MDSC has become one of the strongest Down syndrome organizations in the country in part because so many of our dedicated parents, professionals, self-advocates and others are involved in helping us to achieve our mission. You, too, can get involved in so many ways. It takes all of us working together to make the most impact possible.

Consider joining one of our many Committees, Task Forces and Advisory Councils:

AIM Advisory Council

Guides the MDSC under the direction of the MDSC Teen & Adult Services Director, Program Specialist and Executive Director to ensure that teen and adult self-advocates have opportunities to make connections to peers with and without disabilities; learn about their own unique skills, interests, and abilities; strengthen self-confidence; and empower themselves to become strong self-advocates. Acting as advisors, members of the MDSC Advocates in Motion Council will ensure best practices within the MDSC Advocates in Motion programs. The Advisory Council convenes meetings three to four times a year. If you are interested in joining the AIM Advisory Council, please email aim@mdsc.org.

Buddy Walk Committees

Provides critical planning and logistical manpower to support one of MDSC’s three walks across the Commonwealth – the Buddy Walk & Family Festival, the Buddy Walk Harvest Fair, and the Buddy Walk by the Sea. The Buddy Walk Committees assist in event planning, creative problem-solving and generates new ideas to advance the event goals and the MDSC mission. If you are interested in joining the Buddy Walk Committee, email buddywalk@mdsc.org

Diversity Task Force

The Diversity Task Force is a group of parents and professionals committed to outreaching to families from culturally diverse backgrounds. The Task Force builds trust with diverse families, provides support to families in their primary language, and acts as liaisons between the MDSC and diverse communities. The Diversity Task Force also plans events for our diverse families, including a pre-event breakfast before the Annual Conference in Worcester and a yearly potluck dinner in Boston. If you are interested in joining the Diversity Task Force, email diversity@mdsc.org. You can also learn more about MDSC’s diversity initiatives here.

Education Task Force

Serves to increase communication and collaboration between Massachusetts educators and the parents of students with Down syndrome by providing quality information and on-going support to Massachusetts educators and their students with Down syndrome. The group’s top priority is ensuring that students with Down syndrome receive the most meaningful learning opportunities possible. Members most recently produced a comprehensive Educators Manual, a research-based resource guide that includes information, strategies and best practices for educating students with Down syndrome in inclusive classrooms and schools. If you are interested in joining the Education Task Force, please email education@mdsc.org

First Call Advisory Council

Guides the MDSC under the direction of the MDSC Family Support Director and Executive Director to ensure that new and expectant parents are provided with accurate, up-to-date, culturally appropriate information and support at the time of diagnosis. Acting as advisors to the Parents First Call program, members of the MDSC Parents First Call Council will ensure best practices within the MDSC Parents First Call program.The Advisory Council will convene meetings periodically (3-4 times per year) to carry out the activities of the Council. If you are interested in joining the First Call Advisory Council, please email firstcall@mdsc.org.

Government Affairs Committee

The primary vehicle for the MDSC’s public policy initiatives, the GAC works with the MDSC Executive Director, Management Team, and the MDSC membership to advocate for legislation and policies that will help the MDSC achieve its mission. With broad statewide representation, the Committee’s primary objective is to mobilize the MDSC membership to advocate on behalf of the entire Down syndrome community. The committee provides outreach to members, training opportunities, the chance to testify at public hearings, and templates to use in advocacy efforts. Contact the GA Committee at timetospeakout@mdsc.org.

Hockey Game Committee

Provides critical planning and logistical manpower to support the MDSC’s annual Boston Bruins vs. MDSC All Star hockey benefit. Held every November at the New England Sports Center, the hockey game has become a staple of the MDSC awareness and fundraising portfolio for more than a decade. If you are interested in joining the Hockey Game Committee, email hockey@mdsc.org.

Medical & Scientific Advisory Council

MDSC’s Medical and Scientific Advisory Council is comprised of a select group of physicians, researchers, and scientists dedicated to enhancing research opportunities for MDSC members to participate in. The Council selects a number of studies each year that will be made available for the MDSC members to participate in if they so choose. Each research proposal received is carefully reviewed for content, ethics, and feasibility before forwarding the information onto our members. If approved, the MDSC will develop a study dissemination plan in partnership with the researcher. If you are interested in applying to serve on the Medical & Scientific Advisory Council, please email MSAC@mdsc.org

Other Ways to Be an Active MDSCer