Quick Look:

The Friendship Force is an international non-profit organization founded to promote friendship, goodwill and understanding among the world's people. The organization creates an environment where personal friendships can be established through international home stay exchanges.  

The Friendship Force achieves its goals through the travel of goodwill ambassadors to pre-assigned destinations. In each city, the ambassadors share the lives of their host families for one week.  

Established in 1977 by Wayne Smith with the support of President and Mrs. Jimmy Carter, Friendship Force has grown into an organization of 50,000 members in 58 countries. There are nearly 350 clubs around the world with about 135 clubs in the United States. The headquarters of Friendship Force International is in Atlanta with George Brown as President.

The Dallas club was established in 1994 and now has membership of over 100 people from all walks of life - professionals, seniors, singles, couples, families - anyone who loves to meet new friends at home and abroad.  The club has enjoyed wonderful outbound exchanges to Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Brazil, Chile, England, Cuba, Japan, Belgium, Germany, Croatia and Columbia; this year we plan to visit Costa Rica. We have hosted clubs from Germany four times, Chile, Latvia (twice), Peru (twice), Brazil, Japan (twice), England, Canada and Romania.

For more information about Friendship Force International, club contacts and trips offered, please see their webpage at www.thefriendshipforce.org.  

See Friendship Force History.

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Motto

"Changing the way you see the world!"

Dear Friendship Force Clubs,
Now you have seen the new logo, a custom design for us by Iconologic in Atlanta.

We’re wondering whether there is another name to call it by, besides the generic ‘logo’ So we thought we would ask all of you.
Here are some ideas to get you started:

*This logo represents who and what Friendship Force is today.
*The multiple colors connote diversity. Not just two people shaking hands but people of Many skin colors coming together.
I*t is an intentionally abstract symbol…meaning it can suggest to each person what speaks to them.
*It is doves of peace
*It is people joining hands
*Or, it is simply an energetic, sparkle of fun
*An invitation into the world of friends to get to know us better

So! What to call it??

If you have an idea, please send it to: Rebecca at rshaw@thefriendshipforce.org
Thanks!
The Staff at FFI

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Mission

To promote world peace and understanding by creating an environment where individual friendships can be established across the barriers that separate people.

Friendship Force International is a non-profit organization dedicated to the principle that each person can make a contribution to global goodwill. Home hospitality - the heart of a Friendship Force exchange- provides the opportunity for people of different countries and cultures to connect at a personal level. More than half a million participants have experienced the personal enrichment and cross-cultural understanding that results from a Friendship Force exchange. The ever-widening Friendship Force global network represents a powerful and growing force that can overcome differences between people and nations.

The Friendship Force Pledge  

As a member of the Friendship Force, I recognize that I can make a difference. I recognize that I have a mission. That mission is to be a friend to the people of the world. As I embark upon this adventure, I know that others will be watching me. I know that through my example to my fellow citizens and the people of other countries, the cause of friendship and peace can be furthered.  

I can make a difference!

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Store

We have extended the deadline for ordering the new Friendship Force merchandise. These products make wonderful Christmas presents for members and non members to use as gifts. Order them in advance so we can combine several orders from around the world to meet the minimum orders - a measure to keep our inventory low and to save you money!

We are offering two types of cards for all occasions to send to your many friends around the world and a coaster that makes great gift. The Friendship Force logo is embroidered on the polo shirt and cap, while a more casual t-shirt is screen printed on a durable fabric. These items help Friendship Force in two ways - advertise our brand and support the important work we do. The order deadline has been extended so order now in time for Christmas delivery.  www.thefriendshipforce/promoshop.com

Please note: if we do not meet the required minimum you will be notified and you will NOT be charged for the products.

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Rebranding Friendship Force

To: Friendship Force Club and Exchange Leaders
From: George Brown
Date: June 13, 2008
Re: New Website launches on 16 June!

On Monday, June 16, at 12:00 pm Atlanta time, FFI will launch the new Friendship Force website. The web address will be the same (www.thefriendshipforce.org), but it will have an entirely new look, reflecting the re-branding initiative that is part of our strategic plan. I invite all of you to take a look at the website in the days ahead and let us know what you think. It will be a “work in progress” for a while as we continue to make improvements.

