Question 1

What does 'one-to-one friendship' actually mean in practice?

Accepted Answer

You are matched with a specific individual with an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD). You spend time together doing shared activities — going to lunch, playing games, attending events — building a real, ongoing friendship rather than a one-time volunteer interaction.

Question 2

Do I need any special background or training to join?

Accepted Answer

No special background is required. The Best Buddies Colleges program is open to college students without IDD who want to connect with peers on campus or in the community who have IDD. Training and support are provided through the chapter structure.

Question 3

Is Best Buddies just a volunteering club, or is there more to it?

Accepted Answer

It is more than volunteering — it is a global volunteer movement with five mission pillars: one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support. College chapter members primarily focus on the friendship pillar but participate in fundraising events like the Friendship Walk and awareness campaigns.

Question 4

What is the Best Buddies Friendship Walk and would I participate?

Accepted Answer

The Friendship Walk is Best Buddies' flagship fundraising event — described as 'the leading walk in the country supporting people with IDD,' with 50,000 participants at 80 walks across the globe. A Bay Area walk exists specifically for the region. College chapter members typically form a team and participate together.

Question 5

What kinds of disabilities does Best Buddies serve?

Accepted Answer

Best Buddies serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), including but not limited to people with Down syndrome, autism, Fragile X, Williams syndrome, and other undiagnosed disabilities.

Best Buddies at Berkeley