Throughout our history local and regional organizations serving people with Down syndrome and their families have been an important part of the National Down Syndrome Congress. We have supported each other; learning and growing together into a dynamic national community.
Now, the NDSC has renewed and reinvigorated that important bond by establishing the Partnership Alliance.
The Partnership Alliance is composed of 12 individuals. Each is a leader – a board member or executive director of a strong local or regional organization – and each has shown strong interest in cultivating practical, productive and positive relationships among all organizations which compose our community.
Its purpose is to serve as the critical link between the NDSC and the organizations affiliated with it – to be the voice of the community’s grass roots on issues such as governance of the NDSC, public policy and the development of programs and services needed locally and regionally.
Below you will see six Value Statements, created by our Partnership Alliance, and supported by our Board of Directors. We believe these statements capture the intent and energy of the NDSC in relation to our affiliates.
1. We believe affiliates play a critical role in offering support, information and resources to the families and individuals with Down syndrome in their communities.
2. We believe a strong, educated and committed network of local and regional parent organizations is vital to serving the needs of individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
3. We believe that strength comes from the diversity of our participating affiliates and the diversity of the population they serve, and will work to fully include and serve all organizations without regard to their size, scope, resources or location.
4. We believe we can make significant improvement in the lives of people with Down syndrome by working in concert with our affiliates.
5. We believe in the value of collaborating and partnering with organizations that share our goals, to broaden the resources for affiliates and individuals with Down syndrome.
6. We believe that understanding the needs and expectations of our affiliates will be an ongoing process that requires consistent communication, open discussions and mutual feedback.
In 2009, acknowledging the importance of the Partnership’s role, the NDSC amended its by laws to create two board positions to be filled by individuals nominated by the Partnership Alliance.
We are now accepting nominations to our Partnership Alliance.
Current members were invited to serve by the NDSC. Over the next three years, however, all will be elected by their peers. Any current board member or staff member of an affiliate in good standing is eligible to serve, although members may not serve in a board or staff position of any other national Down syndrome organization.
Partnership Alliance Nomination Form
Each organization affiliated with the NDSC will have a vote in the election of the Partnership Alliance. Elections and representation will be on a regional basis, with two representatives being elected from six geographic regions.
If you have interest in serving as a member of the Partnership Alliance or have questions of any kind, please contact the NDSC Affiliate Relations Director, Sue Joe at sue@ndsccenter.org or by calling, toll free 1-800-232-6372.
