Every person deserves to feel seen, valued and welcomed. Join Celebrate 3.21, a communitywide celebration of people with Down syndrome. A simple announcement, a pair of bright socks or a whole Sunday of celebration all count. And we’ve made it easy.
March 21 is World Down Syndrome Day. The date, 3/21, points to three copies of chromosome 21. Celebrate 3.21 brings that celebration into local communities, and churches can help make belonging visible.
Inclusion is more than being invited into a building. It is being welcomed, known and given a part to play. This isn’t another program. It’s a reminder that every person has value and every person belongs.
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Every person has value
Celebrate the dignity, individuality and gifts of people with Down syndrome.
Every family deserves belonging
Help individuals and families feel genuinely welcomed and included.
Every church can participate
Whatever your size or resources, there is a meaningful way to join.
MAKE IT YOUR OWN
A Little or a Lot. It All Matters.
No special budget, planning committee or new service required. These are examples, not requirements. Every way of taking part helps make belonging visible.
1KEEP IT SIMPLE
A Meaningful Moment
No change to your regular Sunday plans.
Share a brief announcement.
Invite everyone to wear colorful or mismatched socks.
Include a prayer for the value and belonging of every person.
Even five minutes counts.
2MAKE IT MEANINGFUL
Add a Little Extra to Your Sunday
A more intentional experience.
Share a short message on belonging.
Host a Rock Your Socks Sunday.
Include children’s ministry activities.
Share a story, with the family’s permission.
Small moments start lasting conversations.
3GO ALL OUT
Make It a Churchwide Celebration
A fuller plan across ministries.
Involve children, youth and adult ministries.
Set up a celebration area in the lobby.
Plan a week of encouragement and learning.
Celebrate in a way that fits your church.
FREE RESOURCES FOR EVERY CHURCH
A Church Celebration Kit is on the way.
We’re building free, ready-to-use resources just for churches. You choose what works. We’ll help with the rest.
These kit collections are planned and not yet available.
LET’S CELEBRATE TOGETHER
What If Every Church Joined In?
Imagine March 21, 2027. Some congregations wear colorful socks. Others share a message about belonging. Children’s ministries celebrate differences. We’re not asking every church to do the same thing. We’re inviting every church to be part of the same thing.
Not at all. A simple announcement, colorful socks, a prayer, or any activity that works for your congregation is enough.
Does it cost anything?
No. Joining Celebrate 3.21 is free, and our celebration resources are available at no cost.
Does our church need to use every resource?
Absolutely not. Choose what works for your church.
Can children’s and youth ministries participate?
Yes. Ministries can take part on their own or as part of a larger church celebration.
Do we have to celebrate on March 21?
No. Churches are welcome to celebrate on a nearby Sunday or another convenient date.
Can smaller churches participate?
Absolutely. Every church has something meaningful to contribute, whatever its size.
Every Church. Every Person. Every Story Matters.
You don’t have to do everything to make a difference. Sometimes belonging begins with an invitation, a conversation or a simple moment of celebration. Thank you for helping make a community where every person is valued, welcomed and celebrated.
