Chapter leaders should be selected at the start of the school year and are trained to support the Best Buddies chapter at their school and support the mission in action. Chapter leaders should uphold Best Buddies expectations and serve as a role model for their chapter. Leaders  are expected to meet regularly to plan meetings, communicate goals and challenges, and support the mission in their school. The officer team should be developed to meet the needs of the chapter; any position that helps promote growth and sustainability for the chapter is encouraged, though most chapter officer corps consists of a Chapter President,  Vice President, Buddy Director, Secretary and Treasurer. Chapter advisors are also crucial members on the leadership team that correlate to the success of the chapter.

As a chapter leader, you are expected to keep your chapter’s portal up to date on Best Buddies Online, including managing the chapter roster, making matches, ensuring the chapter  calendar is up to date with meetings and activities, and submitting the mid-year and end of year snap shot.

If you are interested in being a leader in your chapter, be sure to discuss opportunities with the current officer team and advisor at your school. To apply for a leadership position, log into your Best Buddies Online account.

As a chapter leader, keeping up with making matches, selecting new chapter leaders, communicating with various members of the chapter, and planning activities and fundraisers can be a lot to juggle. Here are some tips to ensure your chapter is successful in managing common chapter challenges.

Fundraising

• Chapters are encouraged to fundraise year-round in preparation for paying Chapter Dues ($350) by June 1st, for high school and college chapters only
• Ensure that funds raised by the chapter are going into a secure account managed by chapter leaders
• Use effective marketing techniques to promote fundraisers early to ensure the events are successful

Chapter Leadership Transition

• Incoming Chapter Presidents need to be selected by current chapter leaders and advisors by April 1st on BBO
• Chapter Presidents and advisors should work together to select necessary incoming leaders for the next academic year before the end of the school year
• Identifying chapter leaders early is recommended, this allows the opportunity for the incoming leader to learn from the current leader in that role

Planning Events and Activities 

• Chapters are encouraged to have one activity a month during the academic year for their chapter
• All chapter activities should be age appropriate
• Chapter activities and events should be inclusive for all members

Communicating with Chapter Members

• Be clear and open with all communication as a leader in your chapter
• Determine the best method of communication for each individual or group you are communicating with
• Create a communication schedule to ensure everyone is aware of chapter updates

Making Matches 

• Matches must be one-to-one and indicated on BBO
• Matches should be paired by similar interests, availability to spend time together, and are encouraged to be same gender when deemed necessary
• The minimum buddy pair commitment is to have contact once a week and see each other twice a month