3.21 Celebration
March 21st is recognized as World Down Syndrome Awareness Day (3.21), a day we celebrate everyone with a third copy of the 21st chromosome, or as we like to say, that "something extra." DSAMT celebrates in many ways, and we hope you will join us and participate in lots of the fun! Here are all the ways we will celebrate 3.21.2024:
Attend 3-21 Events
- Attend Down Syndrome Day on the Hill on March 21
- Attend 3-21 Celebration on March 23
- Attend 3.21 activities hosted by our County Friends Groups - Families in ALL COUNTIES ARE INVITED TO EACH!
- Community Events
- Light it up Blue & Yellow on the KVMP Bridge on 3-21
- WDSD Mass at St. Ann Church
- Mt Juliet Police Headquarters - will be lit blue & yellow March 15-21
- Do Something Extra Day Robertson County Chamber of Commerce
Show Your Spirit
- Purchase a 3-21 t-shirt! - ORDERS DUE BY 2-19-24
- Order a free Down syndrome resource & activities packet for your school/teacher
- Order a free Down syndrome awareness yard sign
- Get a 3.21 Photos for sharing
- Create sock ideas to be made by John's Crazy Socks for DSAMT
- Get Customizable DS Facts for sharing
Support DSAMT
- Shop DSAMT Giftshop
- Buy/renew a Down Syndrome Awareness Licence Plate
- Round Up & get a BOGO sandwich at Penn Station March 7-21
- Paperdolls Photography 3/21 Sessions
- Golly G's Blue & Yellow Flavor Give Back -March 15-21st
- 321 Blue Skies Candle Sale
- John's Crazy Socks 3.21 Fundraiser Code: DSAMT24
- Down Right Delicious Dog Treat Fundraiser
Other Ways to Celebrate
- Nominate someone for the Meredith Brunner Scholarship until March 15
- Listen to Hannah Humes on WSM Radio AM650
- Improve the way the diagnosis of Down syndrome is delivered with a letter
- Raise awareness with your own Random Acts of Kindness
- Make a pledge to spread inclusion
ATTEND 3-21 EVENTS
Down Syndrome Day on the Hill
Down Syndrome Day on the Hill
On March 21, 2024 DSAMT will host a Down Syndrome Day on the Hill, where you will have the opportunity to meet with legislators and speak to them about the things that REALLY matter to you and to our community.
DSAMT will provide a drop-in breakfast for our community and legislators beginning at 8:00 a.m. The breakfast will be held in Room 8D of the Cordell Hull Building (see address above). This is a great time to speak with legislators about the issues that concern you. The TN House of Representatives will pass a resolution making 3-21-24 Down Syndrome Awareness Day in Tennessee, and we will be recognized on the House floor at or 9:00 am. Additionally, DSAMT staff are happy to set up individual meetings on 3/21 for you to meet with your own legislators. If you are interested in this, please reach out to Erin Richardson at erin@somethingextra.org.
Address: Cordell Hull Building
425 5th Ave N Room 8D, Nashville, TN 37243
Breakfast: 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m.
House Resolution on House Floor: 9:00 a.m.
Registration is required.On March 21, 2024 DSAMT will host a Down Syndrome Day on the Hill, where you will have the opportunity to meet with legislators and speak to them about the things that REALLY matter to you and to our community.
DSAMT will provide a drop-in breakfast for our community and legislators beginning at 8:00 a.m. The breakfast will be held in Room 8D of the Cordell Hull Building (see address above). This is a great time to speak with legislators about the issues that concern you. The TN House of Representatives will pass a resolution making 3-21-24 Down Syndrome Awareness Day in Tennessee, and we will be recognized on the House floor at or 9:00 am. Additionally, DSAMT staff are happy to set up individual meetings on 3/21 for you to meet with your own legislators. If you are interested in this, please reach out to Erin Richardson at erin@somethingextra.org.
Address: Cordell Hull Building
425 5th Ave N Room 8D, Nashville, TN 37243
Breakfast: 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m.
House Resolution on House Floor: 9:00 a.m.
DSAMT's Annual 3.21 Celebration
DSAMT encourages you to celebrate with your friends & family on March 21st, but we invite you to celebrate all of those with something extra at our annual World Down Syndrome Awareness Day Celebration on March 23, 2024 from 1pm-3pm at the Westminster Presbyterian Church (3900 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37205).
There will be performances by some extraordinary friends, music, and fingerfoods and desserts!
Location: Westminster Presbyterian Church (3900 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37205)
Registration is required.There will be performances by some extraordinary friends, music, and fingerfoods and desserts!
