John Cronin, co-founder of John’s Crazy Socks, is a strong advocate for the rights of people with Down syndrome. That has led him to serve as an ambassador for the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) and to serve on the Board of the NDSS. It is not surprising that John jumped at an invitation to join other NDSS Ambassadors in a call with self-advocates from the United Kingdom to share experiences and discuss approaches to self-determination.
Anna Fedewa from the NDSS organized the call with members of the National Down Syndrome Policy Group in the United Kingdom, a grassroots organization with the aim of ensuring that the voices of people with Down syndrome are heard in society and reflected in government policy. Anna described the call as “an opportunity for self-advocates from each of our groups to connect with one another, learn about each other’s groups, and discuss issues that are important to them.”
John Cronin said, “I love meeting other self-advocates. I am always learning how I can be a better spokesperson for people with Down syndrome and listening to others is a great way to learn.”
The participants told of meeting with elected officials in both the U.S. and England and ways in which they promoted policy and legislative changes. John shared his experiences meeting with members of Congress and testifying before Congress.
Advocacy and John’s Crazy Socks
Part of the mission at John’s Crazy Socks is to show what people with differing abilities can do. Part of that effort involves meeting with elected officials and policy makers to advocate for the rights of people with differing abilities. John and his co-founder and father, Mark X. Cronin, both serve as Ambassadors for the National Down Syndrome Society and work with the NDSS on legislative issues. They are also members of the CEO Commission for Disability Employment and serve on the Workforce Development Board in Suffolk County.
This year alone, John and Mark have made two trips to Capitol Hill to meet with Senators and Representatives and met with Congressman Andrew Garbarino in his office on Long Island. Congressman Nick LaLota is scheduling a visit to John’s Crazy Socks. John and Mark have welcomed State and County elected officials to their offices and met with them at numerous local events.
“Our business has given us a platform where people will listen,” said Mark X. Cronin, “and that creates an obligation for us to speak up for others. We speak for our colleagues and our customers whose purchases from John’s Crazy Socks makes these advocacy efforts possible.”
Legislators love to meet with John Cronin. They love to hear the story of how John and his father created John's Crazy Socks, the world's largest sock store. They like to take photographs with John. Members of Congress often face long, grueling days; they take comfort in John’s smile. John is truly spreading happiness when he meets with legislators. This makes John an effective spokesperson for people with differing abilities. And he uses those opportunities to speak up on issues ranging from eliminating the subminimum wage to overcoming discrimination in organ transplants.
“We deserve the same rights as everyone else,” said John.
About John’s Crazy Socks
John’s Crazy Socks was inspired by John Lee Cronin, a young man with Down syndrome, and his love of colorful and fun socks—what he calls his “crazy socks.” He and his father, Mark X. Cronin, started the company as a social enterprise with a mission of Spreading Happiness™. With more than 4,000 socks, John’s Crazy Socks is now the world’s largest sock store. More than half their employees have a differing ability, and their Giving Back program has raised over $635,000 for charity partners like the Special Olympics, the National Down Syndrome Society, and the Autism Society of America. Most of all, they are Spreading Happiness™.
For more information about John’s Crazy Socks, visit our webpage, Facebook page, Instagram account, TikTok or YouTube channel. You can also contact us at 631-760-5625 or via email at service@johnscrazysocks.com.