As you and your members become familiar with the website, there are several features that I want to emphasize:

1. GETTING THE WORLD’S ATTENTION
We all know that FFI has a great story to tell. We also know that we live in an age of information technology. So, we are going to maximize our piece of cyberspace by using our website to help us get the word out about our organization and its activities. Our new homepage is designed to be fun, attractive and interesting to our members and to the general public.

2. ATTRACTING EXCHANGE PARTICIPANTS
The website will be useful in getting the word out about Exchanges. Here’s what the terminology means:
Featured Exchanges provides a sample of upcoming exchanges that are open to applicants from outside the originating club. Currently these exchanges originate in the USA but anyone, anywhere in the world, may apply. We will also be adding exchanges of interest to members from other regions in the future.

In addition to the Featured Exchanges we still have the “All Exchanges” listing as well as “Find an Exchange,” both of which provide a full listing of our exchange activity for 2008 and 2009.

3. WEB-SITE VIDEOS
We’re entering the age of web-videos with the new website, providing the opportunity to include short videos for those with fast internet connections. The new website includes the video about the new logo and strategic plan that was sent to all club presidents.

4. VISIT THE FFI STORE
We have an on-line Friendship Force store for the first time. You can order merchandise with the new FF logo directly from an internet supply house called “Café Press”. In the weeks ahead we’ll be adding additional merchandise items including a standard logo lapel pin — that will be supplied from FFI in Atlanta. In July we will provide guidelines to clubs on how to use the new logo in their own materials or merchandise.

5. PRIVATE HOMEPAGE FOR FF LEADERSHIP ONLY
One of the most important features of the new website is a special section for club and exchange leaders. This new leadership section is much stronger. And to avoid confusion for members and the general public who may be using the website to learn about FFI, a password will be required for the leadership section. We want all active FF leaders — both club and exchange leaders—to have access to this section, which we’re calling the Leadership Forum, so the password is very easy to remember:

The user name is FFI; the password is friendship.
We are asking that club presidents give the password to exchange directors and other leaders who may have need of forms, manuals and other leadership information. The Leadership Forum section is also designed to be interactive, providing a way for you to communicate with each other and with the FFI staff on an ongoing basis, using “blogs” (web-logs). This means you can enter comments and suggestions that can be seen by FF leaders around the world. Give it a try! Or you can send an email directly to me through the website in the “Talk to George” section. I think it will be fun and also very productive.

6. NEW NAME FOR OUR MONTHLY E-MAIL TO YOU
Since we will now be calling our entire leadership section in the website Leadership Forum, the name of our monthly communication which you have been receiving by that name will now be called the “FFI Communiqué.” We’ll continue to send this via e-mail, with back issues saved on the website in the leadership section.

If you’re like me, this new technology can be quite confusing. But there is no doubt that the Internet is a tremendously powerful tool for a global organization like FFI. In addition to providing the world access to our story and our programs, it also enables us to greatly improve communications between FFI and our clubs. It won’t always go just the way we want, but we can learn together and in the process create a much more efficient and effective international organization. I’m looking forward to working with you to make this a reality!

Staying in Touch

The Friendship Force International (FFI) office is at 233 Peachtree Street, Suite 2250, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA on Jan 8, 2007.  Tel:  404-522-9490 or 9490; e-mail: ffi@thefriendshipforce.org. George Brown is President of FFI and Debbie Powell is our Program Service Coordinator in Atlanta.  

Check the webpage for Friendship Force International:

http://www.thefriendshipforce.org

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1. Planning Forms for 2010 Exchanges Now due! The original deadline for submitting the on-line planning form for 2010 exchanges has been extended until November 10 when the FFI staff will begin making the 2010 assignments. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact us at: matching@thefriendshipforce.org.

2. Mark your Calendars for Future International Conferences: We are pleased to announce that the 2010 international conference will be held in Washington, DC in October 2010. The FFI staff will work with the Friendship Force of the National Capital Area to plan an excellent event. But first, we are looking forward to a very unique setting for 2009. As previously announced, next year’s conference will be in Okinawa, Japan, November 19-22, 2009, with post conference hosting available throughout Japan. Full details will be available in early January.

3. New FFI Board Members Announced. The FFI Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of five new members who will begin their four year terms on January 1, 2009.

