The Friendship Force of Ribeirão Preto São Paulo

WHAT IS THE "FRIENDSHIP FORCE"

The Friendship Force is a not-for-profit international organization and is not affiliated with any political, religious or governmental organizations. It was founded with the intention of creating methods and motivations for developing friendships and respect among peoples throughout the world and to break all types of barriers which separate people. Its exchange activities seek to promote friendships and to facilitate exchanges of knowledge, ideals and ideas, promoting solidarity and democracy.

HOW AND WHEN WAS IT CREATED

The Friendship Force, whose current president is Mr. Jorge Brown was founded in 1977 by the American Wayne Smith with the assistance of Mr. Jimmy Carter, then president of United States, and his wife Rosalyn Carter. Mrs. Carter were the Honorary Chairperson of the organization longa time and her son, Mr. Chip Carter, was president in 2001/2002.

IN BRAZIL AND IN RIBEIRÃO PRETO

The program was established in Brazil in 1980. And In Ribeirão Preto in 1990 througt the initiative of the lawyer and retired judge Dr. Jorge Cocicov. In the biennial of 1999-2000, engineer and businessman Giulio Roberto Azevedo Prado served as president. Currently the club has a membership of 45 families. President for 2001-2002 and 2003-2004 is Victor Hugo Albernaz Júnior, Procurator of the State of São Paulo. Josiane C. Tobias serves as secretary and Nabirra Carbi is the treasurer.

our exchanges

Exchanges sponsored by The Friendship Force consist of a home visit between visiting friends - called Ambassadors - and the welcoming friends or Hosts. For the period of one week, the Ambassadors live with their host family, experiencing the daily life of the family which receives them. There are many opportunities to share information about their personal lives, their professions and about their countries. Normally the visiting club remains for one week with members of a club in one city and passes a second week with members of a club in another city.

During the exchanges, there are also social and cutural excursions such as visits to tourist attractions in the city and region, as well as visits with local authorities. In Ribeirão Preto, visitors are received at City Hall. Ambassadors are accompanied on their excursions by their hosts and by various members of the club who act as day hosts.

LIST OF OUR EXCHANGE

PROGRAM OF EXCHANGE 2004/2005

How to Participate

Friends and associates who are interested in participating in an exchange by receiving a guest or traveling with the group should contact a representative of the club to obtain detailed information on available programs and to register for the event. Travel expenses and operationg expenses fo clubs are paid by members; hosts do not receive any remuneration for activities in which they are involved. The currently annual membership fee for the Friendship Force of Ribeirão Preto is R$ 50,00 (about US$ 15,00), to cover the costs of administration of the club and partial sponsorship of exchanges and meetings provided by the club for its members.

THE AMBASSADOR'S PROMISE

Ambassadors and hosts promise to believe in the force of friendship which is born with each exchange between clubs and to have a genuine desire to make friends around the world with the aim of building world peace through a better and friendlier society for all.

Remember that lack of fluency in another language will not be a barrier to creating friendships but presents an opportunity to increase your understanding.

YOUR PARTICIPATION IS IMPORTANT!

You will share many relaxed and happy experiences with this group of friends as well as having opportunities to know other people, their customs, culture and homelands. Membership is always satisfying and enriching.

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