(September 17, 2007) The Best Buddies chapter at Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois was presented with an Outstanding Chapter Award at Best Buddies International's 18th Annual Student Leadership Conference on July 20-23, 2007 in Bloomington, Ind. Illinois State University was chosen as one of 16 outstanding college chapters from 434 programs throughout the world for its dedication to enhancing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for one-to-one friendships.
Best Buddies is a nonprofit organization that enhances the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for one-to-one friendships and integrated employment. The Best Buddies Student Leadership Conference prepares student leaders to operate the Best Buddies chapter at their school, which involves recruitment of new members, planning group activities for their chapters and promoting of the social integration of people with intellectual disabilities in their communities.
Nearly 1,300 students, representing Australia, Chile, Colombia, Egypt, England, Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, the Netherlands, Scotland, Singapore, Switzerland, Tanzania, Panama, Qatar and the United States, traveled to Indiana University to participate in the three-day conference. Working under the theme of "I see you," these students, selected for their active leadership roles within Best Buddies, attended a series of interactive workshops focusing on leadership development, community service, civic responsibility, intellectual disabilities and volunteerism. "I see you" is derived from a customary African greeting used in place of "hello" or "how are you." Best Buddies participants work to promote the idea that people with intellectual disabilities should be seen as equals, classmates, co-workers and friends.
"Best Buddies International applauds the efforts of our exceptional high school and college chapters, which have pooled the talents of their participants to build and strengthen the Best Buddies mission at their school," said David Quilleon, Vice President of Programs for Best Buddies. "Each chapter's creativity, dedication and hard work play an important role in furthering the social inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities within their communities and around the world."
Best Buddies enhances the lives of people with intellectual disabilities through friendships and jobs
Founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant, international organization that has grown from one original chapter to more than 1,300 middle school, high school, and college campuses across the country and internationally. Best Buddies programs engage participants in each of the 50 states. There are accredited international programs on six continents; with additional country programs under active development. Our six formal programs — Best Buddies Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges, Citizens, e-Buddies and Jobs — positively impact more than 350,000 individuals. Best Buddies also is systematically implementing our 2010 initiative that will witness the organization's continued significant growth, both domestically and overseas. Best Buddies volunteers annually contribute, at no cost to their communities, support services that equate to $70 million. Best Buddies has a strong presence within Indiana with 50 high school and college chapters located throughout the state including Indiana University, Notre Dame, Broad Ripple and Franklin Central High Schools.
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