Congratulations to these new members of the Board:
  Darrell Anderson of Southwest Florida, USA
  Cecile Bouchet of Limburg, Belgium
  Sandy Larson of Kern County, California, USA
  Boya Marshall of Bavaria, Germany
  Alan Milne of Kapiti Coast, New Zealand

The Board officers for 2010 will be:
  Chairman, Tommy Dortch, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
  Vice Chair, Arifin Mochtar, Jakarta, Indonesia
  Treasurer, Andrew Stirling, Ottawa, Canada
  Secretary, Dave Kalan, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

Even as we welcome new members, we are sorry to be losing five very effective members who have served with distinction: Terry Hopkins, Mac Mackenzie, Robin Mulholland, Horst Neumann, and Rita Powell.

Club Charter Renewal Policy

To remain an active Friendship Force club, the club president should complete the Club Charter Renewal Form and return it to Friendship Force International (FFI) along with the club affiliation fees, according to the schedule provided by FFI. (Subscriptions to Friendship magazine are optional and may be obtained for US$12 per subscription.) UPDATE: The Friendship Magazine has been discontinued.

Club fees are US$6 per individual and US$10 per family. This is a club affiliation fee and is not an individual membership to FFI. “Members” belong to the club, with each club joining the FFI network through the annual charter renewal process and the payment of the club affiliation fee. Club fees are due at the same time as the Club Charter Renewal Form. Fees for 2009 are based on the number of club members in 2008. Upon receipt of the completed Club Charter Renewal Form and the club affiliation fees, the club will then be authorized to conduct exchanges for that year and will also be eligible for the exchange assignment process for the following year. By signing this form, the club agrees to organize and conduct exchanges in accordance with the Friendship Force International Club and Exchange Policies. The club agrees to only conduct exchanges specifically authorized by
Friendship Force International. Failure to submit a signed Charter Renewal Form accompanied by the club affiliation fee will cause FFI to consider the club inactive.

Exchange Policies and Fees

1. Exchanges: Friendship Force exchanges are typically composed of 20 to 25 ambassadors who
travel to a host community in another country for a one-week (5-7 nights) homestay experience. After
the first homestay, options exist for independent travel in the region, participation in a group tour,
or, where available, a second week homestay with a nearby club. Participation as an ambassador on
an exchange is by application, with ambassadors and hosts carefully selected to ensure compatibility
with the program. The ambassador club traveling on an outbound exchange is responsible for recruiting and preparing local citizens for the homestay experience. The host club is responsible for recruiting and preparing citizens from the community who will open their homes to the visiting ambassadors. Each exchange operates under the leadership of volunteer Exchange Directors appointed by the local clubs and in accordance with the exchange policies set by Friendship Force International. 

2. Exchange Directors: Exchange Directors (EDs) provide the local leadership required for successful exchanges. They are selected by the local club and report to FFI for exchange planning purposes. Clubs should take the appointment process very seriously, as the success of the exchange depends primarily on the quality of exchange leadership. Preference should be given to individuals with proven leadership ability and prior experience in exchange planning. 

3. Earned Seat for the ambassador Exchange Director. It is appropriate for an ambassador ED to “earn” part or all of the basic cost of the Friendship Force exchange that he or she is leading. Providing some or all of the exchange cost as an “earned seat” recognizes the responsibility associated with leading an exchange and can also motivate the ED to recruit a full exchange. 

a. FFI Fees: The ambassador ED will receive a pro-rated discount of the FFI fees if there are at least ten fully-paid ambassadors on the exchange. There will be a full waiver of FFI fees for the ED if there are at least twenty fully paid ambassadors.

b. Other Fees: Depending on the ambassador club’s policy, an “earned” seat can include some or all of the following: (a) travel costs to and from the host community, (b) travel and tour costs that are a required part of the exchange; (c) Host Club Program Fees. It is not appropriate to include optional and personal expenses including passport, visa fees, etc.

c. Club Policy: Each club shall adopt a written policy regarding the “earned seat.” This policy should be publicized within the club so that all members are aware of the policy. EDs should price their exchanges in accordance with the club policy. Any member of one club that joins another club’s exchange will be expected to accept the governing policy of the ambassador ED’s club.

