THE FRIENDSHIP FORCE is an international organization that brings people of the world together through homestay exchanges -- creating unforgettable experiences that build lasting bonds of friendship. Friendship Force Ambassadors and Hosts are people who enjoy new experiences and believe that friendship can be a catalyst for improved world relations. Together, Friendship Force members travel as Ambassadors from their home country to another country. Local Hosts welcome them into their homes, providing activities that reflect community life and local culture. The organization, which consists of clubs in 350 communities throughout the world, was formed in 1977. Since its founding, nearly half a million volunteer Ambassadors and Hosts from nearly 60 different countries have been involved in homestay exchanges.
Our Charlottesville Club joined this worldwide community in 1991 and presently has about 80 members. We have hosted and welcomed Ambassadors on Inbound Exchanges from Australia, Canada, Colombia, England, Germany, Mexico, New Zealand and Russia. In addition, members of our Club have participated as Ambassadors on Outbound Exchanges to Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, New Zeland, the United Kingdom, and Turkey. Exchanges within the United States have also taken place, most recently with visits to Santa Barbara, California and Estes Park, Colorado.
FRIENDSHIP FORCE OF CHARLOTTESVILLE club meetings are held every other month and generally are dinner meetings at a modest local restaurant. Yearly dues are $27 per individual, $50 per family. The quarterly subscription to the FFI magazine is $ 15 per year. Each member receives a nametag and a quarterly subscription to the international FRIENDSHIP FORCE magazine, published by our Atlanta headquarters. We generally plan both a summer and winter social to build and share our local friendships. The Bylaws contain much more information on the organization of the club.
Officers include:
| President | Arlene Bandy |
| President-Elect | LeRoy Moyer |
| Vice President | Walt O'Connell |
| Treasurer | Betsy Edgecomb |
| Secretary | David Lea |
Committees include:
| Membership | Walt O'Connell |
| Fundraising | LeRoy Moyer |
We welcome your interest. We invite you to partner with us as we offer our friendship to our brothers and sisters around the globe. A world of friendship is a world of peace.