Join our Global Volunteer Movement
Join 4,000+ schools creating friendships, leadership, and inclusion — led by students like you.
Bring Best Buddies to Your School
The Experience
Moments You Will Never Forget
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It's Simple
Starting a chapter is easier than you think.
Step 1
Tell us you're in
Fill out the above interest form.
Step 2
Team up With Us
We'll help you every step of the way.
Step 3
Start your Chapter
Create a place where everyone belongs.
That’s it. We’ll help you with everything else.
What to expect
See What it's All About
Build Friendships
Create meaningful connections.
Plan Awesome Events
Bring your campus together with inclusive activities.
Lead the Change
Help make your school a place where everyone belongs.
MAKE AN IMPACT
You're joining something incredible
4,000+
chapters worldwide
7,000
chapters by 2030
Real friendships. Real fun.
Why start a chapter?
Make friends that last a life-time
Bring more fun and inclusion to your school
Grow as a leader & build your resume
Be part of a global movement
target by 2030
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The welcome box
Start a chapter → Get your welcome box.
Once your chapter is officially established, we'll send you everything you need to launch strong:
Best Buddies t-shirts & merch
Chapter starter guide
Event ideas + activity kits
Leadership resources
Chapter Merch
Gear up your chapter with Best Buddies merch.
From our Keith Haring logo tees to custom hoodies, the official Best Buddies shop has everything your chapter needs to show up, stand out, and spread the mission.
Mission Apparel
Shop Best Buddies shirts, hoodies, hats, and more.
Event Swag
Wristbands, tote bags, and giveaways for Friendship Walks & socials.
Everyday Essentials
Water bottles, stickers, hats, and more to rep Best Buddies daily.
Custom Designs
Personalize gear with your chapter's logo, colors, and inside jokes.
Shop the official Best Buddies store.
Coming Soon! The Best Buddies Shop is launching an exclusive storefront for school programs, making it easier than ever to order custom chapter apparel and merchandise.
Every purchase supports friendship, leadership, and inclusion programs worldwide.
Got questions?
Frequently asked.
Do I need experience to start a chapter?
Nope! Most students start with zero experience. We’ll give you everything you need — from a step-by-step guide to ongoing support.
What if I don't have all 4 student leaders yet?
That’s okay. You can start the process and build your team as you go. Many chapters start with just 1–2 motivated students.
What If I don't have a Teacher Advisor yet?
How long does it take to start a chapter?
You can get started in just a few minutes. Most chapters are up and running within a few weeks depending on school approval.
What if my school already has a similar club?
Most chapters meet about once a month and host activities. You can make it as big or simple as you want.
What if I'm nervous to start something?
Totally normal. Most chapter leaders felt the same way at first. You won’t be doing this alone — we’ll support you every step of the way.
Can I do this with my friends?
Yes — and you should! Starting with friends makes it more fun and easier to get going.
What is the role of the advisor?
Advisors help support and guide the chapter, but students lead the work. We provide resources to make it easy.
Is there a cost to start a chapter?
No, there’s no cost to get started. We provide tools and resources to help you launch successfully.
Do I need permission from my school?
Yes — but don’t worry. We’ll guide you through how to get approval and what to say.
What support will I get from Best Buddies?
A step-by-step starter guide, ongoing support from our team, event ideas and resources, and a welcome box once your chapter launches 🎉
What happens after I submit a request to open a chapter?
Once we receive your inquiry, a member of the Best Buddies team will reach out within five business days to learn about your school and walk through next steps.
What are Best Buddies friendship chapters?
In middle schools, high schools, and colleges, Best Buddies operates as a student-run friendship club, which creates buddy pairs between students with and without disabilities. We help create an inclusive school climate and a community culture of acceptance.
What does it mean to join Best Buddies in schools?
You’ll become part of a growing movement of people with and without disabilities, dedicated to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to have a friend. Members are matched in one-to-one friendships and chapters host at least four group activities a year — pizza parties, bowling, kickball, ice cream socials, and more.
Does it cost anything to join Best Buddies?
There is no individual cost to join. There is a $400 fee for the chapter president of each high school and college chapter to attend the annual Leadership Conference; chapters can raise this through grants, donations, and fundraisers.
What's the difference vs. my school's own inclusion club?
Best Buddies provides ongoing staff support, standardized best practices, leadership training, international conferences, and lifelong pathways through Citizens, employment, and transitions programs — supporting inclusion across the entire lifespan.
What will happen once I'm matched?
As a matched member you’ll commit to contact your buddy weekly (in person, by phone, text, or email) and get together twice a month — lunch, sporting events, or just hanging out. The goal is fostering natural friendship.
What is the welcome box?
Once your chapter is officially established, you’ll receive a box with merch, resources, and tools to help you kick things off in a fun way.