Dear Best Buddies in Georgia Schools Crew,

I hope this message finds you well! As we wrap up 2025, I hope you’ve had a chance to catch your breath, enjoy a little rest, and spend time with the people who mean the most to you. This season can be busy and overwhelming, but it is also a powerful reminder of why our work matters: Belonging, friendship, and community. 

Because of you, students across whole school communities in our state are ending this year feeling more seen, more included, and more connected. From match parties and first-time friendships to Buddy Spotlights, Leadership Training Days, and chapter traditions, you have turned classrooms, cafeterias, and gym floors into places where everyone has a seat and a story that matters. That is no small thing, and you should feel amazing about your progress. We appreciate you!

As we look ahead to 2026, with the Friendship Walk, Back to Best Buddies, Leadership Conference, Buddy Ball, and so much more, I want you to know this:

• Your efforts are noticed.

• Your leadership is changing lives.

• Your commitment to inclusion is building something bigger than any one event or deadline.

My hope for you this month is that you’ll take a moment to pause and celebrate yourselves: Celebrate your students, your buddies, your officers, your co-advisors, and again, yourselves. You have carried a lot this semester, and I’m incredibly grateful to be in this work alongside you.

As always, I’m only a call, text, email, or Zoom away. Whether you need ideas, troubleshooting, a sounding board, or just a little encouragement, I am here and honored to support you!

Here’s to closing out 2025 with gratitude, and stepping into 2026 with renewed energy, clear purpose, and a shared commitment to making it the biggest year for inclusion yet.

Thanks for all you do and see you soon,

Doug Peters
Deputy Director, Programs
Best Buddies in Georgia

🎓 Back to Best Buddies 2026: A Fun Midyear Reset for Your Chapter

We’re heading into the second half of the year, and Back to Best Buddies (B2BB) is your chapter’s chance to recharge, refocus, and get ready to make 2026 the biggest year for inclusion yet!

These trainings are required for all school chapters (elementary, middle, high school, and college) and are designed for Faculty Advisors and Student Leaders to attend together.

A HUGE Best Buddies shoutout to: Our Student Advisory Board members for co-facilitating sessions and designing our flyers, Team Best Buddies at Decatur High School for hosting the Atlanta training, Team Best Buddies at Sand Hill Elementary for hosting our Effingham County training, and Team Best Buddies at Ebenezer Middle for co-leading the Effingham County training.

🟦 Back to Best Buddies Atlanta – “Hats Off to Friendship” 🎩

📍 Decatur High School – 310 N McDonough St, Decatur, GA 30030
📅 Saturday, February 7, 2026
🕚 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
🎩 Theme: Hats Off to Friendship – wear your favorite hat and get ready to share ideas, celebrate wins, and plan what’s next.
🔗 Register: https://forms.bestbuddies.org/4903690?eventId=a18Uc00000Ubdnc

🟨 Back to Best Buddies Effingham County – “Springing into Inclusion in Pajamas” 👕

📍 Sand Hill Elementary School – (Effingham County)
📅 Saturday, February 21, 2026
🕚 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
🛌 Theme: Springing into Inclusion in Pajamas – comfy, fun, and focused on building welcoming school communities across Coastal Georgia.
🔗 Register: https://forms.bestbuddies.org/4903690?eventId=a18Uc00000Uc30U

💻 Can’t Attend In Person?
We know Saturdays can be busy. If your chapter cannot attend one of the in-person B2BB sessions:

1. A virtual option will be available.

2. A recording will be shared afterward.

3. If you can’t attend the in-person options, please send Doug a quick email so we can help you stay in good standing.
   
   📧 Contact: [email protected]

Back to Best Buddies is all about resetting your goals, strengthening your team, and making sure every chapter has what it needs to thrive this spring. We can’t wait to see you there!

December Focus: Reflect, Celebrate & Reset ❄️

Let’s close out the year with intention, celebration, and a little holiday fun!

