Students from Sister Cities to share their cultures at local youth academy 201

Fort Worth, Texas – The World in HD Theme of Sister Cities Leadership Academies

Since 1989, the award-winning International Leadership Academy (ILA) has brought young people from Fort Worth’s sister cities to the area to discuss pressing global issues.  This year, over 100 participants will converge at TCU July 13-28 to share their cultures and learn about leadership. Students from Fort Worth, Italy, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Swaziland, and Indonesia  will be in Fort Worth for this two week program.  The Academy’s goal is to increase  communication and leadership skills through teambuilding, problem-solving, and sharing cultures.

The closing ceremonies take place on July 27th, 10:00 a.m. at TCU’s Ed Landreth Auditorium.  The ILA Class of 2013 will demonstrate what they have accomplished during the Academy in an elaborate performance.  The ceremony is free and open to the public. This year also marks the 9th year of ILA’s middle school program, Jr. International Leadership   Academy (JILA) held at McLean 6th Grade campus July 8-12.  College students from Toluca, Mexico will serve as facilitators, as the Fort Worth students discuss the same issues as their high school counterparts.  The students will experience cultural presentations and interaction with high school students from Reggio Emilia, Italy; Trier, Germany; and Mbabane, Swaziland gaining an international education. “These students will be challenged to improve and refine their leadership skills and learn how    diverse cultures can support common goals.  It’s a tremendous opportunity for personal growth,” said Nancy Marchant, ILA and JILA Coordinator.

2013-06-24 02:46

Students from Sister Cities to share their cultures at local youth academy 201

Fort Worth, Texas – The World in HD Theme of Sister Cities Leadership Academies

Since 1989, the award-winning International Leadership Academy (ILA) has brought young people from Fort Worth’s sister cities to the area to discuss pressing global issues.  This year, over 100 participants will converge at TCU July 13-28 to share their cultures and learn about leadership. Students from Fort Worth, Italy, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Swaziland, and Indonesia  will be in Fort Worth for this two week program.  The Academy’s goal is to increase  communication and leadership skills through teambuilding, problem-solving, and sharing cultures.

The closing ceremonies take place on July 27th, 10:00 a.m. at TCU’s Ed Landreth Auditorium.  The ILA Class of 2013 will demonstrate what they have accomplished during the Academy in an elaborate performance.  The ceremony is free and open to the public. This year also marks the 9th year of ILA’s middle school program, Jr. International Leadership   Academy (JILA) held at McLean 6th Grade campus July 8-12.  College students from Toluca, Mexico will serve as facilitators, as the Fort Worth students discuss the same issues as their high school counterparts.  The students will experience cultural presentations and interaction with high school students from Reggio Emilia, Italy; Trier, Germany; and Mbabane, Swaziland gaining an international education. “These students will be challenged to improve and refine their leadership skills and learn how    diverse cultures can support common goals.  It’s a tremendous opportunity for personal growth,” said Nancy Marchant, ILA and JILA Coordinator.

Sister Cities Ambassadors Visit Japan

Fort Worth, TX – Students to Japan to represent U.S. as goodwill ambassadors

Since 1990, The Harashin Co. of Nagaoka, Japan has funded scholarships for eight Fort Worth students and two teachers to travel there for an educational and cultural enrichment exchanges. In return, the families of these Fort Worth students host students and teachers from Nagaoka in their homes for a reciprocal exchange. This program and all the scholarships have been funded by the Hara family and Harashin Co. Ltd. of Nagaoka. Exchange programs are a key element in the overall programs of Fort Worth Sister Cities and this unique opportunity for Fort Worth students is no exception. The students depart July 28–August 6th for a week long exchange and the Japanese students will arrive in Fort Worth the following week. Exchanges with each of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities provide youth the opportunity to spend 9-15 days with an international host family and experience the local history, culture and customs. This is done as citizen diplomats and gives students a better understanding of other cultures providing them an international education only these programs can offer. All student applicants (8-12th) participate in a vigorous selection process including teacher     recommendations, essays and personal interviews. The Harashin scholars are required to attend monthly cultural orientations to further enrich their international experience and prepare them for the exchange. Harashin scholars include: Helen Brose, Meredith Johnston, Bailey Jones, Elise Lahoud, Nancy Martinez, Ricky Rodriguez, Sanish Shrestha, and Samuel Whiting,  accompanied by delegation leaders Lorraine Bretthauer and Jaime Morris.

