Explains what Friendship Force is, and its sphere of influence Globally, in Australia and in Melbourne.

For International visitors, refer to the pages in the left menu for an overview of Australia.

FRIENDSHIP FORCE INTERNATIONAL

Friendship Force International (FFI) is based in Atlanta, U.S.A.  This organisation was founded on March 1, 1977 by its first President, Wayne Smith and was announced by President Jimmy Carter at a White House gathering of State Governors.  The founders envisaged promoting peace and cultural understanding worldwide by establishing friendships across different countries and cultures via one week home stay exchanges throughout the world.

In 1992 Friendship Force International was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for promoting world peace and goodwill.

Since the program began in 1977, nearly half-million volunteer Ambassadors and Hosts have participated through 3,300 home stay exchanges of one or two weeks, touching the lives of more than two million people.

Since its inception, Friendship Force exchanges have created tens of thousands of enduring friendships and helped to establish ties among businesses, institutions and communities throughout the world.

Please contact Friendship Force International for more information.

FFI produces a bi-monthly online magazine, replacing the print magazine that used to be published. Inside, you'll find fascinating stories, important news, leadership ideas and reflections on the FFI mission from staff and volunteers. Click here to read magazine.

FRIENDSHIP FORCE IN AUSTRALIA

There are 25 Clubs in Australia incorporated under Australian law and working in friendly cooperation with each other.

Each club is autonomous, operating within the guidelines as set down by Friendship Force International.  Each club is managed by an Executive Committee.

General meetings and social activities are held regularly.

As a member of one of Australia’s Friendship Force clubs you will have the opportunity to make lasting friendships with people from all countries in which the Friendship Force is involved.

Interstate and country exchanges are also possible and you may join exchanges being organised by other Australian clubs.

An Annual conference is held at the beginning of the year at which time the Presidents and Vice Presidents convene the Australian Friendship Force Council. All members are encouraged to attend.

Click on About Australia to get information about our country and Australian Friendship Force for information about clubs in Australia.

THE FRIENDSHIP FORCE of MELBOURNE Inc.

The Melbourne Friendship Force Club (The Friendship Force of Melbourne Inc.), founded in 1997, is part of the international non-profit organisation of Friendship Force International.  

Our members consist of working, semi-retired and retired people with a wide range of interests.

Over the years our Club has grown to around 60 members and we welcome new members to the Club to enjoy the benefits of travel and meeting new friends.

Melbourne Club members participate in an active program of domestic interclub (within Australia) and international exchanges as well as local social activities within its membership.

The Club is lead by a Board of Management which plans the operation and travel exchanges of the Club. The Board members are elected annually at the AGM.

The Melbourne Friendship Force extends a warm welcome to visitors from near (Australian domestic exchanges) and far (International exchanges).

We are able to host 20 Ambassadors (visitors from other Clubs).

Visiting Ambassadors arrive at the International Airport (Tullamarine) which is 30 kms from the Central Business District and are transported to their hosts’ homes by bus or private car.

To learn more about our activities please read the information on this site or contact one of the Executive members listed below regarding membership applications.

Click on About Melbourne to learn more about our city.

THE 2012 EXECUTIVE OF THE BOARD OF THE MELBOURNE FRIENDSHIP FORCE

President: - Alan Cawsey              alcawsey@bigpond.com
Vice President: - Graham Gallop         ggmargb@bigpond.net.au
Secretary: - Nina McPherson          ninamcp@bigpond.com

Treasurer: - Bob Lambert               blambert@iprimus.com.au

MEMBERSHIP

New members are always welcome.

Applications for new membership must be in writing and approved by the Board of Management.

Please contact info@melbournefriendshipforce.org.au for more information.

Annual Membership Fees due on 1/1/2011 are $35 Single - $55 Double.

There is an application fee of $20 to cover the cost of the new member’s name badge and an additional fee of $10 per year for new members requiring a hard copy of the newsletter and other correspondence.

Administration and hosting fees apply if and when travel on exchanges is undertaken.

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