🧩Things to Consider for December
✅ Meet with your officer team to reflect on the fall and set 1–2 goals for spring
✅ Host a chapter event before break (celebration, service project, or low-key hangout)
✅ Start planning for the spring semester (Back to Best Buddies, Friendship Walk, Buddy Ball, Best Buddies Leadership Conference, etc.)
✅ Make sure new members and buddies feel welcomed and included heading into winter break
✅ Connect with your Best Buddies staff member for a brief check-in and support
✅ Continue logging in events, meetings, and managing members in BB360

Reminder: Elementary & Promoter chapters are not required to facilitate friendship matches or match parties, but are encouraged to host inclusive events that build community.

🤝 Friendship Tip of the Month: End the Year with Gratitude
Encourage your buddy pairs and chapter members to close out 2025 with simple, meaningful gestures of appreciation:

• Share “buddy shout-outs” at a meeting or on a bulletin board 💬

• Exchange thank-you notes or holiday cards 💌

• Create a “Gratitude Wall” where students post what they’re thankful for this year

• Do a small act of kindness together (help a teacher, welcome a new student, donate items, etc.) 🫶

Even a short moment of reflection can help students see how far they’ve come and how important their friendships really are.

📥 Stay Connected with BBGA
✅ Fill out your Monthly Chapter Check-In
🔗 Check-In Form
✅ Text, email, or schedule time with Doug via Calendly for support or brainstorming
✅ Follow us on social media
🔗 Instagram
🔗 Facebook
🔗 LinkedIn
✅ Stay connected via Remind and GroupMe
🔗 Remind - Chapter Presidents
🔗 Remind - Faculty Advisors
🔗 GroupMe - Chapter Presidents
🔗 GroupMe - Faculty Advisors

You are never alone in this work! Let’s finish the year strong: One event, one friendship, and one powerful connection at a time. 💡

🌍 Save the Date: Best Buddies Leadership Conference 2026

The Best Buddies Leadership Conference (BBLC) is our Super Bowl of inclusion: A four-day global gathering of Best Buddies student leaders, advisors, Ambassadors, and advocates from around the world. Together, we learn, dream, and plan for a more inclusive future.

📅 Dates: July 17–20, 2026
📍 Location: Indiana University – Bloomington, Indiana

At BBLC, attendees will:

• 🌟 Connect with leaders and peers from across the globe

• 🎤 Build skills in advocacy, public speaking, and inclusive leadership

• 🧠 Attend workshops on event planning, fundraising, and chapter success

• 💫 Experience powerful keynotes, performances, and celebrations of inclusion

• 🔗 Bring home new ideas, tools, and energy to strengthen their chapters

💼 Who Should Attend?

• Chapter Presidents and student leaders

• Faculty Advisors and Host Site Coordinators

• Ambassadors and community leaders passionate about inclusion

💸 Cost: $400 registration fee for general attendees (plus airfare/travel).

We’ll be sharing state-specific details, fundraising tools, and registration steps in upcoming newsletters—but for now, mark your calendars and start thinking about who from your school could represent Team Georgia at BBLC 2026!

👉 Learn more about BBLC: www.bestbuddies.org/bblc

💫 Why BBLC? A Note to Student Leaders

Thinking about going to the Best Buddies Leadership Conference, but not sure if it’s for you? Here’s the truth: BBLC is where:

• You meet people who get you and your passion for inclusion 🤝

• You hear stories that stay with you long after you’re back home

• You gain real skills you can use in college, careers, and life, not just in Best Buddies

• It is fun! There is a fashion show, a ton of games, and information that you can take back with you.

Speaking of taking things back…you’ll come back with:

• New ideas you can bring straight to your chapter

• More confidence using your voice

• Friendships and memories that last way beyond one weekend

If you’ve ever thought, “I want to do more,” BBLC is the place where “more” starts. 🌍✨

Talk with your Faculty Advisor or with Doug if you’re interested in attending or want help figuring out next steps.

💵 BBLC Fundraising Corner: Start Small, Dream Big

The cost of BBLC can feel big, but you don’t have to tackle it alone, and you don’t have to do it all at once.

Here are a few ways to start building your BBLC fund now:

• Pick a BBLC Captain – Choose one student to help coordinate fundraising ideas and deadlines.

