Proving that global friendship can make a positive contribution towards international understanding, Friendship Force International (FFI) (http://www.friendshipforce.org/) will open its highly-anticipated annual world conference this Saturday in the Crescent City of New Orleans.
With our modern world often in strife and chaos, the FFI mission of promoting friendship across the barriers that separate people is resonating with people more than ever before. More than 700 delegates from 32 nations will gather together, in friendship and fun, for a 3-day meeting focused on growing FFI’s worldwide activities and equipping Friendship Force ambassadors with state-of-the-art resources to serve the mission. At the same time, they will experience the unique cultural crossroads of language, music and food in this dynamic and world-renowned city.
"Joining FFI at such a momentous time in history, with such vibrant membership who explore, understand and serve the cause of friendship each and every day, is an opportunity to play a role in changing the world, one person at a time," said Joy DiBenedetto, FFI President/CEO. "It is this exciting prospect which drew me to Friendship Force earlier this year and a message I hope will speak to all generations and peoples around the globe."
At ‘Friendship and All That Jazz,' the conference will feature more than 30 workshops and plenary sessions, in addition to lessons in cooking New Orleans' famous gumbo soup and a mardi gras-style parade. At a colorful Sunday night gala, Louisiana's Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne will welcome the delegates, who will enjoy events with old friends and new.
"We've worked for the past 2 years to create an exciting itinerary for our international friends, and we can't wait to show New Orleans off," said Bob Duncan of the Friendship Force Club of Baton Rouge (http://www.friendshipforcebatonrouge.org/), which will host the gathering.
In addition to FFI activities, members will have the chance to preview an exclusive art exhibition curated in partnership with International Paint Pals (http://www.paintpals.org/), showcasing paintings from children aged 4-18, from 50 countries on 7 continents. The display will later make its way to Sochi, Russia in December 20, where it will debut as an official 2014 Winter Olympics display, remaining in the Olympic Village throughout the course of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Global members who can't be in New Orleans can follow the conference virtually on the FFI website at www.thefriendshipforce.org (http://www.friendshipforce.org/), on Twitter @FriendshipForce, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/friendshipforce.
ABOUT FFI: FFI promotes global understanding across the barriers that separate people around the world. FFI conducts 400 international home hospitality programs every year, in 60 countries. Since 1977 when US President Jimmy Carter introduced the Friendship Force at a White House gathering, 1 million people have participated in this unique cultural exchange programs. Our work creates global cooperation at the personal level - beyond governments and borders - where people live, work, play and explore in everyday life. FFI's efforts have been honored with a Nobel Peace Prize nomination in 1992.
For more information contact: Jillian Walters, Communications Coordinator, jwalters@friendshipforce.org, (770) 891-1004.
Contact
Friendship Force International
404-558-0858