2013-06-24 02:23

Sister Cities Ambassadors Visit Japan

Fort Worth, TX – Students to Japan to represent U.S. as goodwill ambassadors

Since 1990, The Harashin Co. of Nagaoka, Japan has funded scholarships for eight Fort Worth students and two teachers to travel there for an educational and cultural enrichment exchanges. In return, the families of these Fort Worth students host students and teachers from Nagaoka in their homes for a reciprocal exchange. This program and all the scholarships have been funded by the Hara family and Harashin Co. Ltd. of Nagaoka. Exchange programs are a key element in the overall programs of Fort Worth Sister Cities and this unique opportunity for Fort Worth students is no exception. The students depart July 28–August 6th for a week long exchange and the Japanese students will arrive in Fort Worth the following week. Exchanges with each of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities provide youth the opportunity to spend 9-15 days with an international host family and experience the local history, culture and customs. This is done as citizen diplomats and gives students a better understanding of other cultures providing them an international education only these programs can offer. All student applicants (8-12th) participate in a vigorous selection process including teacher     recommendations, essays and personal interviews. The Harashin scholars are required to attend monthly cultural orientations to further enrich their international experience and prepare them for the exchange. Harashin scholars include: Helen Brose, Meredith Johnston, Bailey Jones, Elise Lahoud, Nancy Martinez, Ricky Rodriguez, Sanish Shrestha, and Samuel Whiting,  accompanied by delegation leaders Lorraine Bretthauer and Jaime Morris.

Teacher Workshop: Connecting Educators Around the World

Connecting Educators from Around the World

Join Fort Worth Sister Cities International

and educators from Swaziland, Japan, Italy and Mexico for

conversations about how we can connect with each other

to improve global fluency for our students.

Mbabane, Swaziland – Nagaoka, Japan – Reggio Emilia, Italy – Toluca, Mexico

Wednesday, July 24th

9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Fort Worth Country Day School – Martin Center

4200 Country Day Lane, Fort Worth 76109

Cost – $45 (pay at door)

Includes lunch, resources, one-year membership to Fort Worth Sister Cities International, program certificate and the opportunity to talk with fellow educators from around the world.

RSVP by Wednesday, July 17th

eva@fwsistercities.org or call 817.632.7100

No shows will be invoiced and seating is limited.

  • Participate in two breakout sessions
  • Learn about education in different countries
  • Hear how educators from other countries define global fluency
  • Connect and plan with educators from around the globe
  • Create lessons to enhance global fluency for you and your students
  • Make new and lasting friendships

Fort Worth Sister Cities International has partnered with Blue Bridge International

Fort Worth Sister Cities International has partnered with Blue Bridge International for the 2nd year and is welcoming an international intern from Nanjing, China to work on various international programs in our office July 22-August 16. Ms. Ring Tu just completed her Master’s degree in Media Management in the school of Communication at Hong Kong Baptist University. She is home hosted by volunteers with the Blue Bridge International program in Fort Worth.  Blue Bridge International is a student and professional cross cultural leadership development organization that provides programs designed for personal growth and development. Their  mission is to foster opportunity for this level of interchange through programs that are not focused on resume building or sight-seeing, but rather that challenge us to personally contribute to the positive change that occurs when we give, receive, learn, and develop friendships. We are excited to welcome her to our team.

Fort Worth’s Fourth Partners with Fort Worth Sister Cities International

Celebration of Fort Worth Sister Cities International 25th Anniversary with Nagaoka, Japan is guaranteed to be one of the largest and most unique shows in North Texas.

   

Fort Worth’s Fourth is presented by the Tarrant Regional Water District and produced by the Trinity River Vision Authority

