Leading with Empathy: Friends Forever International

For over 35 years, Friends Forever International (FFI) has worked at the heart of conflict resolution, community empowerment, and leadership development. At its core, FFI’s mission is to help young people become the best versions of themselves, not just for personal success but to also contribute positively to their communities and the world. The organization has undergone many iterations since its inception in 1986, evolving into a globally recognized force for good. And leading this charge for the past two decades is CEO and Executive Director Stephen Martineau, who has helped transform the organization into a beacon of positive change for youth around the world.

When FFI was founded, its focus was primarily on addressing conflict, particularly in areas like Northern Ireland, where tensions between Protestant and Catholic communities were high. The organization's early work centered on bringing together young people from opposing sides of the conflict, using dialogue and understanding to foster peace.

However, in the mid-2000s, FFI experienced a shift in its approach. Under the leadership of Stephen, who joined the organization in 2005, FFI began to recognize that while conflict resolution was crucial, it was just one piece of a much larger puzzle. As Stephen explains, young people weren’t just problems to be solved—they were often the solution to the problems facing their communities.

“We began to understand that in order to create lasting peace and social change, it wasn't enough to simply focus on conflict resolution at a global level,” Stephen says. “We needed to focus on developing the skills, mindsets, and leadership potential of young people to transform their communities.”

Today, FFI’s programming supports youth in identifying the issues that most affect their communities—be it conflict, the opioid crisis, or integration of newcomers—and empowers them to take action. The work is not only global but local, with a strong focus on New Hampshire, where FFI has a significant presence.

One of the central pillars of FFI’s approach is leadership development, specifically empathetic leadership. Through FFI's unique programs, young people engage in intensive leadership training, including public speaking. This is often a pivotal experience, as many participants arrive with little to no public speaking experience or confidence.

“We’ve seen young people grow four inches in confidence after just a week of public speaking training,” Stephen says. “We don’t just teach them to speak; we teach them to speak vulnerably, sharing something deeply personal and meaningful. Overcoming that fear of vulnerability in front of others has a profound impact on their self-esteem and leadership potential.”

This emphasis on empathy and vulnerability is what sets FFI apart from other organizations. Instead of focusing solely on academic or technical skills, the organization nurtures the emotional intelligence that allows young people to lead with compassion and resilience.

Though its origins were rooted in conflict resolution, FFI now boasts a global reach, impacting young people in countries as diverse as India, Northern Ireland, and the United States. One powerful example of this is the story of a young woman from rural India who, as part of FFI's programming, spearheaded a project to combat the stigma surrounding menstruation in her community. The project included collecting and distributing menstrual products and providing education to schools in her region, addressing both practical and cultural barriers to menstruation.

“Seeing a 16-year-old step up and take on a challenge like that is incredibly inspiring,” Stephen says. “It’s moments like these that remind us how transformative our work can be. We’re not just changing individual lives; we’re creating ripples that reach entire communities.”

This blend of local action and global vision is one of the hallmarks of FFI’s success. The organization’s youth-led projects are designed to address issues that young people identify as important, making the work both relevant and impactful. The most rewarding aspect of leading FFI, according to Stephen, is the profound transformation that young people undergo through the organization’s programs. 

However, the work is not without its challenges. One of the key struggles for FFI is maintaining focus and resources as the organization grows. 

“We could go in so many directions,” Stephen says. “The challenge is figuring out where to focus our efforts and how to scale without losing sight of our core mission.”

Balancing the need for organizational growth with the desire to maintain personal, individualized impact is a constant challenge for nonprofit leaders. But FFI’s approach to leadership—emphasizing collaboration, empowerment, and community-based action—has allowed them to continually innovate without sacrificing their mission.

As FFI celebrates its 35th anniversary, Stephen remains optimistic about the future of the organization. With a dedicated staff, a passionate board, and a global network of supporters, FFI is poised to continue making a meaningful impact for years to come.

In a time when the world often feels divided, FFI’s work is a reminder that leadership, empathy, and community can build bridges. By empowering the next generation of leaders to act with compassion and vision, FFI is shaping a future where young people don’t just survive—they thrive, and in doing so, make the world a better place.