FEATURE STORY
Issue 7, Q3 2013
Leadership Conference 2013 - Buddies Without Borders On 19 July 2013 over 1,800 global messengers gathered at Indiana University for the 24th Annual Best Buddies International Leadership Conference. Together, participants shared their personal Best Buddies’ experiences, learned new leadership techniques, and began the journey to create a world where there are no borders for people with disabilities! Prior to joining the domestic participants at Leadership Conference, the International Programs Department hosted its 3rd Annual International LC Forum. Our international group, largest to date, gathered in Indianapolis for two days of educational sessions and cultural activities. Seventy participants from seventeen countries came together to share in-country experiences, discuss challenges and learn best practices from one another. Participants enjoyed a “taste of Americana” at Johnny Rockets Diner and had a chance to shop til they dropped at the Circle Centre Mall in Indianapolis. After two action-packed days at the International LC Forum, participants boarded coach busses and headed to Bloomington Indiana for Leadership Conference. International and domestic students and staff mingled during sessions and truly brought the theme of “Buddies Without Borders” to life. Favorite sessions included the “World Café” and “Aloha.” International participants also enjoyed a much loved Leadership Conference past time, the annual dinner with Anthony Kennedy Shriver. After dinner and photos with Anthony, everyone headed over to opening ceremonies, the first of many inspiring events. Lisa Smith, an interpretive sign language artist, had the crowd on their feet during her moving performance. Performances and activities, like our New Years themed ball, ensured everyone had a blast throughout the weekend. It’s safe to say that after such a motivating conference, participants headed home ready to share their passion for Best Buddies. Thank you to all who joined us at Leadership Conference and to all of our countries who truly make us “Buddies Without Borders!”
Pictured Above: Participants from Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Egypt, Germany, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Korea, Mexico, Netherlands, Northern Ireland , Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Russia, Spain and Thailand.
Inside: BB Programs | BB Events | Outstanding Staff | Testimonials | Global Partners | HQ News
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Best Buddies Highlights Spain
Canada
Miss World Spain 2013, Elena Ibarbia will present Best Buddies as her platform during the upcoming Miss World Pageant. Elena is an Ambassador for Best Buddies Spain and is proud to represent them during the upcoming pageant, themed “Beauty With A Purpose.” Each contestant in Miss World must chose an organization with a mission that they believe in. Elena is a wonderful advocate for Best Buddies Spain and through her involvement with the programs, she has found a great friend in her Buddy, Angel. The Buddy Pair enjoy confiding in one another, taking walks and just spending time together. Best Buddies wishes Elena the best of luck in the upcoming pageant!
September was an exciting month for Best Buddies Canada. The organization celebrated their 20th Anniversary with a successful gala themed “An Evening With The Stars. The Programs Team, lead by Emily
Above: The Best Buddies Canada Team with Anthony Kennedy Shriver at their 20th Anniversary Gala. Below: Buddy Pair, Olivia Armstrong and Jackson Smith, named Prom King and Queen!
Above: Miss World, Spain, 2013, Elena Ibarbia, Ambassador for Best Buddies Spain. Best Buddies Public Service Announcement Best Buddies International is proud to present our brand new Public Service Announcement (PSA). If you haven’t done so already, please take a look at this moving PSA and share it with your participants. Keep your eyes peeled for our very own Linda McKendry, from Northern Ireland, who took part in the making of this video. Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DdrPyCoDoQ
Bolyea-Kyere, held their 19th Annual Leadership Conference! In other exciting program news, Buddy Pair, Olivia Armstrong and Jackson Smith, from Oakridge Secondary School were featured on the front page of the London Free Press after being crowned Prom King and Queen. Please check out www.bestbuddies.ca, for the full story and to read more about recent events and activities from Best Buddies Canada
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Best Buddies Highlights Peru
Best Buddies Peru celebrated the launch of their new Jobs program with a costume party. Buddy Pairs came dressed up as different professionals based on a theme chosen by their chapters. Each Chapter picked a professional theme from categories such as health care, public service, sports, armed forces, and construction. Buddy Pairs had a great time putting together their costumes to show off at the party. There was a DJ, costume contest, and raffles. The “hora loca” was the highlight of the evening! This high energy hour got everyone up and moving on the dance floor! Be sure to check out all of the fun photos from this successful event on our Best Buddies Global Communications page on Facebook.
