Hayburn 1
“I understand and will uphold the ideals of academic honesty as stated in the Honor Code.”
Annie Hayburn
Dr. Brizee
Effective Writing
24 October 2016
Rhetorical Analysis of Cohen’s Article
It is no secret that poverty is a problem in American society. Politicians have varying approaches for how to best address this issue. Washington Post reporter Philip Cohen is dissatisfied with the current means employed to fight poverty and argues in his article “American policy fails at reducing child poverty because it aims to fix the poor” that the nation must adopt new policies to better address this problem. In order to convince his audience, Cohen presents the information with appeals to reason, credibility, and emotion using statistics, deduction, induction, authoritative expertise, and emotional diction that highlight the need for new policies regarding poverty. Cohen effectively utilizes each appeal to communicate his message and eloquently minimizes the inclusion of logical fallacies. To best understand Cohen’s position, we must first consider the rhetorical situation of the piece, meaning we must analyze its topic, audience, context, angle, and purpose.
Before exploring Cohen’s methods of persuasion, it is necessary to establish the rhetorical situation. With regard to topic, Cohen addresses the poverty of families and children in the United States and the misallocation of federal funds to help alleviate the problem. He is distressed by the fervent emphasis on government policies that address marriage rather than the root of the issue. Cohen crafts his article for his particular audience, specifically Washington
Post readers, as well as the elites and politicians who rely on the Post as a trusted news outlet.
Hayburn 2
Context for the article includes data on the decrease in marriage rates, increase in work opportunities for females, the presidential campaigns and election, implementation of social welfare programs, and the current gap in wealth equality. With regard to angle, Cohen employs a passionate appeal as he strives to communicate the extent of poverty. He effectively balances emotion with facts to give a professional, yet passionate presentation of the material. Finally,
Cohen’s purpose is to help readers recognize the ineffectiveness of current policies. He argues that the solution to reducing poverty is rooted in greater funding, not programs aimed at encouraging marriage.
Cohen best accomplishes his purpose through the appeals to reason scattered throughout the piece. He initially builds his argument by providing context for the current situation, including information about the 1996 Welfare Reform Act and similar attempts at progress
(Cohen par. 3). Such facts provide the foundation for the sound reasoning he presents. Cohen also describes current poverty in the United States, stating that “1 in 5 families with children in the wealthiest nation on the planet are living in poverty” (par. 4). This quote illustrates the rationality of his claim and supports his assertion that poverty remains a problem. Cohen continues his appeal to reason by highlighting that these families’ incomes fell below the poverty line by nine thousand dollars (par. 4). Cohen then provides an example that illustrates the cost of ending poverty. He states it would amount to fifty-seven billion dollars a year, but claims this amount is equivalent to a twenty-nine percent tax on Apple’s earnings “stashed” outside of the
United States (Cohen par. 4).
The prominence of reason continues as Cohen builds his argument. Cohen proposes two solutions for poverty to the audience. He suggests either expanding child tax credits, as 3.4 million of the poorest children are neglected under current tax policy, or instituting
Hayburn 3 a universal child allowance (Cohen par. 14). Cohen states such a measure “could cut child poverty in half, and reduce deep poverty by two-thirds—for about $200 billion per year” (par.
15). Furthermore, Cohen incorporates deduction and induction to intensify his appeal to reason.
In analyzing for deduction, I discovered that Cohen includes the major premise that raising children takes work (par. 12). His minor premise follows from this and states that national income is provided for those who publicly perform such work (Cohen par. 12). Following this deductive process, Cohen comes to the conclusion that the government should provide compensation for raising children in the home (par. 12). Cohen also employs induction to substantiate that policies should focus on addressing poverty itself, not marital behavior. He includes statistics indicating that marriage rates have fallen, women’s chances for employment have improved, and women rely less on husbands for financial support (Cohen par. 2). He uses these data points to argue that polices should be more centered around poverty itself and less focused on encouraging marriage. Though logic and reasoning predominate in Cohen’s article, he employs additional appeals.
