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Friendship Ambassadors Foundation Newsletter Groups Seeking Impact Through Quality Choose FAF
EARLY FALL 2009

Nonprofit Cultural Exchange Programs Receive New Respect

In a down economy, organizations and institutions are particularly drawn to Friendship Ambassadors Foundation in order to prepare and facilitate:
- International conferences and other global gatherings for delegates of all ages;
- Concert tours and festival appearances for all arts-based and cultural organizations -
young or old, large or small;
- Voluntourism and service-based travel around the world; and
- FAF's own, youth leadership training workshops in support of the
U.N.'s Millennium Development Goals.

- Recently, the Foundation has become the sole U.S. representative for the exciting new Abraham Path Initiative, an exclusive hiking and cultural exchange trail throughout the Middle East ... on the very same roads Abraham once traveled! (See below)

in this issue
  • FAF - Contact
  • A FLIGHT TO QUALITY
  • THE PATH OF THE FRIEND: JOIN US
  • CONCERT TOURS IN 2010-2011
  • FAF TRAINS YOUTH LEADERS IN COSTA RICA: JANUARY 2010
  • SING AND DANCE AT THE UN NEXT SUMMER
  • UNIVERSITY COURSE OFFERINGS: A NEW FAF SUCCESS

  • A FLIGHT TO QUALITY
    teensworkg

    When every penny counts, it seems that performance groups, cultural exchange ensembles, volunteer organizations and global gatherings turn to FAF.

    The Foundation has never been more active than it is today; many group leaders are contacting us for money-saving ideas, fund-raising tips, and even 'impactful' add-ons to existing tours with for-profit vendors.

    With deep cultural and diplomatic relations throughout the world, the knowledge to make a good tour a great experience, and with no profit motive whatsoever, we are honoured to be invited into so many international travel programmes this and next season.

    May we assist your ensemble or group to make the most out of your travel experience in 2010-2011?

    Group Leaders: To Do List
    - Read the quotes throughout the newsletter
    - Choose your destination with care
    - Let FAF bring you there and back, safely and with the best itinerary for your needs
    - And remember: the Foundation creates as well as facilitates programming, development and special event efforts - so be sure to include FAF in the idea phase as well as the planning sessions!

    And don't forget about our new free service that has been connecting hundreds of travelers going abroad to all corners of the world: The Global Consortium.
    The Consortium idea encourages all pre-formed, mission-based travel groups, of all kinds, to list their names, project, location, dates, regions, and proposed outcomes at the online intranet address we have provided at: www.faf.org. The Consortium site enables NGOs to learn about each other's work in the same regions they will travel to, thus increasing each one's ability to work together and seek additional media and sponsorship attention. This also enables the US State Department to recognize the vast importance of these cultural and service-based tours, and for the media themselves to know more about the depth and breadth of these projects around the world.

    TELL YOUR STORY: if you would like to submit a case study on how your work abroad has shaped your art, academic, or community relations over years, we would like to hear these and post them on our Global Consortium site. And who knows: soon international emissaries may be turning to our informed travel community for advice!

    We hope you will decide to sign on soon, no matter how or with whom you're traveling.

    Join the 'flight to quality' in 2010-2011 and travel with Friendship Ambassadors Foundation.

    Good Travels!

    "I appreciate your time and effort, am grateful for your support and am quite overwhelmed with pride to read the amount of effort you have made on behalf of our trip. You have a true concept of what diplomacy involves and effect it repeatedly."
    - John McIntyre, Tour Coordinator, Greenwich Choral Society, June 2008 (Part of FAF's Sister City Project between Greenwich, CT and Vienne, France)

    "The Movement Laboratory Youth Ensembles' 'Goodwill thru Dance Program' has traveled with FAF for over 20 years ... Thanks FAF for helping ... We will continue to create illuminate and teach peace."
    - Judy Williams Henry, Founder and Artistic Director

    "If you saw the impact you have on youth (and young at heart), you would have to shade your eyes from the brightness of hope."
    - Paulette Schatz, Project Manager, United Nations Development Programme, Afghanistan


    THE PATH OF THE FRIEND: JOIN US
    Abraham

    A new relationship for FAF: with the Abraham Path Initiative (API)
    Join Us for FAF's Inaugural API Walks later in 2009:
    October 15 - 29, Turkey and Syria
    Dec 27 - Jan 7 Israel, Palestine, and Jordan (Optional: a pre-hike extension to Jerusalem, Dec 23- 26).
    Abraham Path dates available upon request throughout 2010-2011.


