Best Buddies is planning for their first match party on Oct. 26 to pair students with their buddies.
Best Buddies International is a non-profit organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-on-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by doing different activities in the school.
The main goal of Best Buddies is to promote inclusivity amongst the student body. Best Buddies matches people and creates new friendships that allow students to branch out. “I want more people to know these students so they can make them feel like they are also part of the school,” club sponsor Lisa Young said.
Best Buddies allows students to interact with students who may be a little different from students who kids usually hang out with. This gives students a new perspective to learn about one another. “This gives students an opportunity to meet people different from them and teaches different communication skills and different abilities of students,” Young said.
Students who join Best Buddies are either peer buddies or associate buddies. Peer buddies are matched up with someone to hang out with while associate buddies observe each meeting. “Peer buddies are so important because they provide an explicit spot for a one-on-one friendship to form. Associate Buddies are a great way to dip your toes in the water and figure out if the club is for you,” senior co-president Maya Halpern said.
Meetings include different activities so that buddies have more opportunities to do what they choose. There is always something fun like basketball, tie-dyeing, dancing and much more. “We sing, dance and my favorite activity is decorating cookies,” senior co-president Alexa Vinner said.
Best Buddies meet once a month on a Thursday during lunch. Students are allowed to visit their buddies during lunch to hang out and they love to dance and sing at lunch so buddies join them for that. “The students feel like any of my other friends, and I love going to visit them when I can,” Halpern said.
Fundraisers are used to support the program. They do bake sales every once in a while, which is always a favorite and they do restaurant fundraisers. Best Buddies also hosts events to go to like a movie night and bingo. Best Buddies has an Instagram and Facebook to find out information. Also, email Mrs.Young at @Lisa_F_Young if students have any questions. She is found in room 174 during advisory or lunch. “If you would like to join, email best buddies,” Vinner said.
Students who may seem uncomfortable about Best Buddies and have no idea if they should join are missing out on an opportunity to grow. Students are welcome to visit and check out the club. “Come down to room 174 to meet the kids and check it out. Talk to some teachers in the program and say hi they would be happy to show you around and introduce you to the students,” Young said.
