August Event

Sweet and Savory events were held Sunday afternoon, August 14. Thanks to hosts Sandy and Roger Kaiser, Jackie and Michael Wald, Cathy Ignatin and Jim Kerr. And to Sharri McIntosh for organizing the groups.

Guests at Jim Kerr's house: Maxine Bearden, Patti Niemeyer and Gerda Kreyer.






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Georgetown Outbound Exchange

Last November we hosted a mini-exchange of 10 ambassadors (the "Georgetown Ladies") from the newly formed FF of Georgetown, TX club. They are now inviting us for a mini-exchange to explore and understand their town and community.

The exchange begins Saturday November 5 [arrive mid-day after traveling to Georgetown] and ends Monday November 7 [depart after lunch]. Tentative plans include a tour of the "Most Beautiful Square in Texas" and the courthouse, dinner at Southwestern University (the oldest university in Texas - see link below), lunch at a German restaurant in Walburg (a German American settlement from 1880s), a tour of their community Sun City and a farewell lunch on Monday. So, come join us for a relaxing and enjoyable weekend as we explore a part of Central Texas!

edward perez - erperez@acm.org
Exchange Director

Domestic Ambassador Application

Brief history of Southwestern University [chartered in 1875 as successor to four universities initially started in 1835]: http://www.southwestern.edu/about/history.php


UPDATE 9/10: This exchange is full.

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Exchanges for 2017

To volunteer to be an ED or Co-ED for one of the above exchanges, please contact Patty Niemeyer - peanutpatti1@gmail.com

FYI: Leading a Domestic Outbound Exchange is not very difficult as the hosting club does all the planning. As our club ED you work with the hosting club’s ED to determine a schedule and finalize dates. You communicate with prospective ambassadors (our club), take applications and relay decisions and plans to our ambassadors. (If you have not been an Exchange Director before, give it a try. You will get lots of help and training. Plus there are some financial incentives – see Policies below.)  It is time to start planning them.


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Friendship In Action in Guatemala
January 11 - 20, 2017
Can take up to 14 ambassadors
Cost: $1200 USD + $200 donation.
Contact: Edward Pérez - erperez@acm.org
Application deadline: Oct 3

Come explore the fascinating world of the Mayan culture in the Guatemalan highlands! Although Friendship Force does not currently have any clubs in Guatemala, we will “serve the cause of peace” by putting "friendship in action" as we visit organizations that assist several Mayan communities.

During this exchange, we’ll also experience and learn about local traditions, art, languages, historical and current Mayan traditions and customs. We’ll visit the ancient Mayan ruins of Iximche, the village of Comalapa known for its indigenous art, a coffee farm, and a women's weaving cooperative.

After arriving in Guatemala City, we will shuttle to Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and spend two nights there. We’ll learn about its history and culture as we take a walking tour through the center of town. After lunch, we’ll go to nearby San Juan Del Obispo to visit Proyecto Luis de Lion (a marimba school & community library) and local artists’ homes and galleries.

We’ll travel by bus to Panajachel, on the northern coast of Lake Atitlan, for four nights. While there, we will:

• Discover the indigenous villages of Lake Atitlan during a boat ride around the lake including local textile workshops
• Visit the market in nearby Chichicastenango
• Enjoy a free day with your choice of activities, such as hiking Pacaya Volcano, exploring the Atitlan Nature Reserve, relaxing at Santa Teresita spa, or visiting the famous market of Chichicastenango

We’ll return to Antigua for three more nights, and put our friendship into action at:
• Casa Maria, a retirement home, providing friendship and supplies
• Antigua Exotica, a reptile rescue center (not just snakes!)
• Manos Abiertos (Open Hands), a pre-/post-natal clinic, providing friendship and supplies

There are so many fantastic activities, sights, and volunteer opportunities on this meaningful exchange! Please consider joining me as we journey through these wonderful cities of Guatemala and see firsthand what a difference our contributions can make.

See more and apply: http://catalog.thefriendshipforce.org/index.php/catalog/southamerica_more/discover_guatemala1/
Click here for an itinerary

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Exchanges 2018

• Inbound Domestic Exchange with Southern New Jersey - Dates TBD in 2018.

Dallas Global Exchange
The Dallas club Board has voted to sponsor a Global Themed Exchange in spring of 2018 (with FFI approval) which will focus on the arts, architecture and culture of our city. The first organizational meeting was held August 11th. If you would like to be involved in more planning contact Felicity Sentance - fsentance@gmail.com  / or Mary Latham - mary_m_latham@yahoo.com. Dallas has so much to offer – it will be great to show off our city to the world!
 

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Policies and Bylaws

Edward perez has headed a committee revising our policies and bylaws. The last policy changes have received Board approval and were listed at the end of the last newsletter - see them in Past Newsletters, July 2016. In addition to policy changes (which may be changed by the Board), there will be by-laws changes published in November newsletter for a vote by the membership at the November meeting.

