Changing the Way You See the World

Friendship Force International is a non-profit organization founded in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, and introduced on March 1, 1977, by President Jimmy Carter at a White House gathering of state governors. It is an international cultural exchange program, founded by Wayne Smith, a Presbyterian minister and former U.S. missionary to Brazil.

Friendship Force International (FFI) provides opportunities to explore new countries and cultures from the inside by bringing people together at the personal level. Through the signature program of home hospitality, local hosts welcome international visitors into their culture, sharing with them meals, conversation, and the best sights and experiences of their region.

In a typical Friendship Force program, a local club (chapter) prepares an itinerary of cultural activities, inviting members from clubs in other countries to come for four to seven days and stay with them in their homes.

There are many ways to explore the world through the Friendship Force. For example, you may:

- Join a group making a cultural exploration of another country or of another region of your own country.

- Bring the world to your doorstep by hosting international visitors in your home.

- Join a cultural travel program formed around common interests such as gardening, hiking, wine and many others.

- Get involved with a Friendship Force club in your city, or organize one yourself.

Mission

To promote global understanding across the barriers that separate people

Values:
Mutual Respect • Cultural Diversity • Cultural Exploration • Service

Vision

Each individual will make a contribution to global goodwill.

The Friendship Force worldwide network of clubs and individuals will overcome differences among people and nations.

By connecting the world, one friend at a time, we will create a world of friends that becomes a world of peace.

Slogan

Changing the Way You See the World

Tagline

Explore • Understand • Serve

Explore: We explore new countries and regions. We explore new cultures and new ways to connect across the barriers that separate us.

Understand: By sharing a home, meals, conversation and everyday experiences, people become friends, seeing beyond governments and borders into the heart of a country and its people. By combining home hospitality with cultural exploration, we reach a new level of understanding.

Serve: Exploration leads to understanding. Understanding leads to an acceptance of our common humanity and the desire to serve our global village—with words and actions.