BBLC 2023: Reunited for Inclusion

 

(Image Description: A promotional flyer for the 2023 Best Buddies Leadership Conference is shown. The main heading states "Reunited for Inclusion" followed by "Register Today." There are a few clipart images related to Best Buddies surrounding the headings. The main picture in the flyer shows several Leadership Conference attendees jumping in the air with their hands raised.)

BBLC 2023: Reunited for Inclusion

Every July, Best Buddies International hosts its arguably biggest event of the year: Best Buddies Leadership Conference (BBLC)! This exciting experience unites chapter leaders from across the country and world to expand their leadership skills within the world of Best Buddies. In this blog, we will unpack the details of BBLC, give you some tips about planning for BBLC, and share some YLC members' thoughts on this amazing event.

What is BBLC?

BBLC is an immersive, four-day conference event in which chapter leaders, program advisors, volunteers, and advocates come together to "imagine, create, lead, and empower the future of the disability rights and inclusion movement." Specifically, BBLC offers a wide variety of educational presentations, panels, workshops, and other sessions to inform participants while elevating their expertise in everything Best Buddies. 

In the past few years, BBLC has been held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this year, BBLC is being held once again in-person! The conference will take place at Indiana University between Friday, July 21st to Monday, July 24th. All Best Buddies chapter leaders and volunteers are highly encouraged to attend BBLC. You should note that the cost of general attendance to BBLC is $350 - more information on fundraising is below.

What do I need to know about BBLC?

• Registration: If you haven't already, we encourage you to register for BBLC as soon as possible. Registration only takes a few minutes and can be found here. Make sure that you select the proper role and office location (the city where you live closest to). You can also list any accommodations you will need during your time at BBLC.
• Payment/Fundraising: One thing that many chapters will need to consider is the cost of attendance for BBLC. If you are a participant who is not claiming continuing education credits (majority of attendees), the total cost is $350. If you are claiming continuing education credits, the total cost is $450. Unfortunately, travel costs are not included in this amount (more information below). While this is a substantial cost, Best Buddies has set up a fundraising page for each attendee to help defray the costs of attendance. You can create your fundraising hub using the link here. This platform is similar to Friendship Walk, and it allows you to personalize your fundraising page, manage your funds, and send donation requests and thank yous. We highly encourage you use this resource while considering your options for attending BBLC. In fact, the average amount of money raised per person last year was $318, which is right below the total cost of attendance!
• Travel Arrangements: Once you have officially registered for BBLC, it's time to figure out your travel plans. If you are flying to BBLC, you will typically fly into Indianapolis International Airport, while other states may take a coach bus directly to Indiana University. In either case, you must submit your itinerary to your Best Buddies staff contact by June 15. Best Buddies will also provide shuttle buses directly between the airport and Indiana University on July 21st (arrival day) and July 24th (departure day). More detailed information can be found on the "Travel" page of the BBLC site here.

What is on YLC members' minds about BBLC?

Each week, co-chair Margo Meley asks a icebreaker question to the YLC as a means of gauging everyone's interest and ideas. The question one week was "What is something you are looking forward to about LC?" Here's what YLC members said!

"Meeting everyone and networking!"  -Zane Landin, California

"Learning from presentations and other events!"  -Nathan Moldavsky, Wisconsin

"I am looking forward to seeing my YLC Peeps in person!"  -Vanessa Ocana, California

"I'm looking forward to seeing everyone in person and having a fun weekend together :)"  -Sofie Dalton, Virginia/D.C.

I hope that this blog helped to give you a rundown of BBLC and made you more excited about this incredible opportunity! If you have any questions or concerns, I encourage you to check out the official BBLC site below or reach out to us at ylc@bestbuddies.org.

BBLC 2023 Official Website

In friendship,

Nathan Moldavsky

YLC Member, Wisconsin