These are some new ED policies:

• Outbound Exchange Directors - Earned Seat fee
Approved Feb 15, 2016

The exchange fee for an Ambassador participating in an Outbound Exchange of five (5) or more days and to one or more hosting clubs may include an Earned Seat fee to cover all or part of the Exchange Director’s (a) travel costs to and from the host community (including required visas or immigration fees), (b) travel and tour costs that are a required part of the exchange, and (c) FF Host Club program fees. The Earned Seat fee should not cover any part of the Exchange Director’s FFI ambassador fee.

The total Earned Seat fee amount added to each Ambassador’s fees for an International Outbound Exchange shall not exceed the actual costs of the Earned Seat or $100.00, whichever is less.

The total Earned Seat fee amount added to each Ambassador’s fees for a Domestic Outbound Exchange shall not exceed the actual costs of the Earned Seat or $50.00, whichever is less.

• Inbound Exchange Directors - Allowance
Approved Feb 15, 2016

The Club will allocate a Three Hundred Dollar ($300.00) Inbound ED allowance to each Exchange Director who organizes and manages an inbound exchange of five (5) or more days. The Exchange Director may use the allowance to cover any or all of her/his travel costs, FFI ambassador fee, or FF Host Club Program fees on an Outbound Exchange assigned to or arranged by the Club. The Inbound ED allowance may not be used for exchanges or travel assigned to, managed by, or arranged by another Friendship Force club or by FFI. Qualifying Exchange Directors must use the allowance within 24 months after the conclusion of the Inbound Exchange for which they served as Exchange Director. Any funds allocated as Earned Seat allowances and not used by the Exchange Director within that time period will revert to the Club’s account. This policy will be effective for exchanges concluding as of February 15, 2016.

Strategic Planning
By edward perez, Vice President, FFD Board, Chair of 2016 Strategic Planning Committee

As mentioned in our previous newsletter, your board voted this past spring to define and implement strategic plans for our club - to improve our operations, to involve more members, to attract and retain new members and to interact with our community. We want to involve as many club members in this process as possible.
We started this month with Ruth Barrow and Patty Niemeyer hosting a small group discussion meeting at their home. (THANKS Ladies!!!)

We discussing our mission and vision, membership (attracting and retaining members), leadership (identifying future leaders), club programs and activities (types, frequency, days/times, locations, themes), inbound and outbound exchanges (membership involvement), communication and publicity (to membership and community), and finances.

So, when a Board member invites you to a discussion meeting, please join us and share your thoughts, skills, passions, and connections; offer ideas for club activities; and offer your contributions and assistance.

Facebook

We have a Friendship Force page on Facebook. If you are on Facebook, you can type Friendship Force Dallas in the search line and get our page. Then LIKE us and you will receive regular notes, news and photos from our page.

Volunteer Positions

• The Facebook page is up but we need a person to manage it and post photos and notices.
• The position of chair of the Ways and Means committee is open.
• The position of Newsletter Editor is open. UPDATE: Felicity Sentance will resume duties of Newsletter Editor beginning January 2017.

A committee is being formed to search for volunteers for our unfilled positions.
If you are interested in any of these positions, please contact Mary Latham - mary_m_latham@yahoo.com.

Dues

FFI raised our member affiliation fees last year (cost not passed on to our members) and discontinued family memberships this year, leaving only individual memberships. The Board has voted to also discontinue family memberships and set the individual member dues at $35 per year, beginning January 2017.

Board Meeting

The next Board meeting will be August 15, 1 pm at Mary Latham’s home.

Shuttle Service

If you want a ride to an airport or other location or a pickup:
• Look in the back of your FF Dallas yearbook. You send an email with the place, date and time you need to go - to the Shuttle Drivers list. If someone is available, they'll contact you. When your ride is complete, make a donation to the club. Easy!
• How do you know if you have a driver? Since all of the drivers get your request, the person who can drive you will Reply to All including you so the other drivers know you have a driver. Respond (Reply to All) accepting the ride.

If you want to volunteer to drive:
• Contact edward perez at erperez@acm.org to volunteer.
• What do you need to be a shuttle driver? Email (to receive requests and post replies) and a car (to take people places).
• How many times do you need to shuttle? As much as you're comfortable with, once a year, once every few months or whatever.
• What if you cannot do it anymore? Contact edward perez at erperez@acm.org and let him know.
• Do you need to collect any money/checks? No, the rider(s) is/are on their honor that they will send a donation (recommended $30) to the club's treasurer. If the rider wants to give the money/checks to you to mail/deliver, that's up to you. The rider may offer you toll fare or gas money. It's up to you to accept or decline.

Thanks to all drivers and riders who help support our club.
This is a great fundraiser for our club but we need MORE DRIVERS.

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Newsletter 

Send your news to Felicity Sentance, fsentance@gmail.com and mwilliamstxtravel@yahoo.com - by October 25 for the November Newsletter. Share what you are doing with your FFD friends.

Welcome to new Newsletter Editor, Felicity Sentance, who will take over fulltime in January 2017.

