Sister City Connections – Fort Worth Sister Cities

Elementary Students Receiving Dual Language Enrichment

Posted on May 13, 2024 by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, Texas – Sister Cities Partners with FWISD

In June, Fort Worth will welcome eight university students and two educators from Toluca, Mexico’s Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education and the Autonomous University of the State of Mexico for a Dual Language Camp for Fort Worth elementary students in partnership with the Fort Worth ISD. The Toluca university students will act as international facilitators for the three-week camp June 10 – July 2 at South Hi Mount Elementary School.

This year’s camp will provide summer enrichment for FWISD students in dual language studies to increase language and literacy across the content areas. Nearly 100 students are expected to attend. The Toluca facilitators and educators are being home hosted by local families in order to give these visitors a glimpse into American life and to give the hosting families exposure to the culture of Toluca, as well.

While here the group will also explore local cultural attractions and experience true Texas hospitality. Visits include the Stockyards, the Kimbell Art Museum, Sundance Square and more.

2024-05-13 11:17

Elementary Students Receiving Dual Language Enrichment

Fort Worth, Texas – Sister Cities Partners with FWISD

While here the group will also explore local cultural attractions and experience true Texas hospitality. Visits include the Stockyards, the Kimbell Art Museum, Sundance Square and more.

Emerging Leaders from Estonia Examine Municipal Leadership and Community Engagement in Fort Worth

Posted on January 19, 2024February 26, 2024 by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, TX — The Congressional Office for International Leadership, an agency of the U.S. Congress, will send a delegation of young professionals from Estonia to Fort Worth from Jan. 26 – Feb. 3, 2024, through the Open World program. The delegation consists of five professionals who will be accompanied by a bicultural facilitator. While in Fort Worth, the COIL program participants will be hosted by Fort Worth Sister Cities International and the City of Fort Worth.

Prior to their arrival in Fort Worth the participants will complete an orientation in Washington, D.C.

In Fort Worth, delegates will collaborate on best practices for municipal leadership and community engagement from local leaders in Fort Worth. Activities, organized by Assistant City Manager Fernando Costa, include visits with city officials, the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Near Southside, Inc., Downtown Fort Worth, Inc., Camp Bowie District, Inc., T3 Partnership, and more. The delegation will stay in the homes of Fort Worth residents who serve as hospitality hosts.

More than 28,000 current and future leaders from post-Soviet era countries have participated in the Open World program. Open World offers one of the most effective U.S. exchange programs to promote mutually beneficial options for depolarized engagement between future national leaders.

Founded in 1999 by Congress, COIL maintains a vast network of more than 28,000 alumni in strategic countries including Russia, Ukraine, and others in the Balkans, Caucuses, Central Asia and Eastern Europe. Open World supports legislative diplomacy efforts for Members of Congress by conducting exchanges that establish lasting professional relationships between emerging leaders and their U.S. counterparts. Program participants are provided with extensive exposure to American politics, accountable governance, and citizen diplomacy, while being home hosted by American families. To learn more about Open World, please visit www.openworld.gov/.

2024-01-19 12:34

Emerging Leaders from Estonia Examine Municipal Leadership and Community Engagement in Fort Worth

Prior to their arrival in Fort Worth the participants will complete an orientation in Washington, D.C.

Official delegations from Mexico and Italy

Posted on November 27, 2023November 27, 2023 by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, Texas – Visiting delegations hosted by Sister Cities

Fort Worth Sister Cities International hosted two delegations in November from Fort Worth’s sister cities Toluca, Mexico and Reggio Emilia, Italy.

While in Fort Worth, the groups visited with Fort Worth City Council members and Mayor Parker, as well as, several businesses and cultural sites to learn about Fort Worth and how to engage our cities in mutually beneficial endeavors.

Led by State Congresswoman Monica Gaytan, the Toluca delegation toured the Cultural District and Stockyards, attended the Mayor’s International Dinner in celebration of 25 years of partnership between Fort Worth and Toluca, and participated in the Dia de los Muertos Parade organized by Artes de la Rosa.

“We were thrilled to welcome our guests and show them what Fort Worth has to offer, as well as to celebrate 25 years of friendship which is something to be valued and is more important today than ever before,” said Wilma Lopez, Toluca Chair.

Led by Mayor Luca Vecchi, the Reggio Emilia delegation engaged in several special interest meetings and tours with Mrs. Renfro’s, Dickies Arena, the Kimbell Art Museum, the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, and Downtown Fort Worth, Inc.

“This visit to Fort Worth is just the beginning of continued growth. The business counterpart meetings created value and experience to think and grow connections internationally,” said Reggio Emilia Chair Sian Borne.

These exchanges would not be possible without the support of volunteers from our city committees. A huge thank you to the members of our Toluca Committee and Reggio Emilia Committee for welcoming our visitors with open arms.

Interested in volunteering for a committee? Email beth@fwsistercities.org.

2023-11-27 10:23

Official delegations from Mexico and Italy

Fort Worth, Texas – Visiting delegations hosted by Sister Cities

Fort Worth Sister Cities International hosted two delegations in November from Fort Worth’s sister cities Toluca, Mexico and Reggio Emilia, Italy.

Interested in volunteering for a committee? Email beth@fwsistercities.org.

International Students Attend Leadership Academy

Posted on June 13, 2023 by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, TX: Peace Builders, Theme of Academy

High school students from around the world will descend on Fort Worth starting July 8. Students from Eswatini, Italy, and Japan, along with Fort Worth students, will be in Fort Worth for the 34th International Leadership Academy. The academy’s goal is to increase communication and leadership skills through teambuilding and problem-solving using diplomacy.

Since 1989, ILA has brought young people from Fort Worth’s nine sister cities to the area to discuss pressing global issues. This year, nearly 50 participants will converge at Texas Christian University July 8 – 23 to share their cultures and learn about citizen diplomacy and its importance.

“The 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 Nelcy Cardenas, ILA Coordinator.

Participants will live on the TCU campus and share a room with students from another country. They will attend classes that are designed to challenge stereotypes, highlight cultures, promote diplomatic dialogue, develop leadership skills, and solve global problems. Activities will also include visits to area businesses, museums, and other cultural venues specific to Fort Worth, as well as a community service project.

2023-06-13 04:12

International Students Attend Leadership Academy

Fort Worth, TX: Peace Builders, Theme of Academy

Summer Leadership Academies Return to Fort Worth

Posted on June 22, 2022June 22, 2022 by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, TX – High school students from around the world will descend on Fort Worth starting July 8. Students from Eswatini and Italy, along with Fort Worth students, will be in Fort Worth for the 33rd International Leadership Academy. The academy’s goal is to increase communication and leadership skills through teambuilding and problem-solving using diplomacy.

Since 1989, the ILA has brought young people from Fort Worth’s nine sister cities to the area to discuss pressing global issues. This year, nearly 50 participants will converge at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Fort Worth July 16 – 31 to share their cultures and learn about citizen diplomacy and its importance.

Participants will live at the hotel and share a room with students from another country. They will attend classes that are designed to challenge stereotypes, highlight cultures, promote diplomatic dialogue, develop leadership skills, and solve global problems. Activities will also include visits to area businesses, museums, and other cultural venues specific to Fort Worth, as well as a community service project.

This year marks the 16th year of ILA’s middle school program, the Jr. International Leadership Academy held July 10 – 15. College students will serve as facilitators for Fort Worth students who will discuss the same issues as their high school counterparts, gaining international perspectives.

The closing ceremony for ILA will take place July 30, 10 a.m. at the Texas A&M University School of Law and is free and open to the public.

2022-06-22 10:44

Summer Leadership Academies Return to Fort Worth

The closing ceremony for ILA will take place July 30, 10 a.m. at the Texas A&M University School of Law and is free and open to the public.

Support Ukrainian Refugees in Budapest

Posted on April 25, 2022April 25, 2022 by Fort Worth Sister Cities

More than 10 million people are thought to have fled their homes in Ukraine to neighboring countries since this devastating war with Russia began. It’s a heartbreaking situation as many leave loved ones, pets and essentials behind.

Fort Worth’s sister city of Budapest, Hungary shares a border with Ukraine and is asking for our help for the nearly 25,000 Ukrainian refugees expected to arrive in Hungary. This support will provide shelter, food, transportation, counseling and other services for those in need.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Through May 31, Fort Worth Sister Cities International is collecting donations to be sent to Budapest on behalf of the Ukrainian refugees. 100% of the funds collected will be sent to Budapest Helps, an organization managed by the Municipality of Budapest.

You can read more about them here.

Throughout our 37-year history, Fort Worth has provided assistance to our international partners many times, and they have done the same for us. Some examples are the care given to 68 Fort Worthians on Sept. 11 in Trier, Germany and funds donated to help Fort Worth recover from the devastating tornado that hit downtown. Fort Worth in turn has given assistance to Japan and Indonesia after tsunamis in their countries and humanitarian aid to Mbabane, Eswatini and Toluca, Mexico.

We care for our friends and our friends care for us. Donate today to help the Ukrainian refugees in Budapest. Your donation is fully tax deductible. With these funds, our friends in Budapest will:

Distribute food, water, clothing, bedding, hygiene items, and blankets
Provide free transportation
Supply baby products and services for children
Prepare shelters for those who need a comforting place to sleep and feel safe
Provide health-related services and medical support to those in need
Provide psychosocial support for those who are physically, mentally and emotionally stressed
Help connect people to other essential services.