Cohen strengthens his argument with appeals to credibility, both his own and that of others, throughout the article. The biography section introduces Cohen as a professor of sociology at the University of Maryland and a scholar with the Council on Contemporary
Families. Cohen also includes the opinions of poverty scholars with the Century Foundation and highlights a literary work “Promises I Can Keep” by Kathryn Edin and Maria Kefalas to showcase that other professionals agree with his opinions as well (par. 13, 9). Cohen mentions the work of Ron Haskins, a prominent figure involved with social welfare reform efforts, as well
(par. 3). Having established credibility, Cohen uses one last approach to persuade his audience.
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Cohen’s final attempt at persuasion involves the appeal to emotion, accomplished most distinctly through his use of language. One of the most potent examples of a direct emotional appeal is found in Cohen’s quote, “Wouldn’t you sleep better at night knowing your poorer neighbors were sleeping better at night?” (par. 15). Such a statement pulls on the heartstrings of the reader. More subtle appeals to emotion include the following excerpts: “cruel punishment for children who can’t be held responsible,” “the suffering of the parent and her children is the cost of teaching that lesson to everyone else,” and “perceived moral shortcomings of the poor themselves” (Cohen par. 5, 17). Cohen’s diction has a powerful effect, as words and phrases like
“cruel,” “punishment,” “suffering,” “cost,” “moral shortcomings,” “shameful,” “catastrophic,”
“coercing,” and “chronic shortages” tie to emotion via their negative connotations (par. 5, 17, 14,
7). Affirming the humanity of his topic, Cohen also includes a personal example about a man who talks of the necessity of postponing marriage until finances are stabilized (par. 9). Cohen’s careful use of the emotional appeal and his usage of other tools largely avoids logical fallacies, or leaps in logic, within the piece.
Analyzing Cohen’s article leads to the discovery of just two logical fallacies, which appear rather discreetly. The first fallacy is the “red herring,” meaning information is included that distracts from the argument (Pain 411). Cohen includes the statistic that “the US had the highest rate of poverty among single-mother families—more than 40% compared with 5% to
10% in Nordic countries” (par. 11). This quote contradicts his central point that poverty is not rooted in single parenthood. Cohen terms such a distinction as the “unique penalty for single parenthood,” yet holds throughout the piece that marriage is not the fix-all solution politicians believe it to be (par. 11). Similarly, Cohen emphasizes the direct impact of poverty on children, noting how the children of single parents are “less likely to be closely supervised, to be well-
Hayburn 5 prepared for kindergarten, to graduate high school, and to make it through young adulthood free from entanglements with the criminal justice system” (par. 7). This information again seems to conflict with the stance Cohen has taken on the issue. The second fallacy present is the slippery slope, for which the author claims one event will automatically jumpstart a subsequent chain of events (Johnson-Sheehan and Paine 411). Cohen presents a similar idea in his piece when he claims that “universal child allowance could help everyone” (par. 15). He states the allowance is better than tax credits because he feels the allowance will more efficiently reach the poorest families (Cohen par. 15). Cohen asserts that the allowance will automatically solve the problem of poverty, yet neglects to acknowledge the ways in which parents could spend the money
(Cohen par. 15). There is no guarantee it would be spent in the best interest of the child, thus making Cohen’s claim a fallacy.
Cohen presents an effective, cogent, impassioned argument throughout his piece.
Through his balanced reliance on appeals to reason and logic, credibility, and emotion, Cohen effectively communicates with his audience, allowing them to understand the position he holds on poverty and the purpose for his article. He adheres to his topic, tailors the writing and information to his audience, and uses his angle to perpetrate his passionate fervor throughout the article. Thus, the audience can feel Cohen’s attachment to his subject matter. Though Cohen does include two logical fallacies, neither significantly subtracts from the overall persuasion of the article. Overall, Cohen presents a well-supported argument that effectively communicates his purpose to his audience.
Cohen’s rhetorical situation also lends itself to the appeals and language he employs throughout the article. Poverty as an issue is best supported by the appeals to logic and reason, yet Cohen uses additional appeals to credibility and emotion to both assure his audience and
Hayburn 6 impact their thinking. Cohen invites his readers to follow his logic through use of both induction and deduction. In dealing with such an emotion-ridden issue, Cohen carefully sidesteps the inclusion of logical fallacies in all but two instances. Nevertheless, his precision in all other aspects allowed the piece to stand as effective and persuasive in argument.
