7. YOU+BEST BUDDIES Citizens Adult Friendship Program
WHAT: Best Buddies Citizens matches adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in one-to-one friendships with other adults in the community.
HOW: By spending time with one another, the lives of both individuals are enhanced through a mutually-enriching friendship. They have the opportunity to meet new and interesting people at group events hosted by Best Buddies.
WHY: Without love, support, and friends, our lives would be empty. Citizens volunteers can change a life by simply sharing their time with their new friends.

8. YOU+BEST BUDDIES
Citizens Adult Friendship Program
Citizens Chapters | Citizen chapters pair individuals from one company/work place with adults in the community with IDD

9. YOU+BEST BUDDIES Citizens Adult Friendship Program
How To Start a Citizens Chapter
Find your Leader
Determine a lead advisor from the company. This person will support friendship pairs, help plan events, and communicate with Best Buddies staff.
Find your People
Identify which individuals at your company are interested in being matched in a one-to-one friendship with an adult with IDD in the community.
Talk to Best Buddies about securing interest from buddy participants (individuals without IDD) in the community; these individuals will most likely be those receiving services from an agency/provider in your community.
Staff members who are not matched in a friendship are still welcome to participate in Best Buddies events with the citizens chapter.

10. YOU+BEST BUDDIES Citizens Adult Friendship Program Program Commitment
Matched for at least one calendar year
See each other at least once per month
Talk to each other at least once per week
Attend Best Buddies group events with the entire chapter
Complete monthly friendship updates
Screening Process
Informational Meeting
Membership application (
Background check ($15 cost per participant)
In-person interview/orientation
Match Party

11. Most importantly, make a new friend and have fun!
YOU+BEST BUDDIES
Why Get Involved
Independent and flexible volunteer hours Strengthen your office community Learn more about the abilities of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities Leadership Opportunities
Address the isolation of adults with IDD in the community
Most importantly, make a new friend and have fun!

12. international chapters
54 Countries, 6 Continents
North America
Canada | St. Kitts & Nevis | USA
Latin America
Argentina | Bolivia | Brazil | Chile | Colombia | Cuba | Dominican Republic | Ecuador | Guatemala | Mexico | Panama | Paraguay | Peru | Venezuela
Europe
Denmark | England | Finland | France | Germany | Greece | Ireland | Italy | Netherlands | Northern Ireland | Poland | Russia | Scotland | Spain | Turkey | Ukraine
Africa
Egypt | Ghana | Kenya | Sierra Leone | South Africa
Middle East
Israel | Lebanon | Qatar | United Arab Emirates
Asia
China (Beijing) | Hong Kong | India | Korea | Malaysia | Pakistan | Philippines | Singapore | Thailand | Viet Nam
Oceania
Australia | New Zealand

13. Best Buddies STATE ADDRESS INFORMATION CITY, STATE 123.456.7890