• Restaurant Give-Back Night – Partner with a local restaurant for a percentage night.

• Warm Drink Cart – Sell hot chocolate, coffee, or tea before school or during events.

• Candy Grams or Holiday Grams – Simple, low-cost, and always popular.

• “Send Us to BBLC” Jar – Put a donation jar in the front office, library, or concession stand with a short sign about your goal.

Remind your community:
Every dollar raised helps your school send leaders to BBLC, and those leaders bring back tools, ideas, and energy that will benefit your whole chapter.

If your chapter is interested but unsure where to begin, reach out! We are happy to brainstorm and share sample fundraising plans. 🚀

👩‍🏫 Introducing the Best Buddies in Georgia Advisor Council!

We’re excited to share that we’ve officially launched the Best Buddies in Georgia Advisor Council! The BBGA Advisor Council is a leadership and feedback group made up of incredible faculty advisors from across the state. This council will help shape the future of our programs with the people doing the work on the ground every day.

🎯 Purpose of the Advisor Council
The Advisor Council exists to:

• Provide feedback from the field to strengthen statewide program quality

• Foster collaboration between chapters in different regions

• Support staff with volunteer engagement, recognition, and community-building

• Promote advisor leadership through clearly defined, time-bound roles

🌎 Who’s on the Council?
Each year, we’ll select at least four faculty advisors representing a mix of:

• Elementary, middle, high school, and college chapters

• Regions across Georgia (Metro Atlanta, Coastal, North Georgia, Middle Georgia/Macon)

All members are current faculty advisors in good standing with active chapters. Advisors may be recommended by staff or nominated by their peers.

🗓 Term & Expectations
Advisor Council members:

• Serve a one-year term (September–August)

• Attend four virtual meetings per year (about 45 minutes each)

• Serve on at least one subcommittee

• Provide feedback on initiatives, policies, and materials

• Champion inclusion and promote chapter engagement in their regions

🧩 Subcommittees (Examples)
Council members may support:

• Event Planning & Recognition – Leadership Training Day, Back to Best Buddies, mission moments, volunteer recognition

• Mentorship & Onboarding – Welcoming new advisors, supporting the BBGA Pen Pals Program

• Best Practices – Sharing event ideas and chapter management tips

• Community Engagement – Local outreach and media stories with staff

• Recruitment – Connecting staff with surrounding schools to grow our reach

🌟 Benefits of Participation
Advisor Council members will:

• Help influence statewide programming

• Be recognized on the BBGA website and social media

• Receive priority for speaking and event roles

• Earn a leadership certificate at the end of their term

• Be specially thanked at Leadership Training Day, Back to Best Buddies, and other statewide events

If you’re a faculty advisor interested in future involvement with the Advisor Council, please register here!

Join Us For 2026 Best Buddies in Georgia Buddy Ball!

Dust off your coolest kicks and get ready for a night of music, movement, and inclusion for our first-ever Buddy Ball! 🎉

This year’s Buddy Ball will be hosted by Team Cedar Grove High School as a Sneaker Ball, a fun, semi-formal dance where your best shoes are the star of the show. 👟✨

Event Details:
📍 Location: Cedar Grove High School
📅 Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026
🕕 Time: 6:00 p.m.
🔗 RSVP / Register: https://forms.bestbuddies.org/4903690?eventId=a18Uc00000mJL8L

Buddy Ball is an inclusive celebration for Best Buddies chapters across Georgia. Students with and without IDD, advisors, and guests all coming together for:

• 🎶 Music & dancing

• 📸 Photo moments with friends

• 🫶 A welcoming space where everyone belongs

We’re also hoping to make Buddy Ball a Georgia tradition, partnering with a different school host each year. 🏫

If your school is planning to attend, please complete the registration form above so we can prepare an accurate headcount and make this night unforgettable for everyone.

For more information and questions, please feel free to reach out to Doug Peters, Deputy Director of Programs at [email protected] or Mrs. Tonya Bush, Faculty Advisor at Cedar Grove High School at [email protected].

