Best Buddies Leadership Development programs represents one of our organization’s five key mission pillars. The programs educate and empower people with and without IDD to become leaders, public speakers and advocates. Best Buddies passionately believes that its program participants can lead the effort within their community and beyond to build a more inclusive world for people with IDD.
BESTBUDDIES® Ambassadors
Offers people with and without IDD the opportunity to gain the public speaking skills, self-esteem and confidence needed to successfully advocate for themselves, their peers and Best Buddies in communities, workplaces and government.
BESTBUDDIES® Promoters
Empowers youth to become advocates for people with IDD and help open new Best Buddies chapters and programs by organizing special events that promote awareness to the disability rights movement.
BESTBUDDIES® Transitions
Offers a combination of classroom-based training, experiential learning, and corporate mentorship to help students with IDD explore post-secondary options, prepare for independent living, and identify career ambitions. Workshops and activities offer experiences that aid youth with IDD in their transition into adulthood.
How the Ambassadors Program Works
Advocacy Training
When a Best Buddies participant joins the Ambassador program, they enter into a series of group and private training in speech writing and public and conversational speaking to become advocates for themselves and the disability rights movement.Public Speaking
Once trained, Ambassadors work with Best Buddies staff to identify public speaking opportunities in their local community, where they can share their personal stories with Best Buddies chapters, businesses, legislators, interest groups and donors.Speech Coaches
Each Ambassador is paired with a speech coach, who helps them brainstorm, organize, write, edit and practice a speech and provides one-on-one attention as needed.Ongoing Development
Throughout their participation in the program, Ambassadors have access to a variety of ongoing advocacy trainings led by Best Buddies staff.Advancement
As Ambassadors gain advocacy experience in conversational and public speaking, they have the opportunity to grow into a State or Global Ambassador where they may be invited to speak nationally or internationally on behalf of Best Buddies.How the Promoters Program Works
Connect
Students attending a school without a special education program can join a Promoters chapter to develop connections with people with IDD, or can start one by contacting their local Best Buddies state office.Ongoing Support
Each Promoters chapter is led by a President from the student body and a Faculty Advisor, and is assigned a Best Buddies staff person who offers regular support and guidance.Advocate
Once formed, Promoters chapters host events, activities, fundraisers and assemblies where they advocate for people with IDD, educate the public about inclusion and promote the ideals of the Best Buddies mission.Events
Throughout the school year, Best Buddies encourages all Promoters chapters to host as many activities as possible (minimum of 4) on and off campus that are inclusive of people with IDD.How the Transitions Program Works
Eligibility
Individuals with disabilities beginning at age 14; an annual Best Buddies Consent Form, proof of disability and/or registration documentation may be required by local vocational rehabilitation agencies, where appropriate.Educator Collaboration
Best Buddies Transitions offers students an opportunity to practice and apply career readiness and independent living skills in enriching, community-based learning experiences with support from Best Buddies staff and supporting corporate partners.Implementation
Participants will meet with Best Buddies staff on a regularly scheduled basis to engage in one-to-one programming, small-group sessions, or classroom-style lessons on topics covered by the five Pre-ETS Components, as outlined in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014:- Self-Advocacy/ Mentoring
- Job Exploration Counseling
- Workplace Readiness
- Work-Based Learning Opportunities
- Post-Secondary Counseling
Virginia & Washington, D.C. Promoters Chapter Listings
Elementary Schools 
Middle Schools
High Schools 
Colleges 
Citizens programTo join a chapter, click a school name below
Elementary Schools
- Arlington Traditional School (Arlington, VA)
API address [ 1030 North McKinley Road, Arlington, VA, 22205, US, null, null, 38.8788978, -77.146202, null]
- Ashlawn Elementary School (Arlington, VA)
API address [ 5950 8th Rd N, Arlington, VA, 22205, US, null, null, 38.872838, -77.1363373, null]
- Barrett Elementary School (Arlington, VA)
API address [ 4401 N Henderson Rd, Arlington, VA, 22203-2711, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Beech Tree Elementary School (Falls Church, VA)
API address [ 3401 Beechtree Lane, Falls Church, VA, 22042, US, null, null, 38.85280890000001, -77.18113369999999, null]
- Bonnie Brae Elementary School (Fairfax, VA)
API address [ 5420 Sideburn Road, Fairfax, VA, 22032, US, null, null, 38.8034285, -77.3103762, null]
- Dr. Charles R. Drew Elementary School (Arlington, VA)
API address [ Charles Drew Community Center, Arlington, VA, 22206-2461, US, null, null, 38.8485828, -77.0869184, null]
- Dranesville Elementary School (Herndon, VA)
API address [ 1515 Powells Tavern Pl, Herndon, VA, 20170, US, null, null, 38.9964354, -77.38716939999999, null]
