Best Buddies International: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|American nonprofit organization}} |
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{{Infobox Non-profit |
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{{Infobox organization |
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| Non-profit_name = Best Buddies International |
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| name = Best Buddies International |
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| Non-profit_logo = |
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| image = Best Buddies logo.png |
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| Non-profit_type = [[Service club|Service]] |
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| image_size = 200px |
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| founded_date = 1989 |
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| type = [[Service club|Service]] |
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| founder = [[Anthony Kennedy Shriver]] |
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| founded_date = {{start date and age|1989}} |
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| location = |
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| founder = [[Anthony Kennedy Shriver]] |
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| origins = [[Georgetown University]] |
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| location = [[Miami, Florida]], US |
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| area_served = International |
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| origins = [[Georgetown University]] |
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| focus = To enhance the lives of people with [[intellectual disabilities]] |
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| area_served = Worldwide |
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| method = [[Community service]] |
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| focus = To enhance the lives of people with [[intellectual disabilities|intellectual and developmental disabilities]] |
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| revenue = |
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| method = [[Community service]] |
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| endowment = |
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| revenue = |
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| num_volunteers = |
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| endowment = |
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| num_employees = |
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| owner = |
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| num_members = |
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| dissolved = |
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| owner = |
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| website = {{url|https://bestbuddies.org/}} |
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| Non-profit_slogan = |
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| footnotes = |
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| homepage = [http://www.bestbuddies.org/ www.bestbuddies.org] |
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| dissolved = |
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| footnotes = |
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}} |
}} |
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'''Best Buddies''' is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for one-to-one friendships and integrated employment. |
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'''Best Buddies International''' is an American nonprofit [[501(c)#501|501(c)(3)]] organization. It consists of volunteers that create opportunities for people with [[Disability|intellectual and developmental disabilities]] (IDD). The program's main purpose is to allow volunteers to be paired up with a buddy with an intellectual and developmental disability and provide them with a friend or a mentor.<ref>Hardman, Michael, and Christine Clark. "Promoting Friendship Through Best Buddies: A National Survey of College Program Participants." N.p., Feb. 2006. Web. 30 Sept. 2013. <http://steps-forward.org/pdf/Promoting_Friendship_Through_Best_Buddies-_A_National_Survey_of_College_ProgramParticipants.pdf> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020120953/http://steps-forward.org/pdf/Promoting_Friendship_Through_Best_Buddies-_A_National_Survey_of_College_ProgramParticipants.pdf |date=October 20, 2013 }}.</ref> Best Buddies is the world's largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people with IDD.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bestbuddies.org/what-we-do/mission-vision-goals/|title=Mission|website=Best Buddies International|language=en-US|access-date=2018-04-01}}</ref> It is an international movement that has spread to over 54 countries worldwide.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bestbuddies.org/international-programs/ |website=Best Buddies International|title=International Programs}}</ref> |
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Founded in 1989 by [[Anthony Paul Kennedy Shriver|Anthony Kennedy Shriver]], Best Buddies is an international organization that has grown from one original chapter. Best Buddies programs engage participants in each of the 50 United States. The organization has accredited international programs on six continents with additional country programs under active development. |
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Founded in 1989 by [[Anthony Shriver|Anthony Kennedy Shriver]], Best Buddies is an international organization that has grown from one original chapter to more than 1,500 college, high school and middle school campuses across the United States and internationally.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bestbuddies.org/best-buddies|title=Best Buddies International|access-date=2009-11-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090830062052/http://www.bestbuddies.org/best-buddies|archive-date=2009-08-30|url-status=dead}}</ref> The [[Georgetown University]] Chapter of Best Buddies is the biggest in the [[Washington, D.C., area]] and is also the birthplace of the organization.<ref name="auto">"Best Buddies International." Best Buddies International. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Sept. 2013. <http://www.bestbuddies.org/best-buddies {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090830062052/http://www.bestbuddies.org/best-buddies |date=2009-08-30 }}>.</ref> |
