NUSU/CSRC Best Buddies

What is NUSU/CSRC Best Buddies

So what exactly is NUSU/CSRC Best Buddies? Best Buddies is an organization devoted to improving the lives of people with intellectual disabilities through friendship. NUSU/CSRC Best Buddies is the Nipissing University and Canadore College chapter of Best Buddies.

A Best Buddies Important Facts document is now available on the downloads page .

There are four different positions within the club that you can apply for.

Navigation:

• Student Buddy
• Buddy
• Associate Member
• Campus Coordinator
• Fundraising Coordinator
• Membership Coordinator
• Activities Coordinator
• Secretary/Treasurer
• Buuddy Advocate
• Assistand Buddy Advocate

Student Buddy:

Someone who is paired in a one-to-one friendship with a person who has an intellectual disability for an academic year (Setpember-April). Must see his/her buddy a minimum of twice a month and make contact (telephone call or email) once per week.
The goal is to make a lasting friendship.
More information on Student Buddies can be found in the Student Buddy Guide.

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Buddy:

Someone with an intellectual disability who is paired with a Student Buddy.

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Associate Member:

An individual who is a member of the club, but is not matched in a one-to-one friendship. They provide support as needed and attend the four main social events. They can be a student or an individual with an intellectual disability. They participate in planning events and/or sit on a committee.

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Executive Member (must be a Student Buddy):

President (Campus Coordinator):

Is a Student Buddy who:

• Participates in the chapter planning meeting before school starts.
• Registers the chapter as an official school club and promote it.
• Ensures that a bank account is set up in the chapter's name.
• Recruits student volunteers committed to the Best Buddies program.
• Plans and chairs an Information Session within the first month of the school year.
• Invite the Host Site Coordinator and Buddy Advocate to speak at this meeting.
• Explains online application process to students and ensure accurate completion of all Student Buddy Applications.
• Ensures that your Program Manager has a copy of the application, pledge, reference forms and Criminal Records Check for each student.
• With the Host Site Coordinator, interviews each student interested in being a Student Buddy and review their application, references and Criminal Records Check. Monitors matches throughout the year.
• Delegates responsibilities to the Chapter Executive Members.
• Plans and/or oversee the planning of four group activities during the course of the year.
• If desired, offers to hold at least one Student Buddy Rap Session.
• Ensures that fundraising activities occur throughout the year.
• Submits completed reports to your Program Manager in a timely fashion.
• Contacts your Program Manager a minimum of once per month or more often if needed.
• Maintains regular contact with the Chapter Executive Members, Buddy Advocate and the Host Site Coordinator through meetings, phone calls and e-mails.
• Finds and trains a chapter member to take over as Campus Coordinator for the next year (if not returning).
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Fundraising Coordinator:

Is a Student Buddy who:

• Works in conjunction with the Campus Coordinator to organize fundraising events.
• Solicits donations from local businesses to finance fundraisers and other activities.
• Consults with the Best Buddies Canada Head Office before a licensed raffle/draw is performed.
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Membership Coordinator:

Is a Student Buddy who:

• Ensures that contact information for chapter members is recorded before paperwork is sent in to your Program Manager.
• Makes an e-mail and phone list with contact information for all chapter members.
• Contacts members monthly to discuss chapter plans, objectives and the status of their friendship.
• Ensures that proper monitoring of the matches takes place. Takes minutes at meetings
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Activities Coordinator:

Is a student buddy who:

• Organizes at least four activities per academic year for the chapter.
• Ensures that events are fun and interactive, while keeping in mind cost, transportation and accessibility.
• Solicits chapter members for ideas and form committees to help plan activities when necessary.
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Secretary Treasurer:

Is a Student Buddy who:

• Maintains financial records for the chapter.
• Reports on the chapter's financial health.
• Takes minutes of executive meetings.
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Buddy Advocate:

Is a Buddy who:

• Represents the Buddies in executive meetings.
• Is a spokesperson at public events for the Buddies.
• Works with the Buddies, Student Buddies, and executives to ensure the chapter runs smoothly.
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Assistant Buddy Advocate:

Is a Buddy who:

• Fills in for the Buddy Advocate when s/he cannot be present.
• Works with the Buddy Advocate to ensure the chapter runs smoothly.
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For more information go to Best Buddies/Vrais Copains Canada or download the Best Buddies Important Facts document or the flyer from our downloads page.