Cheryl Kasper
My column this issue will focus on the 2002-2005 Strategic Plan that FFI has just published. It is a working document that will be revised as needed. The plan is based on responses to local club surveys gathered last year as well as other data. It points FFI in some new directions of which we should be aware.
"The mission of FFI is to promote cultural understanding and peace through programs of citizen education and the exchange of citizen ambassadors within and between nations of the world."
To that end, FFI has made it possible for some 600,000 citizens from 70 nations to develop friendships and learn about each other's cultures through 4000 exchange programs and international events during its 25-year history. Today there are 356 local clubs in 52 countries and FFI sponsors 270 exchanges annually. It is impressive to belong to an organization doing such important work! FFI has identified four major goals as a guide for development:
Some priorities of this plan are the following:
Cheryl Kasper
FFI (www.friendshipforce.org) and FFC (www.avenue.org/ffc) have wonderful websites. I encourage you to peruse all the information on each of them. FFI is communicating heavily on its website and by e-mail. FFC is now listed on the FFI website. We have truly become part of the electronic age, thanks to Webmaster LeRoy Moyer.
For a complete listing of all FFI exchanges, visit the exchange page on the web site, www.friendshipforce.org/travel/exchanges.htm . For example, the 2003 International Conference will be held in Budapest, Hungary and Chip Carter is leading a national exchange "Adventure to Ghana", October 6-20, 2002. You may be added to the FFI email list to receive monthly exchange updates by sending your name, address, and e-mail address to Linda Ector at FFI, lector@friendshipforce.org . I hope you will take advantage of this new communication medium.
Jim Hart
Friendship Force International is one of a number of host organizations for the Open World Russian Leadership Program sponsored by the US Library of Congress. Pilot projects were conducted in 1999, 2000, and 2001. This year the focus of the Civic Hosting Program is young political and civic leaders from the regional and local level in Russia.
Twenty Friendship Force clubs in sixteen states will be hosting delegations between June 18 and October 11. The Charlottesville club will host a delegation from Thursday, September 19 until Friday, September 27. At the same time, clubs in Lincoln, Nebraska, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Clearwater, Florida will host other delegations. The club in Asheville, North Carolina will be hosting a delegation from September 5 until September 13. All delegations will begin their visit with a two-day stay in Atlanta, where they will receive an orientation and will be able to overcome jet lag. Our group will then travel directly to Charlottesville airport to be met by us on Thursday, September 19. They will depart for Dulles airport from Charlottesville airport on Friday, September 27.
The overall goal of the 2002 Open World program is to provide an opportunity for Russian elected officials and emerging political and civic leaders from all jurisdictional levels to observe: (1) the American political system; and (2) effective, responsive government at the federal, state, county, and municipal levels. We wish to emphasize the principles of accountability, transparency, and citizen involvement in government. If Open World 2002 officials were to administer a final exam, they would test to see if the delegates had developed an appreciation for American culture, if they had been able to interact with Americans, and whether there was a good possibility of the delegates to develop enduring ties with Americans.
We have asked that the delegation be interested in one of the four following programmatic themes: (1) health; (2) youth issues; (3) women as leaders; or (4) the environment. They may instead be interested in (5) rule of law; (6) federalism; (7) economic development; or (8) education reform. It may not be until late July that we learn what the theme will be. Until then, we will not be able to draft a program schedule. But, not to worry, the draft program schedule is not due in Atlanta until August 23. Whatever the theme, Open World 2002 expects us to build into the visit 32 hours of theme-related program content. That could translate into 6 hours a day on Friday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Saturday and Sunday can be reserved for social events and free time. Wednesday, September 25, is the annual United Way Day of Caring. Friendship Force International is encouraging clubs to do community service. This is an excellent opportunity to show the Russians what a generous community we have and actually involve them in a service project related to their theme.
