Our Mission

To promote global understanding across the barriers that separate people.

promote

promover, framja

to further the cause

understanding

forstaelse, புரிதல் 

sympathetically aware

people

人, tangata 

the plurality of people, humanity 

Founded in 1977 by visionary Wayne Smith and supported by President Jimmy and Roselyn Carter, Friendship Force International is a non-profit cultural organization focused on promoting understanding, cultural education, and citizen diplomacy through homestay Journeys and personal friendships. Through these exciting personal encounters, strangers become friends – and we know that by experiencing different views, you can discover common ground.

Our Vision…

FFI commits to harnessing the transformative power of human connection. We offer in-person and online cultural exchange opportunities that enhance understanding and appreciation of other cultures and societies.

FFI recognizes that these experiences can lead to lifelong friendships that change the way we see the world.

FFI will be a leading organization in the global grassroots peace movement. We create an inclusive, intuitive, and welcoming experience for our members. Our global network connects people who value and respect diversity and believe that peace can be built one friendship at a time.

Our Values

Welcoming

FFI promotes friendship amongst peoples of different backgrounds and cultures globally, regionally, and locally. FFI welcomes everyone regardless of nationality, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political opinion, religion, or any other difference.

Open-Minded

FFI seeks to foster mutual respect and appreciation of differences. Members challenge their own prejudices and approach new situations with a learning attitude.

Adventurous

FFI members have a spirit of adventure! They are flexible and adapt to uncertain circumstances with energy and enthusiasm.

Positive

FFI members always consider the needs of others and seek to give more to host communities than they take. FFI members seek to be a force for good and aim to have a positive impact wherever they go.

Innovative

FFI seeks to be constantly evolving; adapting to new and better ways of carrying out our goals. FFI will be responsive to cultural and social changes. FFI members are open to change.

Committed To Peace

FFI firmly believes that a world of friends is a world of peace. FFI brings diverse people together to discover common ground. FFI members seek to further peace in all they do.

A world of friends
is a world of peace…

Become a Friend of FFI

Sign up for our emails and learn more about how Friendship Force can transform your world of travel and community.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Pin It on Pinterest