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The Amazingly Global Race Winners Announced

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, Texas – Sister Cities teams compete in downtown Fort Worth  

dsc_0518If you saw crazy costumes over the weekend in downtown Fort Worth, they were teams in the 3rd Annual Amazingly Global Race chaired by Carolann Morris, Inwood Bank, benefitting Fort Worth Sister Cities International.

Mayor Betsy Price awarded trophies to race teams of four people who walked, ran, or rode to stations representing Fort Worth’s eight sister cities and attempted various feats ending with the awards festivities at the Flying Saucer.

dsc_0508“It’s so good to see how creative people can be in order to support our international efforts. Forming international relationships, fostering new business connections, and promoting tourism and cultural understanding are vital to seizing opportunities and overcoming challenges in this global era,” said Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price.

Trophies were presented in the following categories:

GRAND CHAMPIONS & TOP FUNDRAISING TEAM – The Wonder Team:  Gloria Staring, Carolann Morris, Paul Acosta, and Steve Ortega

FASTEST TIME & BEST COSTUME – 2 Ballers Team:  Jason Murtaugh, Chad Morgan, Steven Deane, and Jeremy Reinhardt

BEST COSTUME RUNNER UP – The Golden Girls Team: Jerod Butler, Denise Harris, Derek Tillemans, and Andy Yates

TOP FUNDRAISER – Carolann Morris

dsc_0484“The Race is held annually to fund the international youth education programs of Sister Cities that give students leadership and communications skills preparing them for a global society,” said Mae Ferguson, President/CEO of Fort Worth Sister Cities International.

2016-10-20 11:23

The Amazingly Global Race Winners Announced

Fort Worth, Texas – Sister Cities teams compete in downtown Fort Worth  

dsc_0518If you saw crazy costumes over the weekend in downtown Fort Worth, they were teams in the 3rd Annual Amazingly Global Race chaired by Carolann Morris, Inwood Bank, benefitting Fort Worth Sister Cities International.

Mayor Betsy Price awarded trophies to race teams of four people who walked, ran, or rode to stations representing Fort Worth’s eight sister cities and attempted various feats ending with the awards festivities at the Flying Saucer.

dsc_0508“It’s so good to see how creative people can be in order to support our international efforts. Forming international relationships, fostering new business connections, and promoting tourism and cultural understanding are vital to seizing opportunities and overcoming challenges in this global era,” said Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price.

Trophies were presented in the following categories:

GRAND CHAMPIONS & TOP FUNDRAISING TEAM – The Wonder Team:  Gloria Staring, Carolann Morris, Paul Acosta, and Steve Ortega

FASTEST TIME & BEST COSTUME – 2 Ballers Team:  Jason Murtaugh, Chad Morgan, Steven Deane, and Jeremy Reinhardt

BEST COSTUME RUNNER UP – The Golden Girls Team: Jerod Butler, Denise Harris, Derek Tillemans, and Andy Yates

TOP FUNDRAISER – Carolann Morris

dsc_0484“The Race is held annually to fund the international youth education programs of Sister Cities that give students leadership and communications skills preparing them for a global society,” said Mae Ferguson, President/CEO of Fort Worth Sister Cities International.

36 Japanese Students in Fort Worth for Middle School Program

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

FORT WORTH, TX— Sister Cities Partners with Three Local Schools

img_8901The 2016 Ambassador Middle Schools include McLean Middle, Leonard Middle, and Fort Worth Country Day School. These schools are hosting 36 students and teachers from Nagaoka, Japan October 15–23 for this annual international youth exchange program.

Fort Worth Sister Cities established the Ambassador Middle School program in 1991 partnering with local public and private schools to promote global fluency for educators and students.

group-laughingThe goal of the Ambassador Middle School program is to prepare Fort Worth students giving them the leadership skills needed to succeed in today’s connected world. At the same time, educators are given creative teaching tools and exposure to international cultures and educational systems of other countries.

cheerleader“Sister Cities works closely with the Fort Worth ISD and local private schools to give Fort Worth students the best opportunity possible to be successful in a global society,” said Johnny Campbell, Chairman of the board. 

In partnership with the Fort Worth Public Library, the students will volunteer at the east regional location, teaching origami and singing songs with children in the Library’s after school program. Through this unique experience the students will provide a glimpse into life in Japan and its unique culture. 

