The friendship Force is a non-profit international organization that seeks to promote cultural understanding through personal contacts.  It was started Wayne Smith and Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter in 1977.  today there are clubs in over 62 countries with more than 400 clubs worldwide.  Its aim is to promote peace through friendship.

The San Antonio Chapter was formed 1991, originally as an offshoot to the Austin Club.  It has grown from about 15 households to about 55 households.  The first outbound exchange was to Mt. Baker/Brisbane Australia.  The Club helped to initiate the Regional Conferences and stateside exchanges.  The club held its first Regional Conference in 1993.

The Friendship Force achieves its goals through the travel of goodwill Ambassadors who share the lives of a Host family in another Country (or their own) for about a week.  Hosts families receive no payment for opening their homes but each club receives $50 for each Ambassador.  This money is spent on group activities.  The Ambassadors should expect to share some of the expenses of the host family and gifts are always exchanged.

Normally, all exchange travel arrangements are made through the local Exchange Director and the International Headquarters in Atlanta.  Ambassadors may extend their stay on their own but must arrange for this in advance and pay a deviation fee to Atlanta. A quarterly magazine keeps the members up-to-date on happenings throughout the world.  Each club also puts out a newsletter.