FINALLY! A reason to wear those crazy socks you have stashed in the back of your drawer. Your long awaited, never-could-have-guessed-it opportunity is here! World Down Syndrome Day is observed on March 21st every year, and guess what – those otherwise unusable socks can help show your support!
Down Syndrome International (DSi) encourages friends and people all over the world to show their support through www.worlddownsyndromeday2.org, where the global community posts and shares fun events and activities. The heart of this organization is exemplified in its own quote:
“The reality today is that prevailing negative attitudes, low expectations, discrimination and exclusion, ensure that people with Down syndrome are left behind.
There is a lack of understanding of the challenges individuals face across their lifetimes and a failure to support them with the opportunities and tools needed to live fulfilling lives people with Down syndrome and those who support and work with them must be empowered to advocate for these opportunities. On World Down Syndrome Day, Thursday 21 March 2019, we call upon every person with Down syndrome to tell the world to “leave no one behind”.
-Down Syndrome International
Here are some ways you can participate in an effort to “leave no one behind”. Trust us, there is a way for everyone to join in on the fun!
1. We already mentioned it!
Take out those crazy socks you’ve been hiding! Of course official #LotsOfSocks socks can be bought, but if you don’t have the extra money lying around – No worries! All socks are accepted!
Brightly colored socks, long socks, patterned socks, 1 sock … even 3 socks (for 3 chromosomes!) can be worn to show your support! If you do not normally wear socks, wear them! Whether you’re at home, school, college/university, work … wherever you will be on the 21st of March – wear fun socks!
2. A video touches the heart in a way that no other media can and so they are a great way to raise awareness, agreed?
Supporters are encouraged to make their own videos as we approach World Down Syndrome Day. This is an opportunity to share a little bit of you and your story.
All kinds of videos have been made for World Down Syndrome Day! Here are a few ideas listed on the site to get you started:
- “A day in the life” – show us what you get up to in a typical day
- A video of you doing your favorite activity
- Tell us what “Leave No One Behind” means to you
- Tell us about your hopes and dreams.
If you need a little more inspiration, check out this video made for WDSD 2018 which has been viewed over 5 million times!! Wow. 50 Mums 50 Kids 1 Extra Chromosome
For more ideas visit: https://www.worlddownsyndromeday2.org/event/wdsd-videos-2019
3. Not video savy? No worries! Do you like to knit or crochet? If so, read on!
Sock knitters from all over the world are encouraged to cast-on brightly colored socks to wear on WDSD! The “Lots of Socks Knit-a-Long” invited 15 designers who will be selling discounted digital designs on Ravelry (an online community for knitters and crocheters) with all the proceeds going to benefit DSi.
Join the hand knitting community to show off Lots of (KNIT) Socks! Interested?
Here’s a link for more information on joining in: https://www.worlddownsyndromeday2.org/event/lots-of-socks-knit-a-long
4. One last way to join in the fun!
Do you have a phone? Or better yet – is social media your thing? Use the hashtags #LotsOfSocks, #WorldDownSyndromeDay, or #WDSD19 in your picture you post today in support. What a quick and easy way to raise awareness!
Humanus is doing its part to make sure that “no one is left behind” and we sure hope you do too! Let’s work together to spread kindness and make everyone feel special – not only on the 21st of March but every day!