1. I’m in to stay connected

2. Objective
To share innovative ideas for maintaining successful relationships after leaving a middle school Best Buddies chapter

3. Problems Facing Graduating Middle School Students
Lack of program in their high school
Buddy pairs may transfer to different high schools
Bigger population in high school-may not see buddy as easily
May be paired with a different buddy in their high school chapter

4. SOLUTIONS!!!

5. Ways to Continue Best Buddies
Maintain your friendship into high school
How are your friendships with your buddy and other friends similar?
How do we sustain our friendships?
How do you keep in contact over school breaks?

6. Ways to Continue Best Buddies
Explore expansion opportunities in your community to open a new high school chapter

7. Ways to Continue Best Buddies
Additional volunteer opportunities within Best Buddies
Volunteer at major Best Buddies events
Friendships Walk
State Events
Host a Best Buddies fundraiser
Get in contact with a local high school chapter to volunteer
Utilize ambassadors
Promote Best Buddies within your community

8. Best Buddies Programs After High School
Best Buddies Colleges: foster one-to-one friendships between college students and adults with IDD and college students without IDD.
Best Buddies Citizens: foster one-to-one friendships between adults with and without IDD in corporate and civic communities.
e-Buddies: Provides a safe online forum to develop one-to-one friendships between people with and without IDD.

9. Additional Disability Advocacy Organizations
Special Olympics
Easter Seals
The Arc of the US
American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)
National Organizations of Disability (NOD)