{"id":5637,"date":"2015-07-10T17:44:36","date_gmt":"2015-07-10T17:44:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/?p=5637"},"modified":"2019-11-12T16:38:02","modified_gmt":"2019-11-12T21:38:02","slug":"leaders-from-around-the-world-to-unite-in-the-name-of-inclusion-at-the-26th-annual-best-buddies-internal-leadership-conference-in-bloomington-indiana","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/2015\/07\/10\/leaders-from-around-the-world-to-unite-in-the-name-of-inclusion-at-the-26th-annual-best-buddies-internal-leadership-conference-in-bloomington-indiana\/","title":{"rendered":"Leaders from Around the World To Unite in the Name of Inclusion at the 26th Annual Best Buddies Internal Leadership Conference in Bloomington, Indiana"},"content":{"rendered":"

This year\u2019s 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.”<\/p>\n

Leaders from Around the World To Unite in the Name of Inclusion at the 26th Annual Best Buddies Internal Leadership Conference in Bloomington,Indiana<\/p>\n

Presented by C.A. Hartnell<\/p>\n

Conference participants are IN to join the movement of inclusion amongst other inspired student leaders<\/p>\n

Bloomington, Ind. (July 9, 2015) \u2013 Summer vacation will hold a special meaning for more than 2,100 student leaders, volunteers, and staff from Best Buddies International\u2019s programs around the world, who will participate in the 26th Annual Leadership Conference July 17-20 at Indiana University in Bloomington.<\/p>\n

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).<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cBest 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,\u201d said David Quilleon, Senior Vice President, Global Mission, State Development & Operations. \u201cWith 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

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 \u201cGlee\u201d Lauren Potter is scheduled to attend.<\/p>\n

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\u2019m 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.<\/p>\n

Guest speakers during the event include:<\/p>\n