Location: Westminster Presbyterian Church (3900 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37205)
Light it up Blue & Yellow and other community events
KVMP Bridge Lighting Blue & Yellow on 3-21
WDSD Mass at St. Ann Church
Mt Juliet Police Headquarters - will be lit blue & yellow March 15-21
Do Something Extra Day Robertson County Chamber of CommerceSHOW YOUR SPIRIT
3-21 Shirts
Celebrate 3-21 in style with this year's 3-21 apparel. T-shirt style available in adult unisex, youth sizes and onesies. Must order by FEBRUARY 19th, so it arrives in plenty of time for 3-21.
Purchase nowDown Syndrome Resource & Activity Package for Elementary Teachers
It’s important to have conversations with your students about disAbilities like Down syndrome, whether you have a student with disAbilities in your class or not. These resources and activities were created to help you teach your students about what it means to have Down syndrome and to be a good friend to everyone. We hope these discussions will result in more friendships and improved attitudes towards acceptance and inclusion of all friends, regardless of ability.
Each set includes one color printed copy of the packet, extraordinary friend gifts for each student and two books for the classroom. These are available to elementary schools in Middle TN (40 counties). If the school is located outside of Middle TN, there is a fee.
OrderEach set includes one color printed copy of the packet, extraordinary friend gifts for each student and two books for the classroom. These are available to elementary schools in Middle TN (40 counties). If the school is located outside of Middle TN, there is a fee.
3-21 Yard signs to raise awareness for families
Celebrate our Extraordinary friends with Down syndrome with a yard sign to raise awareness about Down syndrome. These are free to order for families and friends of DSAMT in Middle TN to celebrate World Down Syndrome Awareness Day. If outside of Middle TN, there is a fee for the signs.
Order3.21 Photos to share
Each year we accept your photos and create a customized image (shown above) to celebrate 3.21 that you can share on social media and with friends & family. Simply send in a photo using the button below, and we'll make you a photo, which will be posted on DSAMT's Facebook and Instagram pages and email to you for you to share. It is a great way to spread awareness all month long! We'll also use those photos for our awareness video.
Send your photo Down Syndrome Awareness Facts and Customizable Images
DSAMT has images for each of the first 21 days of March, which you can use as they are or can customize with Canva to include your own photos and then share.
Facts Customizable Facts through Canva SUPPORT DSAMT
Shop DSAMT Gift Store
Visit the DSAMT GIFT SHOP, your one-stop shop for DSAMT merchandise, World Down Syndrome
Awareness Day, and Down syndrome awareness! All proceeds benefit the Mission and Vision of the Down Syndrome Association of Middle TN
Visit the Gift Shop HereAwareness Day, and Down syndrome awareness! All proceeds benefit the Mission and Vision of the Down Syndrome Association of Middle TN
Down Syndrome Awareness License Plate
In celebration of 3-21 and all our extraordinary friends, show your support by purchasing a Down syndrome awareness license plate - now available at your local DMV for just $35 more than your typical plate.
Click here for more information Penn Station Gives Back for WDSD - March 7-21st
March 7-21st to coincide with World Down Syndrome Day ALL Middle Tennessee Penn Station locations will GIVE BACK to DSAMT! Round up your purchase and Penn Station will match, Give at least $2 and get a buy one get one coupon for your next visit! Plan to bring the family, co-workers and friends to any of the following locations to enjoy a delicious meal, while helping support our EXTRAordinary friends with Down syndrome.
Bellevue, 7049 Highway 70 South
Bowling Green 651 US Highway 31 West Bypass
Clarksville, 110 Needmore Road, Ste A
Dickson, 115 Thornton Dr
Franklin, 102 Lumber Dr
Hendersonville, 202 North Anderson Ln
Hermitage, 5205 Old Hickory Blvd, Ste 104
Madison, 143 Gallatin Pike
Murfreesboro, 3053 Medical Center Pkwy, Ste C
Murfreesboro, 1632 Memorial Blvd
Shelbyville, 1735 North Main St
Springfield, 3522 Tom Austin Hwy
Tullahoma, 1609 North Jackson St
Lebanon, 346 S Cumberland St
Smyrna, 440 Sam Ridley Pkwy W
More informationBellevue, 7049 Highway 70 South
Bowling Green 651 US Highway 31 West Bypass
Clarksville, 110 Needmore Road, Ste A
Dickson, 115 Thornton Dr
Franklin, 102 Lumber Dr
Hendersonville, 202 North Anderson Ln
Hermitage, 5205 Old Hickory Blvd, Ste 104
Madison, 143 Gallatin Pike
Murfreesboro, 3053 Medical Center Pkwy, Ste C
Murfreesboro, 1632 Memorial Blvd
Shelbyville, 1735 North Main St
Springfield, 3522 Tom Austin Hwy
Tullahoma, 1609 North Jackson St
Lebanon, 346 S Cumberland St
Smyrna, 440 Sam Ridley Pkwy W
Paperdoll's Photography 3/21 Sessions
Families from all different states travel in for these each year! Paperdoll’s Photography is having their annual unique sessions celebrating our special globally recognized day. Four (4) amazing themes to choose from. All ages are welcome, newborn to adult! 10% of each session goes to DSAMT.
