strategic direction concerns the need to formalize the National Buddy Walk® program. To strengthen the National Buddy Walk® and take advantage of the opportunities before us, NDSS is asking Buddy Walk® organizers to sign a license agreement that includes consistent standards for use of the name and logo, and a minimum fee to NDSS of seven percent (7%) of net proceeds for each Buddy Walk® event. We strongly believe a change to a standard agreement will benefit all Buddy Walk® organizers, as affiliates will maintain a consistent look and message nationally and the minimum fee percentage will be the same for all groups.

Because the Buddy Walk® and public policy are so closely linked through grassroots level advocacy and family involvement, we believe that Buddy Walk® funds collected through licensing fees should be used to support the NDSS National Policy Center . The NDSS National Policy Center is only as effective as the leverage provided by the larger Down syndrome community’s involvement and advocacy.

To learn more about these changes in the Buddy Walk® policy, click here.

To view the standard Buddy Walk® license agreement, click here.

The National Down Syndrome Society wishes to express its gratitude to affiliates for their support of NDSS, and their role in this process. The mutually beneficial work of NDSS and its affiliate partners is providing individuals with Down syndrome increased opportunities for a better life. The recent and very successful Affiliates in Action conference is but one example of the exciting partnership that exists among Down syndrome stakeholders which becomes stronger with each new cooperative venture. To this end, strategic planning teams, with affiliate and community input, will be formed before the May 2009 NDSS Board of Directors meeting and the work will commence shortly thereafter. If we work together with purpose on a common vision, each of us can make a difference in shaping a better, brighter, more welcoming future for children and adults with Down syndrome.

Regards,

Jon Colman

President

National Down Syndrome Society

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