Donate now.

2022-04-25 09:35

Support Ukrainian Refugees in Budapest

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

You can read more about them here.

We care for our friends and our friends care for us. Donate today to help the Ukrainian refugees in Budapest. Your donation is fully tax deductible. With these funds, our friends in Budapest will:

Distribute food, water, clothing, bedding, hygiene items, and blankets
Provide free transportation
Supply baby products and services for children
Prepare shelters for those who need a comforting place to sleep and feel safe
Provide health-related services and medical support to those in need
Provide psychosocial support for those who are physically, mentally and emotionally stressed
Help connect people to other essential services.

Donate now.

Fort Worth Celebrates 35th Anniversary with Reggio Emilia, Italy

Posted on October 28, 2020October 28, 2020 by Fort Worth Sister Cities

October 29, 2020 marked a cold evening in Fort Worth, Texas, as residents bundled up in cars parked throughout the Coyote Drive-In Theater to celebrate Fort Worth’s 35-year anniversary with Reggio Emilia, Italy. The evening began with a special video message from Mayor Betsy Price and Reggio’s Mayor Luca Vecchi shown on the big screen. To cap off the evening, the crowd was then treated to pizza and the 2003 film – The Italian Job.

Our friends in Reggio also held a celebration of their own in Italy for this long and fruitful relationship. In a recent letter from Mayor Vecchi to Mayor Price, Vecchi made these comments:

“In a challenging period like this, we strongly believe that international exchanges and collaborations are an important lever for the relaunch of our community, economy and the values we believe in. I wish you a happy anniversary to you hoping to see you next year.”

35 years ago, Fort Worth Mayor Bob Bolen and Reggio Emilia Mayor Ugo Benassi signed the official documents to establish Fort Worth’s first sister city relationship with Reggio Emilia. The Reggio City Chair at that time, Mary Palko, then took the reigns and the first inbound exchange took place when 135 runners from Reggio Emilia participated in the Cowtown Marathon. Later that year Fort Worth Sister Cities received its first national recognition – the Readers Digest award for Best New Program – and that’s how it all began.

As our very first sister city, Reggio Emilia holds a special place in our hearts. Originally a Roman fortress situated in the Apennine foothills of Northern Italy, this historic city is home to spectacular cathedrals and palazzos dating back to the 12th century, the Municipal Theater and the famous Parmigiano Reggiano cheese factory.

Our relationship with this amazing city offers equally amazing opportunities for Fort Worth’s citizen diplomats. In addition to exchanges featuring the daily life and culture of Italy, Italian cooking and language classes and visits to the nearby city of Florence, the program is recognized for developing unique first-ever exchanges, including:

Tricolore Youth Sports Games, a youth-based version of the Olympics for which Fort Worth is the sole United States participant
A Handicap Life Skills Symposium
International Wheelchair Basketball Tournaments
Annual student exchanges
Smithsonian’s U.S. Tour of Reggio Emilia’s education model
Cutting and quarter horse training, breeding and competition
Stage, craft and performance arts training programs
Marathons
Culinary, hotel, and professional internships
Fashion and artisan industry programs

You can view a compilation of several short videos from participants and leaders of many exchanges and programs over the last 35 years between these two cities here.

2020-10-28 05:15

Fort Worth Celebrates 35th Anniversary with Reggio Emilia, Italy

Our friends in Reggio also held a celebration of their own in Italy for this long and fruitful relationship. In a recent letter from Mayor Vecchi to Mayor Price, Vecchi made these comments:

Tricolore Youth Sports Games, a youth-based version of the Olympics for which Fort Worth is the sole United States participant
A Handicap Life Skills Symposium
International Wheelchair Basketball Tournaments
Annual student exchanges
Smithsonian’s U.S. Tour of Reggio Emilia’s education model
Cutting and quarter horse training, breeding and competition
Stage, craft and performance arts training programs
Marathons
Culinary, hotel, and professional internships
Fashion and artisan industry programs

You can view a compilation of several short videos from participants and leaders of many exchanges and programs over the last 35 years between these two cities here.

Sister Cities June Update

Posted on June 1, 2020June 1, 2020 by Fort Worth Sister Cities

While in-person relationship building and international travel are curtailed right now, the exchanges and outreach of Fort Worth Sister Cities are still just as vibrant as ever due to the commitment and dedication of our many partners, members and volunteers. They understand this work is important – now more than ever before.

Our youth have been conducting virtual meetings with students in Budapest, Hungry; Nîmes, France; Reggio Emilia, Italy; and Trier, Germany this spring and have shown that we can still create relationships – only in a different way. Students from these cities have been able to connect with Fort Worth youth exchanging information about what life is like in their communities during this quarantine era. Their voices were enthusiastic and attitudes eager to continue virtual connections, despite zoom fatigue they experienced from their online classwork.

Even our Fort Worth Youth International local group are meeting virtually and have created a community service project that they could participate in from their own living rooms. They are making cards with original artwork and messages of inspiration for families who are part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County.

The premier high school International Leadership Academy and Jr. Academy are also going virtual with students organizing weekly games like charades, scavenger hunts, and leadership building activities throughout the summer with students from Fort Worth’s nine sister cities. And, we’ve created adult virtual dinners and entertainment with some of our sister cities to provide cultural insights.

Fort Worth and its nine sister cities are also helping each other on how to best reopen our communities and energize our economies. Recently we coordinated a virtual economic relations meeting with officials in Toluca, Mexico with participation from the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, City of Fort Worth Economic Development Department, and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce arranged by Councilman Carlos Flores. We can always learn from each other and these longtime partnerships are proving to be valuable during this time.

It is a different time for us for sure, but we are determined to press on and continue to connect globally. We may not be experiencing the usual exciting greetings and departures at the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport but we are traveling through the skies in a different way – via Zoom. We’ll pick right back up in 2021 to renew and create even more connections here in Fort Worth and around the world.

2020-06-01 02:45

Sister Cities June Update

International Connections Thrive in Fort Worth

Posted on January 28, 2020January 30, 2020 by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, Texas – Fort Worth Sister Cities International Celebrates its 35^th Anniversary

Now 35 years old, Fort Worth Sister Cities International has brought international attention to Fort Worth with its nine sister cities in China, Eswatini, France, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, and Mexico.

Last month, they launched the public campaign of the Members Circle of Giving by announcing Charlie Powell, President of Ciera Bank, as the 2020 Campaign Chair.

The Members Circle of Giving is a thriving network of individuals, organizations, corporations and community leaders committed to expanding global relationships for peace and prosperity at home and abroad. Lead donors to this year’s campaign will be recognized at the Mayor’s International Dinner & Global Awards on Nov. 12.

“Due to the generosity of corporate and individual donors, $196,000 has already been pledged and Sister Cities is well on its way to meeting its $325,000 goal,” said Charlie Powell, 2020 Campaign Chair.

This early support comes from Visit Fort Worth, as a Platinum member; Texas Health Resources and Rae & Mike Hyatt as Premier members; and BNSF Railway, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson LLP as Global members. Presidential members include Bank of Texas, Ciera Bank, Cook Children’s Healthcare System, Greg Jackson Law, Hillwood, Hilde & Helmut Horchler and Mary Palko.

100% of the Sister Cities’ board of directors are members and invite the community to join them in making Fort Worth a more culturally diverse city.

“Our business is people-to-people relationships, youth and adults alike. We do it well and want to do even more to benefit Fort Worth,” said Veronica Chavez Law, Board Chairwoman.

Funding and in-kind support from the City of Fort Worth (4% of Sister Cities’ budget) plays a key role in its mission, but most work is made possible through public support like that received through the Members Circle of Giving.

To support Fort Worth Sister Cities and join the 2020 Members Circle, contact Katie Wharry at 817-632-7101 or katie@fwsistercities.org.

2020-01-28 04:25

International Connections Thrive in Fort Worth

Fort Worth, Texas – Fort Worth Sister Cities International Celebrates its 35^th Anniversary

Last month, they launched the public campaign of the Members Circle of Giving by announcing Charlie Powell, President of Ciera Bank, as the 2020 Campaign Chair.

100% of the Sister Cities’ board of directors are members and invite the community to join them in making Fort Worth a more culturally diverse city.

“Our business is people-to-people relationships, youth and adults alike. We do it well and want to do even more to benefit Fort Worth,” said Veronica Chavez Law, Board Chairwoman.

To support Fort Worth Sister Cities and join the 2020 Members Circle, contact Katie Wharry at 817-632-7101 or katie@fwsistercities.org.

Youth Ambassadors Selected for 2020

Posted on November 26, 2019February 25, 2020 by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Congratulations to all the students who were selected for Youth Ambassador exchanges in 2020! Students go through a rigorous application and interview process before being selected for travel to one of our sister cities. After selection, students attend cultural orientations to prepare for travel abroad and to get to know the culture of their destination.

A special congratulation to Will Lourcey who received the Yamagata Emerging Leader Scholarship for his excellence in community service and leadership. Lourcey will be using the scholarship to travel to Reggio Emilia, Italy in the spring.