Service Learning Project

My freshman year (2023) I volunteered to help with The Buddy Walk in Indianapolis. The Buddy Walk is an annual event that helps fundraise and advocate for another organization, Down Syndrome Indiana. All are welcome to participate in the walk to help spread awareness. My part in the Buddy Walk event was to setup with other classmates. We set up tables and chairs on the park lawn to help seat hundreds of people that would be coming to the event.

My time volunteering proved valuable. The Buddy Walk coordinator confessed that the previous year The Buddy Walk was setup by 3 older women who sought to help volunteer. This time we had around 26 IUI students help set up! This was a major accomplishment because I know that by each year it'll grow. I learned how events like these need more help in spreading awareness. Our partnership with Down Syndrome Indiana helped build my knowledge and awareness on stigma surrounding Down Syndrome. We overlook this community and this was my small way of bringing light and appreciation for this organization.