Friendship Force International (FFI) is a non-profit cultural organization focused on promoting understanding, cultural education and citizen diplomacy through homestay journeys and personal friendships. It is based in more than 45 countries and on 6 continents, with 15,000 active members and over 300 journeys taking place each year. Through these exciting personal encounters, strangers become friends. FFI members know that by experiencing different views, you can discover common ground with other people. FFI programs bring diverse people together into each other’s cultures and homes to share one-of-a-kind experiences not available to regular tourists. Friendship Force of Oregon's Mid-Willamette Valley is a local chapter of this organization. This Sept 17 event will be a group meeting to which all those with interest are invited.