At Shutterfly, we make life’s experiences unforgettable. We celebrate connection, and we believe that life’s more fun when everyone’s included.
From our earliest birthdays to retirement and beyond, there are milestones throughout life where it’s simply better to have someone by your side – a friend to lift you up when you’re down or dance with you when it’s time to celebrate.
But for some of us, it can be more challenging to form connections and friendships. Through Shutterfly’s Open Door Project, we’re on a mission to change that.
This National Friendship Day, we’re launching the Power of Inclusion, a movement encouraging all of us to share an extra smile, say hello, and help create a more inclusive world. Who knows, a simple gesture could just be the spark to a whole new friendship.
Keep in touch with Shutterfly on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn all month long to be part of the movement. You can start by downloading our Inclusion Toolkit below!
BE PART OF THE MOVEMENT
In partnership with Best Buddies International, we’ve developed an Inclusion Toolkit, with tips and tricks to take action toward a more inclusive world – either for yourself or those around you.
If you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver, read it to your young ones and talk to them about the importance of being inclusive.
Share it on social media and with your family, friends, and coworkers.
And most importantly — next time you see someone needing a friend, take these ideas for a spin! Because the sooner we invite ALL people to the party, the sooner we ALL get to dance.
Click here to download a PDF of the toolkit. Or, flip through the toolkit below.
WHY WE’RE PARTNERING WITH 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 intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
As an organization centered around creating friendships between individuals with and without IDD, Best Buddies exemplifies the power of inclusion. With chapters in all 50 states and 49 countries, Best Buddies has facilitated friendships between more than 120,000 individuals.
Beyond building friendships, Best Buddies also has programs that empower the special abilities of people with IDD by helping them secure successful jobs, live independently, improve public speaking, self-advocacy and communication skills, and feel valued by society.
Through annual initiatives and events, such as friendship balls, leadership conferences, Match Parties, ambassador trainings and more, Best Buddies invites volunteers to participate in the largest global movement to provide opportunities to individuals with IDD to celebrate life’s special moments.
Learn more about our partnership here!
“I look forward to Best Buddies. I like being with friends. I like going to lots of parties. It is an important part of my life. I like being friends with Allison. She does lots of fun things with me. I am excited and happy when I am with Allison. I hope we will be friends for a long time.”
-Catherine
“When I was young, I told my parents I would never make any friends. Then, along came Rohan. We’ve been buddies ever since! His friendship has impacted me so much. He’s been there for me and supports me and all the people and things I love. Having a friend like Rohan has changed my life.”
– Ian