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==Mission of Best Buddies== |
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To establish a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.<ref>http://www.bestbuddies.org/best-buddies/mission-vision</ref> |
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== |
==Programs== |
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Best Buddies has eight formal programs – Best Buddies Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges, Promoters, Citizens, Ambassadors, Jobs, and e-buddies. |
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When Anthony K. Shriver was a senior at [[Georgetown University]], he announced in his history class that he was starting a Student [[Volunteering|Volunteer]] Organization. In the first two years of Best Buddies International it grew to 67 colleges and universities in 22 states and the [[District of Columbia]]. Nationwide, more than 1,100 college students are matched with similar number of buddies.<ref>Saturday Evening Post April 1991</ref> h. |
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These programs offer participants with intellectual and developmental disabilities opportunities to learn social skills and job training to be more included in society and to work on being independent. <ref>{{Cite web|title=Friendship|url=https://www.bestbuddies.org/what-we-do/friendship/|access-date=2020-10-08|website=Best Buddies International|language=en-US}}</ref> In addition, individuals are able to create true friendships with the people around them and have a sense of inclusion. |
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=== Best Buddies Middle Schools === |
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==Requirements== |
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Best Buddies Middle Schools promotes one-on-one friendships of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities and with students without any disabilities.<ref name="auto"/> The program takes place within the school itself, between the attending students. This program allows social inclusion for disabled students early in their educational career by beginning to learn social skills and how to make friends. |
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Each chapter has different events and plans. Most of them require members to visit their buddies at least once every two weeks. Anthony K. Shriver stated “Everybody comes in wanting to be matched with a smiling, cute little kid with Down Syndrome, but that’s not the way most people with [[Mental Retardation]] are. Eighty five percent look and act just like you and I act, but they couldn’t read an algebra problem.”{{Citation needed|date=November 2009}} |
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=== Best Buddies High Schools === |
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==Fundraising== |
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Best Buddies High School Club promotes one-on-one friendships between students with intellectual and developmental disabilities and those without a disability, within the school.<ref name="auto"/> The purpose is to hopefully create lifelong friendships between the buddy matches that are made. Along with creating new friendships, they spread the word of inclusion to not only their chapter members but the entire school. Events are created in the school in order to try and have the rest of school begin to get involved in the chapter. This program tries to break social barriers at a difficult time in a teenager's life, with or without a disability. Members spend time together during lunch break, before or after school. Members also communicate with their buddy's parents to be able to spend time with their new friend outside of school as well. There are special events created in which allows the students to be creative, share, and contribute with one another. Matches get to know each other for who they are and begin to build true friendships. {{citation needed|date=November 2015}} |
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The '''Best Buddies Challenge''' is a biannual [[bicycling]] event in the [[United States]] that raises money for the organization. The first Challenge, the [[Hyannis, Massachusetts|Hyannis Port]] Challenge, has been held in May, in the [[Boston]] area. It followed a course from the [[Kennedy Compound]] to [[Cape Cod]].{{Citation needed|date=July 2009}} |
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===Best Buddies Colleges=== |
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The second, the [[Hearst Castle]] Challenge has taken place along the PCH ([[California State Route 1|Pacific Coast Highway]]) from [[Carmel, California]] to [[San Simeon, California]] in October. The ride has started at a winery and followed the PCH to finish at the Hearst Castle (or "ranch").{{Citation needed|date=July 2009}} |
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Best Buddies College promotes one-on-one friendships between adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and college students.<ref name="auto"/> Colleges pair up with a group home in the area and work with the adults there, providing them with a chance to be involved with the community since these adults are generally abandoned by family and have difficulties getting careers. |
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===Best Buddies Citizens=== |
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The Best Buddies Challenge is now sponsored by Audi. Participants choose to cycle, walk or run.<ref>http://www.bestbuddieschallenge.org/</ref> |
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Best Buddies Citizens program was originally created for the people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who were graduating from high school or college and preparing for adulthood more independently. With this program, they were able to continue being a part of Best Buddies in spreading the mission of inclusion. Best Buddies Citizens promotes one-on-one friendships between adults with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. This program is used to help incorporate adults with disabilities into civic communities. The adults in this program continue to learn social skills, work skills, and skills that they will be able to use in their daily life as an adult. This program assists the family of the individual in knowing that their son or daughter is better set for adulthood along with always feeling included. The goal is to create a diverse community and allow adults with disabilities to be a key part of society.<ref>{{Cite web|title=One-To-One Friendships (MA & RI)|url=https://www.bestbuddies.org/mari/friendships/|access-date=2020-10-08|website=Best Buddies International|language=en-US}}</ref> |