Email Paperdoll's Photography for more information thedollcollections@gmail.com.
More informationEmail Paperdoll's Photography for more information thedollcollections@gmail.com.
Golly G's Blue & Yellow Flavor Fundraiser March 15-21st
Golly G's limited yellow and blue Lemon Blueberry flavor will be avalable at all locations during the month of March. From Friday, March 15 through Thursday, March 21 Golly G's will donate $1 for every Lemon Blueberry scoop sold to DSAMT.
More information321 Blue Skies Candle Fundraiser
This Little Candle Company is donating 21% of profits from the sales of their candle “Nothing But Blue Skies” to DSAMT during the month of March. These tumbler candles will be on sale for $21 (normal price $24) with 21% of profits from each sale donated back to DSAMT during the month of March. Each candle is 12oz in a navy blue vessel with a cork lid and made of 100% soy wax, phthalate-free fragrances. Burn time is roughly 60 hours. This scent contains notes of cotton and orange-citrus to produce a fresh and inviting scent. Candles will be available for pick-up at the DSAMT 3/21 Celebration On March 23rd, but can be delivered/picked-up if needed beforehand for World Down Syndrome Day. Order via Email (emily.springer95@gmail.com), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556298488162), or Instagram (@thislittlelightcandleco_)
Click here for more information John's Crazy Socks 3.21 Fundraiser Code: DSAMT24
Get your socks for World Down Syndrome Day and give back to DSAMT. John’s Crazy Socks will give you a free pair of mystery socks and 10% of the sale will come to DSAMT. Here is how… visit https://johnscrazysocks.com/ Choose the socks you want, once you click “add to cart” a pop up will appear or at any time you can click the cart icon at the top. At the bottom of that screen, you will see "Charity Code holders, to add sock click here!". This adds a Mystery Sock to your cart. Enter DSAMT24 in the "Gift Card or Discount Code" at the checkout page and click "apply", the Mystery Sock will be marked "free" and DSAMT will get 10% of the sale until March 31, 2024. You MUST follow BOTH steps in order to get your free mystery socks and for the donation to come to DSAMT!
Click here for more information Down Right Delicious Dog Treat Fundraiser
Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day with Down Right Delicious Dog treats by Calli (who just happens to have Down syndrome!). Down Right Delicious is offering 4 decorated Down Syndrome Awareness Dog Treats for $15.00 until March 15th in celebration of World Down Syndrome Day on March 21st. 10% of all WDSD dog treat sales March 1-15th will be donated to the Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee (DSAMT). Use code DSAMTPICKUP at time of check out to be able to pick up for FREE at the DSAMT office on March 18th.
Click here for more information OTHER WAYS TO CELEBRATE
Support DS Businesses
There are many businesses that are owned or operated by people who have Down syndrome. If your favorite isn't on our list, please email Tanya@somethingextra.org
Browse DS BusinessesMeredith Brunner Scholarship
At our 3-21 Celebration we will award The Meredith Brunner Achievement Scholarship, which is awarded annually to an individual with Down syndrome who lives in Middle Tennessee and is continuing their education at a post-secondary program. This fund was established in the fall of 2015 to honor DSAMT Board of Directors’ President Bob Brunner, whose exemplary dedication and effort serves as an example of everything that DSAMT strives to be.
Apply NowListen to Hannah Humes on WSM Radio 650AM
Listen to DSAMT 2022 Self-advocate of the year Hannah Humes. Hannah will be a guest on Coffee, Country, and Cody On WSM Radio (AM650), bright and early (7AM) on 3-21. Hopefully folks can listen in as she describes this years theme of wdsd End the Stereotypes. This is part of Hannah’s independent study at Vanderbilt University, plus her advocacy for awareness!
Listen live hereEmail your OB-GYN
The core DSAMT's mission is to improve the way physicans delivery the diagnosis of Down syndrome to parents. You can help by writing a letter to your OB-GYN. Many parents do this every year in celebration of 3.21, and we've created a template for you to customize. We encourage you to include a photo of your loved one, too. Please let us know if you send a letter.
Download the Template LetterRandom Acts of Kindness
Everyone is encouraged to raise awareness with some Random Acts of Kindness! We can all use more kindness these days especially!
Spread the Word - Inclusion
Be a teammate. Be a friend. Welcome someone who has been left out. Sit next to someone alone at lunch. Say hello to someone in the hallway. There are so many ways to spread inclusion. Choose yours. Make a pledge and start today. Join us to make inclusion a reality for all people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. Make your pledge
Sign the pledge