    Connecting the Human Family Step by Step
    Are you interested in the experience of a lifetime?
    Well, the Abraham Path offers such an opportunity as one of the most outstanding cultural itineraries in the world. Proceeding south from the Silk Road town of Harran in Southeastern Turkey, the path crosses one of the richest historical landscapes on earth, from the great Islamic centers of Aleppo and Damascus to the old pilgrimage cities of the Holy Land. Along the way, the trail winds through the Biblical scenery of the desert and descends through the olive groves and wildflowers that dot the landscape. Those who make this journey, now being offered in small groups of approximately 15 to 20 people, will discover a chain of Roman ruins, medieval castles and desert monasteries, and extraordinary sites related to Abraham.

    FAF's Inaugural, Familiarization Trips for Group Leaders and Others:
    October 15 - 29: Turkey and Syria
    Dec 27 - Jan 7: Israel, Palestine, and Jordan
    (Including an optional, pre-hike extension to
    Jerusalem from Dec 23-26 for those seeking a
    Christmastime, Holy Land experience, too).
    2010-2011: Path opens for small groups interested in the arts, cultural exchange, new routes for hiking, spiritual experiences, and great learning opportunities with local API guides who really know the region, its history, and cultures.

    BACKGROUND/FURTHER INFORMATION:
    The Abraham Path (Masar Ibrahim al Khalil) is a route of cultural tourism which follows the footsteps of Abraham / Ibrahim through the Middle East. The story of Abraham / Ibrahim's journey, which has been kept alive for some four thousand years in the landscape and memory of this region, records the origin of a spiritual tradition shared by more than three billion people in the world today.

    By retracing this journey, the Abraham Path provides people of all faiths and cultures a place to meet and connect. It invites us to remember our common origins, to respect our cultural differences, and to recognize our shared humanity. The path also serves as a catalyst for sustainable tourism and economic development; a platform for the energy and idealism of young people; and a focus for positive media highlighting the rich culture and hospitable people of the Middle East.

    Thanks to the generous welcome which has been extended by host communities along the way, the first walking sections of the path are now open to travelers - and available exclusively through Friendship Ambassadors Foundation. Call today for more details: 1-800-526-2908.

    And, if you haven't seen the FAF site in awhile, take a visit, whether you are planning group travel in the near future, contemplating a programme for yourself or one of your students, or perhaps joining nearly 1000 young people and their mentors every year at FAF's very successful UN Youth Assembly in New York.


    CONCERT TOURS IN 2010-2011
    GCS

    For over 36 years, Friendship Ambassadors Foundation has been a global force bringing millions of people together through meaningful cultural exchange programmes.

    Where would your ensemble or group like to be seen in 2010-2011??
    - Asia
    - Central or Eastern Europe
    - The Baltics
    - Latin America
    - The Middle East
    - Africa
    - Or in the USA, with a focus on New York City, New Orleans, The Gullah Nation (South Carolina), West Coast, or Hawaii

    Now is the very best time to contact FAF for advice, a plan, and a strategy for your adult or youth group, ensemble, volunteer group or gathering to make the most out of a planned travel experience in the coming year.

    Please contact FAF's Artistic Director, Ms. Yin-Chu Jou ([email protected]) or Executive Director Patrick Sciarratta ([email protected]) to discuss your plans before the Fall so you have all the information in hand when your group meets.

    Visit our site, email us, or simply call us at 1-800-526-2908. We look forward to serving your tour in the coming year!


