What is Best Buddies?

Best Buddies at UC Davis is a chapter of Best Buddies International. BBI was founded in 1989 with the mission to promote inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, or IDD. Best Buddies envisions a world in which total inclusion at school, work, and within friendships is the norm, not the exception.

Our Friendship Program at UC Davis advances this mission by pairing individuals with IDD (buddies) and without IDD (peer buddies) in one-to-one friendships and giving them the opportunity to form real connections. We also host monthly chapter events where buddy pairs can interact and get to know others in the club.

Why should I join?

• A chance to make new friends with and without disabilities
• Fun chapter events like bowling, karaoke, crafts, and holiday parties!
• Opportunities to develop social skills and leadership skills that will help you throughout your life
• Be a part of building a more inclusive world

What are the expectations for members?

• Hang out with your buddy at least once a month
• Contact your buddy at least 4 times per month
• Go to one chapter event per quarter
• Honor your commitment to your buddy for the whole year

Learn more about Best Buddies.

You can follow us on Instagram @ucdbestbuddies and visit us at the Involvement Fair on October 9th.