4. Recruitment Goal: The goal is to recruit as many qualified applicants as can be accommodated by the host club(s), while maintaining a standby list. In most cases, the ambassador goal is 20-25. Exchanges recruiting less than 15 persons may continue to be conducted, pending consultation with the clubs involved and with permission granted by FFI. EDs should look both within the club membership and to the broader community for the most qualified ambassadors and hosts. Prior membership in a club should not be a requirement to apply for an exchange, but clubs may, if they choose, ask new participants to become a club member when joining their first exchange. Care should be taken to screen all applicants and to accept only those who understand the goals of the organization. Clubs should avoid a “sign up” process that suggests to club members that acceptance on exchanges is automatic. Applicants should demonstrate that they are physically fit for the living conditions in their host community and, at the ED’s discretion, they may be asked for a physician’s verification of good health, stamina and mobility. Please refer to the attached statement on Mobility and Health Limitations. 

Clubs should educate their members to the reality that some exchanges require little physical exertion while others require a great deal. Therefore, recognizing that each exchange is different, longtime members should not assume they will be accepted just because they are loyal members of
the club. Many clubs have elderly members who may not be capable of being good guests in host
communities that require a lot of walking and use of public transportation. It is the responsibility
of the ED to accept only those who are able to meet the physical demands of the exchange. Club
presidents and board members should assist in this process by educating their members and providing support to the ED in making the sometimes difficult decision regarding rejection of applicants because they don’t meet these requirements. Clubs that fail to abide by these requirements may be required by FFI to adopt new procedures to ensure that only well-qualified ambassadors and hosts are accepted. 

5. Recruitment Deadline: The ambassador list should be sent to the host club(s) and FFI 60 days
before the exchange departs. The Ambassador Application and Agreement form must be completed and signed by each ambassador and host. The respective EDs retain this form. Failure to meet the specified deadlines can result in the postponement or cancellation of the exchange, with the hosting assigned to another club. 

6. Visas: In recent years some clubs have encountered difficulties obtaining visas for their outbound exchanges. As a result, some of the regular FFI planning procedures may need to be modified. It is important for the host club to recognize that these difficult situations are often the ones where the Friendship Force mission is most needed. Therefore, host clubs are encouraged to accept exchanges with clubs from these countries and to work with FFI and the ambassador club to carry out the exchange, even if it means adjusting some of the usual planning schedule. 

It is the responsibility of the ambassador Exchange Director to determine what visas will be required,
if any, to travel to the host club(s). This should be done as soon as the exchange is assigned. If there
is the expectation that obtaining visas will be a problem, the following steps should be followed: 

■ The ambassador ED should meet with embassy or consular officials of the host country as soon as possible to determine what steps are required to apply for visas. 

■ FFI and the host clubs should respond promptly to any requests for documentation regarding the Friendship Force experience. However, the ambassador club should not expect that individual host families will be able to issue private invitations that includes guarantees of financial support.

■ The ambassador ED should thoroughly screen all applicants for the exchange and reject any who may be a risk for not returning home.

■ The ambassador ED should ensure that all qualified applicants apply for their visa interview as soon as possible in order to avoid last-minute decisions.

■ Host clubs should recognize that visa decisions are beyond the control of the ambassador club and that often the decision is made at the last minute. In such situations, the host club is encouraged to keep open the possibility of hosting the exchange, but to avoid making firm commitments until the visas have been issued. In some cases this may mean waiting until just before the exchange to make the final hosting and program arrangements. 

7. FFI Oversight and Monitoring of Exchanges: To ensure that Friendship Force exchanges provide high quality cultural experiences for all ambassadors and hosts, FFI will monitor each exchange’s planning and recruiting. This includes: 

a. the timely appointment of all EDs and selection of exchange dates, 

b. the timely confirmation of a final itinerary and price, 

c. recruitment of qualified ambassadors and hosts, and 

d. payment of fees according to FFI guidelines. When asked, ambassador EDs should be prepared to submit to FFI detailed information regarding exchange details, recruiting progress, names and ages of the prospective ambassadors, and the status of the payment of fees. This information can be useful in determining if the exchange is progressing properly or if additional support is needed from  the sponsoring club, other clubs and leaders in the region, or from FFI. In most cases, early intervention for an exchange in difficulty can lead to a successful exchange. If, however, it is determined that the ambassador recruiting is not satisfactory, FFI may cancel or postpone the exchange and reassign the hosting assignment to another club from the waiting list that is maintained by FFI. 

