This year’s conference participants are IN to join the movement of inspired leaders who will gather from around the world to participate and shape a world of change for individuals within the intellectual and developmental disabilities community. These individuals are IN to learn, grow, and foster a cultural shift in their community for inclusion and acceptance, one person at a time.”

Leaders from Around the World To Unite in the Name of Inclusion at the 26th Annual Best Buddies Internal Leadership Conference in Bloomington,Indiana

Presented by C.A. Hartnell

Conference participants are IN to join the movement of inclusion amongst other inspired student leaders

Bloomington, Ind. (July 9, 2015) – Summer vacation will hold a special meaning for more than 2,100 student leaders, volunteers, and staff from Best Buddies International’s programs around the world, who will participate in the 26th Annual Leadership Conference July 17-20 at Indiana University in Bloomington.

Best Buddies is a nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing 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).

This year’s conference participants are IN to join the movement of inspired leaders who will gather from around the world to participate and shape a world of change for individuals within the intellectual and developmental disabilities community. These individuals are IN to learn, grow, and foster a cultural shift in their community for inclusion and acceptance, one person at a time.

“Best Buddies is at the forefront of changing the world for people with IDD with our incredible programs and our outstanding global volunteer student leaders, each committed to creating a more inclusive world in their community,” said David Quilleon, Senior Vice President, Global Mission, State Development & Operations. “With over 2,100 young leaders gathering together for this life-changing weekend, I expect them all to harness the power of serving as effective agents for social change in their schools and communities while gaining meaningful experiences to prepare them as leaders for a lifetime.”

The Opening Ceremonies (open to media) will take place at the Indiana University Auditorium from 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. on Friday, July 17, and will include a welcome address from Anthony K. Shriver, Founder and Chairman of Best Buddies International, and the annual Best Buddies International chapter awards. Best Buddies Global Ambassador and star of the hit TV show “Glee” Lauren Potter is scheduled to attend.

The conference will celebrate the incredible impact volunteers with and without IDD are making in the world as a result of their leadership and commitment to the Best Buddies mission. The conference theme entitled, I’m IN to Lead, will provide conference attendees with an opportunity to network with their peers from states and countries around the world. In addition to interactive educational sessions and workshops, conference attendees will have the opportunity to participate in fun, engaging activities such as film screenings, a Friendship Walk and a celebratory end of conference part.

Guest speakers during the event include:

• Keynote speaker Kevin Wanzer, member of the National Speaker’s Association (NSA), where he earned the designation of Certified Speaking Professional (CSP).
• Critically acclaimed star of the film Where Hope Grows, David DeSanctis.
• Sharon Lewis, Principal Deputy Administrator at the Administration for Community Living and Senior Advisor to the Health and Human Services Secretary on Disability Policy.
• Dr. Paula Petry, public speaker and founder of Moved to Learn, A Mindful Movement to Music Program

The weekend’s festivities will conclude at Closing Ceremonies (open to media) inside the Indiana University Auditorium, 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. on Sunday, July 20.

The opening ceremonies and closing ceremonies, as well as the Saturday educational sessions will be streamed live at www.bestbuddies.tv.

ABOUT BEST BUDDIES INTERNATIONAL:

Best Buddies® is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant organization that has grown from one original chapter to more than 1,900 middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide. Today, Best Buddies’ eight formal programs — Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges, Citizens, e-Buddies® , Jobs, Ambassadors, and Promoters — engage participants in each of the 50 states and in over 50 countries, positively impacting the lives of more than 900,000 people with and without disabilities around the world. In many cases, as a result of their involvement with Best Buddies, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities secure rewarding jobs, live on their own, become inspirational leaders, and make lifelong friendships. For more information, please visit www.bestbuddies.org, facebook.com/bestbuddies or twitter.com/bestbuddies.

ABOUT C.A. HARTNELL

C.A. Hartnell is a Las Vegas based author of an award-winning series of four historical fiction chapter books for children eight and older. Her four-book series is set in 1950s Southern California and earned a 2013 Mom’s Choice Silver Award. This award program is globally recognized for sharing excellence in family-friendly media, products, and services.

For media inquiries (including requests for credentials):

Jeanne Turkheimer
305-374-2233 ext. 215
JeanneTurkheimer@bestbuddies.org