Students re-establish Best Buddies on campus
Students have organized a program that will pair them with mentally-retarded individuals and let them function as older brothers or sisters.
By Joi Harris
Staff Reporter

Best Buddies began 13 years ago with one chapter at Georgetown University. Today there are more than 800 chapters worldwide, including one just re-established on campus.

After failing on campus in the past, four students, in collaboration with University Ministries, have brought back the program dedicated to enhancing the lives of mentally retarded individuals under a big brother/big sister format after a two-year absence.

Mental retardation affects more than 7.5 million people and one out of every 10 families across the world, said Rachel Coff, program manager for high school and college chapters in Texas. However, she said these facts are often overlooked and that the needs of the mentally challenged are often not addressed.

“There’s a definite area of need for the integration and acceptance for people with mental retardation in mainstream society,” Coff said.

About 13 students attended the Best Buddies informational meeting Monday, said Jennifer Noy, a freshman psychology and advertising/public relations major and the co-membership coordinator for Best Buddies. She said the main point stressed at the meeting was the time commitment necessary to make the program successful.

Noy founded the new chapter with senior speech communication major Lisa Andersen, freshman special education major Marianne Wade and freshman political science major Mike Dwyer.

Rev. John Butler, university minister, said Best Buddies has been on campus for the last eight years, but said that the group has failed to maintain consistent numbers and leadership.

“It’s natural for all organizations to go through an ebb and flow,” Butler said. “Leaders graduate and other members are unwilling to step up and take on the leadership roles.”

Butler did say, however, that he felt the group would have more longevity this time around, considering the leadership backgrounds of its core members.

“They’ve all had past leadership positions and their experience, motivation and innovative personalities brings a fresh new look to the organization,” he said.

Andersen, the program’s director, said the group is asking for a one-year commitment from volunteers. They will be required to go on two outings with their buddy each month and contact them at least once a week.

“Being a part of Best Buddies is not just going to meetings — you have to put time and effort to really make it work,” said Andersen. “Often you’re one of (your buddy’s) only friends and if you don’t follow through they can be seriously affected.”

After completing the application process, community service coordinator Robin Williamson said each student will pair with individuals from the local Arc of Texas chapter, which is the oldest nonprofit organization statewide that works with mentally retarded individuals.

Williamson said she hopes the experience will help volunteers understand that individuals with mental retardation can still be functioning and contributing members of society.

Joi Harris