 And, what a year it was supposed to be. We were worried we would burn out some members with so many Journeys planned. The February incoming journey from Connecticut was great and excitement was building. Then the bad news of the spreading virus hit in March. We did manage to have a relatively small gathering for the first quarter General Meeting at the Lakewood clubhouse. That was probably the last time most of us got together with a group. We had to cancel the outbound journey from Baton Rouge and to Brazil as the world had shut down and we were all encouraged to stay home to put an end to this virus. The virus loomed its evil head again for the summer second round, so we had to cancel the inbound from Montreal and Lower Columbia River in the fall. We still had hope of having a general meeting in September. but that was not possible. But thank goodness for Zoom, the application that kept America connected. We set up monthly Leadership Meeting/Happy Hours and had good attendance. For several months we had interim happy hours between meetings, just to see each other. We ended the year with a noontime virtual holiday Zoom call and voted in the new leadership team.
Without active journeys, Friendship Force International was in really bad financial straits, as their whole organization and staff is supported by fees on these journeys. Our club and individual members, along with most other clubs, sent money to support FFI well into next year. Of course the real challenge is to keep membership up while no hosting is going on in the immediate future. We have had almost half of our members renewing for 2021 at the time of this writing and hope for several more. We really appreciate everyone that makes the Friendship Force the wonderful organization for world peace and understanding. Hopefully we'll be back to journeys soon and seeing each other in person. Leadership Council Members - 2021
Thanks to committee leaders for 2021:
FF Austin Communications will be coming from Google Groups where they used to be from Yahoo Groups. If you are not receiving notes, contact Joseph Hunt (joshunt@sbcglobal.net)
2020 Journeys and coordinators:
If you are a member and not receiving our Google Group communications, please send a note to Joseph Hunt - joshunt@sbcglobal.net and you will be added. ,_.___ Interested in getting more involved? Contact any board member to see how you can help. Also, we are actively seeking new members, so talk it up with your friends, neighbors, and social clubs. Can't wait for our next trip? Visit Friendship Force International and join another club on their trip. http://catalog.thefriendshipforce.org/ We are the Austin chapter of Friendship Force International. We join others around the world who believe that "a world of friends is a world of peace". This is a people to people program to learn about each other and strengthen ties of friendship. We hope you will join us!! Click to enlarge the picture (use Back button to return here)!!! (3 MB) CLUB PROFILE Our club was established in 1984. Our mission is to sow the seeds of friendship across the nations of the world. Since 1985 our active members have participated in Friendship Force sponsored trips to Australia, Africa, Cuba, Europe, the Far East, the Middle East and South America. In addition, Friendship Force clubs from Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Peru, Russia, Taiwan, and some within the United States, have visited us to have the Austin Experience. . Our members are adventurers who enjoy forging new friendships as we explore places around the world. We live, work and play in Austin and the surrounding communities when we aren’t traveling. A typical inbound/outbound exchange. Travel to the exchange location is usually arranged by the member. Exchanges are typically one week at each club and some exchanges may go to two clubs on an exchange. The exchange begins with a welcoming party for the arriving ambassadors. Ambassadors are hosted at club member homes during their visit. During the visit ambassadors see sites of interest in the area. The exchange concludes with a farewell dinner with our new friends. Often an exchange will include an optional after exchange tour.  http://catalog.thefriendshipforce.org/ We are committed to the following pledge: As a member of the Friendship Force, I recognize that I can make a difference. I recognize that I have a mission. That mission is to be a friend to the people of the world. As I embark upon this adventure, I know that others will be watching me. I know that through my own example to my own fellow citizens and the people of other countries, the cause of friendship and peace can be furthered. I can make a difference. For more information on the Austin Club or to receive a membership application eMail us at sallyscott33@gmail.com or download this link Learn more about Friendship Force International at http://www.thefriendshipforce.org |
