Best Buddies Greece

Best Buddies Greece (www.bestbuddiesgreece.gr) is a non profit and volunteer organization established in Greece and is dedicated since 2011 to promote the mission of Best Buddies International (www.bestbuddies.org). The mission of Best Buddies International is to establish a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Best Buddies Greece, has been growing since 2011 creating equal opportunities for “one-to-one” friendships – one person with IDD and one citizen volunteer. The program builds friendships between people with and without IDD, while improving the quality of life of its participants through inclusion. Members benefit from socialization and interaction in group activities, which help develop confidence, assertiveness, self-advocacy and positive emotions. The organization through the ambassadors program educates and empowers people with and without IDD to become future leaders, public speakers and advocates. Best Buddies believes that its program participants can lead the effort within their community and beyond to build a more inclusive world for people with IDD. The programs benefit the members, those with IDD and their families and also it has a profound impact on volunteers involved. Best Buddies promotes volunteerism in students and young adults, who gain a heightened awareness and the tolerance of the differences among people. Through a sparked social consciousness, volunteers foster their commitment towards equality, for the elimination of social stigma of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Beyond the direct impact Best Buddies has on the program participants, there is a greater positive impact on the community, sparking an understanding of the importance of social acceptance.