Best Buddies International

Best Buddies International is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing a volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, it has grown from a single campus initiative into a worldwide entity with programs across all 50 United States and in over 50 countries. The organization's mission is rooted in fostering social inclusion and breaking down barriers for people with IDD through transformative programs that promote meaningful connections and community integration.

History

The organization was founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, a member of the prominent Kennedy family, who was inspired by the legacy of his aunt, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder of the Special Olympics. The inaugural chapter was established at Georgetown University, where Shriver was a student, with the simple goal of pairing college students with peers with IDD in one-to-one friendships. This model proved successful and rapidly expanded to other Ivy League institutions and campuses across the United States. Throughout the 1990s, the organization's growth accelerated, leading to the establishment of its first international chapter in Canada in 1993. Key milestones include the launch of the Best Buddies Jobs program in the late 1990s and the organization's first global summit, held in Washington, D.C., which solidified its international reach and advocacy platform within the broader Disability rights movement.

Programs

The organization operates four core, evidence-based programs designed to support individuals with IDD across their lifespans. The flagship **Best Buddies Citizens** program fosters one-to-one friendships between volunteers and individuals with IDD within community settings. The **Best Buddies Jobs** program focuses on integrated employment, working with corporate partners like Microsoft and Bank of America to secure competitive jobs for participants. The **Best Buddies Living** program promotes inclusive housing by developing shared living opportunities in communities. Finally, the **Best Buddies Leaders** initiative nurtures self-advocacy skills for individuals with IDD through training and participation in events like the annual Best Buddies Leadership Conference. These programs are implemented through a vast network of middle school, high school, and college chapters, as well as community-based chapters.

Impact

Annually, the organization impacts hundreds of thousands of individuals through its global programs, with documented outcomes in increased social connectedness, employment rates, and independent living skills for participants with IDD. Its advocacy work has been recognized by numerous public figures and institutions, including collaborations with the United Nations and endorsements from celebrities like Tom Brady and Maria Shriver. The organization's high-profile fundraising events, such as the **Best Buddies Challenge** cycling rides held in locations like Hyannis Port and Hearst Castle, have raised significant awareness and millions of dollars for its mission. Research studies, including those conducted in partnership with universities like UCLA, have validated the positive psychological and social benefits of its friendship model.

Leadership

The organization is led by its founder, Anthony Kennedy Shriver, who serves as Chairman of the Board. Under his direction, a professional executive team manages global operations from its headquarters in Miami, Florida. The board of directors includes influential leaders from the business, philanthropic, and disability advocacy sectors. A key leadership component is the organization's **Ambassadors**, who are individuals with IDD trained as spokespeople to represent the organization at events, in media, and before policymakers, embodying the principle of "nothing about us without us."

Affiliates and chapters

The organization's work is executed through a decentralized network of licensed state offices, international affiliates, and volunteer-run chapters. In the United States, it has established affiliates in all 50 states, each overseeing local middle school, high school, and college chapters. Internationally, it operates in over 50 countries across six continents, with strong affiliate programs in nations such as Egypt, Sweden, Brazil, and Australia. These affiliates adapt core programs to local cultural contexts while adhering to the organization's global standards. Major university chapters include those at Stanford University, Harvard University, and the University of Michigan, which serve as leadership incubators for the broader movement.

Category:Disability rights organizations Category:Organizations established in 1989 Category:Non-profit organizations based in Miami