Welcome to the Walk organizer's section of BuddyWalk.org! You will find the following features in this section:

• Register Your Walk: Start here by registering your Walk with the National Down Syndrome Society
• Organizer FAQ's: Tips for planning your Walk
• Message Boards: Communicate with other Walk organizers about ideas and strategies
• Buddy Walk^® Materials: Access digital copies of the Buddy Walk^® Manual, template forms and logos
• Buddy Walk^® Gear Store: Order bulk materials for your Walk, such as t-shirts, posters, water bottles, and hats. This is also where you can choose incentive prizes for fundraising Walks.
• Edit Walk Information: Need to change your Walk date or time? You can update your Walk information here and have it appear immediately on our Web site.

These tools and content are only accessible to registered Walk organizers.

Do you need more information on planning a Buddy Walk® before you register? If so, please contact buddywalk@ndss.org to request the 2009 Buddy Walk^® Information Packet.

	Why You Need to Register

The Buddy Walk^® name, logo and program are trademark properties of NDSS, 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 Buddy Walk^® must register their intent to hold a Walk each year and agree to the terms and conditions of set forth in the Buddy Walk^® Licensing Agreement. Any Walk that fails to agree to or comply with the License Agreement will result in a loss of all Walk privileges.

Last year, NDSS was proud to work with the more than 275 Buddy Walk® events that took place across the country and abroad. The Buddy Walk^® program provides a special and unique partnership between NDSS and local Buddy Walk® programs through a network of resources and materials. NDSS will provide your walk:

• Up to 75 free color posters to help you promote your walk (You will receive information in early Summer 2009 on how to request them)
• Information on purchasing Buddy Walk^® incentive prizes and promotional items at a discounted price through our preferred vendor
• Promotion of your Walk and website on www.buddywalk.org
• NDSS staff members available to assist you in your planning endeavors
• A comprehensive Organizer's Manual to guide you through the Walk planning process
• Marketing/PR tools, templates and guidance from NDSS staff
• Access to a special section on the Buddy Walk^® Website where you can download templates and logos, and participate in message board discussions with other walk organizers and update your walk information
• A customized radio PSA recorded by local talent and a Buddy Walk® TV PSA featuring actor John C. McGinley to promote your Walk. (Information regarding the 2009 PSAs will be sent to Walk organizers in early April)