Best Buddies program a success on campus
After its first academic year in existence at Eastern, Best
Buddies, a national organization brought to campus by political
science professor Ryan Hendrickson, has been successful, said
Melissa Figler, student director of the event.
“I think the group has had a good year and is a good example of
student volunteerism,” Hendrickson said.
The purpose of the organization is to give college students the
opportunity to be paired with people in the community who have
varying degrees of mental retardation. It gives the students a
chance to bond with the individuals, Figler said.
“They usually talk once a week with their buddy,” she said.
“And then they will go out with them every few weeks. The
buddies have really benefited. They get a lot of individual
attention.”
Participants in Best Buddies also conduct group outings once or
twice a month, Figler said.
The original founder of the organization was Anthony Kennedy
Shriver, former President John F. Kennedy’s nephew, she said.
“It is a well-known organization,” Figler said.
The organization has been going well and will continue on
campus in upcoming years, she said.
“At first, it was hard to get everyone organized (in the
group),” Figler said. “Everyone has developed friendships with
their buddies.”
Figler said it takes a certain dedication for college students
to be involved in Best Buddies.
She said Best Buddies differs from the organization Natural
Ties because it focuses on pairing students with their buddies
on an individual basis instead of on a group basis.
Each buddy students pair up with is housed by the Greywood
Foundation, Figler said.
Students who express interest in participating in the group
must first undergo a screening and application process before
being admitted into the group to test their dedication, Figler
said.
She said students already paired with buddies will remain with
them throughout their involvement in Best Buddies.
A meeting regarding the organization will be held in the fall
for those interested in joining and touching the lives of the
mentally retarded, Figler said.
“We are looking for some people next fall to apply,” she said.
Students looking for more information can contact Hendrickson
in the political science office.