Every year at PALS, we’ve learned more about our mission, our organization, and our world. We’ve learned that the need for inclusion extends far beyond the disability community. We’ve learned that our vision reaches beyond a single week, a single region, or a single group of people. We’re building a community of passionate individuals committed to creating a better future together - because above all, we’ve learned that every person, regardless of their differences, desires to belong.

Our vision of belonging, although dedicated to those with Down syndrome, must be a vision of unity. As a PALS Family, this means embracing everyone with a welcoming culture that strives to combat and eradicate bias rooted in racial, gender, sexual orientation, ability status or socioeconomic differences.

We are an organization that sculpts leaders, that invests in the strength of young volunteers, and that transforms people’s perspectives and expectations of inclusion. We will make mistakes. And we have already. But we are determined to be better, and to set an example of a radically different world.

“I want people to know that there is hope that this world could be different. That we could live in a world that loves openly and deeply and fiercely. That we could be a people who is capable of loving all people despite all differences. I know that it is possible - because for a week, it was my reality.” – PALS Volunteer

It is our goal to be as transparent as possible in our commitment to diversity and inclusion, and to continue to provide updates to our campers, families, volunteers, and supporters about our ongoing efforts. To date, we’ve taken steps in the areas of financial aid, recruitment, leadership, and professional development opportunities. We will continue to post updates on our website with details surrounding these initiatives and how the PALS community can get involved.

We want to inspire a world of belonging – for everyone. And we are so grateful for your help as we work every day toward this mission.

As always, please feel free to contact us with any questions or ideas.

PALS Love,

Jenni, and the PALS Staff Team