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Buddy Walk® Organizer Overview
The Buddy Walk® was established by NDSS in 1995 and has grown to be the world’s largest and most recognizable Down syndrome awareness program, with hundreds of local Walks taking place across the US and select international countries. Each year hundreds of thousands of walkers collectively raise funds to support local programs and services as well as national initiatives.
Why Walk with NDSS: Buddy Walk® Organizer Benefits
Are you wanting to organize a Buddy Walk® in your community but don’t know where to start? Thanks to a partnership between NDSS and local Down syndrome support groups, NDSS can provide you with all the materials you need to host a successful event.
- Website promotion Our site is the top searched website for the Buddy Walk® and information about Down syndrome, putting your message right where it can be seen.
- NDSS Staff members Our dedicated staff of experienced Walk planners and fundraisers will assist you in all aspects of your planning . We can also join you at your event.
- Expert advice Everyone needs a little help along the way, and it’s best when we all support one another. We’ll also offer you access to experts through our training sessions.
- Training Sessions and Templates Organizers and committee members are invited to attend trainings presented by NDSS. Our comprehensive handbooks will give you step-by-step instructions on the Walk planning process, including planning a virtual event.
- Buddy Walk® Organizer Portal This section of our website is for organizers only. This is where you can download content such as Buddy Walk® logos, templates and letters. You can also view and use materials from others Walks and update your listing.
- Regional and National Partners These opportunities will be available to you as they come. Information will be provided as partnerships are secured.
- Monthly Organizer Webinars: NDSS Staff and Buddy Walk Organizer led webinars focusing on topics specific to organizing a Buddy Walk, whether being a new Buddy Walk or a well-established.
Your commitment to Buddy Walk® is the reason it remains the most widely recognized Down syndrome awareness program both nationally and worldwide. On behalf of NDSS, thank you!
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Buddy Walk® Organizer FAQs
If you have any further questions about organizing a Buddy Walk®, please contact our NDSS Buddy Walk® Team at buddywalk@ndss.org.
How long does it take to organize a Buddy Walk®?
While some groups plan very successful Buddy Walk® events in three to four months or less; NDSS suggests that you allow six to 12 months to plan your Buddy Walk®. We recommend that groups set realistic goals and build on them each year – doing too much at once can be quite overwhelming.
Can I organize a Buddy Walk if I am not associated with a nonprofit organization?
You do not need to be affiliated with a nonprofit organization to hold a Buddy Walk®. However if you plan to incorporate fundraising into your Walk you will need to be associated with a nonprofit organization in order for the donations to be tax-deductible.
Do I need event insurance for my walk? If so, how much will it cost?
Many venues such as parks, schools and county/city recreational areas will require your group to have an insurance policy to host a Buddy Walk® on the site. Be sure to ask this question during your first site visit or conversation with the site manager.
If your group is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or has partnered with one for your Walk, there is a good chance that you already possess the insurance you need. Be sure to request a Certificate of Insurance (COI) from your insurance agent and submit it with the venue’s application materials.
If you are not with a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and your group does not have independent event insurance, you will need to find out the amount of insurance coverage required by the venue and then contact an insurance agent in your area. The average amount of one-time event insurance usually runs between $250 and $1,000 depending upon the location and size of your Buddy Walk®.
We recommend that you contact groups in your community that have held similar walk-a-thon events to ascertain what direction they took when securing event insurance.
Do I have to charge a registration fee or require participants to raise money?
In additional to providing a wonderful platform for advocacy, the Buddy Walk® can also be a great way to raise money to support local and national Down syndrome programs and services. While many groups choose not to incorporate fundraising into their event, some choose to sell t-shirts or have a nominal registration fee to offset the costs of the event. Whether or not to charge a registration fee or collect money at the Buddy Walk® is something for you and the rest of your committee to decide.
What are the benefits of incorporating a "team" model? Is there a minimum of people needed to form a team?
Each year, more and more groups across the country encourage families and businesses to participate in their Buddy Walk® by forming a team. Walks have found that having teams is an easy way to raise money for their organization and/or increase participation in the event. While the definition of a team may vary from Walk to Walk, the basic premise remains the same. A team is a group of individuals walking (and fundraising) together. More often than not, the team walks on behalf of an individual with Down syndrome and names their team after him/her.
Marketing and public relations takes a lot of time and effort. We have a small Buddy Walk® committee and no PR expertise. How can we make this happen?
You might consider reaching outside your organization for assistance. Students at local colleges and universities who are majoring in communications, marketing or public relations are often eager for “real life” opportunities to apply their skills. Advertising or PR agencies often have pro bono programs in which they offer free counsel and services for a specific project. Your corporate sponsors might also be willing to offer support from their marketing/communications departments.
If none of these options are available to you, all registered Walks receive access to basic media tips in the Buddy Walk® Organizer Manual and helpful materials provided by NDSS (posters, PSAs). At your Buddy Walk®, publicize your needs for the following year by including a sign at the registration table seeking volunteers with PR/Marketing skills.