Page 26 - 2014 BestBuddies Massachussetts Annual Report

Leadership Development

Ambassadors

Best Buddies Ambassadors is a program that provides training for participants with and without IDD in areas of speech writing,
public speaking and self-advocacy. Ambassadors develop the skills to professionally share their life stories, promote Best
Buddies programs, network, and most importantly, advocate. The program prepares people to become active agents of change
and informed, engaging advocates for the disability rights movement.
Ambassadors participate in trainings focused on the art of public speaking and advocacy. Once trained, they are expected to
identify opportunities in their chapters, communities, and state to share their stories and become more involved and empowered
citizens. They are encouraged to make high profile connections, speak to state and national legislators about opportunities for
people with IDD, present at recruitment fairs and Best Buddies events, and develop partnerships in the community given their
skills and awareness as advocates. Ambassadors could also help collect donations, present to other interest groups, and train
others with IDD.
Participants are paired with a Speech Coach for the duration of an Ambassadors training to assist with the writing and practicing
of a speech. Speech Coaches help Ambassadors in areas of brainstorming, organization, and editing and serve as a guide/
mentor who provides one-on-one attention as needed.
As of December 31, 2014, Best Buddies had more than 642 active Buddy Ambassadors, in 26 states and 9 countries who were
trained. Many Ambassador program participants attended the Best Buddies Leadership Conference in July and took part in
novice or advanced speech writing courses during the event.

Promoters

Best Buddies Promoters not only empowers youth to become advocates for people with IDD, but allows them the opportunity
to interact and develop friendships with someone who they may not otherwise meet. The Promoters program offers students a
chance to develop leadership skills as they organize and host teen nights and awareness events for teens with and without IDD.
These events create a platform for friendships and a culture of inclusion and acceptance of individuals of all abilities.
Each chapter is led by a student leader and faculty advisor that oversee the membership and plan at least two events per
semester for an entire academic year to promote advocacy and awareness.
The Best Buddies chapter on campus has student and faculty volunteers who provide support to program participants.

Be proud of who you are. Don’t be ashamed if you have a disability or think you can’t. If just one person believes in
you deep, strong and long enough, you will start to think you can too. Best Buddies has given me that support to
think I can.

Rachel, Best Buddies Ambassador

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