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Sunshine

Contact Cathy Ignatin to let her know about members who could use a little sunshine - a call or card. cignatin@hotmail.com

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Website and Email

Remember to use our website for your club questions, dates, opportunities to travel with other clubs, photos, articles and much more.

When you get mail from our FFD e-mail address, please do not hit REPLY; that address is not monitored every day. Reply to the person organizing the meeting or exchange. Our address and email:

   Friendship Force of Dallas
   P. O. Box 551151
   Dallas, TX 75355
   friendshipforcedallas@yahoo.com

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Hilda Klosterman had her 9th surgery in late June - another hip replacement. Because of the short length of the femur, her hip kept coming out of the socket - starting on their trip to Germany. She ended up in a brace and in a wheelchair there, and they have tried again to get something to work for her. She is recovering at home.

Pat Andeweg had a repeat surgery to repair neck vertebrae Aug 18th.

Condolences to Patty Niemeyer whose oldest sister died last week.

Add Ava Blais to your yearbook, who was inadvertently left out this year:  blaisbuncy@yahoo.com
You can receive her other information from the President or Webmaster.

Haiya Naftali is rejoining the club:  hnaftali@juno.com
You can receive her other information from the President or Webmaster.

Sandy Kaiser is dropping one of her two email addresses: coachs@abilene.com .
Please use only coachs@grandecom.net. Please change this in your club and internet address books.

Teresa Wilkin is moving to Panorama Independent Living near Olympia, WA.

We received a thank you note from Zia Shamsy's wife, Ladan:

To Zia's dear friends at Friendship Force Dallas,
On behalf of our entire family, we wish to thank you for the beautiful flowers honoring Zia and for your heartfelt emails, wishes and tributes. He cared so much about Friendship Force - and about each of you. Thank you so much for sharing this passion with him.
With warm appreciation,
Ladan Shamsy

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2016 International Conference - Marrakech, Morocco

Friendship Force World Conference Registration is soon underway. Conference website is: https://www.eiseverywhere.com//ehome/150979

Fee $375
CONFERENCE DATES: Sep 16th (9:00am) -19th (12:00pm), 2016 – Plan to arrive 9/15
CONFERENCE HOTEL: Kenzi Farah Hotel, Avenue du Président Kennedy, Marrakesh 40000
Morocco. The conference venue/hotel is in the L'Hivernage district of Marrakesh, a 10 minute drive from Marrakesh Menara International Airport (RAK).

Attending from Dallas are Charlene Clements, Jim Kerr and Teresa Wilkin.

See the FFI page on the Conference for more information.

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2017: International Conference

Location and dates have been announced: Manchester, UK - August 25-28, 2017 - Midland Hotel
Following feedback from members, our 40th Anniversary World Conference in the UK has been extended by an additional night. As previously planned, on-site registration will take place in the lobby of the Midland Hotel, Manchester, all day on August 24, 2017, so the updated conference dates are August 25 to 28, 2017.

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Stories of Friendship

This is a new feature on the FFI website. Send stories of your experiences that have helped eliminate barriers that separate us and bring us closer together. Send to: http://storiesoffriendship.org/

Staff changes

Mary Mwambay and Ana Smulski are leaving and we wish them well on their future endeavors. Matthew Nidek has assumed an expanded role supporting general operations beyond Programs as FFI’s Director of Operations, while Kaitlyn Ranney has moved from Programs to become the Director of Marketing and Communications. Program Managers are now called Regional Support Managers (RSMs). Laura Romero has an expanded role of Regional Support Manager and IT Manager and is responsible for the deployment of the new database and website, along with several other IT-related projects.

40th Anniversary

Since we are over halfway through 2016, we are sure you are eagerly awaiting Friendship Force’s 40th Anniversary year next year in 2017. We want to let you know we have some stellar celebratory plans in the works for this monumental year in FFI’s history, including ways that all of our clubs can celebrate with us right in their own backyards. Stay tuned in the coming months for more details on these celebrations and all of our excitement for our 40th next year!
 
Support FFI by Flying Delta with SkyBonus Program

Friendship Force has enrolled in Delta Airlines’ SkyBonus program. Now, you can support FFI when booking flights directly through Delta, while still earning your own SkyMiles rewards!
Read more on the SkyBonus FAQ on the FFI website - www.thefriendshipforce.org.

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Remember that you are welcome to join other clubs on their exchanges if there is room. When you travel with another club you help fill their seats and make new friends in another club as well as your destination club. See the FFI World of Friends Catalog for a list of all exchanges with openings: http://www2.thefriendshipforce.org/catalog/ffi_listonly.aspx.

If you are interested in any of these exchanges, contact the Exchange Director ASAP. The decision for an exchange to go or to cancel occurs at least 90 days preceding a scheduled date. Notice of remaining seats can be out of date as exchanges fill and there are cancellations. Contact the ED for the most current information.

Please contact clubs well in advance, as an exchange may cancel if the Exchange Director doesn’t know about your interest.

See where some other clubs are going on our Other Clubs page.

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