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Works Cited
Cohen, Philip. “American policy fails at reducing child poverty because it aims to fix the poor.”
Washington Post. Washington Post, 4 April 2016, par. 1-18, www.washingtonpost.com/
posteverything/wp/2016/04/04/american-policy-fails-at-reducing-child-poverty-
because-it-aims-to-fix-the-poor/?utm_term=.5386f55c9a50. Accessed 2 October
2016.
Johnson-Sheehan, Richard and Charles Paine. Writing Today. 3rd ed., Pearson, 2015
Dear Dr. Brizee,
I made the changes to Project 2 that you suggested, and I would be happy to let you upload my paper to the website. Thank you for the honor!
Sincerely, Annie Hayburn
Hayburn 1
“I understand and will uphold the ideals of academic honesty as stated in the Honor Code.”
Annie Hayburn
Dr. Brizee
Effective Writing
8 November 2016
Best Buddies International: Creating Opportunities
Best Buddies is an international nonprofit organization that seeks to foster inclusion for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, and leadership development, Best Buddies works to help this population acclimate socially and thrive. This report seeks to expand readers’ knowledge and help them to understand the value of the nonprofit’s efforts. The intended audience includes corporations seeking philanthropic opportunities, individuals committed to making a difference in their communities, and local and state governments. The intent is also to attract people with time or resources to contribute to Best Buddies. Following a review of this report, readers should understand the mission of Best Buddies and perceive the organization’s concrete impacts on national and local communities. This report details Best Buddies’ history and purpose, its clients, its major sponsors, some personal success stories, local and national fundraising events, and volunteer opportunities.
The ideals of equality and inclusion for those with disabilities inspired the launching of
Best Buddies International, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Best Buddies). Founder Anthony
K. Shriver is a member of the Kennedy family, a family known for helping the marginalized.
His mother, the sister of President John F. Kennedy, started the Special Olympics. Eunice
Kennedy’s steadfast devotion motivated her son, and he founded Best Buddies International in Hayburn 2
1987 while studying at Georgetown University (Best Buddies). It became the first social organization for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to operate nationwide (Best Buddies). Intellectual and developmental disabilities are usually present at birth and obstruct development physically, intellectually, or emotionally (“Intellectual and
Developmental”). They interfere with intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior, and they often disturb an individual’s nervous system, sensory system, or metabolism (“Intellectual and
Developmental”). Since its creation, Best Buddies has rapidly expanded, adding Best Buddies
Citizens in 1993, Best Buddies Jobs in 1994, Best Buddies High Schools in 1995, and Best
Buddies Middle Schools in 1996 (Best Buddies). More recently, the organization instituted the e-Buddies program in 1999, held the first Best Buddies Challenge in Hyannis Port in 2000, and introduced Friendship Walks in 2009.
Throughout this expansion, Best Buddies has remained steadfast in pursuit of its mission, remaining an “organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities” (Best Buddies). It serves people living with Down Syndrome, Fragile X, autism, Williams Syndrome, cerebral palsy, and traumatic brain injuries (Best Buddies). Best Buddies is “the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical, and economic isolation of the 200 million people with IDD” (Best
Buddies). It seeks to help members find stable employment, learn public speaking skills, and understand their individual dignity (Best Buddies).
Best Buddies accomplishes these goals through three major programs. The first initiative is one-to-one friendships, which pairs a person with IDD to someone without disabilities to foster inclusion and an overall better quality of life (Best Buddies). The friendships improve Hayburn 3 connections with society, while providing opportunities for fun, engaging interaction (Best
Buddies). There are five subsets of friendships: Best Buddies Middle Schools, Best Buddies
High Schools, Best Buddies Colleges, Best Buddies Citizens, and e-Buddies (Best Buddies).
Matched on the basis of common interests and proximity, they spend time together at least twice a month and communicate weekly via phone or email (Best Buddies). The organization takes the friendships very seriously, even requiring some members to be interviewed before being matched with local residents (Hardman and Clark).
Beyond these friendships, Best Buddies’ second major initiative is an integrated employment program, which the nonprofit uses to help its members find jobs (Best Buddies).
