Why 3/21?
March 21 (3/21) recognizes the extra copy of chromosome 21 associated with Down syndrome. It’s a day to celebrate people, challenge assumptions and make belonging visible.
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Your 3.21 toolkit.
Choose your audience for ready-to-use ideas, family printables, and church lesson plans. Individuals are welcome to use the family resources too.
Everyone resources
Language matters
Say “person with Down syndrome” by default. Avoid “suffers from,” “afflicted with” and language that reduces someone to a diagnosis. Follow a person’s own preference when they tell you.
Rock Your Socks
Wear colorful or mismatched socks on March 21. When someone asks, tell them why you’re celebrating World Down Syndrome Day and invite them to join.
A caption you can use
“We’re showing up for World Down Syndrome Day on March 21. A community with a little extra joy, kindness and belonging is a better community for everyone. #Celebrate321”
Businesses resources
Five easy ways for a business
Rock your socks as a team. Display a welcome message. Share why March 21 matters. Invite customers into a conversation. Dream up a 3.21 idea of your own.
A window message
“We’re showing up for World Down Syndrome Day. You belong here. Celebrate 3.21 with us on March 21.”
Schools resources
A classroom explanation
“Some people have Down syndrome, which means they have an extra copy of chromosome 21. Everyone learns, plays and communicates in their own way. We can make sure everyone feels welcome and included.”
An announcement idea
“Today is World Down Syndrome Day! March 21 is a day to celebrate people with Down syndrome and think about how each of us can make school a place where everyone belongs.”
21 days of extra kindness
Try one small action each day: learn a classmate’s name, invite someone into a game, listen without interrupting, make room at the table, and ask what inclusion feels like.
Churches resources
Lesson Plan
God Made Me Wonderful! — A joyful session about how God made every person wonderfully.
Adapted Lesson Plan
God Made Me Wonderful! — An adapted edition of this session with visual, communication, and participation supports.
Lesson Plan
God Sees the Heart — A lesson on looking beyond appearances and seeing the heart.
Adapted Lesson Plan
God Sees the Heart — An adapted edition of this session with visual, communication, and participation supports.
Lesson Plan
Every Part Matters — A lesson about how every person has a place and is needed.
Adapted Lesson Plan
Every Part Matters — An adapted edition of this session with visual, communication, and participation supports.
Lesson Plan
Friends Who Make a Way — A session on friends who made a way to bring their friend to Jesus.
Adapted Lesson Plan
Friends Who Make a Way — An adapted edition of this session with visual, communication, and participation supports.
Lesson Plan
A Seat at the Table — A youth session about welcome and belonging at the table.
Adapted Lesson Plan
A Seat at the Table — An adapted edition of this session with visual, communication, and participation supports.
Families resources
Learn One Thing
A one-page family fact sheet to read together and share.
Kids Activity Pack
Eight coloring, matching, maze, word-search and kindness activities.
21 Ways to Celebrate 3.21
A family checklist of 21 ideas for celebrating March 21.
Create Your Own Fun Sock
Two printable sock-design pages for drawing and coloring.
The Great Sock Match-Up
A whole-family sock-sorting game with alternate ways to play.
These ready-to-use text resources are free to use. No signup required.
THE INVITATION IS OPEN
A little extra can make a big difference.
There is no perfect way to participate. There is just your way. Come as you are and bring what you can.