Breaking News Updated Mon Oct 06 13:53:31 PDT 2008
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Get Recognized: Annual Awards Applications are due March 31 (03/13/2007)
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Celebrate the accomplishments of your sister city program by applying for an Annual Award. Awards honor programs in youth and education, humanitarian assistance, sustainable development, arts and culture, and disability awareness. There are also awards to recognize best overall sister city programs and a volunteer of the year. Get more information and an application right now.
Cincinnati-Liuzhou Wins Award for Outstanding Library Exchange Program (03/13/2007) |
The Ni Hao! Program, which has shared Chinese culture with thousands of schoolchildren in Cincinnati for many years, will be recognized with the prestigious "Bridge to Understanding Award" in May from the United States Board on Books for Young People during the International Reading Association's annual convention in Canada. The Ni Hao! Program was originally part of the White House Millennium Initiative for Library Exchanges between sister cities, which was promoted through Sister Cities International in 2000. For more information about doing library exchange with a sister city committee, contact Lisa Hamrick, Manager, Children's Learning Center, the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, 513.369.6988, Lisa.Hamrick@CincinnatiLibrary.org or Beth Tu Hoffman, Chair of the Cincinnati-Luizhou Committee, 513.561.1010, btutu@aol.com.
Be a Leader: Become a Candidate for the Board of Directors! (03/13/2007) |
Demonstrate your leadership skills and influence the future of the citizen diplomacy movement by joining the Board of Directors for Sister Cities International. Candidates for the 2007-2008 Sister Cities International Board of Directors must submit their application materials to Sister Cities International between April 19 and May 19, 2007. Applications will not be accepted before April 19, nor can they be received after May 19. Application forms will be available on the Sister Cities International website after March 15, 2007. Interested candidates should begin to plan now in order to have everything ready by the deadline. See the basic requirements for candidate applications.
Support Sister Cities International with Special 2007 IRA Contributions (03/13/2007) |
Last year, Congress passed an act that allows people ages 70 1/2 or older to make a tax-free distribution of up to $100,000 per year from their traditional or Roth IRA to a charitable organization. This provision applies to contributions made in 2007 only and allows the donor to do so without having to recognize the gift as income and pay taxes. Read more about this initiative on the Sister Cities International website, or consult your financial planner. Consider making this special one-time contribution as part of your membership in the Eisenhower Legacy Society.
Oscar Arias Invited to Address Annual Conference 2007 (02/13/2007) |
Nobel Peace Prize recipient and President of Costa Rica Oscar Arias has been invited to be the keynote speaker at the Opening Plenary Session of the Sister Cities International Annual Conference. Online registration is open and very easy to complete. Through June 23rd, you can sign up for "Partnership" registration - for only $1300 you can register 2 U.S. delegates and 2 international delegates. Special registration rates are available now. Learn more about the conference and go to registration online today!
Annual Conference 2007: Best Practices Showcase Returns (02/13/2007) |
Since 2005 the Best Practices Showcase has been a significant and exciting part of the Annual Conference for sister city delegates. Due to overwhelming requests, on Friday, July 19 the Showcase will run without competing against any other workshops. Detailed information and applications for your sister city program to be part of the showcare are in the mail now to all sister city program leaders. Don't miss this opportunity to network and showcase your local program! Visit the website for more information or contact Deanita Holland at 202.347.8630 ext. 8635, dholland@sister-cities.org
Southeast Regional Sister Cities Conference Happens March 29-31, 2007 (02/13/2007) |
Being held March 29-31, 2007, the Southeast Regional Sister Cities Conference will be held in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Sister city organizations in North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee will find this conference (previously known as the Conference of the Carolinas) loaded with information, networking, and fun. For more information, contact Kenneth L. Richards, North Carolina State Coordinator at 828.253.3943, klcount@aol.com or Peggy Wright, Tennessee State Coordinator at 423.622.7030, jandp6a@comcast.net.
Annual Awards Applications Available Now, Due March 31 (02/13/2007) |
Applications for the Sister Cities International Annual Awards competition are now available online. Awards are available to honor programs in youth and education, humanitarian assistance, sustainable development, arts and culture, and disability awareness. There's also honors to recognize best overall programs and volunteers. Get more information and an application right now.