Best Buddies facilitates connections with employers and offers aid throughout the hiring process
(Best Buddies). This program features an employment coach learning the trade to then guide the
“Buddy” through the training process (“Building Friendships”). Buddies develop skills sorting mail, stocking inventory, answering phones, shredding papers, and performing other such tasks
(“Building Friendships”). Aside from offering these employment opportunities, Best Buddies fosters leadership in the community.
The third primary focus is a leadership development program, which targets establishing leaders, public speakers, and advocates in the community (Best Buddies). Within the program, the goal is to create Ambassadors and Promoters, who are responsible for fostering leadership in the community. The Ambassadors perfect public speaking skills and improve self-confidence.
They employ their newfound skills by speaking at community events and fundraising venues
(Best Buddies). The Promoters encourage youth to open new chapters (Best Buddies). The leadership development program also includes advocacy training, public speaking practice, and speech coaching (Best Buddies). Hayburn 4
Best Buddies is able to operate these programs due to the dedication of its staff. Founder
Anthony Shriver serves as the chairman and is supported by a Board of Directors and an
Executive Team (Best Buddies). There are thirty members on the Board, including Brad Blank,
Ronald L. Book, Kellie Howard, and Carl Lewis (Best Buddies). The Executive Team consists of John M. Carlin, Lisa Derx, Jen Miller and nine others, in addition to fifty state directors, each responsible for the organization’s proceedings in their respective states (Best Buddies). Readily available contact information for each staff member appears on the Best Buddies website.
Best Buddies strives to make a lasting impact on the lives of the two-hundred million people with IDD (Best Buddies). In order to make this lasting impact on this community, Best
Buddies needs support from sponsors. It operates independently, but companies like Pepsi-Cola and Santander fund events (Best Buddies Challenge). BB&T Bank, Eagle Bank, Zuckerman
Gravely, DentaQuest, Tom Brady, and Sammy Sosa give generous donations as well (Best
Buddies). Additional supporters include the Venable Foundation, Audi of America, MasterCard
Worldwide, Alex and Ani, Retail, 20th Century Fox, Chevron, Samsung Galaxy, Nickelodeon,
FedEx, and the Maryland State Department of Education (Best Buddies). One of the most recent partnerships is with Cold Stone Creamery, which sells Best Buddies stickers to fundraise for the nonprofit (Best Buddies).
With such commitment from sponsors, Best Buddies achieves tremendous success.
Shriver states that there are thousands of defining moments regarding his involvement (Salfen).
He specifically recalls a Miami presentation that moved mothers of Buddies to tears and the story of a Buddy who went from living a sedentary lifestyle to working (Salfen). Shriver shares,
“It’s been an incredible ride” (Salfen par. 8). Locally, Best Buddies also makes a powerful impact. Glenn Donovan and Leandro Conti, students from Atholton High School, won Hayburn 5 distinction as Maryland’s Honorary Best Buddies Pair in 2016 (Philip). Maryland Director
Fiduccia describes the friendship as a lifelong, brotherly relationship, stating:
We felt they signified what our mission was about. It’s about two people becoming
friends—one with a disability and one without—and it’s the common interests that they
have that bind them together. (Philip par. 9)
Similarly, the University of Massachusetts sought to foster such friendships when it added a Best Buddies chapter to its medical school (Winslow). Students talk about Buddies becoming an integral part of their circle of friends and the resulting appreciation and desire for inclusion that develops (Winslow). One medical student describes her experience saying:
Getting to know my Buddy, John, has been one of the best parts of my whole year. As I
get to spend more time with John, I can already see how our friendship has had a positive
impact on my experience in medical school and most likely on my entire career as a
physician. (Winslow par. 6)
The friendships built through Best Buddies are like those that develop across society. The pairs enjoy activities like shopping, going out for pizza, bowling, attending sporting events, going to Halloween Parties, and just spending time together (“Lasting Bonds”). Middle School
Buddies, High School Buddies, College Buddies, Citizen Buddies, and e-Buddies all participate in these events together (“Lasting Bonds”). The impact of these one-to-one friendships is enduring; participants assign adjectives like “life-changing” to the relationships (Alexis par. 10).
The friendships exemplify the spirit of inclusion that is so necessary in the educational system.
One member claims, “He has taught me many things, although I have only taught him how to skip. He has taught me how to be a better friend” (Alexis par. 11).