Philippines On 31 August, 370 people gathered in Cebu for the Best Buddies Philippines 4th Annual Friendship Walk. Buddy Pairs and supporters met at St. Theresa’s College and walked 2.5km to the University of San Carlos to raise awareness for Best Buddies. During the walk, they were joined by a drum corps and other community groups. After a fun and successful walk through the city, the group gathered at the University of San Carlos for a celebration. Participants enjoyed games, music, and inspirational speeches about Best Buddies. The group ended the day with a very fitting activity, gathering together to sign the Spread The Word To End The Word banner. Ms. Anj Onrubia, who flew up to Cebu to take part in the event said, “I sincerely believe that with the right people, we can change the world. This event and this organization showed me that it’s possible!” Thank you Best Buddies Philippines for putting together such a spectacular walk!
Above: Participants take a break from dancing to pose for the camera in their costumes. Below: The team of Best Buddies Peru dressed up like medical professionals!
Above Right: A Buddy Pair enjoys spending time together at the Friendship Walk Celebration. Above Center: Over 350 people took the pledge to Spread The Word To End The Word at BB Philippines Friendship Walk.
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Friendship Feature: Buddy Pairs from Around the World!
Jaima and Elizabeth are a Buddy Pair from Pakistan. They enjoy spending time together working on their studies.
Buddy Pairs from Russia enjoy a game of Twister during the “It’s Cool To Be Different” event planned by Best Buddies Russia this summer. Over 300 people attended this truly inclusive event!
Outstanding Staff — Going the Extra Distance Every quarter we recognize outstanding staff in Best Buddies across the globe! We believe that the success of Best Buddies programs are dependent upon the passion and commitment of our international staff. We encourage each of the 50 countries to submit a nomination for outstanding staff, explaining why this staff member should be recognized.
Outstanding Staff Korea Best Buddies International would like to recognize Dr. Soo Jeung Suh of Korea for always going above and beyond to achieve the mission of Best Buddies. Soo Jeung works tirelessly to implement six school based programs in association with AI Corea. Under the guidance of Soo Jeung, the chapters are thriving and BB Korea continues to grow. Each year, BB Korea puts on a successful music concert featuring Buddy Pairs. This August, Soo Jeung held a successful Embassy Initiative event in Seoul. Best Buddies participants made ceramics and other art pieces to sell. This formal event was held at a local art gallery Pictured: Dr. Soo Jeung Suh and students and brought much publicity and awareness to Best Buddies Ko- leaders from Korea with Anthony Kennedy rea. Congratulations, Soo Jeung, on a successful event! Best Shriver at Leadership Conference 2013. Buddies International appreciates all you do!
