Interested in organizing a Buddy Walk®? Follow the steps below to learn how to register your Buddy Walk®.
Step 1
Check the Buddy Walk® map to see if there is an existing Buddy Walk® in your area.
If you are a new Organizer for an existing Buddy Walk® you can use the previous Organizer’s username and password to log in and change the information on the account. If you do not have the username and password, please follow the steps below.
Please note that NDSS policy prohibits a new Buddy Walk® within 30 miles of an existing Walk. Walks that are within this close proximity are encouraged to collaborate on one Walk. By working together, the increased number of participants and combined efforts of your groups will produce a larger and stronger Walk. Together you can promote the Buddy Walk® message of acceptance and inclusion even more prominently in your community. NDSS offers the right of first refusal to pre-existing Walks in a geographic region before considering a new Walk.
Step 2
If there is no Buddy Walk® already in your area, you will need the following information for the registration process:
- Organizer contact information, including email, address, and telephone number
- Group information (if the Walk is being organized by an affiliate support group or other organization) including email, mailing address, and telephone number
- Buddy Walk® information, including date, location, if this will be a fundraising event, and other appropriate event details
- Event Website, Facebook, and/or Twitter
Step 3
Once you have the gathered the information above, we invite you to begin the registration process.
Please note that the Buddy Walk® name, logo and program are trademark properties of the National Down Syndrome Society and can only be used with the express written consent of NDSS. Consent may be given to approved and registered Walk organizers at the discretion of NDSS. All other unauthorized use is unlawful and may be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Permission to use the Buddy Walk® name and logo is granted on a yearly basis to preserve and protect the integrity of the Buddy Walk® program. Each sponsoring organization must register their intent to hold a Walk each year and agree to the terms and conditions set forth in the Buddy Walk® Licensing Agreement. Any Walk that fails to agree to or comply with the Licensing Agreement will result in a loss of all Walk privileges.
Step 4
Your registration inquiry will be sent to the Buddy Walk® team. It will be reviewed and if you meet the criteria for holding a Buddy Walk®, you will be emailed the Buddy Walk® Licensing Agreement for your event via DocuSign
Please read over the Agreement carefully and electronically sign it. A PDF copy of the fully executed agreement will be sent to you and to NDSS.
Question? email: buddywalk@ndss.org
Your Walk registration will be processed and if your registration inquiry does not meet the criteria for holding a Walk, you will receive an email detailing information for refusal.