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Self-Advocate Board Nomination

Self-Advocate Board Nomination

Three self-advocates serve on the National Down Syndrome Congress Board of Directors. Each year, one self-advocate is elected by their peers at the Convention's Youth & Adult (Y&A) Conference for a three-year term.

Eligibility:

  • Has Down syndrome
  • 22 years or older
  • Able to meet all Self-Advocate Board requirements
  • Attended three (3) previous NDSC Annual Convention Y&A Conferences

If you are interested in running for the board, please complete this nomination form before May 18, 2026.

First Name *
Last Name *
First Name *
Last Name *
Please provide a us a short description of who you are and why you are passionate about advocating for those with Down syndrome (250 words max).

Self-Advocate Board Requirements

1. Participate as an active member of NDSC committee(s).

2. Attend all board meetings (2 in person, and 2 virtual meetings) *Expenses for Self-Advocate Board Members are covered by the NDSC Foundation, which would include airfare, hotel expenses, and meals for two Board Meetings per year, one at Convention and the other in January.

First Name *
Last Name *

Nominating Process

1. Any member with Down syndrome, 22 years old or older and having attended three (3) previous NDSC Annual Convention Y&A Conferences is eligible for nomination to the Board of Directors of the National Down Syndrome Congress.

2. You are welcome to nominate yourself, or nominate a friend if they have given you their consent to be nominated. 

3. Each nomination will be reviewed by the Nomination Committee. The committee is made up of staff, board members, and Self-Advocates.

3. All self-advocates nominated will be voted upon by the attendees of the NDSC Annual Convention Youth & Adults Conference. The winning candidate’s name will be submitted to the NDSC Board of Directors for final approval.

4. In the event there is a vacancy in one of the three Board seats reserved for a self-advocate, it will be filled by the same process used to fill any other unexpired Board seat, except the person selected must be a self-advocate.

First Name *
Last Name *

Make Up of the Board of Directors

The NDSC seeks wide representation in its board membership and considers factors such as geographical representation, areas of expertise, minority representation, and prior experience on non-profit boards and self-advocacy groups.

First Name *
Last Name *

Terms of Office

Self-advocates serve a term of three years.

First Name *
Last Name *

Nomination Agreement

I have read the National Down Syndrome Congress Information on the Self Advocate Board Member Nominating Process form and understand the conditions under which I agree to have my name placed into nomination before the Youth & Adults Conference. If I should win the Youth & Adults Conference election, I realize my name will be submitted to the NDSC Board of Directors for final approval. I realize that I must be 22 or older. I also agree, if elected, to attend all scheduled board meetings to the best of my ability.

First Name *
Last Name *
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