Each program schedule will accomplish four things: (1) introduce the delegates to a core group of local leaders and influential individuals in a variety of walks of life and related to the theme; (2) allow the delegates to observe how elected officials govern and fulfill their daily responsibilities; (3) have the delegates meet with civic organizations, business groups, or other non-governmental institutions and participate in local community events; and (4) allow the delegates to enjoy local cultural and social activities.
Besides providing 32 hours of theme-related programming, our club has committed to provide home-stay placements for each participant for eight nights. There will be 12 delegates (no couples), 3 facilitators (English-speaking, young Russian nationals), and 1 professional interpreter from out of town. We will also hire a local professional interpreter, but we will not provide a home stay for that person. Cheryl Kasper has agreed to coordinate the home-stay placements for the participants. Please contact her directly if you are interested and able to help. Our club will also be responsible for arranging transport of the group from and to the airport and between their home-stay placements and program sites. We need to designate a volunteer from our club to handle these logistics.
In exchange for developing a successful program for the young Russian leaders,
Friendship Force International will give us $4,500. In addition, each delegate will
have $100 in spending money. The two professional translators will be paid directly
by Atlanta. Our final report is due to Atlanta on November 8. For further information
about contemporary Russia, I suggest you go to the web site of Russian Life magazine
at www.russian-life.com . Feel free to call me at work at The Salvation Army (295-4058)
or home (971-2094). My e-mail is Cheryl Kasper
FFI has notified us regarding our Outbound Exchange for 2003. We have received
our first choice! We have been offered a two-week exchange to Devon, UK and
Norderstedt, Germany, tentatively scheduled for April. The Board has enthusiastically
accepted this exchange on your behalf.
Ann Farwell
Many thanks to all those that volunteered to work the "Friday after Five"
dates. The soft drink truck only requires five workers, so we have a good list for
future coverage.
Because only five workers are required, we will be earning less money than
anticipated. We continue to be hopeful that FFC will be assigned a third Friday.
Other fund-raising opportunities are being considered. Wrapping Christmas
presents at Barnes & Noble is among the possibilities. We keep the tips! Your ideas
for projects are most welcome. Please call with your thoughts. My number at home is
974-9985.
Cheryl Kasper
Bob Schwagerl will be heading up the Nominating Committee for 2003. Three
positions on the Board need to be filled: Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
Each position is a one-year term. The Vice-President moves up to become the President
Elect and then the President over the following two years. If you are interested in
serving in any of these positions, please let Bob Schwagerl know.
Cheryl Kasper Cheryl Kasper
The Board has decided to "look at" the By-Laws and bring them up to date
with a few revisions. If you would like to have input in this process, please
contact Cheryl Kasper.
Chuck Johnson introduces Denis Odinov below) Denis Odinov talks about Canadian culture New members receive name badges Pete Almonte with his painting of a scene in Belgium Breaking News From FFI
Fund Raising
Nominating Committee
FFC Planning Calendar
June
29
Outbound Exchange to Canadian Capital Region
July
21
Annual Picnic (International Theme)
July
29
Board Meeting
July
31
Newsletter Deadline
September
3
Annual Membership Meeting
(Program: British Cultural Awareness;
Election of Officers)
September
19-27
Open World Russian Leadership Program
(ED: Jim Hart)
September
30
Board Meeting
October
2
Newsletter Deadline
October
6
Mystery Dinner
October
16-24
Inbound Exchange from Cornwall, UK
(ED: Helen and LeRoy Moyer)
November
5
General Meeting
November
7-10
Friendship Force International Conference - Dallas
December
2
Board Transition Meeting
December
14
Christmas Party (Lake Monticello Clubhouse)
March
27-30, 2003
Charlottesville FF Club hosts Mid-Atlantic Regional Meeting
(Chair: Bob Schwagerl)
By-Laws
Photos taken at May 7, 2002 Meeting
The Ambassador
Friendship Force of Charlottesville, Virginia
Kenneth G. Smith, Editor
9 Leisure Court
Lake Monticello, VA 22963
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