- Ferry Farm Elementary School (Fredericksburg, VA)
API address [ 20 Pendleton Road, Fredericksburg, VA, 22405, US, null, null, 38.2939683, -77.4324565, null]
- Forest Edge Elementary School (Reston, VA)
API address [ 1501 Becontree Lane, Reston, VA, 20190, US, null, null, 38.9689357, -77.3295931, null]
- Rockhill Elementary School (Stafford, VA)
API address [ 50 Wood Drive, Stafford, VA, 22556, US, null, null, 38.4768093, -77.4787118, null]
- Varina Elementary School (Henrico, VA)
API address [ 2551 New Market Road, Henrico, VA, 23231, US, null, null, 37.4445601, -77.3544122, null]
- Vienna Elementary School (Vienna, VA)
API address [ 128 Center Street South, Vienna, VA, 22180, US, null, null, 38.9010919, -77.2631447, null]
- Winterpock Elementary School (Chesterfield, VA)
API address [ 9000 Elementary Way Loop, Chesterfield, VA, 23832, US, null, null, 37.3794795, -77.71211860000001, null]
Middle Schools
- George Washington Middle School (Alexandria, VA)
API address [ 1005 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA, 22301-1707, US, null, null, 38.8158603, -77.0554569, null]
- Glasgow Middle School (Alexandria, VA)
API address [ 4101 Fairfax Parkway, Alexandria, VA, 22312, US, null, null, 38.8381351, -77.1408068, null]
- Goochland Middle School (Goochland, VA)
API address [ 3250-B, Goochland, VA, 23063, US, null, null, 37.7000386, -77.89656819999999, null]
- Kenmore Middle School (Arlington, VA)
API address [ 200 S Carlin Springs Rd, Arlington, VA, 22204-1014, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Longfellow Middle School (Falls Church, VA)
API address [ 2000 Westmoreland St, Falls Church, VA, 22043-1721, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Marsteller Middle School (Bristow, VA)
API address [ 14000 Sudley Manor Dr, Bristow, VA, 20136, US, null, null, 38.73858320000001, -77.5803894, null]
- Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School (Falls Church, VA)
API address [ 7130 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA, 22043-2309, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Rachel Carson Middle School (Herndon, VA)
API address [ 13618 McLearen Rd, Herndon, VA, 20171-3215, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Rocky Run Middle School (Chantilly, VA)
API address [ 4400 Stringfellow Rd, Chantilly, VA, 20151, US, null, null, 38.8743285, -77.41012909999999, null]
- Williamsburg Middle School (Arlington, VA)
API address [ 3600 N Harrison St, Arlington, VA, 22207-1844, US, null, null, null, null, null]
High Schools
- Alexandria City High School (Alexandria, VA)
API address [ 3801 W Braddock Rd, Alexandria, VA, 22302-1904, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Annandale High School (Annandale, VA)
API address [ 4700 Medford Dr, Annandale, VA, 22003-5443, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Bishop Ireton High School (Alexandria, VA)
API address [ 201 Cambridge Rd, Alexandria, VA, 22314-4809, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Bishop O'Connell High School (Arlington, VA)
API address [ 6600 Little Falls Rd, Arlington, VA, 22213-1211, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Blacksburg High School (Blacksburg, VA)
API address [ 3401 Bruin Ln, Blacksburg, VA, 24060-1179, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Broad Run High School (Ashburn, VA)
API address [ 21670 Ashburn Rd, Ashburn, VA, 20147, US, null, null, 39.0228096, -77.49081029999999, null]
- Centreville High School (Clifton, VA)
API address [ 6001 Union Mill Rd, Clifton, VA, 20124-1128, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Chantilly High School (Chantilly, VA)
API address [ 4201 Stringfellow Rd, Chantilly, VA, 20151-2622, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Deep Creek High School (Chesapeake, VA)
API address [ 2900 Margaret Booker Dr, Chesapeake, VA, 23323-1902, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Deep Run High School (Glen Allen, VA)
API address [ 4801 Twin Hickory Road, Glen Allen, VA, 23059, US, null, null, 37.67573, -77.6006909, null]
- Fairfax High School (Fairfax, VA)
API address [ 3501 Lion Run, Fairfax, VA, 22030-1865, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Falls Church High School (Falls Church, VA)
API address [ 7521 Jaguar Trl, Falls Church, VA, 22042-7511, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Franklin County High School (Rocky Mount, VA)
API address [ 700 Tanyard Rd, Rocky Mount, VA, 24151, US, null, null, 37.0036596, -79.8784209, null]
- Gainesville High School (Gainesville, VA)
API address [ 13150 University Blvd, Gainesville, VA, 20155, US, null, null, 38.7848081, -77.5946951, null]
- George C. Marshall High School (Falls Church, VA)
API address [ 7731 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA, 22043-2405, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Goochland High School (Goochland, VA)
API address [ 3250-B, Goochland, VA, 23063-3209, US, null, null, 37.7000386, -77.89656819999999, null]
- HB Woodlawn Secondary School (Arlington, VA)
API address [ 4100 Vacation Ln, Arlington, VA, 22207-3935, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Hayfield Secondary School (Alexandria, VA)
API address [ 7630 Telegraph Rd, Alexandria, VA, 22315-3821, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Hermitage High School (Henrico, VA)
API address [ 8301 Hungary Spring Road, Henrico, VA 23228, Henrico, VA, 23228, US, null, null, 37.6338151, -77.515362, null]
