Delegates Help Form Buddy Bonds
Writer: Kyla M. Editor: Grace C. Photographer: Abby W.
Women from each of the 17 Panhellenic chapters are brought together through Best Buddies, an organization meant to help individuals with varying abilities form meaningful connections across campus. Leading these women is Sydney C., Best Buddies Greek Relations Chair.
“In my role, I work to integrate Best Buddies into all of the Greek Life on FSU’s campus. My role entails a variety of things such as working with chapters to recruit volunteers, raising money, attempting to get items for events, and helping host events for Best Buddies,” Sydney says.
Sydney joined Best Buddies in college after previous involvement in high school showed her the benefits of the organization. She first served as Delta Delta Delta’s Best Buddies Delegate before taking the leap and trying for her current position.
“I think it is important for Panhellenic to be involved in Best Buddies because it allows for our organization to host events for our buddies. Without the help of the Panhellenic community our buddies would not get to experience inclusion at the scale that they do now,” Sydney says.
In her role, Sydney is responsible for communicating with delegates from chapters of each of the four Greek councils on campus, planning events for Best Buddies that are integrated with the Greek chapters, and acting on the Best Buddies Executive Board. Over the past year Sydney worked with chapters to organize the Halloween Bash, Holiday Party, Field Day, and most recently, Valentine’s Day candy grams.
Sydney’s work as Greek Relations Chair is supported by the delegates from each chapter. Delegates are responsible for taking information from Best Buddies and diffusing it to their individual chapters. In doing so, they are able to create excitement for their chapter members about upcoming events, fundraising pushes, and general involvement in the organization.
“As a delegate I am in charge of getting the women of Alpha Chi Omega involved with best buddies through communicating about events, fundraising, and recruiting volunteers. Overall as a delegate it is my duty to inspire the women of our chapter to get involved with an organization that desires our support,” Abby S., a chapter delegate says.
Each month, the delegates meet to discuss upcoming events and responsibilities. This time is also used as a way to form connections with each other to create an even stronger unit within the organization.
“In terms of working with other delegates, we have meetings about once a month to discuss what is needed of us. I have made friends with many of the other delegates and truly love being in such a supportive role, where all Greek Life values each other and Best Buddies and works to make our chapters more inclusive,” Lauren P. the Delta Zeta delegate says.
Delegates have freedom to plan events within their chapter to support Best Buddies. Abby recently planned a Palentine’s event for her chapter to bring the buddies and women of her chapter together. Lauren hosted a hair and makeup event with the sisters of Delta Zeta. The freedom of the delegate position allows them to plan events that their chapter will be able to help with.
“The women of Alpha Chi Omega had such a great time meeting the members of Best Buddies. I know that so many friendships were made that night. The event was such a success thanks to all my amazing volunteers. It truly was such a great way to get my sorority sisters involved with such an amazing organization,” Abby says.
Having the support of the Panhellenic community helps Best Buddies continue to prosper on campus. The large number of numbers brought in by chapter women ensures more connections for the buddies as well.
“It is important for other chapters to get involved with Best Buddies as it is essential for the members of Greek Life to offer their time and service to organizations in the Tallahassee community. Volunteering with Best Buddies allows Greek Life members to form friendships with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through joining this organization, Greek Life members are able to help create an environment filled with positivity and inclusion. Since there are so many members of Greek Life at Florida State, our numbers are a benefit as we are able to provide not only many helpful hands to volunteer, but many long-lasting friendships as well,” Abby says.