Section 2: Organizational Strategy
A. Description
The Down Syndrome JusticeLeague (DSJ) will address several needs which are currently not being met within the Down syndrome community: monitoring/reporting, community organizing, and resource provision.
B. Key Strategies
1. Monitoring and Reporting
DSJ will create and maintain a global database of civil rights complaints filed by people who live with Down syndrome and their representatives. DSJ will provide multiple methods of communication including a toll-free number and multiple social networking venues. Once a case has been reported, DSJ will offer regular feedback and communication until a suitable resolution can be achieved.
By maintaining a comprehensive database DSJ will be able to recognize trends and areas that need to be addressed on a larger scale. We will share that information with the entire Down syndrome community, including the established organizations, in the form of quarterly reports. These reports will show general areas of concern, work being done to address these areas, and progress made on each individual case.
2. Community Organizing
Successful civil rights campaigns of the past depended on community action. DSJ will utilize existing lines of communication within the community to keep concerned citizens informed about current cases. What is needed is professional help working with the media and the resources to enable activists to participate in public demonstrations when necessary.
In the wake of Ethan Saylor’s death, one of the problems that frustrated advocates was an inability to reach and involve mainstream media. By providing access to public relations professionals all appropriate venues for publicity will be explored and utilized. With more awareness comes the opportunity to stage peaceful public demonstrations when warranted. Resources will be available to help organize and staff such events.
DSJ will follow the framework used by civil rights leaders of the past like Martin Luther King Jr. The ability to reach and involve a wider audience is crucial to our mission.
3. Resource Provision
The largest obstacle that needs to be overcome in the battle for civil rights is attitudes. Stereotypes and expectations are deeply ingrained in our culture and change occurs very slowly. In order to expedite change, resources are needed.
It is our belief that many cases of discrimination go unreported because families do not have the means to fight back. One of the main resources needed is legal expertise. Legislation and court cases do not change attitudes, but they are vital to creating an environment conducive to change. DSJ will employ a civil rights attorney to bring whatever action is deemed necessary.
Grass-roots efforts, such as the #JusticeForEthan campaign that developed spontaneously within the community rely on volunteer efforts and personal budgets. Letter writing, phone calls, petitions, etc., require resources. DSJ will supplement those efforts enabling more sustainable campaigns.
A. Description
The Down Syndrome JusticeLeague (DSJ) will address several needs which are currently not being met within the Down syndrome community: monitoring/reporting, community organizing, and resource provision.
B. Key Strategies
1. Monitoring and Reporting
DSJ will create and maintain a global database of civil rights complaints filed by people who live with Down syndrome and their representatives. DSJ will provide multiple methods of communication including a toll-free number and multiple social networking venues. Once a case has been reported, DSJ will offer regular feedback and communication until a suitable resolution can be achieved.
By maintaining a comprehensive database DSJ will be able to recognize trends and areas that need to be addressed on a larger scale. We will share that information with the entire Down syndrome community, including the established organizations, in the form of quarterly reports. These reports will show general areas of concern, work being done to address these areas, and progress made on each individual case.
2. Community Organizing
Successful civil rights campaigns of the past depended on community action. DSJ will utilize existing lines of communication within the community to keep concerned citizens informed about current cases. What is needed is professional help working with the media and the resources to enable activists to participate in public demonstrations when necessary.
In the wake of Ethan Saylor’s death, one of the problems that frustrated advocates was an inability to reach and involve mainstream media. By providing access to public relations professionals all appropriate venues for publicity will be explored and utilized. With more awareness comes the opportunity to stage peaceful public demonstrations when warranted. Resources will be available to help organize and staff such events.
DSJ will follow the framework used by civil rights leaders of the past like Martin Luther King Jr. The ability to reach and involve a wider audience is crucial to our mission.
3. Resource Provision
The largest obstacle that needs to be overcome in the battle for civil rights is attitudes. Stereotypes and expectations are deeply ingrained in our culture and change occurs very slowly. In order to expedite change, resources are needed.
It is our belief that many cases of discrimination go unreported because families do not have the means to fight back. One of the main resources needed is legal expertise. Legislation and court cases do not change attitudes, but they are vital to creating an environment conducive to change. DSJ will employ a civil rights attorney to bring whatever action is deemed necessary.
Grass-roots efforts, such as the #JusticeForEthan campaign that developed spontaneously within the community rely on volunteer efforts and personal budgets. Letter writing, phone calls, petitions, etc., require resources. DSJ will supplement those efforts enabling more sustainable campaigns.