The September Concert: Are You Ready for 2007? (02/13/2007) |
Congratulations to the 50 sister city programs that partnered with the September Concert Foundation to host free community concerts in 2006. Once again, the September Concert Foundation is asking U.S. sister city programs and their international partners to host September Concerts in 2007. For more information, call Karen Rich at the September Concert Foundation, 212.333.3399, see our website, or visit www.septemberconcert.org.
Interested in Being a Candidate for the Board of Directors? See the Requirements (02/13/2007) |
Candidates for the 2007-2008 Sister Cities International Board of Directors must submit their application materials to Sister Cities International between April 19 and May 19, 2007. Applications will not be accepted before April 19th nor can they be received after May 19th. Application forms can be accessed on the Sister Cities International website after March 15, 2007. Interested candidates should begin to plan now in order to have everything ready by the deadline. View the basic requirements for candidate applications.
US-Africa Sister Cities Conference in South Africa, August 2007 |
"Investing in Africa" is the them of the 16th annual US-Africa Sister Cities Conference, which will be held August 7-15, 2007 in Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa. The conference is organized by an advocate organization emphasizing issues that affect Africa and promoting public awareness through African sister cities. For more information call 202.635.7479 or email srs-usasc@rcn.com, or visit their website.
The 50th Anniversary Book: A Great Gift For Sister City Friends (02/13/2007) |
Published in partnership with Butler Books, the 50th Anniversary Commemorative Book, "Peace Through People: 50 Years of Global Citizenship," is a 248-page color coffee table book highlighting the inspiring history of the sister city movement and retailing for only $39.95. It makes a fabulous gift for sister city friends. Purchase your copy of the first edition today!
Books You Can Use: The Nonprofit Membership Toolkit (02/13/2007) |
Would you like to add new members to your sister city organization? The Nonprofit Membership Toolkit is an outstanding resource for small organizations seeking to increase their membership. This book offers countless suggestions to help you bring more members into your organization and to help them become long-term supporters. It is aimed especially at small - and medium-sized organizations. Worksheets are included in the book or may be downloaded from the publishers' website. Purchase The Nonprofit Membership Toolkit through the Sister Cities International website at Amazon.com.
Cities Seeking Cities: Sierra Leone, Chile, Turkey, Thailand & Mongolia (02/13/2007) |
Community: Kenema District, Sierra Leone
Region: Africa
Population: 150,000
Language: English and Mende
An area rich in natural resources and diamonds, the Kenema District of Sierra Leone has much to offer a sister city partner. Located in the Eastern Province, agriculture is the main source of income for families. The area is full of potential. After 10 years of civil war, many natural resources are just waiting to be harvested. Kenema is erupting with culture and heritage that it wants to share with a sister city.
Community: Rengo, Chile
Region: Americas
Population: 50,000 - 100,000
Language: Spanish
This village's scenery is breath-taking, and it's nestled between the Andes and the Coastal Mountains. Located within this area is one of the world's highest quality wineries and there is a warm Mediterranean style climate. The village has a small community feel, but offers many amenities like a university, library and theater. Rengo is just south of the capitol city, Santiago.
Community: Beyoglu Municipality, Turkey
Region: Europe
Population: 100,000 - 300,000
Language: Turkish
Known as the Heart of Istanbul, Beyoglu is one of the city's thriving districts that is well known for its night life, but its history goes far deeper. In ancient times, this area of former Constantinople was used as a base for European merchants when trading. Tourism is a main source of income, but many other businesses are found. Beyoglu would make a perfect sister city match with a U.S. partner!
Community: Surin, Thailand
Region: Asia
Population: 25,000 - 50,000
Language: Thai
Home to German and American cafes, Surin is very international. Located about 400 kilometers from Bangkok, Surin's main staple in the economy is its Agriculture. The town holds an annual Elephant Round-Up, with a popular elephant soccer game. The city is also rich in history and was once part of the Khmer Empire. Many historic ruins still exist.