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===Best Buddies Ambassadors=== |
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==Leadership Conference== |
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Best Buddies Ambassadors is intended to train people with IDD to be leaders and public speakers in their schools, communities, and workplace. It is intended to be a part of the Disability Rights Movement - teaching people with IDD the skills needed to successfully self-advocate. The program is intended to prepare people with IDD to become active agents of change. The ambassadors can also be people without IDD. Buddy pairs are encouraged to be ambassadors together in order to help spread the Best Buddies mission by demonstrating friendship and inclusion.{{citation needed|date=November 2015}} |
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The International Leadership Conference is held for four days annually in Indiana University, usually in late July.<ref name="somewebsite">http://www.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=306627</ref> |
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===Best Buddies Jobs=== |
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Almost 1,500 student leaders attend the conference from over 36 countries worldwide.{{Citation needed|date=November 2009}} |
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Best Buddies Jobs is a program that makes sure people with intellectual and developmental disabilities get competitive paying jobs and equal employment. This program provides a support system for both the employee with a disability and the employer.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=West |first1=Michael D. |last2=Wehman |first2=Paul Brody |last3=Wehman |first3=Paul |title=Competitive employment outcomes for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities: The national impact of the Best Buddies Jobs Program |journal=Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation |date=1 January 2005 |volume=23 |issue=1 |pages=51–63 |url=https://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-vocational-rehabilitation/jvr00296 }}</ref> |
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== |
===e-Buddies=== |
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e-Buddies offers a safe place for those with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to create online friendships. This program helps members, ages 13 and older, develop technology skills to become more confident in communicating online. Since people with IDD often have fewer opportunities for social interaction once they graduate, this program helps them continue making friendships while learning to navigate technology. Members can participate in monthly group events or be paired for a one-to-one friendship. All participants are screened to ensure the safety of those with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities.<ref>{{Cite web|title=e-Buddies|url=https://www.bestbuddies.org/what-we-do/ebuddies/|access-date=2020-10-08|website=Best Buddies International|language=en-US}}</ref> |
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=== Best Buddies Living === |
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The goal of Best Buddies is not only to build everlasting friendship and bonds between individuals; also “ part of our mission is to make it so people won’t stare, so when you go downtown or into church, they’re use to having people with mental retardation in there.”<ref>People magazine</ref>{{Citation needed|date=November 2009}}<!---this footnote is unacceptable. please see [[WP:FOOT]] for help---> |
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The Best Buddies Living program encourages people with and without IDD to live together in a vibrant community that is focused on supporting all residents in accomplishing their life goals and dreams.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bestbuddies.org/living/|title=Best Buddies Living|website=Best Buddies International|language=en-US|access-date=2019-01-24}}</ref> |
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==Chapters== |
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The first official Best Buddies chapter was founded at Georgetown University in 1989, and the second was at [[The Catholic University of America]] in 1991.<ref name=cua>*{{cite journal| title = True Friendship | first = Katie | last = Bahr | journal = Catholic U | issue = Spring 2019 | publisher = The Catholic University of America |page= 34}}</ref> {{As of|2019}}, there are over 1,500 chapters, and over 400 on college campuses.<ref name=cua/> |
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Each chapter has an official website called the Chapter Portal. Through this site, members are able to view the calendar, roster, or other important information about the chapter. The administration of a chapter is responsible for updating the Chapter Portal when necessary.{{citation needed|date=November 2015}} |
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==Fundraising and events== |
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83% of the revenue goes directly to Best Buddies programs, and only 17% goes towards administration and fundraising. The amount that goes towards fundraising is used to create events such as the Friendship Walk and the Best Buddies Challenge.<ref>Couser, Adelia. "Best Buddies Dance the Night Away." Quinnipiac Chronicle. WordPress, 26 Sept. 2013. Web. 30 Sept. 2013. <http://www.quchronicle.com/2013/09/best-buddies-dance-the-night-away/>.</ref> |
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===Best Buddies Friendship Walk=== |
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The Best Buddies Friendship Walk began in 2009 and has since spread to over 24 states. The Friendship Walk has raised over $2 million for Best Buddies.{{citation needed|date=November 2015}} |
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Each state that participates in the Friendship walk can hold the event whenever they wish and as often as they wish. The purpose of the walk is to raise money for Best Buddies<ref>{{cite web|title=The Best Buddies Friendship Walk (BBFW)|url=https://bestbuddiesfriendshipwalk.org/}}</ref> while creating an atmosphere for new friendships to prosper and inclusion for all.{{citation needed|date=November 2015}} |
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=== Best Buddies Challenge === |
