"The mission of Best Buddies is to enhance the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for one-to-one friendships and integrated employment."
--from the Best Buddies Web site
Best Buddies was formed in 1987 by Georgetown University student, Anthony Kennedy Shriver. It became a non-profit organization in 1989 and an international organization in 1992 when the first chapter opened in Greece.
Best Buddies quickly expanded from the original college campus program to other college campuses, and now encompasses 6 separate programs including Best Buddies Middle Schools and Best Buddies High Schools and e-Buddies.
Best Buddies begins at the middle school level and continues through college and adulthood. e-Buddies is for people 10 years old and up.
Best Buddies pairs people with and without intellectual disabilities in one-to-one friendships. Membership is open to everyone.
Students befriend their intellectually disabled peers and help them integrate into their schools, doing whatever it is kids do in their daily lives.
e-Buddies pairs children ages 10 and up with email pals. Buddies are expected to email each other once each week.
To find a Best Buddies Chapter in your school, check the Best Buddies Middle Schools or Best Buddies High Schools pages on their Web site -- look for the map at the bottom of the page. If you can't find an chapter in your child's school, contact them for information on starting one.
Pros:
- Provides intellectually disabled children with friendships that help them grow and adapt.
- Non-disabled children have a chance to make a real difference in someone's life
- The program grows with children through college and into the job market
- Chapter structure provides opportunities for leadership
- Best Buddies provides a unique opportunity for children to develop understanding that will last them a lifetime
- Middle and High School programs seem to be limited currently, but are constantly growing. How about encouraging your child to start a chapter?