Best Buddies is committed to developing leaders and empowering students to serve as prepared and confident decision makers and managers of their chapter. The key to the success and ongoing cultivation of these leaders is the chapter advisor. The chapter advisor serves as the guide and mentor to youth leaders as they plan events and foster friendships to meet the Best Buddies mission.

There are many ways in which advisors can support their chapter. Here is a quick review of the roles:

• Faculty Advisor: A member of the school staff who serves as the liaison between school administrators and students. This advisor provides insight on matching peer buddies and helps to secure meeting space when necessary.
• Special Education Advisor: A staff or support faculty that works with the special education program on campus and is familiar with the students who receive special services. This advisor provides support when matching buddies and shares information and training when necessary to new matches.
• Host Site Coordinator: For chapters with a host site, this advisor serves as the connection between the participants at the site and the on campus members. This advisor supports the communication, transportation, updates, and other necessary planning resources and information for participants of the host site. This advisor also provides any needed training on the disability awareness and safety of participants. The Host Site Agency acknowledges participation of its clients in the Best Buddies programs and agrees to take responsibility of members in their participation at Best Buddies events and activities. Best Buddies and the Host Site will work together to provide participants information on events, hold members accountable for meeting the Best Buddies commitment, and support members through their involvement.
• Parent Advisor: A parent of chapter members who can support any transportation or event planning needs and communicate plans and goals with other members’ parents.