    FAF TRAINS YOUTH LEADERS IN COSTA RICA: JANUARY 2010
    UPEACE

    THE MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME

    January, 2010
    University for Peace
    Ciudad Colon, Costa Rica

    A FRIENDSHIP AMBASSADORS FOUNDATION GLOBAL LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE ADVANCING THE MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS

    ARE YOU READY TO LEAD?
    The MDLP will provide participants with the skills and knowledge to start and lead projects related to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs):
    Ending Hunger and Poverty
    Providing Universal Education
    Ensuring Gender Equality
    Reducing Child Mortality
    Improving Maternal Health
    Combating HIV / AIDS, malaria, etc
    Building Environmental Sustainability
    Creating Global Partnerships

    This intensive certificate programme will be hosted on the campus of the UN University for Peace located in the mountains of Ciudad Colon, Costa Rica. The MDLP curriculum focuses on training participants to build a business plan for implementing their own initiatives. The method of training will include the practical frameworks and methodologies of case study analysis. Participants will analyze MDG themed projects to develop the management skills needed to effectively establish, pursue, and lead projects. Experienced professionals and practitioners in the field with a record of success will conduct and facilitate certificate program.
    The Programme will enable young professionals to learn, network and build on their capacity. The MDLP is limited to 40 participants with a demonstrated interest in international development or relevant work experience.

    PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
    WHAT IS CASE STUDY ANALYSIS? Case study analysis is an effective way for professionals to develop the critical thinking skills needed to effectively manage organizations and programs.
    Unlike lectures or materials presented solely in written format, case studies present a narrative overview of the events that have occurred at a particular organization or project. Details in a case study may include:
    Information about the project (issue and scope of work, budget, staff)
    Objectives and strategies
    Challenges encountered
    Results and recommendations
    Analysis of the steps other leaders have taken to address specific problems and issues will give you the opportunity to learn about the challenges the young professional may encounter.
    Problem solving skills will be cultivated while engaging in a team-based critique of existing projects. The case studies utilized in 2010 will relate to the following issues:
    Primary education
    Resources and conflict mediation
    Advancing global health
    Creating economic opportunities for women

    During the program, field trips to MDG related projects in Costa Rica will highlight the efforts of specific groups, their challenges and creative solutions devised by project leaders.

    CURRICULUM TO INCLUDE
    Creating effective and meaningful organizational business plans
    Achieving financial transparency
    Managing and sustaining growth
    Planning for and replicating success
    Structuring and maintaining organizational governance
    Creating beneficial partnerships
    Recognizing and avoiding common problems
    Publicizing participants' work through the media and building social networks
    Authentic cultural experience during home stays with local host families


    SING AND DANCE AT THE UN NEXT SUMMER
    UN FLAGS

    GREAT, SUMMER CONCERT TOUR OPTION � An Appearance in NYC during the annual Youth Assembly at the U.N. and A Week in NYC at a Glance, FAF Style!