2nd-group-picThe Japanese students will attend classes, participate in cultural activities and live with Fort Worth families from the participating schools while in Fort Worth gaining an even better understanding of Fort Worth and the U.S.A.

2016-10-18 11:30

36 Japanese Students in Fort Worth for Middle School Program

FORT WORTH, TX— Sister Cities Partners with Three Local Schools

img_8901The 2016 Ambassador Middle Schools include McLean Middle, Leonard Middle, and Fort Worth Country Day School. These schools are hosting 36 students and teachers from Nagaoka, Japan October 15–23 for this annual international youth exchange program.

Fort Worth Sister Cities established the Ambassador Middle School program in 1991 partnering with local public and private schools to promote global fluency for educators and students.

group-laughingThe goal of the Ambassador Middle School program is to prepare Fort Worth students giving them the leadership skills needed to succeed in today’s connected world. At the same time, educators are given creative teaching tools and exposure to international cultures and educational systems of other countries.

cheerleader“Sister Cities works closely with the Fort Worth ISD and local private schools to give Fort Worth students the best opportunity possible to be successful in a global society,” said Johnny Campbell, Chairman of the board. 

In partnership with the Fort Worth Public Library, the students will volunteer at the east regional location, teaching origami and singing songs with children in the Library’s after school program. Through this unique experience the students will provide a glimpse into life in Japan and its unique culture. 

2nd-group-picThe Japanese students will attend classes, participate in cultural activities and live with Fort Worth families from the participating schools while in Fort Worth gaining an even better understanding of Fort Worth and the U.S.A.

Fort Worth Elects International Leaders for Sister Cities

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

FORT WORTH, TX – Sundance Square’s Johnny Campbell Takes the Reins

sc-3640Newly elected officers at Fort Worth Sister Cities International’s 31st Annual Meeting, are Board Chair, Johnny Campbell, Sundance Square; Chair-elect, Veronica Chavez Law, Brackett & Ellis, LLP; Secretary, Lu Pham, Dowell Pham Harrison LLP; and Treasurer, Walter Stucker, UBS Financial Services. Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price serves as Honorary Chair.

New board members include: Mitzi Chollampel; Robert Chu, Jr., MD; Jeff Davis; Casey Dyer Oliver; Kelley Eubanks; Stacey Guillén; Jay Horn; Tom Law, Jr.; Richard Lowe; Mike Micallef; Patrick Miller; Tricia Nguyen, MD; Judy Schmeltekopf; Fredrick G. Slabach; and Melissa Thompson.

sc-3589Kids Who Care was awarded the Eisenhower Award for Organizational Involvement presented by Mark Nurdin, Bank of Texas and last year’s recipient, and Julie Johncox was awarded the prestigious Bob Bolen Award for Outstanding Board Leadership presented by last year’s recipient Ann Rice.

sc-3598“The annual meeting is a time to review accomplishments and recognize those responsible for our successes,” said Michael Bennett, Bennett Benner Partners, outgoing Chairman of the Board. A few of the year’s accomplishments were highlighted by President and CEO Mae Ferguson who said, “This year we sent delegations to Japan, China, Cuba, and Mexico. We coordinated youth exchanges to seven cities for over 100 students and welcomed 165 students and educators to Fort Worth creating a $14 million economic impact on the city of Fort Worth.”

Other elected officers include: Richard Casarez; Travis DeVault; Staussa Ervin, EdD; Ashley Freer; Greg Irwin; James Meintjes; Pat Miller; and Mary Jo Polidore. City chairs include: Hannah Behrens; Michael Crain; Paul Geisel, PhD; Sheryl Harris, EdD; Greg Jackson; Michael Roemer, PhD; and Anette Soto.

 “We have many things to look forward to next year. We’re going to Cuba in February, Jordan in April and Swaziland in September; we’re welcoming new mayors from Germany and Japan; and we are recruiting students currently to go to each of our sister cities on educational exchanges,” said Campbell. “We do this because we’re citizen diplomats. We care what the world thinks about the U.S.A. and we want to know more about the rest of the world all in an effort to create friendly relations which is needed more than ever.”

2016-09-23 02:09

Fort Worth Elects International Leaders for Sister Cities

FORT WORTH, TX – Sundance Square’s Johnny Campbell Takes the Reins

sc-3640Newly elected officers at Fort Worth Sister Cities International’s 31st Annual Meeting, are Board Chair, Johnny Campbell, Sundance Square; Chair-elect, Veronica Chavez Law, Brackett & Ellis, LLP; Secretary, Lu Pham, Dowell Pham Harrison LLP; and Treasurer, Walter Stucker, UBS Financial Services. Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price serves as Honorary Chair.