8. FFI Ambassador Fee: Each ambassador pays an FFI ambassador fee for a Friendship Force experience. The Friendship Force International Board of Directors approves these fees each year.
FFI ambassador fees are due at FFI 45 days before the exchange departs. The FFI ambassador fees are:

a. For first and second week of hosting: US$115 per week for all ambassadors from countries outside the USA. For US ambassadors the fee is US$140 per week. A week is considered 5-7 nights.

b. For third week of hosting: US$50 for all countries. This is available on a limited basis in countries with surplus hosting (Australia, New Zealand and the USA).

c. For interclub visits and domestic exchanges: Visits of 1-3 nights between clubs within a country will be considered interclub visits and will have no FFI ambassador fees. Visits of 4-7 nights will be considered domestic exchanges and will have a US$25 per person FFI ambassador fee. Interclub visits and domestic exchanges should be supplemental to a club’s regular exchange activity and should be scheduled after the dates for international exchange activity have been finalized 

d. For interclub visits within Europe: Visits of 1-4 nights between clubs within Europe will be considered interclub visits and will have no FFI ambassador fee. Visits of 5-7 nights will be considered regular international exchanges and will have regular FFI ambassador fees. European interclub visits are supplemental to regular exchanges and should be scheduled after the dates for all international exchange activity have been finalized. 

9. Host Club Program Fees:

a. Host clubs will receive a Host Club Program Fee of US$100 per ambassador, (including the ED) per hosting week (5-7 nights). The purpose of the fee is to provide a budget so the host club can prepare an interesting cultural program for the ambassadors. The fee can be used to pay for welcome and farewell parties/dinners, and for group activities that provide the ambassadors an excellent cultural orientation to the host city and region. The fee can also be used, at the host club’s discretion, to enable the hosts to participate in these activities. 

b. In some cases the host ED may recommend activities that are not covered by the US$100 fee. These activities should be optional. If the ambassador ED agrees that these activities should be included for all ambassadors, the Host Club Program Fee may be increased accordingly. However, if the Host Club Program Fee is more than US$100, the host ED will present a full budget of all activities—both the basic cultural program and the additional activities—prior to the exchange and a post-exchange accounting of the actual expenses. 

c. In addition to planned group activities, the host ED should ensure that the ambassadors have sufficient time with their hosts for individual activities, so the individual host can serve as guide to the local community and for the ambassadors to explore on their own. The costs of these individual activities outside the home should be paid by the ambassadors. 

d. The Host Club Program Fee does not cover the cost of transporting ambassadors from their arrival site to the host community and returning them to their departure sites or for any tour arrangements prior to or following the exchange week. If the host ED is asked by the ambassador ED to assist in these arrangements, the costs should be agreed to in advance and should be designated “transfer and/or tour costs.” Transfer and tour costs are not considered part of the Host Club Program Fee, and should be treated separately with payment and accounting details arranged between the ambassador and host EDs. 

e. Procedures for payment of Host Club Program Fees: Host club program fees should be transferred directly from the ambassador club to the host club in a mutually acceptable manner, unless otherwise authorized by FFI. The US$100 host fee is non-refundable if an ambassador cancels from the exchange less than 45 days prior to departure and must therefore be transferred to the host club together with the fees for the participating ambassadors. In the event that the ambassador club fails to pay for all confirmed ambassadors, FFI will advance the fees to the host club and collect them from the ambassador club. 

10. Local Ambassador Club Budget: Up to US$25 may be added to the cost of an exchange to be retained by the ambassador Exchange Committee. These fees cover the costs of administering the exchange at the local level and are collected and retained by the club, not by FFI. These fees are nonrefundable if the ambassador fails to participate in the exchange or the exchange is cancelled. 

11. Youth Ambassadors: Youth ambassadors will receive a discount of 50% on FFI club exchange
ambassador fees. The discount does not apply to exchanges designed for youth ambassadors, which will have their own fees. A youth ambassador is defined as someone who is 18 years of age or
younger or a full-time student 26 years of age or younger. Children under the age of 2 who participate in an exchange with a parent will not be charged any ambassador fees or host club program fees. 

12. Unaccompanied Children: Any person under the age of 18 who is not accompanied by a parent must have a designated guardian during any Friendship Force experience. FFI provides master copies of the appropriate legal documents in the Exchange Manual. In addition, children under 16 must travel and be hosted in the same home with an adult relative or designated guardian. 

