THE BUDDY PROGRAM

Have you ever been at a meeting or social event and listened to people around you talking about how much fun they were having participating as part of a group in some activity? Did you wish that you could join that fun, or think about how great it would be if someone would invite you to take part? That’s what the Buddy Program is all about.

Approximately six years ago Gene and Rae Ellsworth, then Arizona Senior Educators, conceived the idea of having a Master Tour Rider Buddy Buttons Program for just that reason. The object of all this is for a Master Rider and/or Co-Rider to pick as their “buddy” a Rider or Co-Rider who would like to get involved in the Rider Education Program and become their buddy.

It simply consists of getting a matching pair of buttons (usually old clothing type buttons) and attaching a safety pin to each. After picking a buddy (usually at a Chapter meeting) the Master pins a button on their buddy’s vest and the matching button his/her vest. From that point, the Master coaches, mentors and encourages their buddy though the Rider Education Program.

The Master who takes on a “buddy” will encourage, support and answer questions. The Master has coffee with his/her buddy, gets to know them, goes on rides with the and, in general, becomes their friend and mentor.

This program was promoted within Region F and at Wing Ding several years ago. California has been supporting this program at their District Rallies for several years. Many new Master’s have been mentored up through the Rider Education Program to the Master Tour Rider level through the Buddy Program. If you would be interested in participating in this program, please contact your District Educator or your Region Educators.