What: The 2013 celebration is a very special occasion for Fort Worth. In honor of the 25th anniversary of Fort Worth Sister Cities International partnership with Nagaoka, Japan, half of the fireworks used in the show will be donated by the City of Nagaoka. This is very special as Nagaoka is known for producing some of the world’s most impressive fireworks and they’re ready to bring that legacy to Fort Worth. In addition to the fireworks donation, the Japanese half of the show will be set to music and choreographed by our Japanese friends. To learn more about what makes Nagaoka’s firework shows so unique, we recommend watching this video.  The second half of the show will have Texas style fireworks and is guaranteed to deliver even more special effects and surprises that last year! Nagaoka Mayor Mori, Fort Worth Mayor Price along with a large delegation from Japan, will be  joining the ceremony to re-affirm the 25 year old sister city partnership. Fort Worth’s Fourth is a free family event with activities, food and fun. Families can enjoy jet ski shows, live music from Downtown Fever and Petty Theft, tubing, bounce houses, mini golf, horseback rides, face paint and more.
When:    Thursday, July 4, 2013
Gates open at 2:00pm
Fireworks will start at approximately 9:30pm
 
Where:            Panther Island Pavilion
Preferred parking is in Panther Island Pavilion special events lot
395 Purcey St, Fort Worth, TX 76102
 
Who:       Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price
Nagaoka Mayor Tamio Mori
Large delegation from Nagaoka
More information is available on our website.
Media Contact:      Matt Oliver
Public Information Officer , Trinity River Vision Authority
Office: (817) 698-0700
Cell: (817) 709-5218
matt.oliver@trinityrivervision.org

2013-06-07 11:29

Fort Worth’s Fourth Partners with Fort Worth Sister Cities International

Celebration of Fort Worth Sister Cities International 25th Anniversary with Nagaoka, Japan is guaranteed to be one of the largest and most unique shows in North Texas.

   

Fort Worth’s Fourth is presented by the Tarrant Regional Water District and produced by the Trinity River Vision Authority

What: The 2013 celebration is a very special occasion for Fort Worth. In honor of the 25th anniversary of Fort Worth Sister Cities International partnership with Nagaoka, Japan, half of the fireworks used in the show will be donated by the City of Nagaoka. This is very special as Nagaoka is known for producing some of the world’s most impressive fireworks and they’re ready to bring that legacy to Fort Worth. In addition to the fireworks donation, the Japanese half of the show will be set to music and choreographed by our Japanese friends. To learn more about what makes Nagaoka’s firework shows so unique, we recommend watching
this video.  The second half of the show will have Texas style fireworks and is guaranteed to deliver even more special effects and surprises that last year! Nagaoka Mayor Mori, Fort Worth Mayor Price along with a large delegation from Japan, will be  joining the ceremony to re-affirm the 25 year old sister city partnership. Fort Worth’s Fourth is a free family event with activities, food and fun. Families can enjoy jet ski shows, live music from Downtown Fever and Petty Theft, tubing, bounce houses, mini golf, horseback rides, face paint and more.
When:    Thursday, July 4, 2013
Gates open at 2:00pm
Fireworks will start at approximately 9:30pm
 
Where:            Panther Island Pavilion
Preferred parking is in Panther Island Pavilion special events lot
395 Purcey St, Fort Worth, TX 76102
 
Who:       Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price
Nagaoka Mayor Tamio Mori
Large delegation from Nagaoka
More information is available on our website.
Media Contact:      Matt Oliver
Public Information Officer , Trinity River Vision Authority
Office: (817) 698-0700
Cell: (817) 709-5218
matt.oliver@trinityrivervision.org

Fort Worth Receives National Recognition for Health Center Project in Swaziland

Fort Worth has won the Humanitarian Assistance Award for our Health & Social Center project with Mbabane, Swaziland.  Below is the message from Mary D. Kane, President and CEO of Sister Cities International.  See the list of award winners here:  SCI Annual Awards Press Release
May 29, 2013
 
Mae Ferguson
Fort Worth Sister Cities International
610 Grove Street
Fort Worth, TX 76102
 
Dear Ms. Ferguson:
 
Congratulations!  It is our pleasure to inform you that the City of Fort Worth has won the 2012 Sister Cities International Innovation: Humanitarian Assistance Award for a city with population more than 500,001.  This award is in recognition of the outstanding exchange work done by your organization in advancing the goals and mission of the sister cities movement.
 
Please note that award winners will be recognized at the Sister Cities International 57th Annual Conference in San Antonio, Texas July 11-13. The Lou Wozar Annual Awards ceremony and dinner will be held on July 13.
 
To register for the Annual Conference, please visit https://www.sister-cities.org/annual-conference.  As an Annual Award winner, we would also like to extend a discount offer for the Annual Conference registration. Use the promotional code “AAW75” and save $75 on your full conference registration.
 
