We exist in a world of constant change. During the nearly 50 years that Friendship Force International has existed, our world has changed profoundly, for better and for worse. Back in 1977, there were roughly 4 billion of us – humans, I mean – experiencing life together. Today, there are almost twice as many people on Earth. With the invention of the internet and the increasing accessibility of global travel, we are more interconnected than ever and at least as interdependent as we always have been.
When we forget that we are all part of one global humanity, people can bring about change in violent and destructive ways. Sometimes, we read about a conflict in the news, knowing that what feels like a distant nightmare to us is taking place in another man’s backyard. Other times, destructive change happens in our own lives, leaving us scared, hurt, and angry. At any given moment, there are changes happening all over the world which leave us heartbroken, defeated, and deeply concerned for the future. Right now, the people of Friendship Force and all others who have open hearts and curious minds are deeply concerned about the actions and attitudes of people, institutions, and governments that pull us further away from world peace.
We must give respect and attention to feelings which alert us to the injustice and disharmony happening in our own communities and in others. This compassion motivates us to take part in a different kind of change – the kind that supports our own wellbeing as well as that of close friends and perfect strangers alike.
Together, our small acts create waves of change worldwide.
Every society contains forces that alienate us from our humanity. But every society also contains the forces of friendship, the will for peace, and the creativity to build a better tomorrow. Our better impulses are not always found in seats of power, but they can be found in you. Individually, our acts of goodwill may seem like mere drops in a pond. However, when we unite and work together, these actions create vast oceans that send ripples of positive change across the world.
Friendship Force International is changing, too. We are committed as ever to Founder Wayne Smith and former U.S President Jimmy Carter’s vision of building bridges of understanding across differences, one friendship at a time. In alignment with our values, we remain global in our orientation. At the same time, we know that old approaches don’t always translate to changing contexts. So, in the spirit of friendship, we invite you to join us. In clubs, on journeys, and beyond, let’s collaborate, connect, and grow together as we forge into the future. There are already thousands of us who believe that a better world is possible, and every one of you brings a unique perspective that makes us stronger. Be a force for peace and friendship, and let your power be heard.
Caid Law holds a BA in Sociology and a Certificate in Peace, Conflict & Security Studies from the University of Colorado, Boulder. His passion for peacebuilding has taken him from the USA to Taiwan and Sweden, studying topics ranging from diplomacy and nuclear disarmament to ecological sustainability and collective memory. Caid’s experience in international education and nonviolent conflict resolution has led him to his current role as a Communication Assistant at Friendship Force International.