Spanning fifty states, fifty-four countries, and six continents, there are a total of 1,972 Hayburn 6 chapters with 99,175 participants (Best Buddies). Numbers total nearly one million for those impacted worldwide (Best Buddies). Specifically, there are 313 middle school chapters, 1,131 high school chapters, and 419 college chapters (Best Buddies). At the local level, Best Buddies
Maryland has one hundred chapters with 5,242 participants (Best Buddies). In Baltimore alone, schools like Johns Hopkins University, Loyola University, Benjamin Franklin High School, City
Neighbors High School, and Maree G. Farring Middle School all have chapters (Best Buddies).
The overarching goal is successful integration that will make the organization’s efforts unnecessary, but, until then, Best Buddies will continue its outreaches and educational initiatives
(Best Buddies).
A key component of growing the effort is fundraising through the various local headquarters. Best Buddies Maryland is based out of Baltimore, Maryland and hosts events like the 2016 “Tastebuds—Fine Food, Friendship, and Cocktails” and the 5K Fun Run to raise money
(Best Buddies). They also annually run Friendship Walks in College Park (Best Buddies). The
Friendship Walk, a national initiative in 2009, has been recognized as the most effective walk in the country for raising awareness for those with IDD (Best Buddies). The walks foster participation with free online registration and no minimum fundraising (Best Buddies Friendship
Walk). Chapters from across the nation come together for the Best Buddies Challenge, where fifteen hundred cyclists rally for a multi-mile race in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts (Best Buddies
Challenge). In June, celebrities like Tom Brady and the Beach Boys will join the effort, as will hundreds of volunteers who will serve as start line and rest stop assistants, course marshals, and finish line assistants (Best Buddies Challenge). From the local to the national level, Best
Buddies events draw widespread attention.
Best Buddies’ fervent efforts inspire community involvement. Whether it is volunteering, Hayburn 7 donating, or promoting awareness, the Best Buddies website invites everyone to participate in the organization. People are able to donate money on the website by filling out the online form, or they can shop online for gear that promotes awareness (Best Buddies). Caring neighbors are always welcome to attend community events like galas, Best Buddies Challenges, and Friendship
Walks (Best Buddies). They are joined with members worldwide in celebrating inclusion by partaking in community carnivals, regional dances, and school-wide assemblies (Best Buddies).
There are also a number of volunteer initiatives. Applying to volunteer only requires the submission of an online form. Specific opportunities for involvement include Best Buddies
Month in March, which promotes the mission and attracts new members, and Buddy Talent, which is an opportunity for participants to share their unique gifts. The “I’m to Hire” outreach encourages businesses to partake in the Buddies job program, and the “Spread the word to end the word” campaign seeks to eliminate the use of the word “retarded” in dialogue about those with IDD (Best Buddies). The organization estimates that the fifty thousand volunteers have an impact on society equivalent to nearly fifty-two million dollars (“Best Buddies”).
Best Buddies funding comes from its benefactors and community events. Friendship
Walks and the Best Buddies Challenge are the most prominent fundraisers, totaling fifty-two percent of annual revenue (Best Buddies). Individuals account for ten percent of revenue, and corporations account for fourteen percent (Best Buddies). Best Buddies allocates eighty-four percent of the money to its three programs (Best Buddies). Eleven percent goes towards fundraising initiatives, and five percent is spent on administrative purposes (Best Buddies). The program funding helps participants “improve reading, writing, and computer skills, secure successful jobs, live independently, and feel secure in the knowledge that they are valued by society” (Best Buddies). Additionally, in 2010, the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Act passed Hayburn 8
Congress, permitting the US Department of Education to allocate funds to Best Buddies (“Rep
Hoyer”). The government provides twenty-one percent of the funds Best Buddies receives (Best
Buddies).
Best Buddies operates as a nonprofit organization that has blossomed in its efforts to facilitate the socialization and inclusion of the IDD population. It delivers an enduring impact through its one-to-one friendships, its integrated employment initiative, and its leadership development program. The success stories attest to the organization’s influence and inspire volunteers. Community involvement greatly contributes to the flourishing of Best Buddies and promotes continual achievement.
Hayburn 9
Annotated Bibliography
Alexis, Susan J. "Budding Friendships." The World & I, vol. 18, no. 10, 2003, pp. 122-129.
