BEST BUDDIES CITIZENS

Best Buddies is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

WHAT IS BEST BUDDIES?

Our mission:

Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant, international organization that has grown from one original chapter to almost 1,500 middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide.

Best Buddies programs engage participants in each of the 50 United States, and in 50 countries around the world. 

WHAT IS BEST BUDDIES?

There are 8 formal programs Middle Schools High Schools Colleges Citizens E-Buddies Jobs Ambassadors Promoters

WHAT IS BEST BUDDIES?

Programs

Best Buddies Citizens matches adults with IDD in one-to-one friendships with peers in the corporate and civic communities.

Currently the Citizens program operates in seven states across the country.

Add state specific stats- # of matches history of the program in your state

WHAT IS THE CITIZENS PROGRAM?

Adult Program

• What does a one to one match mean?

• Matches are made based on age, gender, location and similar interests.

• Why is matching one to one so important?

WHAT IS THE CITIZENS PROGRAM?

One to One Matches

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• A friendship like any other friendship.• Peer to peer interaction.• Mutually enriching friendship.

WHAT IS THE CITIZENS PROGRAM?

One to One Matches

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• Individual outings in the community.• Small group outings.• Attend Best Buddies statewide events

or Best Buddies International Events.• Advocate for people with IDD.

WHAT IS THE CITIZENS PROGRAM?

What do Buddy Pairs do together?

“Being matched with Eleanor has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Her fiery sense of humor keeps me laughing and she always brightens my day!”

-Paige HulsizerCitizens Participant

WHAT IS THE CITIZENS PROGRAM?

Testimonials

• ADD quote and picture of longest matched pair

WHAT IS THE CITIZENS PROGRAM?

Testimonials

• Minimum requirements include of a one to one friendship include:• Visit twice a month • Maintain weekly contact, via phone or email.

• Agree to be matched for a minimum of a year.

Share what you and your buddy have been doing with Best Buddies staff each month.

WHAT IS THE CITIZENS PROGRAM?

Requirements

To respond to a significant need. List the number of people on the waitlist

in your state. Address the isolation of adults with

IDD in the community.

WHY SHOULD I VOLUNTEER FOR BEST BUDDIES?

Independent and flexible volunteer hours. Network with other people in your community. Learn more about the abilities of people with

intellectual and developmental disabilities. Leadership opportunities. Most importantly…. make a new friend and

have fun!

WHY SHOULD I VOLUNTEER FOR BEST BUDDIES?

WHY SHOULD I VOLUNTEER FOR BEST BUDDIES?

Life Changing Friendships……

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Questions?!

Comments?!

You can make a difference in someone’s life …

and it might just be your own!!

BEST BUDDIES CITIZENS