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The Best Buddies Challenge<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bestbuddieschallenge.org|title=Best Buddies Challenge - Ride, walk or run in support of Best Buddies.|work=bestbuddieschallenge.org}}</ref> is the organization's largest fundraising initiative, sponsored by German car manufacturer [[Audi]]. It consists of three annual events in the [[United States]] in which participants cycle, walk or run. Participants are encouraged to participate alongside Best Buddies, those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. |
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=== Best Buddies Leadership Conference === |
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The Best Buddies Leadership Conference is a program offered at the Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. The program has four education tracks that are meant for different positions within a chapter or community. The conference takes place once a year for four days. Through the four days, participants go to workshops, seminars, and events.{{citation needed|date=November 2015}} |
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Some of the conference highlights are: leadership development and public speaking sessions, and learning about the disabilities rights movement.{{citation needed|date=November 2015}} |
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=== Best Buddies Ventures === |
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Best Buddies Ventures creates employment opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) while serving as a way to raise funds to help grow the Best Buddies program. |
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In June 2020, Best Buddies launched their first venture with Rosetta Bakery. This nonprofit agency partnered with a for-profit company to create a program to bridge the gap with inclusion and job opportunities. Best Buddies x Rosetta Bakery is a partnership that allows customers to support Best Buddies by purchasing food and coffee. In addition, this South Florida bakery allows those with IDD to showcase their talents through employment and internship opportunities. This unique bakery serves high-quality Italian treats, including focaccia, pizza, sandwiches, coffee, pastries, and cakes. Best Buddies x Rosetta Bakery not only offers jobs but also helps create awareness for Best Buddies’ mission. Additionally, 50% of each bakery purchase goes to help expand the programs offered by Best Buddies. The hope is to take this business model and expand it worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-06-26 |title=Best Buddies x Rosetta Bakery Officially Launches in South Florida |url=https://www.bestbuddies.org/best-buddies-rosetta-bakery/ |access-date=2022-03-20 |website=Best Buddies International |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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==Sponsorship== |
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The top sponsor of Best Buddies International is Audi, but other companies that have donated over $500,000 are Silicon Valley Bank, Country Kitchen, and Zenith.{{citation needed|date=November 2015}} |
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=== Audi of America Partnership === |
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Through [[Audi]] sponsorship, Best Buddies International was able to raise more than US$11.8 million for Best Buddies programs from events in Palm Beach, Hyannis Port, Hearst Castle, New York, Washington and Miami in 2008.{{citation needed|date=November 2015}} |
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Introduced in April 2007 at [[Art Chicago]], the car toured cities between New York and Mexico City, culminating in Miami, where it was sold at a live auction benefiting the charity.{{citation needed|date=November 2015}} |
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[[Audi]] is the title sponsor of the Audi Best Buddies Challenge: Washington, D.C. In addition to being the title sponsor for this event, Audi is featured at all other Best Buddies national events. Best Buddies and Audi also collaborate on a variety of [[cause marketing]] programs throughout the year that take place on both the national and regional levels.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bestbuddies.org/sponsors/audi-partnership|title=Best Buddies International|author=Anthony Gomez|work=bestbuddies.org|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101120015405/http://bestbuddies.org/sponsors/audi-partnership|archive-date=2010-11-20}}</ref> |
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Audi has also agreed to support the beginning of Best Buddies Jobs Washington, D.C. Audi had been sponsoring Best Buddies since 2007 and plans to continue to do so through December 31, 2014.<ref name="auto"/> |
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===International=== |
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Best Buddies is attempting to create relationships with organizations in countries in the Middle East.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prnewswire.com|title=PR Newswire: press release distribution, targeting, monitoring and marketing|work=prnewswire.com}}</ref> |
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In 2007, Anthony Kennedy Shriver announced the opening of a new accredited program in [[Doha, Qatar]], in collaboration with the Shafallah Center for Children with Special Needs, a nonprofit charitable organization. |
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{{as of|2018|January|}}, Best Buddies had chapters in 50 countries around the world, spanning six continents.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/|title=PR Newswire: press release distribution, targeting, monitoring and marketing|work=prnewswire.com}}</ref><ref>[http://www.mozahbintnasser.qa/pages/default.aspx Her Highness Sheikha Mozah] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101124073926/http://www.mozahbintnasser.qa/pages/default.aspx |date=November 24, 2010 }}</ref> |
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==Other Sponsors== |
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Other sponsors of Best Buddies include Foundations and Government Partners such as the Annenberg Foundation, the Florida Department of Education and the United States Department of Education. |
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Best Buddies also accepts donations from individual donors. |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{Reflist}} |