13. Travel Insurance: All Friendship Force ambassadors are required to secure adequate travel and medical insurance to cover emergencies during their exchanges. This requirement can be fulfilled in one of the following ways: a) through the ambassador’s existing insurance policy if it covers international travel, b) through the policy offered by FFI, or c) by purchasing a separate travel insurance package. The Ambassador Application and Agreement form includes the following statement: “I hereby agree to secure adequate travel and medical insurance for the duration of the exchange.” At the discretion of the ED, an insurance waiver form may be signed by an ambassador
and notarized for those who choose not to secure insurance.

14. Exchange Evaluation: Within 30 days of the completion of the exchange, each Exchange Director shall complete and send to FFI a final Exchange Evaluation using a form provided by FFI. If there are substantial negative comments, FFI will contact the club(s) involved and will work with them to implement corrective action. The results of the evaluation may be taken into account by FFI in determining future assignments for the club. Clubs with consistently excellent exchanges will be given priority in their choice of future exchanges. On the other hand, clubs with consistently poor evaluations will be closely monitored by FFI. If the problems are not solved, FFI may suspend exchange activity until such time as the club can demonstrate its ability to carry out proper Friendship Force exchanges. 

15. Cancellation from a club-to-club exchange: If an ambassador cancels more than 45 days before departure, FFI will refund all FFI ambassador fees paid. If an ambassador cancels 45 days or less prior to departure FFI will refund 50% of the ambassador fee paid. If FFI cancels an exchange, all ambassador fees paid will be returned to ambassadors. For specialized exchanges see paragraph 16.

16. Specialized Exchanges: Friendship Force International recognizes that an alternative to club-based exchanges can be attractive for Friendship Force members and non-members alike and plans a number of specialized programs accordingly each year. These range from programs with a 
cultural focus without home-hosting to mission based or themed programs. The fees for these specialized programs are set by FFI and sometimes include airfare and a comprehensive program; in some cases there are fees for a land-only program. The cancellation fees for specialized programs will be advised to the Exchange Director based on the penalty plans we receive from our travel suppliers and vendors. 

Payment Procedures 

Exchange and club affiliation fees are quoted in US dollars. In Japan, the United Kingdom and Australia, separate banking arrangements have been made, and payments should be made according to the procedures established by FFI for these countries. For all other countries, payment should be made in US dollars and may be made by check or by credit card (Visa, MasterCard or American Express) to the following mailing address: Friendship Force International, 233 Peachtree Street, NE, Suite 2250, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA. Bank wire transfers may also be used, with payments made to: Wachovia Bank, Atlanta, Georgia; Routing Transit No: 061000227; Swift Code: PNBPUS33; Beneficiary: Friendship Force International; Operating Account No: 2000-12809- 8785.
All transactions should include full information to identify both the source (club or exchange) and the
purpose of the payment. 

Policy on Mobility and Health Limitations

Ambassador Exchange Directors are responsible for ensuring that ambassadors on their exchanges
understand and certify that they can comply with the physical requirements of the exchange program.
While Friendship Force exchanges are not considered unusually demanding, ambassadors need to be able to keep up with the typical daily activities of their hosts. Walking for extended periods of time, carrying luggage, riding public transportation, and climbing stairs are all normal activities within any exchange. Participants also need to be alert, capable of following directions, and able to fulfill the goal of The Friendship Force as an ambassador of friendship and goodwill. Ways in which ambassador Exchange Directors can screen potential ambassadors include: 

■ Review the health section of the ambassador Application Form with the applicant and make sure that any potential or current health or mobility problems are adequately noted. 

■ Ask applicants direct questions about their daily routine, travel habits, and level of physical and mental abilities and explain the nature of activities proposed on the exchange plan.  

■ If the applicant has traveled previously with FFI, check with the applicant’s most recent Exchange Director regarding any reasons why the applicant should not participate on the planned exchange. If the applicant is new to FFI, ask for a reference who can speak knowledgeably about the applicant’s level of physical and mental capabilities to fulfill the requirements of the exchange.

