Dear Friendship Force Family,
In a world that sometimes feels more divided than united, our mission—to promote world peace and understanding by creating an environment where individual friendships can be established across the barriers that separate people —has never been more important.
We are living in times of political tension. But we must remember: our work is not political. It is personal. It is human. It is about meeting face to face, heart to heart, and building understanding where it may not have existed before.
Let’s be clear—Friendship Force does not exist to take sides in any conflict. We exist to bring people together in spite of conflict. Political challenges may arise. Borders may grow tense. But those are precisely the moments when our work is most vital.
As we continue this work, we carry with us the legacy of our organization’s founder, Wayne Smith, and our long-time supporter, President Jimmy Carter. They believed deeply in the power of citizen diplomacy—that individuals, not just governments, could bring peace and build bridges across cultural and political divides. Their vision still guides us today. Their lives remind us that just one person’s commitment to peace and understanding can cause ripples across the world. We cannot let political challenges distract us from our purpose. Instead, let them strengthen our resolve.
Now is the time to lean into our mission—to continue opening our homes, sharing our lives, and extending our hands in friendship. This is how understanding grows. This is how peace begins.
Thank you for your dedication to this extraordinary organization. Thank you for standing strong for friendship, even when it’s not easy. The world needs us—now, more than ever.
Chair of the Board
Friendship Force International