Citizen Volunteer Jess, sharing time and friendship What does Best Buddies do? Best Buddies Citizens matches you up in a one-to-one friendship with someone with an intellectual disability based on age, gender, location and similar interests.   How can I get involved? All you need to do is contact your local Citizens Program Manager and tell them you’d like to volunteer. Then, a Program Manager from Best Buddies will set up a time at your convenience to interview you with the purpose of getting to know a little bit about who you are. Once a home interview has been completed and your background check has cleared, Best Buddies will start looking for a good match for you.    Why should I volunteer? People with intellectual disabilities are often excluded from society because of their differences. Best Buddies is determined to end social isolation for people with intellectual disabilities by establishing meaningful, lasting friendships with their non-disabled peers.  These friendships help increase self-esteem, confidence and the abilities of people with and without intellectual disabilities.   What is the volunteer commitment? Best Buddies asks Buddy Pairs to hang out twice a month and keep in contact on a weekly basis.  Best Buddies also holds monthly group outings like bowling, dancing, karaoke parties, picnics and professional sporting events that Buddy Pairs are encouraged to attend.   Where can I find more information? Please contact your local Citizens Program Manager: Los Angeles 1 (888) 68-BUDDY Orange County (714) 546-1826 San Diego (619) 584-5450 San Francisco (415) 503-1791