You are invited to learn more about
The Friendship Force Of Oregon’s Mid-Willamette Valley.

Drumming with Russian guests

Bringing People Together in Friendship making our world just a little bit smaller. Here, as we drum with ambassadors of St. Petersburg, Russia, we treasure once more, the good will and spirit of our adventures in coming together in an ambassador exchange.

What is an Ambassador Exchange?

An ambassador is a person who is living with someone of another culture for about one week. Because of this experience many people develop ongoing friendships that last through the years. An exchange is either outbound or inbound.  An outbound exchange can be traveling to a country or a state.

Likewise, an inbound exchange is when we are hosting a group of people from another country or from the United States.  A group is usually around 20 people. This is an expanding circle of Friendships for members of the Mid-Willamette Valley Friendship Force.

Our Friendships reach around the world.

The Friendship Force is a private, non-profit, non-partisan, non-sectarian international organization, which brings people of all ages and backgrounds together. We learn more about our common interests and our cultural situations. We attend festivals and conferences to enjoy, celebrate and renew friendships. We know it makes a difference in contributing to understanding between people around the world. The bimonthly Friendship International magazine keeps us informed about activities and plans. Our local newsletter, “Friendship Connections” keeps us informed about monthly meetings and plans for ambassador exchanges.

In the Beginning

Oregon’s Mid-Willamette Valley got a jump-start in 1992 when friends of Varel, Germany came for a visit.  They planted a seed that has become a way of life for those who participate in this global circle of friendship.

Oh, how we have grown.

And now our group is more than 100 members who participate in exchanges and hosting ambassadors. We like being with our friends in their homes, really getting to know and learn about our common interests and cultural qualities.