ProQuest, lives.&title=Palaestra&issn=87565811&isbn=& volume=17&issue =1&
date=20010101&aulast=&spage=50&pages=50-50&sid=EBSCO%3aTeacher+Reference
+Center%3a4146088&site=ftf-live. Accessed 7 November 2016.
Alexis chronicled the history of the Best Buddies organization, incorporating
personal examples to accompany her points. The piece was instrumental in
demonstrating both the objective and emotional aspects of the organization. The quotes
included in the article can help readers better understand the life-changing impacts of
Best Buddies on the lives of those involved.
“Best Buddies.” American Association of Health and Disability. American Association of
Health and Disability, 2016, www.aahd.us/best-practice/best-buddies. Accessed 9
November 2016.
This source offered some details about Best Buddies, with a major emphasis on Best
Buddies Colleges. It presented a few statistics that were helpful in assessing both the
number of participants and the impact of the nonprofit. Though a substantive article, it
presented little information not already covered on the Best Buddies website;
the article did, however, indicate how necessary volunteers are to the functioning of
nonprofit organizations.
Best Buddies. Best Buddies International, 2016, www.bestbuddies.org. Accessed 2 November
2016.
The Best Buddies website offered an extensive amount of detailed information regarding
the nonprofit, as it included insights about the mission, its programs, and the impact of Hayburn 10
Best Buddies. The website was the most helpful source in collecting information
about the organization, as it was all organized and compacted under one of the various
tabs/links. By exploring the website, interested citizens are able to “get to know” the
organization through the straightforward, personal, and easy-to-understand presentation
of the material.
Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port. Best Buddies International, 2015, www.bestbuddies
challenge.org/hp/. Accessed 8 November 2016.
The website presented information about the annual Best Buddies Challenge in Hyannis
Point. It was useful in offering specific details about the event and how to participate.
Amidst the necessary details about the Challenge, the website also noted the
dedication of volunteers to the organization, as exemplified by the hefty minimum
fundraising requirements necessary to participate.
Best Buddies Friendship Walk. Best Buddies International, 2015,www.bestbuddiesfriendship
walk.org/maryland/. Accessed 8 November 2016.
This source provided information about one of the major fundraising events for Best
Buddies, the Friendship Walk. It was helpful in offering specific information about the
event and providing logistical details. Amidst providing a host of details about the event,
the website proved how easy it can be to get involved with Best Buddies and to help
make a difference.
Hardman, Michael L. and Christine Clark. “Promoting Friendship Through Best
Buddies: A National Survey of College Program Participants.” Mental Retardation, vol.
44, no. 1, 2006, pp. 56-63. Accessed 7 November 2016.
This article detailed the specifics of the Best Buddies College Program and explained Hayburn 11
how one can become involved in it on a college campus. It was helpful in depicting the
extensive process of becoming a Buddy, and it demonstrated how serious the
friendships are to both participants and the organization. People involved with Best
Buddies truly seem to have the best interests of the IDD population at heart, as they work
side-by-side to ensure that Buddies receive the greatest possible benefits through their
experiences with the nonprofit.
“Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD): Condition Information.” Eunice Kennedy
Shriver Institute of Child Health and Human Development. USA.gov., n.d.,
www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/idds/conditioninfo/Pages/default.aspx. Accessed 24
November 2016.
This government publication helped define intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The source was very useful, as it allowed readers to better understand the population Best
Buddies targets, and it extensively covered the characteristics of the specific disabilities.
The information in this source depicted the tremendous challenges faced by people living
with intellectual and developmental disabilities and illustrated why an organization such
as Best Buddies is both needed and highly valued.
“Lasting bonds best buddies." Palaestra, 2006, pp. 45. Academic OneFile, go.galegroup.com/
ps/i.do?p=AONE&sw=w&u=loyoland_main&v=2.1&it=r&id=GALE%7CA14813654
0&sid=ebsco&asid=f4f62e688303cd1a14aa9acacc1e5a68. Accessed 7 November 2016.
This article summarized Best Buddies’ one-to-one friendship program and described the
activities friends engage in. It was helpful in offering new insights into Best Buddies
friendships. These friendships are no different from the bonds that naturally emerge
within school systems. Hayburn 12
Philip, Lisa. “Atholton High friends honored as 'Best Buddies' Program that seeks to end
isolation of people with disabilities recognizes pair.” Baltimore Sun, 9 May 2016.
