Friendship Force of Chicago has recently moved to a co Presidency format with the succeeding co Presidents elects already lined up.  This will better split the responsiblities and ensure both continuity and fresh ideas.  The initial term of the co Presidents will be approximately 1 1/2 to 2 years.

Co President:  Bob Hernquist  rshern@aol.com

Co President:  Diana Williams  dw04alt-friendship.com

Bob's focus will be on exchanges, programs, club administration and finance.  Diana's will be on communication both internal and external and co-ordination with Friendship Force International, other chapters in our region, publicity, the website and newsletters and membership.

We will continue to have board members assigned to these various functions with the co Presidents providing co-ordination and oversight.  Exchange directors will continue to serve on the board leading up to the exchange and then for a year thereafter.  We are in the process of amending the by laws to formalize this structure.

We are looking to identify the successors to the current Presidents.

Nancy Ekis and Carol Bachelor have taken over membership efforts.  They have done a great job coordinating renewals and following up on new prospects. MARILYN PARSONS HAS TAKEN OVER LOCAL PROGRAM CO-ORDINATION AND LYNN MC CARTHY IS THE NEW TREASURER.

WE ARE HAPPY TO REPORT HALF A DOZEN  NEW MEMBERS HAVE BEEN ADDED IN RECENT MONTHS.  REMEMBER WORD OF MOUTH IS THE BEST WAY TO RECRUIT NEW MEMBERS.

We need someone to take over some publicity responsibilties and help with communication issues as 

Committee Chair for Communicatons, a board position

CAROL AND RICHARD VIGSNES, CO-SECRETARY 

 

Exchange Director FOR MINI INBOUND:  Jim  Huck  

New board member ED for outbound to Mexico Steve Spigel

Past President (Cathy Cameron) and past Exch Directors (serving for a year after their exchange) Olga Connor and Sharon Huck and Ed Ekis.

WE ARE LOOKING FOR CANDIDATES FOR EXCHANGE DIRECTOR FOR THE 2010 EXCHANGES, INCOMING FROM NEW ZEALAND AND OUTGOING TO AUSTRALIA.  CONTACT BOB HERNQUIST IF YOU WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE POSITIONS AND TO APPLY.

How you can help?

We need ideas for and organizers for local programs.  Between exchanges we organize social events and cultural activities in our own backyard.  Your ideas and organizational skills are welcome.

We need help with publicity and the newsletter and member communication.  If you have experience in these areas, writing, photography, graphic design, computer skills, we need your help.

We need lots of help with membership recruitment!!  This is everyone's job. If you have enjoyed your Friendship Force experiences, talk them up to friends, neighbors, co-workers.  We need help with following up on prospective members.  If you are willing to follow up with phones and correspondence to prospects let us know.

If you want to get involved but not sure how, just contact either Bob or Diana.