{"id":87406,"date":"2016-07-14T12:43:48","date_gmt":"2016-07-14T16:43:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/?p=87406"},"modified":"2019-11-12T16:38:01","modified_gmt":"2019-11-12T21:38:01","slug":"student-leaders-from-around-the-world-to-unite-at-the-27th-annual-best-buddies-international-leadership-conference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/2016\/07\/14\/student-leaders-from-around-the-world-to-unite-at-the-27th-annual-best-buddies-international-leadership-conference\/","title":{"rendered":"Student Leaders from Around the World to Unite at the 27th Annual Best Buddies International Leadership Conference"},"content":{"rendered":"

Bloomington, Ind<\/strong>. (July 14, 2016) <\/strong>\u2013 Summer vacation will hold a special meaning for more than 2,200 student leaders, volunteers, and staff from Best Buddies International\u2019s<\/strong><\/a> programs around the world, who will participate in the 27th<\/sup>Annual Best Buddies Leadership Conference <\/em><\/strong><\/a>\u00a0on July 22-25<\/strong> at Indiana University<\/strong> in Bloomington<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Best Buddies International <\/strong>is a nonprofit organization dedicated to\u00a0establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s Leadership Conference theme is \u201cAll For Best Buddies\u201d <\/em>\u2013 a theme that emphasizes the importance of commitment and dedication to the Best Buddies\u2019 mission, and will provide conference attendees with an opportunity to network with their peers from around the world. During the event, individuals will learn, grow and foster a cultural shift in their community for inclusion and acceptance. The conference will celebrate the incredible impact volunteers with and without IDD are making in the world as a result of their leadership. Attendees will receive lessons from global leaders in the disability rights movement; watch inspiring performances; witness moving testimonies; and attend compelling and empowering education sessions. Attendees will return from BBLC inspired, motivated, and prepared to change the world.<\/p>\n

In addition to interactive educational sessions and workshops, conference attendees will have the opportunity to participate in fun and engaging activities including a Rio Carnival Celebration, and view a screening of the documentary The Family Next Door<\/em>. Attendees will also participate in a Friendship Walk on Saturday July 23 from 6:30PM-9:00PM, that will concluded with festivities in Dunn Meadow.<\/p>\n

\u201cBest Buddies\u2019 global volunteer movement is changing the world for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and creating a more inclusive community,\u201d said David Quilleon, Senior Vice President, Global Mission, State Development & Operations. \u201cThese student leaders are the catalyst for all of our programs and I’m excited to see how they leverage our mission of friendship, jobs, and leadership development as agents for social change in their schools and communities.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Opening Ceremonies (open to media<\/strong>) will take place at the Indiana University Auditorium from 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. on Friday, July 22 and will include a welcome address from Anthony K. Shriver<\/strong>, Founder and Chairman of Best Buddies International, and the annual Best Buddies International chapter awards. Opening Ceremonies will also feature Best Buddies Global Ambassadors and actresses Lauren Potter<\/strong> and Jamie Brewer. <\/strong>Best Buddies Global Ambassador and Beauty and Pinups Spokesmodel Katie Meade <\/strong>will also attend the opening ceremonies, as well as speak throughout the conference.<\/p>\n

Guest speakers and performers scheduled to attend this year\u2019s conference includes:<\/p>\n