{{Reflist}} |
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==Source== |
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*This article drew heavily on the [[:de:Best Buddies International]] in the [[:de:Hauptseite|German-language Wikipedia]], accessed April 27, 2007. |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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* [ |
* [https://www.bestbuddies.org/ Best Buddies International] |
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* [http://www.ebuddies.org e-Buddies] |
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* [http://goombo.com/2009-best-buddies-international-gala-miami/224 2009 Best Buddies International Gala on Miami Beach] |
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* [https://www.bestbuddieschallenge.org/ Best Buddies Challenge] |
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* [http://sports.espn.go.com/travel/columns/story?columnist=caple_jim&id=2629491 Jim Caple's (ESPN.com) article on the Hearst Castle Challenge] |
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* [http://www.bestbuddieschallenge.org Best Buddies Challenge] |
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* [http://0-search.ebscohost.com.helin.uri.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=9105130629&site=ehost-live The Saturday Evening Post- The Hadicapped's Best Buddy] |
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*[http://0-search.ebscohost.com.helin.uri.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=9502227544&site=ehost-live People Magazine- Best of Buddies] |
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*[http://www.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=306627 Best Buddies Leadership Conference] |
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[[Category:Non-profit organizations based in the United States]] |
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[[Category:1989 establishments]] |
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[[Category:Cycling in the United States]] |
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[[Category:Charity fundraisers]] |
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[[Category:Shriver family]] |
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[[Category:Non-profit organizations based in Florida]] |
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[[de:Best Buddies]] |
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[[Category:Organizations established in 1989]] |
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[[Category:Organizations based in Miami]] |
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[[Category:Intellectual disability organizations]] |
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[[Category:1989 establishments in Florida]] |
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Latest revision as of 18:20, 16 June 2024
 | |
| Founded | 1989 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Anthony Kennedy Shriver |
| Type | Service |
| Focus | To enhance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities |
| Location |
|
| Origins | Georgetown University |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Method | Community service |
| Website | bestbuddies |
Best Buddies International is an American nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. It consists of volunteers that create opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The program's main purpose is to allow volunteers to be paired up with a buddy with an intellectual and developmental disability and provide them with a friend or a mentor.[1] Best Buddies is the world's largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people with IDD.[2] It is an international movement that has spread to over 54 countries worldwide.[3]
Founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Best Buddies is an international organization that has grown from one original chapter to more than 1,500 college, high school and middle school campuses across the United States and internationally.[4] The Georgetown University Chapter of Best Buddies is the biggest in the Washington, D.C., area and is also the birthplace of the organization.[5]
Programs
[edit]Best Buddies has eight formal programs – Best Buddies Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges, Promoters, Citizens, Ambassadors, Jobs, and e-buddies. These programs offer participants with intellectual and developmental disabilities opportunities to learn social skills and job training to be more included in society and to work on being independent. [6] In addition, individuals are able to create true friendships with the people around them and have a sense of inclusion.
Best Buddies Middle Schools
[edit]Best Buddies Middle Schools promotes one-on-one friendships of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities and with students without any disabilities.[5] The program takes place within the school itself, between the attending students. This program allows social inclusion for disabled students early in their educational career by beginning to learn social skills and how to make friends.
Best Buddies High Schools
[edit]Best Buddies High School Club promotes one-on-one friendships between students with intellectual and developmental disabilities and those without a disability, within the school.[5] The purpose is to hopefully create lifelong friendships between the buddy matches that are made. Along with creating new friendships, they spread the word of inclusion to not only their chapter members but the entire school. Events are created in the school in order to try and have the rest of school begin to get involved in the chapter. This program tries to break social barriers at a difficult time in a teenager's life, with or without a disability. Members spend time together during lunch break, before or after school. Members also communicate with their buddy's parents to be able to spend time with their new friend outside of school as well. There are special events created in which allows the students to be creative, share, and contribute with one another. Matches get to know each other for who they are and begin to build true friendships. [citation needed]
Best Buddies Colleges
[edit]Best Buddies College promotes one-on-one friendships between adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and college students.[5] Colleges pair up with a group home in the area and work with the adults there, providing them with a chance to be involved with the community since these adults are generally abandoned by family and have difficulties getting careers.
