Best Buddies is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the social, physical, and economic isolation of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). High school students participate as peer mentors, forming one-to-one friendships with individuals with IDD through social activities, leadership development, and advocacy work. With over 4,000 chapters across all 50 states and nearly 50 countries, Best Buddies is one of the most far-reaching inclusive communities available to students. It is a meaningful and rewarding way to develop leadership skills while making a lasting difference in the lives of others.
Guiding a group toward a shared goal and keeping everyone moving together.
Guiding and supporting someone else as they learn or grow in a skill.
Delivering ideas clearly and confidently in front of an audience.
Speaking up and taking action on behalf of a cause or group of people.
Fully focusing on and understanding what someone else is communicating.
Bringing people together around a shared cause to create real change.
Students develop leadership and advocacy skills directly applicable to managing inclusive community programs.
One-to-one mentoring and peer support work mirrors core social work practice with vulnerable populations.
Students build active listening, conflict resolution, and peer mentoring skills essential for student advocacy roles.
Integrated employment program involvement develops job placement and inclusive workplace culture expertise.
Community Experiences
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