Also, please find attached a copy of a press release announcing your win. We encourage you to distribute it your local media contacts.
 
Again, congratulations and please extend our best wishes to the members of your organization. 
 
Sincerely,
 
Mary D. Kane
President and CEO
Sister Cities International  

2013-05-31 10:07

Fort Worth Receives National Recognition for Health Center Project in Swaziland

Fort Worth has won the Humanitarian Assistance Award for our Health & Social Center project with Mbabane, Swaziland.  Below is the message from Mary D. Kane, President and CEO of Sister Cities International.  See the list of award winners here:  SCI Annual Awards Press Release

May 29, 2013
 
Mae Ferguson
Fort Worth Sister Cities International
610 Grove Street
Fort Worth, TX 76102
 
Dear Ms. Ferguson:
 
Congratulations!  It is our pleasure to inform you that the City of Fort Worth has won the 2012 Sister Cities International Innovation: Humanitarian Assistance Award for a city with population more than 500,001.  This award is in recognition of the outstanding exchange work done by your organization in advancing the goals and mission of the sister cities movement.
 
Please note that award winners will be recognized at the Sister Cities International 57th Annual Conference in San Antonio, Texas July 11-13. The Lou Wozar Annual Awards ceremony and dinner will be held on July 13.
 
To register for the Annual Conference, please visit https://www.sister-cities.org/annual-conference.  As an Annual Award winner, we would also like to extend a discount offer for the Annual Conference registration. Use the promotional code “AAW75” and save $75 on your full conference registration.
 
Also, please find attached a copy of a press release announcing your win. We encourage you to distribute it your local media contacts.
 
Again, congratulations and please extend our best wishes to the members of your organization. 
 
Sincerely,
 
Mary D. Kane
President and CEO
Sister Cities International  

FORT WORTH CELEBRATES 25 YEARS WITH TRIER, GERMANY

Fort Worth, Texas — Sister Cities Delegation Heading to Germany Sister Cities Director Emeritus Hilde Horchler will lead a Fort Worth delegation to Trier, Germany June 25—30 to celebrate Fort Worth’s 25 year anniversary as sister cities.  Trier Mayor Klaus  Jensen will officially recognize the delegation, along with twelve Fort Worth Youth Ambassadors who will also be in Trier on an educational exchange.  Others in the delegation include Director Emeritus Mike Hyatt, board member Doug Harman and Judy Harman, as well as Jane Bass, former board member. The Fort Worth Gessellschaft, the German group responsible for maintaining the sister city  relationship with Fort Worth, has organized tours and events as part of the celebration including an exhibit of Fort Worth artist Nancy Lamb’s paintings. Lamb was invited to Trier in 2012 for the Pilgrimage of the Holy Robe to paint her interpretation of the exhibit. Mayor Price’s schedule prevents her from joining the group but is quoted below from a letter to be delivered: “Since 1987, Fort Worth has been proud to call Trier its Sister City.  Together we have supported a strong partnership including youth and adult programs.“ The delegation will deliver the letter along with a gift on Mayor Price’s behalf and an invitation to visit Fort Worth in 2014 in hopes of renewed economic relations and educational exchanges. Trier is sending a delegation of 15 business leaders in aviation and logistics to Fort Worth to explore business potential later this year.  The visitors will also take part in a local Octoberfest event hosted by Sister Cities.

2013-05-31 09:56

FORT WORTH CELEBRATES 25 YEARS WITH TRIER, GERMANY

Fort Worth, Texas — Sister Cities Delegation Heading to Germany Sister Cities Director Emeritus Hilde Horchler will lead a Fort Worth delegation to Trier, Germany June 25—30 to celebrate Fort Worth’s 25 year anniversary as sister cities.  Trier Mayor Klaus  Jensen will officially recognize the delegation, along with twelve Fort Worth Youth Ambassadors who will also be in Trier on an educational exchange.  Others in the delegation include Director Emeritus Mike Hyatt, board member Doug Harman and Judy Harman, as well as Jane Bass, former board member. The Fort Worth Gessellschaft, the German group responsible for maintaining the sister city  relationship with Fort Worth, has organized tours and events as part of the celebration including an exhibit of Fort Worth artist Nancy Lamb’s paintings. Lamb was invited to Trier in 2012 for the Pilgrimage of the Holy Robe to paint her interpretation of the exhibit. Mayor Price’s schedule prevents her from joining the group but is quoted below from a letter to be delivered: “Since 1987, Fort Worth has been proud to call Trier its Sister City.  Together we have supported a strong partnership including youth and adult programs.“ The delegation will deliver the letter along with a gift on Mayor Price’s behalf and an invitation to visit Fort Worth in 2014 in hopes of renewed economic relations and educational exchanges. Trier is sending a delegation of 15 business leaders in aviation and logistics to Fort Worth to explore business potential later this year.  The visitors will also take part in a local Octoberfest event hosted by Sister Cities.