    Day 1- Upon arrival in New York City, an FAF representative will be there to welcome you. Board your private motor coach for your transfer to your accommodations in midtown Manhattan. After settling in and depending on arrival times, enjoy a welcome dinner at a nearby restaurant or a short FAF orientation before turning in for the night.
    Day 2- Board your private motor coach this morning to the Empire State Building; tour the Observatory Tower. After getting to know New York from above, take some free time to discover 5th Avenue and the Grand Central Station area. Your motor coach will take you to your first indoor performance and exchange. Have dinner together at a restaurant nearby, arranged by FAF.
    Day 3 - Enjoy breakfast then join FAF staff and interns: explore the famous Metropolitan Museum of Art (entrance included), one of the world's finest museums. Have lunch in the museum's cafeteria. Enjoy some free time in the afternoon for shopping or individual sightseeing. Tonight: special exchange opportunities will be tailored for each group.
    Day 4- After breakfast, stroll through Rockefeller Center and the famous Central Park. Visit the Central Park Zoo, Conservatory Garden, enjoy the Carousel and Carriage Rides, or do some row boating on the Lake. In the afternoon, board your motor coach for your transfer to Greenwich, Connecticut. Meet the members of the Youth Band for United Nations and have an indoor joint concert at the Greenwich High School. Reception and dinner arranged after the performance.
    Day 5 - Depart to Downtown and take a cruise to the Statue of Liberty. Upon arrival, prepare for your first outdoor concert at the Statue of Liberty Flagpole area. After a fun, al fresco performance, take time on your own to explore the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Upon your return to Manhattan, visit Ground Zero. Explore Chinatown and Little Italy. Tonight: special exchange opportunities will be tailored for each group.
    Day 6 - In the early afternoon, meet for lunch at the hotel and then transfer to United Nations headquarters in New York City for a visit and your concert. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided tour of this vital peacemaking institution. Visit the gift shop for your souvenirs. Mail them with special stamps available only from the UN! In the early evening, join other international performers for the annual U.C. Peace Arts Festival related to the annual Youth Assembly at the United Nations. This is also an award ceremony for UN officials involved with cultural activities.
    Day 7 - After breakfast, enjoy a 2-hour, semi-circle cruise around Manhattan, which will be a breathtaking experience and allow you to get to know some of the history of Manhattan, New Jersey and Brooklyn. In the afternoon, enjoy some free time at Times Square. After an early dinner at Times Square, enjoy an included, evening performance on Broadway tonight!
    And: all at a very inviting price that is tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law through FAF. Make an impact at a fraction of the cost of high rate, for-profit tour operators (Actually, even tour operators use FAF these days to increase the impact of their tours and lower costs overall. With no profit motive whatsoever, the foundation is happy to oblige.)


    UNIVERSITY COURSE OFFERINGS: A NEW FAF SUCCESS
    Prague2

    FAF has prepared successful, university level courses for your review. These courses offer students and continuing students the opportunity to earn course credit while having the opportunity to have beautiful cities around the globe as their classrooms! These courses can be tailored to your needs and destinations as well as to any academic discipline.

    Here a few offerings to consider in 2010:

    Nuts and Bolts: Examining the administration and management of cultural nonprofit organizations. Held at your university or on site at influential NGOs in New York and elsewhere.

    Cultural Leadership in the Age of Private Citizen Diplomacy: A Positive Role for Non-State Actors.

    Central European Cultural Immersion Course in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, and Hungary: our most impressive success to date. This inviting three week course can be offered by a variety of departments with confidence: International Relations, Liberal Arts, Continuing Education among them.

    Take a moment and scan Professor Devon MacNamara's email, below. It captures the highlights of this intensive course which FAF developed for her students at West Virginia Wesleyan College last Spring:

    "RE: WVWC Central European experience -- brava, bravo!

    Great trip, wonderful guide, Michala couldn't be more helpful, accommodations excellent, the program unfolding harmoniously, and the kids very happy and amazed.

    Good flights, although a REAL sprint in Paris to change planes. Thank you for all the work you have done on this experience, Yin-Chu.

    What a wonderful time for our students, and for us, in east central Europe his May! Thank you for all your preparations, each of which resulted in harmonious connections, well planned excursions, enlightening programs, real fun, fine food, excellent cultural exchanges, some happy surprises, like meeting with young gymnasium students in Prague,

    There were valuable challenges too, like going to see the play in Budapest which was extraordinarily intense. The writer/actor H. Gabor was incredible and his young student, Zoltan Tar, talented and expressive. It was not a theatre event our students get to see every day so it was right on target for what we hoped for them and provided an opportunity for our students to talk with the actors, as well as students learning English in the audience. The concert in Prague in the Klementinum, the truly spectacular dancing at The Magic Lantern, classical ballet at The National Theatre in Bratislava, all were genuinely thrilling, and the historical/political talk with the indefatigable Dagmar was excellent -- on that "Botel!"

    The writers that Dagmar and Peter managed to find for us were exceptional choices, being of a generation that knew the war and were blessed with long memories, and able to share intense accounts, modestly given, of what they had lived through with a depth of dignity today's young people, especially Americans who have not suffered, don't always encounter. Attila Melegh was perfect - in fact, the students couldn't get enough of him, and went trooping off to find his book after the lecture. He was gracious and energetic and funny and they were all very inspired to see the world with more informed eyes as a result of our time with him. We hadn't had a predominantly economic explanation of twentieth- century events up to that point so it was valuable. He was au courant about contemporary political trends and how to spot evidence in conversation and on posters around the city.