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Our Global Partners We want to thank our partners and sponsors around the world for committing to the mission of Best Buddies and spreading the word of social inclusion. The following organizations have made a very large impact on Best Buddies country programs globally. Australia Aquila IT, ASX Thomson Reuters Charity Foundation, Bos Web Systems, Design Strategy, e.law, Euro RSCG Australia, Kell & Rigby, Full on Oz Adventures, RedBalloon, Snap Printing Castlereagh & Silverwater, Thomson Playford Cutlers
Greece TACT HELLAS Guatemala Fundacion para Sindrome de Down Hong Kong Fu Hong Society
Bolivia Aywiña International Service Bolivia
India Action for Autism
Brazil Centaurus Realty Group
Ireland KARE
Canada Audi, Indigo, GMP, Schwartz Reisman Foundation, Fabricland, Bay Street HR, Daniel Greengrass & Jow Brennen, Joe Fresh Style, Jon & Nancy Love, Kim & Terrance Duffy, Larry & Judy Tanenbaum, Lee & Margaret Lau, Muzik, Lindt, CinePlex, David Kosoy Family, CTV Globe Media
Israel Health Community Services Jerusalem Bnai Akiva Israel
Colombia Alkosto Stores, Icontec, Lip, Fundacion Bolivar Davivienda, Homecenter Sodimac Corona, Coca Cola, Alpina, Frito Lay, Chaidneme, Restaurante Club Colombia, Global, Audi, Team, Fotomoriz, Cell Net, K-tronix, Reval, Porvenir, PetroMinerales, El Corral,El Corral Gourmet, Corona, Juan Valdez Café, Nexen, Avianca, Grasco, Intel, Servientrega, Satena, Ministerio de Ambiente y Desarollo Sostenible, Parques Nacionales Naturales en Colombia
Malaysia University College Sedaya International
Italy Associazione Scuola Viva onlus Korea AI COREA
Mexico Fundacion Telmex Netherlands Business Linked, Oranje Fonds, VSB Fonds, Rabobank, ZonMW, Maatjes Gezocht, Skanfonds, NL Doet
Philippines University of San Carlos College of Education Poland JiM Qatar Shafallah Center Russia PERSPEKTIVA Scotland ENABLE Scotland Singapore Association for Persons with Special Needs South Africa Down Syndrome South Africa (DSSA) Spain Natur House, Fundacion Jose Maria Olle Banus, Fundacion Inocente, Fundacion RafaNadal, Garrigues Fundacion, Fundacion La Caixa, Down España, Fundacion Projecte AURA, Prodis, Stage, Enforex St. Kitts & Nevis Ade’s Place Sweden Extrakompis
New Zealand Life Unlimited
Thailand Rajanukul Institute
Northern Ireland Compass Advocacy Network
Turkey AYDER
Panama Fundación Caminemos Juntos
Venezuela Paso a Paso
Ecuador Fundación General Ecuatoriana
Paraguay Saraki
Egypt Friendly Family Association
Vietnam Action to the Community Development Center (ACDC)
Peru Asociación Proyecto Inclusión Perú (APIP)
Denmark LEV Dominican Republic Dominican Association of Down Syndrome (ADOSID)
Finland Inclusion Finland KVTL
HEADQUARTERS NEWS
Issue 7, Q3 2013
Global Staff Forums In just a few short weeks, the International Programs Department will head to Singapore to host our second annual Global Staff Forum in Asia. Immediately following, our fourth annual European Global Staff Forum will take place in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Field staff from each region will come together for formal trainings and roundtable discussion. This is a wonderful opportunity for team members to network and share their experiences with fellow Best Buddies staff from their region. These highly anticipated trainings are sure to be a success and the International Programs team at Headquarters is looking forward to connecting with everyone at the forums! Welcome, Yelba Gutierrez, Assistant, International Programs The International Programs Department is pleased to welcome Yelba Gutierrez as our new Assistant, International Programs. Yelba is a recent graduate of Johnson and Wales University and a past participant in our school based Best Buddies programs. Yelba is looking forward to sharing her passion for the mission with you, our global colleagues, and will be in contact via email to get to know each one of you. Welcome to the team, Yelba! Webinars Our Webinar series is a great way to connect with fellow staff from across the globe! Each month the Headquarters team presents a topic to help support your programs. The Webinars are now held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month and include topics such as Best Buddies and Autism, Best Buddies Ambassadors, and Providing Successful Volunteer Trainings. Please reach out to Diana Rihl, Deputy Director of Programs, to offer ideas for webinar topics. Be sure to join us for an upcoming presentation! We Are Best Buddies Community Are you part of our social networking for Best Buddies International and specifically our International Programs Department? You can follow Best Buddies on Twitter, like us on Facebook, join our International Programs Department Facebook group and read our Best Buddies blog! Connect with us to keep up to date with Best Buddies happenings around the world! **For more information on any social media topics, please contact JenniferAllen@bestbuddies.org
For more information on any of the stories/pictures included in this newsletter or to submit pictures, stories or other information to be highlighted in this newsletter, please contact DianaRihl@bestbuddies.org.