Community: Erdenet City, Mongolia
Region: Asia
Population: 50,000 - 100,000
Language: Mongolian
As the second largest city in Mongolia, Erdenet boasts three major universities, and multiple secondary schools. This city is rich in natural resources, ranging from agriculture to mining facilities, and is open to investment. It is located in the central region of Mongolia, and this community would like to share its unique Mongolian culture with people in the United States.
For more information about these communities, or the more than 300 currently seeking sister cities, visit Cities Seeking Cities online!
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Sister Cities International announces Patrick Madden will become the organization's new executive director. "I am delighted to lead Sister Cities International and its remarkable global network promoting world peace. Sister Cities harnesses the power of citizen diplomacy with the exchange of ideas among communities in ways that are vital to our society and the international dialogue," said Madden. Read more in the news release about his selection.
The Michael A. Guido Distinguished Leadership Award is Created (01/30/2007) |
To honor a mayor who built friendship ties with the Middle East in the name of peace and understanding, Sister Cities International announced this week that its Distinguished Leadership Award will be known as the Sister Cities International Michael A. Guido Distinguished Leadership Award. The tribute honors Michael A. Guido, the late U.S. Conference of Mayors President and Mayor of Dearborn, Michigan. Learn more in the press release about this tribute.
Annual Conference Registration is Open, Sign Up Today! (01/30/2007) |
Registration for the 2007 Annual Conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, July 18-21, 2007, is now available online and easy to fill out. Special registration rates are available now. Through June 23rd, you can sign up for "Partnership" registration - for only $1300 you can register 2 U.S. delegates and 2 international delegates. Learn more about the conference and go to registration online today!
5th Annual State Sister Cities Conference of the Carolinas, March 29-31, 2007 (01/30/2007) |
Being held March 29-31, 2007, the 5th Annual State Sister Cities Conference of the Carolinas is moving to Chattanooga, Tennessee. Sister city organizations in North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee will find this conference loaded with information, networking, and fun. For more information, contact Kenneth L. Richards, North Carolina State Coordinator at 828.253.3943, klcount@aol.com or Peggy Wright, Tennessee State Coordinator at 423.622.7030, jandp6a@comcast.net.
Annual Awards Applications Available Online, Due March 31 (01/30/2007) |
Applications for the Sister Cities International Annual Awards competition are now available online. Don't miss out on this great opportunity to get recognition for your sister city program and be honored in Fort Lauderdale! Awards are available to honor programs in youth and education, humanitarian assistance, sustainable development, arts and culture, and disability awareness. There's also honors to recognize best overall programs, and Get more information and an application right now.
Fort Worth Program Steps up Local Membership Benefits by Offering Sister Cities International Memberships (01/30/2007) |
Kudos to the Fort Worth Sister Cities International program, which offers a $10 add-on to their local members providing them with membership in Sister Cities International. Scores of Fort Worth members have signed up for this special offer and receive benefits of Sister Cities International membership, including print and e-mail publications, our annual directory, access to the password-protected section of the website, and other benefits. Your organization can offer the same program and reap extra benefits for your members. Learn more by contacting Phyllis Warren-Briggs at pwarrenbriggs@sister-cities.org.
Interested in Being a Candidate for the Board of Directors? See the Requirements (01/30/2007) |
Candidates for the 2007-2008 Sister Cities International Board of Directors must submit their application materials to Sister Cities International between April 19 and May 19, 2007. Applications will not be accepted before April 19th nor can they be received after May 19th. Application forms can be accessed on the Sister Cities International website after March 15, 2007. Interested candidates should begin to plan now in order to have everything ready by the deadline. View the basic requirements for candidate applications.
The 50th Anniversary Book: See the Sister City Movement in Motion! (01/30/2007) |
Published in partnership with Butler Books, the 50th Anniversary Commemorative Book, "Peace Through People: 50 Years of Global Citizenship," is a 248-page color coffee table book highlighting the inspiring history of the sister city movement and retailing for only $39.95. Delve into the archives of Sister Cities International and explore the incredible history of the sister city program. Purchase your copy of the first edition today!