The 2nd Annual 31 for 21 Challenge

The Not-Rules:

The rules are, there are no rules & anyone can participate.

Who can do it?
Weren’t you listening? Anyone who is interested!  You are all welcome to join the challenge!

When do I do it?
The goal is to blog everyday for the month of October. 31 days to raise awareness of Down syndrome (a.k.a. Trisomy 21). Get it? 31 for 21!

What do I write about?
Anything your heart desires. I don't like to put restrictions on ya'll. I just like to read what you have to say. Last year people made up “challenges” and gave out ideas for topics. I thought that was a lot of fun! If you have ideas feel free to comment here and I will try and spread the word. Pictures are good too!

Why should I do it?
This is the one question I can be unambiguous about. I propose you do it in honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Month. One thing I can say certainly, is that writing--blogging specifically--has helped me in numerous ways as the mother of a child with Down syndrome. I value the people I have met, the friends I have made, and the information I have gathered on blogs. Wouldn't it be wonderful if new parents googled Down syndrome and our blogs came up? What a welcome wagon that would be!

But that doesn’t mean you HAVE to write about Down syndrome. I think it’s beneficial for folks to read about people who are affected by Down syndrome and see that our lives are just the same as anyone else’s!

I propose whether or not you personally know someone affected by DS that you do it in honor of those living with DS as a part of their lives; to raise awareness of Down syndrome. (And, well, it WOULD be nice if you mentioned that's why you're doing it in at least ONE of your blog entries.)

What's in it for me?
Fame. Fortune. And the knowledge that not only did you write for a WHOLE month, you are raising Down Syndrome Awareness!

How do I know who else is doing it?
If you ARE going to take part in 31 for 21 then let me know. And spread the word! Please tell people to let me know they are participating so I can keep a running tally of links which I will post in my sidebar. That way we can all visit one another's blogs.

So why not? What's to lose? There's no winning. No losing. Just getting it down to raise awareness of Down syndrome.

Do you want to Get It Down? If so, join us for the 31 for 21 Challenge!

HTML for the 31 for 21 Button (I had to put spaces in it so it would show up here in its entirety on the blog, but when you copy and paste it makes sure it is all one phrase with no spaces):

<a href="http://unringingthebell.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008
/09/the-2nd-annual.html"><img src="http://unringingthebell.typepad.com
/31for21button.jpg" alt="Get It Down; 31 for 21" style="width:125px;height:60
px;border:none;"></a>

Comments

[RK]

I'm in... now, what to write about...

[Ana Voog]

i'm doing it!

my journal i will write about it in:
http://it.livejournal.com

[Lorene Metzner]

This sounds great, count me in!!
My blog is
www.homeschoolblogger.com/ridiculous

[stacy]

Has it been a year?! Thanks for encouraging this again. I'm in too!

[Michelle Z]

Oh! I am so in!

[Deborah]

Shared the news today: http://sunflowermom.blogspot.com/2008/09/coming-soon.html

[maya]

I really enjoyed your post about organizing the baby clothes. It's very emotional, the whole thing. It's not even noon and you have me crying!
And count me in for the 31 for 21. Sounds fun!
Maya
http://everythingforareason-moon.blogspot.com/

[Tara Marie]

We are excited to join in again this year!!!

Emma Sage and her Momma

http://www.emmasage.blogspot.com

[Anne]

Am joining in the fun again this year. Thanks so much for organizing this event!

[Kristy]

I am in! I write every day about Down syndrome and mosaic Down syndrome. I would love to promote the blog idea and get more positive stories out there!
Kristy Colvin
IMDSA President

[christine]

Count me in! Last year's 31 for 21 is what got me blogging in the first place. It's been a fun year; let's raise awareness.

[starrlife]

I'd like to be able to commit to daily posts but can't say that's realistic for me! But I'll be with you in spirit and try to devote my posts to the spirit of the month. BTW- I still live in VT, not far from Marlboro and have a 9 year old daughter with DS. I'd love it if you came by and see her baby pics!

[Jen]

OK, I'll give it a go. Thanks for organizing this. ---Jen
www.ReJenerationS.blogspot.com

[Ecki]

I'm in, too, of course!

http://oppositekids.blogspot.com/

[sheree]

I am definitely in! Cool idea!

www.thephamilyblog.blogspot.com/

[Traci]

I'll attempt it!!

[Sarah]

I'm going to do it too. I happened on several DS blogs, just by random hopping, and I would love to help promote awareness for this great cause.

Count me in.

http://aceswyf.blogspot.com

[Kacey Bode]

Count me in, sounds great!

[Kacey Bode]

Oops, forgot to put my blog address
www.theamazingellagrace.blogspot.com

[SHelley]

I'll give it a go!

[Cathy]

Ok, I'm game, I'll give it a shot :) Sounds neat but may prove to be unrealistic for me! We'll see....

[Kristen]

I'm going to do my best! I will have to do scheduled blogs while I am in Africa though! :-)

[deb]

Sounds cool,, is that GET IT DOWN a sticker?
Love to have one if so ...
Will try everyday may be a bit much, but....
Deb

[Tricia]

We're in...
http://kpwarren.blogspot.com

[Jennie]

I'm in! I'm usually a once-a-week poster, so this is a huge challenge for me!