FFI | Alumni Movement
The FFI journey doesn't end with the first program
Our alumni are our strongest asset. Alumni engagement has been a core component of FFI’s success over the last several years. In 2012, we brought back our first alumni to the United States to assist with programs. As of today, we will have brought back over 50 alumni as program counselors and interns, with more coming every year.
Unlike other organizations that work with youth, we keep our door open for any young people who have ever participated. We offer varied engagement levels, from subscribing to our email list to the highly rigorous senior training program.
If you are interested in connecting with them, please contact our Operations Manager, Amelia Burke, at amelia@ff.international
Alumni Involvement
Seminar Trainers
Alumni Trainers are an important part of the Friends Forever International programs. They primarily help with the Team Building Seminars that take place in the participants' home countries. Their work centers on leading workshops, activities, guiding 1st-year participants, and working with other alumni during seminars. Alumni Trainers are uniquely qualified to help 1st-year participants navigate the introductory parts of the FFI Program.
Alumni Leaders
Being an Alumni Leader is the most challenging opportunity that FFI offers for Alumni. In this role, Alumni travel to FFI HQ to help lead first-year programs, community engagement, curriculum development, and more. This role requires leading the team from the time they wake up in the morning through their debrief at night. Alumni Leaders are responsible for getting the team to their activities in a timely manner, encouraging full engagement, modeling appropriate behavior, and supporting them throughout. Alumni Leaders are essential to a successful first-year program! This is NOT easy, but it is extremely rewarding.
Alumni Fellowships
Friends Forever International has created several Fellowships to help our alumni continue to grow their impact and create change in their communities. Fellowships can take many forms, including named fellowships, which are more rigidly defined, and alumni-driven fellowships, which are more independently designed. Alumni Fellows typically travel to FFI HQ to help lead first-year programs, community engagement, curriculum development, and more. Having alumni as leaders throughout the program shows the participants how involvement can continue long after their FFI year has ended.
Alumni Ambassadors
Alumni Ambassador positions are a way for alumni to engage in the international community. Alumni Ambassadors are exceptional alumni who devote their own time to raising awareness about FFI and our mission. They work with other alumni and partner organizations to increase engagement at all points of the program.
Alumni Projects
One of FFI's foremost goals is for the lessons of the program to last for a lifetime. Past participants have created a variety of community service projects following their experiences in the United States. We strongly support and encourage the development of self-directed alumni peace-building initiatives.
Alumni Advanced Training Program
This high-level leadership program for our most engaged and advanced alumni is focused on social justice and includes a trip to our Gulf Coast region. Alumni travel to New Orleans to meet with community members, practice facilitating workshops, and work with their teammates to develop the Global Alumni Movement.