The organization operates in more than 60 countries and in 6 continents, with 15,000 active members and over 300 annual programs, called "Journeys".[3] FFI was unveiled on March 1, 1977, by President Jimmy Carter and Smith at a White House gathering of state governors.[5] In 1982, the format was changed from large simultaneous homestays to smaller non-simultaneous visits using commercial airlines.[5] In 1992, FFI was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for its work building understanding between the people of the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War.[8] In November 2017, FFI announced a partnership with Global Green USA to promote environmental sustainability, peace, understanding, and friendship.