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Health & Fitness

Jean Wilson of Libertyville is Friendship Force Honoree

Jean Wilson of Libertyville awarded Wayne Smith Medal by Friendship Force Northern Illinois.

Jean Wilson of Libertyville recently received the Wayne Smith Medal from the Friendship Force of Northern Illinois. The Wayne Smith Medal recognizes exceptional leadership in advancing the Friendship Force mission of promoting understanding across the barriers around the world that separate people. Jean has an untiring commitment to the cause of world friendship.  She is a charter member, past president and active Friendship Force member for more than 25 years.

 

The award is a tribute to the memory of Friendship Force founder Wayne Smith, a visionary who understood the potential of friendship to overcome the prejudices of culture, color, language and religion. Friendship Force International (FFI) was launched at a White House ceremony in 1977 with the endorsement of President Jimmy Carter.

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Friendship Force Clubs, about 350 in total around the world, are community-based volunteer organizations that work to increase international understanding through home hospitality.   Club members travel to another country where they are matched with local club hosts in whose homes they live for about a week. Each year more than 5,000 citizen ambassadors travel with FFI, changing the way they and their home hosts see the world. After viewing other countries from the inside, living with a host family, sharing everyday life, they return home with increased global awareness and commitment to make a positive difference in the world.  Home hosts learn about the country and culture of their guests.  The experience generally results in lasting friendships.

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 For more information on the Friendship Force of Northern Illinois please seewww.ffnorthernillinois.org.

 

Submitted by Sally Coyle, Lake Bluff, Friendship Force Northern Illinois

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