
Legacy, Love, Faith and Leadership | Best Buddies Month with Anthony Kennedy Shriver
In this episode of ‘Pushing Forward with Alycia,’ Alycia welcomes Anthony Kennedy Shriver, the founder, chairman, and CEO of Best Buddies International, to honor Best Buddies Month and Spread the Word Day. They discuss the harmful use of the ‘R word,’ the growth and impact of Best Buddies since its establishment in 1989, and Anthony’s personal inspirations from his family, including his mother, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, and his aunt, Rosemary Kennedy. The conversation highlights the importance of employment, social connections, leadership, and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Anthony emphasizes the cultural shift towards inclusion, the powerful role of companies in creating inclusive environments, and Best Buddies’ various initiatives, including employment programs, leadership training, and the exciting new launch of a dating app in collaboration with Bumble for people with special abilities.
Themes That Shaped the Conversation
๐บ๐ธ The True Spirit of America
๐ The Transformative Power of Service
๐ Servants Win the Race
๐ A New Era of Inclusivity
๐ซ Breaking Misconceptions about Disabled Lives
๐ฅ Adapt and Thrive: Navigating Imperfect Worlds
๐ช Overcoming Life’s Challenges: No Free Passes
โค๏ธ The Greatest Force in the Universe: Why Love Matters Most
๐ผ The Life-Changing Power of Employment
๐ America Favors Inclusive Companies
๐ค Empowering Abilities: Inclusive Jobs with Best Buddies
๐ฝ๏ธ Finding Your Place at the Table
๐ข End the R-Word: A Call for Change in Our Schools
A Quote from Anthony
Service is God’s work, God’s plan and all of our participants are part of the beauty of God’s plan, and he has put everybody in this world for a reason.
~ Anthony Kennedy Shriver
Quick Reference: Episode Highlights
00:00 Introduction to Pushing Forward with Alycia
00:35 Honoring Best Buddies Month
01:05 Interview with Anthony Kennedy Shriver
02:54 Anthony’s Inspirational Family Legacy
09:08 Growth and Impact of Best Buddies
15:24 Best Buddies Programs and Initiatives
22:07 Personal Stories and Reflections
24:55 Encouraging Corporate Partnerships
29:36 Final Thoughts and Call to Action
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Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations on Pushing Forward with Alycia. Open hearts, clear paths. Letโs go.