Best Buddies Citizens
[edit]Best Buddies Citizens program was originally created for the people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who were graduating from high school or college and preparing for adulthood more independently. With this program, they were able to continue being a part of Best Buddies in spreading the mission of inclusion. Best Buddies Citizens promotes one-on-one friendships between adults with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. This program is used to help incorporate adults with disabilities into civic communities. The adults in this program continue to learn social skills, work skills, and skills that they will be able to use in their daily life as an adult. This program assists the family of the individual in knowing that their son or daughter is better set for adulthood along with always feeling included. The goal is to create a diverse community and allow adults with disabilities to be a key part of society.[7]
Best Buddies Ambassadors
[edit]Best Buddies Ambassadors is intended to train people with IDD to be leaders and public speakers in their schools, communities, and workplace. It is intended to be a part of the Disability Rights Movement - teaching people with IDD the skills needed to successfully self-advocate. The program is intended to prepare people with IDD to become active agents of change. The ambassadors can also be people without IDD. Buddy pairs are encouraged to be ambassadors together in order to help spread the Best Buddies mission by demonstrating friendship and inclusion.[citation needed]
Best Buddies Jobs
[edit]Best Buddies Jobs is a program that makes sure people with intellectual and developmental disabilities get competitive paying jobs and equal employment. This program provides a support system for both the employee with a disability and the employer.[8]
e-Buddies
[edit]e-Buddies offers a safe place for those with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to create online friendships. This program helps members, ages 13 and older, develop technology skills to become more confident in communicating online. Since people with IDD often have fewer opportunities for social interaction once they graduate, this program helps them continue making friendships while learning to navigate technology. Members can participate in monthly group events or be paired for a one-to-one friendship. All participants are screened to ensure the safety of those with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities.[9]
Best Buddies Living
[edit]The Best Buddies Living program encourages people with and without IDD to live together in a vibrant community that is focused on supporting all residents in accomplishing their life goals and dreams.[10]
Chapters
[edit]The first official Best Buddies chapter was founded at Georgetown University in 1989, and the second was at The Catholic University of America in 1991.[11] As of 2019[update], there are over 1,500 chapters, and over 400 on college campuses.[11]
Each chapter has an official website called the Chapter Portal. Through this site, members are able to view the calendar, roster, or other important information about the chapter. The administration of a chapter is responsible for updating the Chapter Portal when necessary.[citation needed]
Fundraising and events
[edit]83% of the revenue goes directly to Best Buddies programs, and only 17% goes towards administration and fundraising. The amount that goes towards fundraising is used to create events such as the Friendship Walk and the Best Buddies Challenge.[12]
Best Buddies Friendship Walk
[edit]The Best Buddies Friendship Walk began in 2009 and has since spread to over 24 states. The Friendship Walk has raised over $2 million for Best Buddies.[citation needed] Each state that participates in the Friendship walk can hold the event whenever they wish and as often as they wish. The purpose of the walk is to raise money for Best Buddies[13] while creating an atmosphere for new friendships to prosper and inclusion for all.[citation needed]
Best Buddies Challenge
[edit]The Best Buddies Challenge[14] is the organization's largest fundraising initiative, sponsored by German car manufacturer Audi. It consists of three annual events in the United States in which participants cycle, walk or run. Participants are encouraged to participate alongside Best Buddies, those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Best Buddies Leadership Conference
[edit]The Best Buddies Leadership Conference is a program offered at the Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. The program has four education tracks that are meant for different positions within a chapter or community. The conference takes place once a year for four days. Through the four days, participants go to workshops, seminars, and events.[citation needed]
Some of the conference highlights are: leadership development and public speaking sessions, and learning about the disabilities rights movement.[citation needed]
Best Buddies Ventures
[edit]Best Buddies Ventures creates employment opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) while serving as a way to raise funds to help grow the Best Buddies program.