    Sarolta couldn't have been more helpful, informative, motherly, practical, and caring, and we all got very fond of her. She has depths and depths and a deep love of her country, and Bill and I imagined for next time maybe a kind of panel with her and Attila on it presenting their different takes on Central European society twenty years after the fall of we-all- know-what. The final dinner at the Hotel Corvin, and the folk dancers afterward, was happy and charming and very stirring really - the singing! Oh my. And the dancers, as Sarolta explained, had regular jobs too, which made their presentation more brilliant and heartfelt. Again, for next time, as in Ireland, more dancing for all of us! It was a fitting finale as well as an invitation to return for more as soon as possible.

    And that's really our only true complaint, too little time, and how and when can we return?

    And the music! Oh my! From Dvorak and Smetana (of course) to Ligeti (an hommage, so he was in the audience) and of course much baroque brass, and all the gorgeous pianos in Vienna - truly magnificent, everywhere we went, from the streets to the churches to the concert halls. Brilliant.

    Sorry this is so long. Many thanks once again. If I've left anything out you or your contacts would particularly like feedback on please let me know.

    Can't we stay another month?

    Cheers,
    Devon"

    Would you like to review our University Course in Central Europe for 2010? Have an idea for another course and need help with the itinerary and planning? Give us a call or send an email and we will be happy to forward the Central European course plan to you -- or work on a customized, credit bearing or noncredit course offering with your academic needs in mind!



    FAF - Contact
    FAF HQTRS

    GLOBAL HEADQUARTERS
    299 Greenwich Avenue
    Greenwich, Connecticut USA 06830

    www.faf.org
    [email protected]

    USA: 001-203-542- 0652; -0661(f)
    Travel Groups, Only: 1-800-526-2908
    Also, Travel Groups and Delegates: Ask about your private, online information service (OTIS) that is password protected and ready for ready, 24/7!

    Friendship Ambassadors Foundation, Inc. is a 501c3 not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization, with international affiliations, including the United Nations Department of Public Information, UNESCO, ACDA, Greenwich Arts Council, and other associations with academic, cultural, and diplomatic institutions worldwide. (FAF's U.S. Headquarters, in Greenwich, CT, is pictured above.)

    The goals of the foundation include the creation and facilitation of cultural exchange programmes that encourage mutual understanding and global cooperation, the promotion of youth leadership events, and support for sustainable development through cultural tourism in emerging regions worldwide.

    "The Grosse Pointe South choir's trip to NYC was well organized and very exciting. We so enjoyed the UN and the opportunity to sing for the UN (International) school ... (T)he workshop with Gavin Creel - and then watching him in Hair - was an experience our students will never forget. I have traveled with FAF since 1976 and each trip has been a new and exciting experience. By the way, our rooms ... were amazing. We were only a half of a block off Times Square and I could lie in my bed and watch Time's square ball turn from red, to blue, to green. What memories we will all have. Thank you." - Ellen J. Bowen, Director of Choral Activities, Grosse Pointe South High School � March 2009

    "On behalf of the Huntington Middle School Advanced Orchestra, we would like to express our grateful appreciation to FAF for organizing and coordinating our field trip to New York City and Carnegie Hall on April 8-12, 2009. Our students had a wonderful time and gained invaluable experience from this trip. The itinerary you planned was excellent, as was your assistance throughout our stay in New York. We are especially thankful to you for arranging the tour and concert at the Julliard School, which was an inspiration to our students. We certainly look forward to using your services again in the future." - Rob Folsom, Orchestra Director and Vanessa Koo, Orchestra Club Chair, June 2, 2009

    "It is a great pleasure to greet the participants in the 2009 Youth Assembly at the United Nations. I thank the Permanent Mission of Hungary, the Friendship Ambassadors Foundation ... and all others involved in making this event possible. The world needs you to make the most of this gathering.",
    Ban Ki-Moon
    United Nations Secretary General
    August 2009