Celebrate the 4th of July with Fireworks from Nagaoka, Japan

Join Fort Worth Sister Cities and the Trinity River Vision for the 6th Annual Fort Worth’s Fourth of July Festival and Fireworks show on the Trinity River.  In honor of the 25th anniversary celebration of the Sister Cities’ partnership between Fort Worth and Nagaoka, Japan, Nagaoka is providing one of the largest fireworks shows in the metroplex. Join us for this spectacular show and meet our friends from Nagaoka. Nagaoka Mayor Mori, along with a large delegation from Japan, will be  joining us at that time to re-affirm the 25 year old sister city partnership, as well as view the beautiful display of fireworks set to music and choreographed by our Japanese friends.  This will be an exciting time for all so join us on the river if you can.  It will be a magical evening of fireworks and Japanese performances. Fort Worth’s Fourth is a day of live music and free family activities along the Trinity River at Panther Island Pavilion.  Activities include tubing, jet ski shows, obstacle course, bounce houses and more. Last year over 35,000 people attended the event and attendance is expected to exceed 50,000 people this year.  The event is FREE admission and made possible by the generous support of the business community. For further information on the event, visit www.trinityrivervision.org/fortworthsfourth.

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo — Toluca Style

FORT WORTH, TX—Sister Cities Honors the Vaquero Toluca Style Fort Worth Sister Cities is staging a Cinco de Mayo celebration May 2nd in recognition of the city’s fifteen-year relationship with Toluca, Mexico and in honor of the Vaquero. The event will be held at the Rose Marine Theatre from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The celebration will include the gallery exhibit Cantos y Corridos, Vaquero exhibit, live music, Ballet Folklorico de Fort Worth, and a special presentation from Artes Academy’s production of Vaquero Tales. “Fort Worth is proud to have Toluca, Mexico as a sister city and eager to celebrate this important date with our brothers and sisters to the south,” said Doug Harman, Sister Cities Toluca Chair. “I will be visiting Toluca in May and will bring an invitation from Mayor Price to the new mayor of Toluca to visit Fort Worth. It is important to maintain this vital relationship between Toluca and Fort Worth.” Cinco de Mayo is a celebration held on May 5. It is celebrated in the United States and regionally in Mexico, primarily in the state of Puebla, where the holiday is called El Día de la Batalla de Puebla (The Day of the Battle of Puebla). In the U. S. it is a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride. In the state of Puebla, the date is observed to commemorate the Mexican army’s unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín. Toluca, Mexico is Fort Worth’s closest Sister City. Signed in 1998, this partnership has resulted in many programs such as: middle and high school-to-school partnerships including the Model U.N. program; municipal and economic forums; monarch butterfly tourism exchanges; culture, language and mentoring programs; a medical school intern program and Fort Worth Police Dept. training exchanges. Tickets for the event may be obtained by calling 817/632-7106 or via PayPal below: Cinco de Mayo: Member
Name(s) on RSVP
Cinco de Mayo: Non-Member
Name(s) on RSVP

