Members Page

New Membership Process: As you know historically, FFGO has collected both the club and the FFI memberships fees and forwarded the FFI fee to them on an annual basis. Of the $50 dues fee we have been charging, $30 was sent to FFI and $20 went to our club.

However, FFI has informed us that effective January 1, 2026 this will change. Every Friendship Force member throughout the world will pay their FFI fee directly to FFI through an on-line payment portal that is being set up and should be active by Jan 1st next year. The date on which you pay your FFI fee will become your anniversary date and you will need to renew your FFI membership on that date each year. The FFI fee for the US will be $100 annually. A monthly payment plan will also be available.

Our FFGO club fee will continue to be $20 annually, but our board has decided to waive this fee next year. It will become effective again in 2027.

There are still details to be ironed out, but early next year FFGO members should access FFI’s online portal and pay their FFI fee. At that point, they will receive a FFI membership ID number if they don’t already have one from previous registration. Members should also continue to fill out and submit our club’s membership form (without including any dues fees) and send to Maggie Shoemaker, who will be our membership chairperson in 2026. Maggie will need to know your FFI number.

Azerbaijan: 10 ambassadors from Azerbaijan will be visiting us Nov 3-8. All club members are welcome to attend the Welcome Picnic at the Maitland Community Park on Tues. Nov 4th, and to join us at Kelly Park on Fri, Nov 7th. Contact Madeline Taub if you would like to come to the picnic and Lynn van Horne if your plan to come to Kelly Park.

A Host Coordinator is still needed for the incoming domestic journey from FF Greater Seattle next year. Contact Lew Messer for more info.

Two or three volunteers needed to set up some tables and 40-50 chairs prior to our General and Annual Meetings. November 2nd is our next meeting of 2025. Time commitment: about 30 minutes (2:30-3:00). Great way to support the club.

Newsletters are usually published two weeks prior to a general meeting. Submission of articles and “Where in the World Have You Been” are due two weeks prior to publishing.

General Meetings are held at the Maitland Public Library, 501 Maitland Ave S. Maitland FL 32751 from 3:00 - 5:00 pm. All dates are tentative until library confirmation is received 3 months prior to the listed date.

Board meetings begin at 1:00 pm. * All members are welcome but should notify hosts they are coming.

Taste Travelers – Please see schedule for dates and times and RSVP at least two days prior to the event. Host will send out information to signed up members. Coordinator – Joan Flewelling

Gift Store - Our gift store has several items to enhance your Friendship Force experience, including FFGO pins, lanyards, backpacks, and special space pens. Contact Maggie Shoemaker for information.

Sunshine Committee - If you know anyone who is sick, had an accident, is hospitalized or has had a death in the family, please contact Joan Flewelling so she can send a card from Friendship Force of Greater Orlando.

Friendship Force of Greater Orlando

Home Journeys News/Events Membership Members' Page FFI Photos VirtualTraveler

Members Page