ProQuest, http://search.proquest.com/baltimoresun/docview/178746281 6/3800CC1
8CDC54A8EPQ/1?accountid=12164. Accessed 7 November 2016.
This source indicated the far-reaching impacts of the organization by providing a real-life
and local example of a Best Buddies friendship. It was very helpful in offering a concrete
example of the work Best Buddies has performed, as well as the longevity of its initiates.
The article demonstrated that genuine inclusion of those with IDD is an attainable feat,
and it can be appreciated and enjoyed by everyone involved.
"REP. HOYER MEETS WITH MARYLAND ADVOCATES ON SPECIAL OLYMPICS AND
BEST BUDDIES ADVOCACY DAY." US Fed News Service, 7 March 2013. ProQuest,
http://search.proquest.com/docview/1314912864/B7379E3B44AE4EF6PQ/7?
accountid=12164. Accessed 7 November 2016.
This article briefly summarized Representative Hoyer’s efforts to promote Best Buddies
and the Special Olympics. It was helpful in providing information about the legal
proceedings and background for the issues Best Buddies is addressing. The source
indicated how much positive change is possible when there are powerful political
advocates behind an issue or initiative.
Salfen, Paul. "Best Buddies: what began as a college project for Anthony Kennedy Shriver now
touches hundreds of thousands of lives around the world." Success, July 2011, pp. 76.
Academic OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?p=AONE&sw=w&u=l oyolan d_main&
v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA259624225&it=r&asid=00504484719d8b7c6d6c5 cf9cb6d6056.
Accessed 7 November 2016. Hayburn 13
This source recounted an interview with Anthony Kennedy Shriver that addresses the
impact of his famous name and his views on success. The article gave
personal insights into the Shriver family mentality, informing the reader regarding both
the motivation behind Best Buddies. Now an international powerhouse, Best Buddies
began with the humble drive and determination of one man, and he will continue to work
for positive changes.
Winslow, Victoria. “Med Students Embrace: the Best Buddies Program.” The Exceptional
Parent, vol. 44, no. 5, pp. 40. Academic OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?p=AONE&s
w=w&u=loyoland_main&v=2.1&it=r&id=GALE%7CA371190315& asid=4bc8f8f26e
11fefd0730fba097be71b7. Accessed 24 Nov. 2016.
This source offered information on the Best Buddies Program that was added at the University of
Massachusetts medical school. It offered a multitude of powerful personal stories that helped assess the impact of the chapter on both the students and their Buddies. Such an article is instrumental in helping the reader understand the far-reaching influence of Best Buddies on those it serves.
Dear Dr. Brizee,
I made the changes to Project 3 that you suggested, and I would be happy to let you upload my paper to the website. Thank you for the honor!
Sincerely, Annie Hayburn
Hayburn 1
Annie Hayburn
Dr. Brizee
Effective Writing
16 December 2016
Living Justice at Loyola
Just about every high school and college student feels overwhelmed at some point during their academic careers. I am no exception to this generalization. School, swimming, faith, family, friends—it can be so much to handle at times, and it is easy to neglect or forget about one of the our important obligations—we are called to serve others. We have to look outside of ourselves and work to create a better world, one in which justice prospers. To foster justice, we must strive to be just in our choices and actions. As Psalm 118:20 relates, “This gate (Heaven) is the Lord’s; the just shall enter it.”
The examples of friends, family, and those around us remind us and inspire us to live lives of justice and service. A few years ago, one of my friends told me about a club at her school called Best Buddies. The club worked to create social interactions for high school students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Her story has always been in the back of my mind, and the information report offered the perfect opportunity to learn more about the nonprofit. In my research, I learned that Best Buddies perpetuates justice, locally and internationally, through its passionate efforts to foster inclusion and acclimation for the IDD population.
I realize that Best Buddies cultivates justice on a large scale, but I can work to further justice here at Loyola. I will strive daily to be a shining light of kindness, acceptance, and understanding to all those I encounter. I will stand up for those who are bullied, mistreated, or Hayburn 2 misunderstood by classmates and the community. I also want to get involved with the Center for
Community Service and Justice (CCSJ) projects, specifically the Hound Serve project. This initiative exemplifies the kind of service-oriented, justice-promoting work I hope to perform.
