Introduction

• Many of us would like to expand our network of like-minded people
• Through our life experience and often an international background, we have a lot to offer each other
• It is often easier to get to know another person through personal conversations than in group meetings
• Many of us come to our own clarity more quickly when we describe our situation/challenges to another person
• We can support each other by listening with empathy and asking questions
• Sometimes it is valuable to be able to talk with someone who is not personally involved in a topic/issue (someone who is not a relative or a close friend who may have their own agenda…)
• Through personal conversations, we can both get to know each other better and learn from each other

What it is

• Two persons agree to be Buddies and then agree on how often you want to meet or talk on the phone. 
• Decide for how many weeks/months.
• This is an opportunity to ask for what YOU want and also practice setting boundaries.

How does the Buddy program work?

Here are some suggestions:

• Talk on the phone for an hour every or every other week

•  Divide the time so that each person gets 30 minutes for their topic or questions
• Prepare yourself before the conversation by thinking of one or more things you would like to talk through with your buddy
• Give a brief description of the situation and let your buddy know what kind of support you would like from them, e.g
  • ¨Just listen until I ask you for feedback¨
  • ¨Ask me a lot of questions about the situation I describe¨
  • ¨Give me examples if you have gone through a similar situation/question¨
• Before the end of the call, go through the action items you want to start/finish before your next call
•  The idea is that you can change buddies after a month or so to get to know others in the group
•  If you have/get a buddy you want to continue talking with after the month has passed, this is of course also perfectly OK!

Positive qualities of a buddy

• Communicates in a direct and honest manner
• Is flexible and open
• Gives their buddy adequate time and space to be heard
• Has a sense of humor
• Can set boundaries (both personal and time related)
• Can handle direct feedback and criticism
• Has respect for the fact that we are all individuals with different backgrounds

How can I get support from a buddy?

• If  you would like a Buddy go to https://bit.ly/BuddyGOT to sign up
• If you have questions you can contact elisabeth@dittinrejag.se