What is Best Buddies?
Best Buddies is an international nonprofit organization that seeks to better the lives of individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. College chapters, like ours at BYU, are just some of the many programs available through Best Buddies.
In our chapter, we match buddy pairs of college students with adults from the community who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. Historically, adults with IDD have been isolated in home or work environments. Best Buddies Colleges is changing this by providing opportunities for people with IDD to create meaningful one-to-one friendships and be involved in campus and community life!
How do I get involved?
BECOME A VOLUNTEER
Volunteer Description: Volunteers are paired with a buddy with special needs and meet with them frequently. Their responsibilities will be supporting and connecting with their buddy and participating in activities.
Volunteer Commitment: Volunteers will have weekly contact with their buddies. It is encouraged to commit to at least one semester.
To join our chapter, complete this online application. The program is currently working on matching buddies and volunteers. For questions, please contact the program directors at bestbuddies@byu.edu.
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The most meaningful experience I have had involved spending time with the members of the Best Buddies during the Halloween party. I had the opportunity to spend time with those whose buddies had not yet come. As I did, I felt the Spirit and the Lord’s love. I hope the participants in Best Buddies feel the same!
Best Buddies has helped open my eyes to the joys that come from serving others. Forgetting my own happiness in order to help others be happy has changed me. Playing basketball with my buddy earlier this semester brought us both joy and strengthened my character.
At the first activity of the semester, a buddy came in and was planning not to stay at the activity (due to feeling shy). I decided to talk with him and try to convince him to stay at the activity. Moreover, I asked my brothers at the activity to talk with him. Through all of the support, he decided to stay at the activity and had a great time. Overall, this experience helped me see the value of ministering to the one and inviting others (in this case, my brothers) to do the same.