Some of the volunteer opportunities within Hound Serve include the Beans and Bread
Outreach Center, Our Daily Bread, Special Olympics, and York Road Community Days. At home, I previously made sandwiches for the homeless that were sent to Our Daily Bread, and I fundraised for the Special Olympics with the Polar Bear Plunge. I thoroughly enjoyed the work I did with these organizations. Thus, I would like to pursue a journey of service here at Loyola through continued involvement with these programs. The promotion of justice begins with the dedicated efforts of students and people in the community. We need to show that we care to make a difference and want to make positive impacts. I am interested also in taking a service- learning course at some point during my academic career. One of my teammates is currently helping elementary school students learn how to read, and I feel such efforts stand as a beautiful example of God’s love and exemplify a dedication to fostering justice. God has blessed me with so many incredible gifts, and I feel it is my duty and responsibility to share these gifts through the promotion of justice.
I believe there is no limit to what we can accomplish, and I am determined to live as an example of justice at Loyola. From an everyday emphasis on kindness and acceptance to an involvement in CCSJ service projects, I hope to make a lasting impact on the school community and the Baltimore community at large. I want to be seen as “just” in God’s eyes, so that one day
I will be allowed to enter through the gates of Heaven. My dream begins right now—at Loyola. Best Buddies
Annie Hayburn WR100.03
(Best Buddies) This Presentation…
The Purpose Raise awareness for the Best Buddies cause Offer information Organizational Overview Background of Best Buddies Staff Projects and Partners Volunteer Opportunities How to Get Involved (Best Buddies) Background
Founded in 1987 by Anthony Shriver (Best Buddies) Inspired by his mother, founder of the Special Olympics (Best Buddies) Fosters inclusion and acclimation for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (“Intellectual”) Present at birth, interfere with intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior (“Intellectual”)
(Best Buddies) The Staff
Chairman— Anthony Shriver
Board of Directors
Program Executive Team State Directors Managers
(Best Buddies) Projects
One-to-one Friendships Pairings based on common interests Integrated Employment Develop skills sorting mail, stocking inventory, answering phones, shredding papers Leadership Development Includes advocacy training, public speaking practice, speech coaching
(Best Buddies) Partners and Funding
Sponsors BB&T Bank, Tom Brady, Sammy Sosa Audi of America, MasterCard Worldwide, Alex and Ani, Retail 20th Century Fox, Chevron, Samsung Galaxy Nickelodeon, FedEx, Maryland State Department of Education Using the money… 84% for programs 11% for fundraising 5% for administration
(Best Buddies) Volunteer Opportunities
Events Best Buddies Challenge Friendship Walks 5K Fun Run Best Buddies Month in March “I’m to Hire” outreach Work as start line/rest stop assistants, course marshals, finish line assistants
(Best Buddies) Getting Involved
Online registration for events Submission of an online form to volunteer Online donations Shop for gear that promotes awareness Contact state directors Join chapters at local schools
“He has taught me many things, although I have only taught him how to skip. He has taught me how to be a better friend” (Alexis).
(Best Buddies) Conclusion
Since its creation, Best Buddies has worked to foster inclusion. The major initiatives aid in the achievement of this goal. Sponsors make the organization’s functioning possible. Lots of volunteer activities available, super easy to get involved
(Best Buddies) Works Cited
Alexis, Susan J. "Budding Friendships." The World & I, vol. 18, no. 10, 2003, pp. 122-129. ProQuest, www. lives. &title=Palaestra&issn=87565811&isbn=& volume=17&issue =1&date=20010101&au last =&spage=50&pages=50-50&sid=EBSCO%3aTeacher+Reference+Center%3a4146088&site=ftf- live. Accessed 7 November 2016. Best Buddies. Best Buddies International, 2016, www.bestbuddies.org. Accessed 2 November 2016. “Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD): Condition Information.” Eunice Kennedy Shriver Institute of Child Health and Human Development. USA.gov., n.d., www.nih.gov/health/topics / idds/conditioninfo/Pages/default.aspx. Accessed 24 November 2016.