July Volunteer Opportunities

Above is Gavin at jiu jitsu class supported by DSAmd

Happy July!

Below are three opportunities to get involved with the Down Syndrome Association of Maryland this month and beyond. Thanks for volunteering!

We do a lot of events for cute kids and awesome adults with DS, but we also do the less-visible advocacy work, like this recent project helping families to submit complaints to the Office of Civil Rights. Your help supports both community-building and advocacy. Thank you for your time and talent!

1. Donate a Gift Card

   Help us secure gift card donations from your local Dunkin, grocery store, and more. We use gift cards to:

   - Pay for snacks for DSAmd community-building meetups 
   - Give to individuals with Down syndrome as prizes for participating in research surveys, giving their opinions about DSAmd programs, and for winning at games - like bingo!
   - Support families with new babies who have Down syndrome

   TAKE ACTION: Let us know if you have questions or ideas - or need guidance! Here’s a letter template you can use to request a donation.
   
   

2. Advocates Assemble! Step Up for Down Syndrome!

   The time to Step Up is now - we're challenging all advocates to pledge their support for individuals with Down syndrome by participating in this year's walk-a-thon. 
   Build a fundraising team or join the planning committee: The Down syndrome community needs you for this incredible event.

   TAKE ACTION: Learn More at: StepUpBaltimore.org and Let us know if you will join the planning committee.
   

3. Support a DSAmd Event

We could use help at these classes and events - email back to let us know if you're free and available to help!

- Saturdays at 10am, Boxing Class in Millersville/Odenton: you'd take direction from the coaches and help to keep participants moving and engaged 

- Fridays at 1PM - 2PM, Boxing Class in Timonium: you'd take direction from the coaches and help to keep participants moving and engaged

- Wednesdays at 5:30PM - 6:30PM Jiu Jitsu in Essex: you'd take direction from the coaches and help to keep participants moving and engaged 

- Some Thursday evenings - you will provide online support for BINGO

Thank you, thank you! Questions? Contact Amanda, Brittany and De'Vonte from DSAmd: info@dsamd.org | 410.321.5434