■ If concerns remain, provide the applicant with a list of the planned activities for the exchange and ask for a letter from their health provider indicating if the applicant will be able to meet the requirements of the exchange. FFI does support the participation of ambassadors with health limitations and physical disabilities. However, without exception, ambassadors can only be accepted on an exchange upon full disclosure of their limitations to both the ambassador and host Exchange Directors and written agreement from the host exchange community and/or travel suppliers that they are able to accommodate the limitation. During an exchange, if either the ambassador or host
Exchange Director finds that a physical or mental limitation, which was not fully disclosed in advance, interferes with the ambassador’s ability to participate fully in the exchange program, including the homestay, then that participant can be asked to depart the program or be moved to an alternate housing arrangement at his/her own expense.

2007 FFI Board Meeting and New Board Members

The annual meeting of the Board of Directors was held in Atlanta September 9-11, 2007 with all 12 active members in attendance. The board received regular operations reports from the staff and approved a preliminary budget for 2008. A major portion of the time was spent looking to the future of Friendship Force with a strategic planning session, led by John Suddes who was one of the speakers at the 30th anniversary conference in Atlanta earlier in the year. The results of the strategic planning process will be announced later in the year. The board expressed its appreciation to all the club leaders around the world who responded to several surveys, which were very useful in helping shape the discussion.

An important part of the annual meeting is the election of officers for the next year and also filling of vacancies on the board. For 2008, the officers will be as follows: Donna Lambeth (North Carolina) will be Board Chairperson; Arifin Mochtar (Indonesia) will serve as Vice-Chair; Thomas Dortch (Atlanta, GA) was elected Treasurer; and Rita Powell (Oregon) will serve a second year as Secretary.

Four new board members were elected to fill vacancies. Each will serve a four-year term beginning January 2008 and ending December 2011. The new members represent different countries and have a variety of backgrounds.

Cang Jian (known to FF members as Jack) is from Nanjiing, China and is 42 years old. He is married and has a 12-year-old daughter. Jack has degrees from both Peking University and Nanjing University. Jack speaks English, Hebrew and several Chinese dialects. Jack is the director of the Department of International Liaisons at the Jiangsu International Cultural Exchange Center. This organization is FFI’s partner organization for the Nanjing exchange program that has been very effective in both hosting FF delegations and also in organizing outbound exchanges. He has participated and planned exchange programs to Canada, France, Japan, Russia and the U.S. Jack became involved with the Friendship Force in 1995. Since that time China has hosted nearly 40 inbound exchanges.

Elza Maria Fernandes dos Santos (known to FF members simply as Elza) is 51 years old and lives in Sao Paulo, Brazil with her husband Eduardo de Cillo. In addition to Portuguese, she speaks English and Spanish. Elza graduated from Ibero Americana University and worked in human resources and sales before opening her own business. She is now retired. Elza joined the Friendship Force in 1988 and served as club president from 2001 to 2006. She was the host chair for the 2005 International Conference in Sao Paulo, and has recently served as Vice Chair of the FF Council of Brazil. Elza has traveled extensively with the Friendship Force and participated in a three-month homestay with a family in Colorado with another organization.

Andrew Sterling is 62 years old and from Ottawa, Canada, but he was born and raised in Adelaide, Australia. He has degrees from the University of Adelaide and Flinders University of South Australia. After completing his education, Andrew moved to Canada where he worked at Atomic Energy of Canada, Ltd. before retiring. He speaks both French and English. Andrew and his wife are widely traveled around the world. They joined the Ottawa club in 2001 and have participated in 15 outbound exchanges since that time. In 2002 he was elected to the Ottawa club’s board of directors and has served as president. During his professional career, Andrew traveled to Japan on 12 occasions and multiple times to countries throughout Europe, Asia and the South Pacific.

Dave Kalan is 52 years old and from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and has lived his entire life in the U.S. He has engineering degrees from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee and Marquette University. Dave worked professionally for S.C. Johnson Wax for 21 years. While there he traveled frequently while supporting offices in London, Amsterdam and Sydney. Since retiring seven years ago, Dave has spent much of his time volunteering. Dave has been active with the Friendship Force for 17 years and has been on 16 Friendship Force exchanges and exchange director on 9 exchanges. He held the positions of Midwest field representative, club president, club vice-president and club treasurer. In addition to Dave’s travel with work and the Friendship Force, he travels with friends on a regular basis. He recently traveled with a friend to Senegal, West Africa.