In June 2020, Best Buddies launched their first venture with Rosetta Bakery. This nonprofit agency partnered with a for-profit company to create a program to bridge the gap with inclusion and job opportunities. Best Buddies x Rosetta Bakery is a partnership that allows customers to support Best Buddies by purchasing food and coffee. In addition, this South Florida bakery allows those with IDD to showcase their talents through employment and internship opportunities. This unique bakery serves high-quality Italian treats, including focaccia, pizza, sandwiches, coffee, pastries, and cakes. Best Buddies x Rosetta Bakery not only offers jobs but also helps create awareness for Best Buddies’ mission. Additionally, 50% of each bakery purchase goes to help expand the programs offered by Best Buddies. The hope is to take this business model and expand it worldwide.[15]
Sponsorship
[edit]The top sponsor of Best Buddies International is Audi, but other companies that have donated over $500,000 are Silicon Valley Bank, Country Kitchen, and Zenith.[citation needed]
Audi of America Partnership
[edit]Through Audi sponsorship, Best Buddies International was able to raise more than US$11.8 million for Best Buddies programs from events in Palm Beach, Hyannis Port, Hearst Castle, New York, Washington and Miami in 2008.[citation needed]
Introduced in April 2007 at Art Chicago, the car toured cities between New York and Mexico City, culminating in Miami, where it was sold at a live auction benefiting the charity.[citation needed]
Audi is the title sponsor of the Audi Best Buddies Challenge: Washington, D.C. In addition to being the title sponsor for this event, Audi is featured at all other Best Buddies national events. Best Buddies and Audi also collaborate on a variety of cause marketing programs throughout the year that take place on both the national and regional levels.[16]
Audi has also agreed to support the beginning of Best Buddies Jobs Washington, D.C. Audi had been sponsoring Best Buddies since 2007 and plans to continue to do so through December 31, 2014.[5]
International
[edit]Best Buddies is attempting to create relationships with organizations in countries in the Middle East.[17]
In 2007, Anthony Kennedy Shriver announced the opening of a new accredited program in Doha, Qatar, in collaboration with the Shafallah Center for Children with Special Needs, a nonprofit charitable organization.
As of January 2018[update], Best Buddies had chapters in 50 countries around the world, spanning six continents.[18][19]
Other Sponsors
[edit]Other sponsors of Best Buddies include Foundations and Government Partners such as the Annenberg Foundation, the Florida Department of Education and the United States Department of Education. Best Buddies also accepts donations from individual donors.
References
[edit]- ^ Hardman, Michael, and Christine Clark. "Promoting Friendship Through Best Buddies: A National Survey of College Program Participants." N.p., Feb. 2006. Web. 30 Sept. 2013. <http://steps-forward.org/pdf/Promoting_Friendship_Through_Best_Buddies-_A_National_Survey_of_College_ProgramParticipants.pdf> Archived October 20, 2013, at the Wayback Machine.
- ^ "Mission". Best Buddies International. Retrieved 2018-04-01.
- ^ "International Programs". Best Buddies International.
- ^ "Best Buddies International". Archived from the original on 2009-08-30. Retrieved 2009-11-16.
- ^ a b c d e "Best Buddies International." Best Buddies International. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Sept. 2013. <http://www.bestbuddies.org/best-buddies Archived 2009-08-30 at the Wayback Machine>.
- ^ "Friendship". Best Buddies International. Retrieved 2020-10-08.
- ^ "One-To-One Friendships (MA & RI)". Best Buddies International. Retrieved 2020-10-08.
- ^ West, Michael D.; Wehman, Paul Brody; Wehman, Paul (1 January 2005). "Competitive employment outcomes for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities: The national impact of the Best Buddies Jobs Program". Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation. 23 (1): 51–63.
- ^ "e-Buddies". Best Buddies International. Retrieved 2020-10-08.
- ^ "Best Buddies Living". Best Buddies International. Retrieved 2019-01-24.
- ^ a b *Bahr, Katie. "True Friendship". Catholic U (Spring 2019). The Catholic University of America: 34.
- ^ Couser, Adelia. "Best Buddies Dance the Night Away." Quinnipiac Chronicle. WordPress, 26 Sept. 2013. Web. 30 Sept. 2013. <http://www.quchronicle.com/2013/09/best-buddies-dance-the-night-away/>.
- ^ "The Best Buddies Friendship Walk (BBFW)".
- ^ "Best Buddies Challenge - Ride, walk or run in support of Best Buddies". bestbuddieschallenge.org.
- ^ "Best Buddies x Rosetta Bakery Officially Launches in South Florida". Best Buddies International. 2020-06-26. Retrieved 2022-03-20.
- ^ Anthony Gomez. "Best Buddies International". bestbuddies.org. Archived from the original on 2010-11-20.
- ^ "PR Newswire: press release distribution, targeting, monitoring and marketing". prnewswire.com.
- ^ "PR Newswire: press release distribution, targeting, monitoring and marketing". prnewswire.com.
- ^ Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Archived November 24, 2010, at the Wayback Machine