- Hickory High School (Chesapeake, VA)
API address [ 1996 Hawk Blvd, Chesapeake, VA, 23322-2124, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Independence High School (Ashburn, VA)
API address [ 23115 Learning Cir, Ashburn, VA, 20148, US, null, null, 38.9785209945303, -77.55339098980343, null]
- James Madison High School (Vienna, VA)
API address [ 2500 James Madison Dr, Vienna, VA, 22181-5536, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- John Champe High School (Aldie, VA)
API address [ 41535 Sacred Mountain St, Aldie, VA, 20105-5533, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Justice High School (Falls Church, VA)
API address [ 3301 Peace Valley Ln, Falls Church, VA, 22044-1508, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Kellam High School (Virginia Beach, VA)
API address [ 2665 W Neck Rd, Virginia Beach, VA, 23456, US, null, null, 36.7431264, -76.0625792, null]
- Langley High School (McLean, VA)
API address [ 6520 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA, 22101-2222, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Madeira School (McLean, VA)
API address [ 8328 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA, 22102-1203, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Manchester High School (Midlothian, VA)
API address [ 12601 Bailey Bridge Rd, Midlothian, VA, 23112, US, null, null, 37.406568, -77.62359959999999, null]
- McLean High School (McLean, VA)
API address [ 1633 Davidson Rd, McLean, VA, 22101-4305, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Meridian High School (Falls Church, VA)
API address [ 7124 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA, 22043-2309, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Monacan High School (Richmond, VA)
API address [ 11501 Smoketree Dr, Richmond, VA, 23236-2534, US, null, null, 37.4786601, -77.6141258, null]
- Oakton High School (Vienna, VA)
API address [ 2900 Sutton Rd, Vienna, VA, 22181-6109, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Skyline High School (Front Royal, VA)
API address [ 151 Skyline Vista Dr, Front Royal, VA, 22630, US, null, null, 38.9071724, -78.2075148, null]
- Smithfield High School (Smithfield, VA)
API address [ 14171 Turner Dr, Smithfield, VA, 23430, US, null, null, 36.94462700139016, -76.59873898914024, null]
- South County High School (Lorton, VA)
API address [ 8501 Silverbrook Rd, Lorton, VA, 22079-3015, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- South Lakes High School (Reston, VA)
API address [ 11400 South Lakes Dr, Reston, VA, 20191-4102, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- The Steward School (Henrico, VA)
API address [ 11600 Gayton Road, Henrico, VA, 23238, US, null, null, 37.6117485, -77.6228802, null]
- Thomas A. Edison High School (Alexandria, VA)
API address [ 5801 Franconia Rd, Alexandria, VA, 22310-2722, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Wakefield High School (Arlington, VA)
API address [ 4901 S Chesterfield Rd, Arlington, VA, 22206-1018, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Washington Liberty High School (Arlington, VA)
API address [ 1301 N Stafford St, Arlington, VA, 22201-4840, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- West Potomac High School (Alexandria, VA)
API address [ 6500 Quander Rd, Alexandria, VA, 22307-1008, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Yorktown High School (Arlington, VA)
API address [ 5200 Yorktown Blvd, Arlington, VA, 22207-1707, US, null, null, null, null, null]
Colleges
- College of William & Mary (Williamsburg, VA)
API address [ 200 Richmond Rd, Williamsburg, VA, 23185-0002, US, null, null, 37.271949, -76.709328, null]
- George Mason University (Fairfax, VA)
API address [ 4400 University Dr, Fairfax, VA, 22030-4422, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- James Madison University (Harrisonburg, VA)
API address [ 800 S Main St, Harrisonburg, VA, 22801-3104, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Roanoke College (Salem, VA)
API address [ 221 College Ln, Salem, VA, 24153-3747, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- University of Mary Washington (Fredericksburg, VA)
API address [ The Link 1301 College Ave, Fredericksburg, VA, 22401-5300, US, null, null, 38.3014232, -77.4725818, null]
- University of Richmond (Richmond, VA)
API address [ 28 Westhampton Way, Richmond, VA, 23173-0002, US, null, null, 37.5739212, -77.5428644, null]
- University of Virginia (Charlottesville, VA)
API address [ 1827 University Ave, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, US, null, null, 38.0370443, -78.5026341, null]
- Virginia Commonwealth University (Richmond, VA)
API address [ 907 Floyd Avenue, Richmond, VA, 23284-9012, US, null, null, 37.546508, -77.45345999999999, null]
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University (Blacksburg, VA)
API address [ 800 Washington St SW, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, US, null, null, 37.2220013, -80.4217178, null]
Citizens
- Northern Virginia and DC Citizens (DC and Northern Virginia, VA)
API address [ null, DC and Northern Virginia, VA, null, null, null, null, null, null, null]
- Richmond Citizens (Richmond, VA)
API address [ null, Richmond, VA, null, United States, null, null, null, null, null]
Is your school not listed? Click here for info on how to start a chapter.
Is your school not listed? Click here for info on how to start a chapter.
