PRESS RELEASE: Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter Leaves Lasting Impact in Melbourne

Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter Leaves Lasting Impact in Melbourne
Friendship Force Melbourne, one of over 300 not-for-profit clubs throughout the world was promoted extensively by Mrs Carter. The aim of the club is to connect people and promote global understanding across the barriers that separate people.

Today, Friendship Force Melbourne pays tribute to a remarkable woman whose indelible mark on the organisation will forever be cherished. Mrs. Carter played a pivotal role in the establishment and nurturing of Friendship Force International during its formative years starting in 1977 and she served as our Honorary Chairperson until 2002. Alongside her husband, President Jimmy Carter, she exemplified the strength of kitchen table diplomacy and the transformative power of friendship.

Our core mission revolves around home-hosting and meaningful travel experiences, allowing participants to immerse themselves in diverse cultures, gain a better understanding of our world, and discover our shared humanity. Typically, each club warmly welcomes ambassadors for a week, presenting the highlights of their cities and engaging in the unique experience of sharing meals within local homes.
Following a hiatus during the challenges of Covid, Friendship Force Melbourne is eager to resume its club activities, extending invitations to journey to and host overseas and interstate clubs. Ambassadors of goodwill are hosted in private homes, treated like family, and contribute to fostering connections across borders.

In the past 20 years, Friendship Force Melbourne has hosted more than 800 ambassadors from many countries including Costa Rico, Brazil, Japan, Cyprus, Ireland, New Zealand, Estonia Ukraine, Hungary, Germany.
Ex-President Heather Francis: “At its peak, Friendship Force Melbourne had over 120 members and we have been hosted by clubs in USA, Germany, France, Brazil, Costa Rica, UK, New Zealand, Ireland, Estonia, Belgium, Rumania, Japan and more. The reciprocity of kindness and generosity has woven a thread of connection among us, fostering a global community built on shared values, understanding, and the profound fulfillment that comes from making a positive impact in the lives of others.”

Friendship Force clubs in Australia:
Sydney, Southern Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Casterton, Sunshine Coast, Mount Barker, North Morton, Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Mount Gambier, Tamworth, Gold Coast, Murray Bridge, Tweed Valley, Bundaberg, Kempsey, Newcastle.
Friendship Force clubs in New Zealand:
Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton, Waikato, Kapiti, Manawatu, Whanganui, Northland, Southland, Taupo, Tauranga, Wairarapa.

A 1-hour information session for new members will be held in Clifton Hill 10am on Sunday 14 January
10am on Tuesday 30 January
Media Contact: [email protected]
Ivy Branson Mob 0412 560 032
Available for telephone interview
Website: friendshipforcemelbourne.org (under construction)