What is involved in becoming a member of The Friendship Force of Lincoln?
Answer: Join The Friendship Force, if you believe in the goals and mission of the organization; you like the challenge and excitement of new people, places and experiences; you believe that friendship among people of different countries and cultures can make the world more peaceful; and you have a curiosity about the world and enjoy learning about cultures and ways of life. Contact the Membership Chair; complete the Membership Form and mail with your check to our P.O. Box 30334
I don’t see myself traveling in the next year or so, should I still join?
Answer: Certainly, Friendship Force is not a travel club; there are many other aspects of involvement. The mission of Friendship Force is building global goodwill through personal friendships. This can be accomplished in other ways. You might consider being a home host, a day host, a small group dinner host, or someone who attends social activities to build friendships with individuals who have an interest in the goals of Friendship Force.
What do you mean by the term “Journey/Hosting?”
Answer: A “Journey” is a visit to a club in another part of the world or another state. This involves home hospitality, the heart of a Friendship Force Journey, which provides the opportunity for people of different countries and cultures to connect at a personal level. We refer to it as a “Journey” when we visit another club. A “Hosting” occurs when a club visits us.
What do you mean by the term “home host?”
Answer: You agree to share your home for 7 days and nights with someone from another country or state. Learn about another culture without leaving home. You will have the opportunity to participate in a number of group/club outings so you won’t have to plan everything for you and your guest. There will still be time to share your special interests and places with your guest.
What are the responsibilities of a “home host?”
Answer: A home host invites their guest to be a part of the family for the time the group is in your community. Involve your guests in the activities of your family. Participate in all official functions that are planned and attend all scheduled workshops. If you have an obligation during the hosting that is of such a nature that you are unable to take your guest, inform the Host Coordinator, and a “day host” will be arranged to accompany/entertain your guest on your busy day.
What can I expect when I am “home hosted” by an individual or family?
Answer: You become a part of the family during your stay. The host club will have planned several activities for the entire group with a few “free days.” On these “free days,” you and your host might visit areas where you have a mutual interest and time spent with your host’s family and friends. Often this involves dessert or meals with neighbors, family celebrations, and special outings.
Since I am a single woman, would I be matched with another woman?
Answer: Yes, that is usually the situation while couples normally host another couple. There are exceptions. Frequently, the number of bedrooms and type of bed(s) available play a part in matching hosts and ambassadors (guests) as do interests & occupations.
Will I have the opportunity to communicate with my host or guest before their arrival?
Answer: Usually that is the case. It is amazing how many foreign guests and hosts have email.
Important: As soon as possible, contact your host/ambassador by email, letter, or phone. For many, friendships, communications, & private visits continue for years and even a lifetime.
Exactly what is a “day host?”
Answer: It is someone who wants to participate in the hosting but, for whatever reason, is unable to home host. This individual volunteers to escort an ambassador for one or more days to a scheduled activity or, if it is a day when no group activity is planned, decides how and where to spend the day with the guest. It would be a good idea to discuss this with the guests so the activity you plan is something of interest to both.
What would be expected of me if I volunteered to be a “small group dinner host?”
Answer: You decide how many guests, in addition to the number in your family, you feel comfortable having for dinner on an evening specified by the Hosting Committee. The menu is your choice; it is entirely up to you. The evening is for you to plan whether you play a game or just visit. The whole idea is to share the culture of your guests and allow them to visit another home and meet others. When space allows, new and prospective members are included as guests. You may ask the new and prospective members to bring a salad, dessert, appetizer, or wine. Of course, the guest’s host family accompanies them to your dinner. Sharing, fun, laughter, and conversation are the goals for the evening.
Do you plan visits to clubs in the United States?
Answer: Yes, there are approximately 100 clubs in the States and clubs can arrange what are called “Domestic Journeys” with a club with a mutual interest in such a visit.
Do you travel as a group?
Answer: Yes and no; the group usually consists of 20 to 25 individuals, known as “Ambassadors.” Travel arrangements vary from departing the local airport as a group to some, or all, of the individuals making their travel arrangements and meeting at the airport we depart the U.S. or a specific location in the host city at a definite time. The latter provides more flexibility but group travel can contribute to a more rewarding experience. The method of travel is a decision made by the Journey Coordinator.
What is a “Journey/Host Coordinator?”
Answer: A “Journey or a Host Coordinator” is an individual who has applied and been approved by the Board of Directors to plan, organize, and lead the Journey or Hosting. This is open to anyone who has desired leadership qualities and can make the commitment of time needed for adequate planning and recruiting of Ambassadors/Hosts with a 9 to 12-month lead-time. Our club has some great experienced Journey and Host Coordinators who are more than willing to mentor a first-time Coordinator. In addition, each year the club conducts a series of Journey and Host Workshops; all interested individuals may participate.
How do I find out what is happening in the club?
Answer: You will receive quarterly e-newsletters and frequent e-mails about activities, new members, and journeys and hostings. For news on the international level, go to: www.thefriendshipforce.org for a general overview. Full information is available to the members-only website: my.friendshipforce.org
What types of Social Activities does The Friendship Force of Lincoln have?
Answer: Each year an Activities Committee proposes a variety of programs that might include a Game Night, picnic, potluck gatherings, an outing to a nearby community, or attendance at a sporting event, to name a few, plus always an International Dinner Meeting plus welcome and farewell parties for incoming groups. In addition, we have a monthly Breakfast & Conversation on the second Saturday of each month at the same location, while LEOs or “Let’s Eat Out” is lunch or dinner at different, usually ethnic, restaurants.
Edited: 1/18/2024