Teamwork makes the (inclusive) dream work!
Join the Best Buddies Friendship Walk and experience the power of community as Friends & Family, Corporate, and School teams come together to celebrate inclusion. Each team type brings its unique energy and creates a lasting impact in the live of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Together, we’re not just walking — we’re building a world where everyone belongs.
The Best Buddies Friendship Walk unites people to support inclusion and friendship for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Friends & Family Teams are central to this mission, embodying community spirit. By forming a team with loved ones, you contribute to a meaningful cause and create lasting memories. Whether you’re walking for a friend with IDD, supporting a family member, or championing the cause, your participation makes a difference.
Creating a Friends & Family Team is easy and rewarding. Gather your friends, family, neighbors, and local organizations to celebrate friendship and inclusion. Each step and dollar raised supports vital programs for one-to-one friendships, leadership development, and inclusive living opportunities. Join us in building a more inclusive world where everyone is valued. Let’s make every step count!
Friends and Family teams include:
- Friends
- Family
- Neighbors/Neighborhood
- Community organizations
- Religious groups
- Civic groups
Getting Started
To begin, register as a Team Captain. Team Captains receive additional support from the Best Buddies Friendship Walk team for recruitment and fundraising efforts.
Download the Team Captain Toolkit
Employees from companies of all sizes can make a significant impact by participating in the Best Buddies Friendship Walk. Benefits include:
- Team Building: Forming a Walk team fosters camaraderie and strengthens bonds within your office.
- Networking: Encourages co-workers to connect with peers from different departments.
- Leadership skills: Employees can volunteer to act as Team Captains, enhancing their leadership experience.
- Health and wellness: Promotes physical activity by encouraging co-workers to walk on event day.
- Philanthropy: Supports a meaningful cause and benefits employees who may be personally connected to the mission of Best Buddies.
Getting Started
To begin, designate one or more individuals to sign up as Team Captains. Team Captains are responsible for recruiting participants, setting up the team’s fundraising webpage, and keeping everyone motivated. Team members working together typically raise more funds than individual participants, so consider creating teams by division or department to encourage friendly competition and maximize fundraising efforts.
Download the Team Captain Toolkit
Matching Gifts
Joining the Best Buddies Friendship Walk as a school team is a fantastic way to unite students, teachers, and staff in support of inclusion and friendship for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). By participating, you not only promote a culture of acceptance and kindness within your school but also create lasting memories and bonds among participants. Whether you’re a student eager to make a difference, a teacher championing an inclusive classroom, or a school administrator looking to engage the community, forming a school team is a rewarding and impactful endeavor.
Here’s how to get started:
Team Formation:
- Unite students, teachers, and staff.
- Create lasting memories and bonds.
- Promote acceptance and kindness.
Getting Started:
- Appoint Team Captain or Friendship Walk Coordinator).
- Recruit members, organize activities, and set up your Chapter’s fundraising page.
- Host informational meetings or assemblies to encourage participation.
Fundraising Ideas:
- Bake sales, car washes, spirit days.
- Highlight the cause in newsletters, social media, and morning announcements.
Participation:
- Wear school colors or custom team shirts on walk day.
- Foster a spirit of inclusivity and school pride.
- Make a positive impact on the community and support essential programs for people with IDD.
Join us and make every step count towards a more inclusive world! Participating in the Best Buddies Friendship Walk as a school team not only supports a vital cause but also enriches the school community. It provides students with a tangible way to make a positive impact, fosters a spirit of inclusivity, and builds stronger relationships among students, teachers, and parents. Together, we can create a more inclusive world where everyone is valued and included. Join us, and let’s make every step count!
Download the Team Captain Toolkit
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