2013-04-22 06:56

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo — Toluca Style

FORT WORTH, TX—Sister Cities Honors the Vaquero Toluca Style Fort Worth Sister Cities is staging a Cinco de Mayo celebration May 2nd in recognition of the city’s fifteen-year relationship with Toluca, Mexico and in honor of the Vaquero. The event will be held at the Rose Marine Theatre from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The celebration will include the gallery exhibit Cantos y Corridos, Vaquero exhibit, live music, Ballet Folklorico de Fort Worth, and a special presentation from Artes Academy’s production of Vaquero Tales. “Fort Worth is proud to have Toluca, Mexico as a sister city and eager to celebrate this important date with our brothers and sisters to the south,” said Doug Harman, Sister Cities Toluca Chair. “I will be visiting Toluca in May and will bring an invitation from Mayor Price to the new mayor of Toluca to visit Fort Worth. It is important to maintain this vital relationship between Toluca and Fort Worth.” Cinco de Mayo is a celebration held on May 5. It is celebrated in the United States and regionally in Mexico, primarily in the state of Puebla, where the holiday is called El Día de la Batalla de Puebla (The Day of the Battle of Puebla). In the U. S. it is a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride. In the state of Puebla, the date is observed to commemorate the Mexican army’s unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín. Toluca, Mexico is Fort Worth’s closest Sister City. Signed in 1998, this partnership has resulted in many programs such as: middle and high school-to-school partnerships including the Model U.N. program; municipal and economic forums; monarch butterfly tourism exchanges; culture, language and mentoring programs; a medical school intern program and Fort Worth Police Dept. training exchanges. Tickets for the event may be obtained by calling 817/632-7106 or via PayPal below: Cinco de Mayo: Member

Name(s) on RSVP
Cinco de Mayo: Non-Member
Name(s) on RSVP

Celebrating Mother Africa: Earth Day Open Mic

Fort Worth, TX—Mike Guinn Heading Up Sister Cities Event Mike Guinn, founder and originator of Fort Worth National Poetry Slams and The DFW Brave New Voices Youth Poetry Slams will be emceeing next week’s poetry open mic event for Fort Worth Sister Cities. Guinn has received international acclaim as one of the South’s hardest working performance  poets, event coordinators-host/emcee and spoken word events promoters. Michael is a professional whose performances are laced with a hint of southern charm and this gentleman poet has garnered a huge fan base selling out almost all events. “You are in for a treat at this poetry slam.  If you want to participate and show off your poetry skills or just want to hear some great poetry relating to Africa, join us,” said Dr. Staussa Erwin, Chair of the Sister Cities Mbabane Committee. The Poetry Open Mic event will be held April 25th, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Trinity River  Campus of Tarrant County College.  Special guest artist Jo Dufo will also be on hand creating live art during the program.  The event is $5.00 and tickets can be reserved online at www.fwsistercities.org or by calling 817/632-7100. Sister Cities is staging monthly educational and cultural events in order to bring the world to Fort Worth.  Last month’s event focused on China with TCU’s Dr. Carrie Currier speaking on economic and political developments.  This month’s event focuses on Africa and is sponsored by the     Mbabane, Swaziland group with the Toluca, Mexico committee hosting a Cinco de Mayo celebration on May 2nd. For more information on these or other programs of Fort Worth Sister Cities visit www.fwsistercities.org or call 817/632-7100. You may obtain tickets to the event here:  Earth Day Open Mic

2013-04-17 04:59

Celebrating Mother Africa: Earth Day Open Mic

Fort Worth, TX—Mike Guinn Heading Up Sister Cities Event Mike Guinn, founder and originator of Fort Worth National Poetry Slams and The DFW Brave New Voices Youth Poetry Slams will be emceeing next week’s poetry open mic event for Fort Worth Sister Cities. Guinn has received international acclaim as one of the South’s hardest working performance  poets, event coordinators-host/emcee and spoken word events promoters. Michael is a professional whose performances are laced with a hint of southern charm and this gentleman poet has garnered a huge fan base selling out almost all events. “You are in for a treat at this poetry slam.  If you want to participate and show off your poetry skills or just want to hear some great poetry relating to Africa, join us,” said Dr. Staussa Erwin, Chair of the Sister Cities Mbabane Committee. The Poetry Open Mic event will be held April 25th, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Trinity River  Campus of Tarrant County College.  Special guest artist Jo Dufo will also be on hand creating live art during the program.  The event is $5.00 and tickets can be reserved online at www.fwsistercities.org or by calling 817/632-7100. Sister Cities is staging monthly educational and cultural events in order to bring the world to Fort Worth.  Last month’s event focused on China with TCU’s Dr. Carrie Currier speaking on economic and political developments.  This month’s event focuses on Africa and is sponsored by the     Mbabane, Swaziland group with the Toluca, Mexico committee hosting a Cinco de Mayo celebration on May 2nd. For more information on these or other programs of Fort Worth Sister Cities visit www.fwsistercities.org or call 817/632-7100. You may obtain tickets to the event here:  Earth Day Open Mic