    "I just wanted to extend a sincere word of thanks for organizing the UN Youth Assembly. It was my first time attending the conference and I was utterly impressed by the depth and breadth of topics as well as the passion of the panelists and my fellow delegates. As a Project Manager at the Clinton Foundation and the Co-Founder of Canopy (a non-profit organization in Tanzania focused on bridging the education achievement gap for orphans) the conference was not only personally fulfilling, but professionally rewarding. I hope to be back at next year's UN Youth Assembly."
    - Justin Pang (YA Participant, 2009)

    "It was a wonderful, wonderful trip. We're all home, safe & sound now with glorious echoes & scenes in our heads & hearts. Thank you for your patience & persistence & attention to detail all the way along the line to liftoff , And all went well in country too - The drivers were excellent & the students were speechless & happy. So, yes, I've appreciated how solid & consistent & thoughtful you've been, & flexible, & imaginative! All the best. You certainly ARE the best! Many, many thanks." - Devon McNamara, (Leader, West Virginia Wesleyan), 6/06 ... NOTE: Take a look at the latest West Virginia Weselyan College course in Central Europe arranged by FAF, in May 2009 - view their recent, post tour email, left!

    "I am writing you to formally express the lead endorsement by this Mission of the proposed Lasallian Student Convocation at United nations Headquarters for April 2010. In endorsing this proposed Convocation, it is our understanding that Friendship Ambassadors Foundation will be the primary contact for the logistical organization at the United nations. May I take this opportunity to thank you for your assistance to the Christian Brothers for their efforts to promote in commemoration of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) the special care and assistance to which each and every child is entitled by virtue of his inherent dignity." - Archbishop Celestino Migliore, Apolostolic Nuncio, Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations, June 2009

    "On the wonderful work that Friendship Ambassadors is accomplishing, I commend you for your leadership in promoting cultural exchange between people both young and old around the world. Hillary joins me in sending her best wishes." - Former President Bill Clinton

    "I commend FAF's efforts to work with young people to help them find possible means and ways to peace and reconciliation. I would also wish to stress the importance of generous support for this project." - President Martti Ahtisaari, (former) President of Finland, 2008 Nobel Peace Prize Winner

    "Thanks again for everything you did for our experience, Yin-Chu. It was certainly a first-class operation, and you were friendly, charming, professional, and organized." - Dr Christopher J . Nicholas, Coe College Bands Soloist; Associate Director of Bands The University of Wyoming Department of Music; August 2008

    "The Alliance Francaise of Greenwich would like to thank you and your Artistic Director Yin-Chu Jou for your efforts in including [us] in the Greenwich Choral Society trip to France honoring the Greenwich/Vienne Sister City 2008 initiative... The trip was seamless, due in no small part to your advance planning ... We thank you and your team for making this historic trip so memorable." - Renee Ketcham, President, Alliance Francaise of Greenwich, July 2008

    "First of all, let me tell you that the tour was Wonderful! We couldn't have asked for better more receptive audiences. Secondly . Secondly, whatever you do ... keep [FAF Artistic Director] Yin-Chu Jou. I couldn't have asked for a more gracious, "johnny on the spot," kind, loving, helpful person to travel with! And I know very well that it takes a team to make something like this come to fruition. So THANK YOU ALL, FAF!" - Kim Clayton, Founder and Director Clayton Productions August 2008

    "We strongly support FAF's mission to create international cultural opportunities . . . please, do your best to help them in their nonprofit efforts." - Andr�s T�r�k, author, former Secretary of State for Culture, Hungary

    "I know of few projects today that succeed more in helping our young musicians do what they do best: sharing the magic & glory of music with their love of people & their zest for new adventures." - Alice Tully

    "What you are doing couldn't be closer to my heart. I urge you to keep opening new doors of friendship wherever you travel and perform. Godspeed!" - Leonard Bernstein

    "God love you for the love you give through the joy you spread." - Mother Teresa

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