👟 Step Into Inclusion: Friendship Walk 2026

We hope you join us for Friendship Walk! The Best Buddies Friendship Walk is the leading walk in the country supporting inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Across the globe, more than 50,000 walkers come together each year to celebrate friendship, leadership, and community, and Team Georgia is right in the middle of it.

In 2026, we’ll once again gather for two walks in Georgia:

📢 Atlanta Friendship Walk

Walk alongside chapters, families, and community partners from across Metro Atlanta as we celebrate inclusion and raise critical funds to grow Best Buddies programs in our state.
🔗 Learn more & register: https://www.bestbuddiesfriendshipwalk.org/atlanta/ 

📢 Coastal Georgia Friendship Walk

Coastal GA, this one’s for you! Join us as we bring schools and communities together to walk, cheer, and celebrate friendships from across the region.
🔗 Learn more & register: https://www.bestbuddiesfriendshipwalk.org/coastalgeorgia/

By starting a school team or joining as a walker, you’re helping:

• Fund more school chapters and leadership programs in Georgia

• Provide training and support for student leaders and advisors

• Create even more opportunities for friendships, jobs, and advocacy for people with IDD

👉 Pro Tip:
Choose a Friendship Walk Captain for your chapter to:

• Lead registration and promotion

• Coordinate simple fundraisers (spirit nights, dress-down days, snack sales, etc.)

• Help your team set a goal and celebrate milestones along the way

Let’s make 2026 our biggest Friendship Walk year yet. Lace up, show up, and let’s walk for inclusion together! 🌟

Buddy Spotlight: Middle Georgia State University

This month’s Buddy Spotlight shines on Middle Georgia State University (MGA) and their incredible host site partner, Wesley Glen Buddies!

Team MGA hosted a creative and engaging “Speed Dating”–style Buddy Match Party, giving students the chance to rotate, meet new friends, and discover their perfect match for the year ahead. The room was full of laughter, connection, and new friendships in the making.

Their Faculty Advisor, Dr. Jane Strong shared:

Thank you, Team Best Buddies MGA and Wesley Glen, for modeling what inclusive, welcoming, and fun friendship-building can look like. We can’t wait to see all the memories you create together this year!

Champion of the Year 2025 Recap 🏆

What a night for inclusion in Georgia! 🍑

On Friday, November 7, 2025, the Best Buddies community gathered at the Buckhead Theatre in Atlanta for the Champion of the Year: Georgia Gala, an evening filled with celebration, storytelling, and powerful support for friendship and inclusion.

We are thrilled to announce our 2025 Grand Champions:

🎉 Sam Hicks & Todd Croom 🎉

This incredible duo raised over $25,000 during this year’s Champion season, helping to expand opportunities for friendships, jobs, leadership development, and inclusive communities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Georgia. Their leadership, creativity, and heart made a remarkable impact.

We appreciate Sam and Todd for championing this mission so boldly, and to our full slate of Champion Candidates, event committee, sponsors, volunteers, and every person who donated, attended, or shared the campaign: You made this night possible.

Because of you, we are able to sustain and grow Best Buddies programs throughout the state, and keep building a Georgia where everyone belongs. 💛

Learn more about Champion of the Year – Georgia:
🔗 Event Website: https://www.bestbuddieschampion.org/georgia/

🎂 December Birthday Shoutouts 🎉

Let’s celebrate the amazing members of our BBGA family with December birthdays! 🎉

🎈 December 13 – Christina Holland (Metter Elementary School)
🎈 December 13 – Christina Blackmon (South Effingham Elementary School)
🎈 December 14 – Marissa Askey (North Springs High School)
🎈 December 19 – Misti Vandenhouten (Ebenezer Elementary School)
🎈 December 20 – Abby Kimbell (University of North Georgia – Dahlonega)
🎈 December 22 – Jamie Paul-Miller (Marietta High School)
🎈 December 24 – Amy Deason (Campbell Middle School)

We’re so grateful for each of you and the kindness, leadership, and joy you bring to Best Buddies in Georgia!

Upcoming Events: