Prom with your Buddy! 

Prom is an exciting season for all seniors, so it is just as important for all buddies to attend! Here are some tips and ideas to make sure you are having the most inclusive prom! 

Ask a Buddy Out to Prom 

When prom season emerges, prom-posals can be spotted everywhere! These are cute posters with a sweet message that someone gives to someone else to ask them to be their prom date. Having a prom date is not necessary, but it can be an extra additive to make your night a little more special. It's also good to note that  prom dates do not have to be anything romantic, it is perfectly fine to ask out and attend prom with a date "just as friends". 

When asking a buddy out to prom, be sure to check with their parents or teacher first if necessary. Next, design a poster that is based on the interest of the buddy. You can search up plenty of pun lines and cute image ideas for the theme of your poster. You can also add in a "prop" like a teddy bear or some candy. When you ask out your buddy, it's good to surprise them, but be sure not to startle them. Hope these tips helped you plan a great prom-posal for your buddy! 

Have Your Buddies Attend Prom 

Even if you are not able to ask your buddy out to prom, still be sure to include your seniors buddies in your prom plans. Plan a location to take photos together, get dinner reservations, and attend the prom together. A great idea to help your prom plans go smoothly is to invite underclassmen Best Buddies officers to attend with you. For example, some chapters have the juniors and sophomores go to prom with the buddies. This is a good way to make sure your buddies can still attend, regardless if the seniors are available or not. 

Look Around for Other Options 

Sometimes, not all buddies are able to attend prom due to various reasons. For example, for some the loud music levels can make them uncomfortable. For others, they simply don't like to be out too late! Regardless of the situation, you and your chapter should plan around any specific situations and work to find alternatives. Look around in your city to see if there are public prom events. For example, some schools host an Inclusive Prom that is open for anyone and their buddies to attend. Some organizations also host events that recreate prom open to anyone, so be on the look out! Another idea is to collaborate with other schools and see if you can host your own inclusive prom!

We hope you all enjoy your prom season, and we hope you all make it as inclusive as possible! 

In Friendship, 

Maya Ali