Has winter really passed? Here it is the end of February and we are approaching 80 degrees. Our club is getting active and we hope you are a part of it. In March we will have our quarterly Meeting/party on March 18 at Judy Ratliff's home. 1322 Nightingale Trail, Cedar Park. (512) 771-0493 in case you have questions. Look for an evite soon - hold the date. Also, look for notification to be a volunteer at the annual Rosedale Ride watering station on March 25.
Come and welcome our new 2023 Leadership Council.
Leadership Coordinator - Carol Blanchard
Treasurer - Karen Jackson
General Meeting Coordinator - Mitz McGlone
Journey Coordinator - Judy Ratliff
Membership Committee - Lauren Barrett
Secretary - Darlene Sugarek
Newsletter - Lisa Judge
How about the success of our recent incoming Journey for the Lower Colombia River club. Our guest gave great raves about our hosting and the activities. We did have great use of day hosts giving those who home hosted a relief from constant activities. The farewell party featured line dancing with an instructor from Georgetown. It was attended by 30 people and good song and skits accompanied Bar-B-Que from Rudy's. Great job done by our Host Coordinator, Judy Ratliff.
We are going to Hiroshima, Japan in October 24-39. We also have an inbound from Tuxtla, Mexico on June 8-13. Get ready to have a good time and showcase our beautiful city.
If you have not renewed your membership for 2022 send your check for $40 made out to Austin Friendship Force to our treasurer Judy Ratliff at 1322 Nightingale Dr, Cedar Park, TX 78613 For new members it is $45 which includes a club badge - see application
To find out more about International and Austin Friendship Force look at our New Members Welcome Brochure.
Thanks to committee leaders for 2023:
Policies Anita Knight
Sunshine Communications Kay Binder
Website/Google Groups Joseph Hunt
Facebook Still open and looking for an owner
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)
The Winter 2023 newsletter can be found here. Press this link to view. The deadline for articles for the Spring newsletter is March 10. Thank you Lisa Judge for preparing this for us. Please think about contributing your travel and Friendship Force items of interest to the next newsletter. Send a note to our editor Lisa at lisaclarej@gmail.com for her consideration.
2023 Journeys and coordinators:
October 24-30 Outbound to Hiroshima, Japan - Les Eckstat
June 8-13 Inbound from Tuxtla, Mexico - Judy Ratliff
October 2-5 International Conference in Croatia
Don't forget to check out Friendship Force International for open Journeys with other clubs.
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 Leadership team 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.
The Ten Commandments of Ambassadors - a must read - touch this link
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 joshunt@sbcglobal.net or download this link
Learn more about Friendship Force International at http://www.thefriendshipforce.org