New board members include: Mitzi Chollampel; Robert Chu, Jr., MD; Jeff Davis; Casey Dyer Oliver; Kelley Eubanks; Stacey Guillén; Jay Horn; Tom Law, Jr.; Richard Lowe; Mike Micallef; Patrick Miller; Tricia Nguyen, MD; Judy Schmeltekopf; Fredrick G. Slabach; and Melissa Thompson.

sc-3589Kids Who Care was awarded the Eisenhower Award for Organizational Involvement presented by Mark Nurdin, Bank of Texas and last year’s recipient, and Julie Johncox was awarded the prestigious Bob Bolen Award for Outstanding Board Leadership presented by last year’s recipient Ann Rice.

sc-3598“The annual meeting is a time to review accomplishments and recognize those responsible for our successes,” said Michael Bennett, Bennett Benner Partners, outgoing Chairman of the Board. A few of the year’s accomplishments were highlighted by President and CEO Mae Ferguson who said, “This year we sent delegations to Japan, China, Cuba, and Mexico. We coordinated youth exchanges to seven cities for over 100 students and welcomed 165 students and educators to Fort Worth creating a $14 million economic impact on the city of Fort Worth.”

Other elected officers include: Richard Casarez; Travis DeVault; Staussa Ervin, EdD; Ashley Freer; Greg Irwin; James Meintjes; Pat Miller; and Mary Jo Polidore. City chairs include: Hannah Behrens; Michael Crain; Paul Geisel, PhD; Sheryl Harris, EdD; Greg Jackson; Michael Roemer, PhD; and Anette Soto.

 “We have many things to look forward to next year. We’re going to Cuba in February, Jordan in April and Swaziland in September; we’re welcoming new mayors from Germany and Japan; and we are recruiting students currently to go to each of our sister cities on educational exchanges,” said Campbell. “We do this because we’re citizen diplomats. We care what the world thinks about the U.S.A. and we want to know more about the rest of the world all in an effort to create friendly relations which is needed more than ever.”

Sister Cities Presents Protocol 101

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, Texas – What you need to know before you go!   

Mayor Mori and Mayor PriceFort Worth Sister Cities International is conducting its first community class on why protocol is necessary in today’s world for both business and leisure travel.   The class will take place Sept. 29, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at BBVA Compass 3rd floor conference room located at One Museum Way: 3100 W. 7th Street Suite 310, Fort Worth, TX.  A nominal fee of $35 includes lecture, class materials, certificate of Citizen Diplomacy, and light snack. For tickets visit the Sister Cities website at fwsistercities.org/event/protocol-101.

IMG_0412Led by Susan Turner, Senior Protocol Officer at Lockheed Martin, Protocol 101 will give attendees traveling for business or pleasure the tools they need to be good citizen diplomats representing Fort Worth, Texas and the U.S.A. In a humorous, rapid fire presentation, Turner will discuss ways to capitalize on your experience.

mayor signing“Today, business decisions come down to more than dollars and cents, tax incentives, and the bottom line. How people feel about the community, its leadership, its civic spirit, and its culture matter just as much, if not more,” says Mae Ferguson, President/CEO and Protocol Officer of Fort Worth Sister Cities International. Ferguson also says, “Leisure travelers can receive more meaningful experiences with training to either gain new perspectives or by learning to invest in the people of the places they visit.”

For more information and to make your reservation, please contact Danielle at danielle@fwsistercities.org.

2016-09-07 11:42

Sister Cities Presents Protocol 101

Fort Worth, Texas – What you need to know before you go!   

Mayor Mori and Mayor PriceFort Worth Sister Cities International is conducting its first community class on why protocol is necessary in today’s world for both business and leisure travel.   The class will take place Sept. 29, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at BBVA Compass 3rd floor conference room located at One Museum Way: 3100 W. 7th Street Suite 310, Fort Worth, TX.  A nominal fee of $35 includes lecture, class materials, certificate of Citizen Diplomacy, and light snack. For tickets visit the Sister Cities website at fwsistercities.org/event/protocol-101.

IMG_0412Led by Susan Turner, Senior Protocol Officer at Lockheed Martin, Protocol 101 will give attendees traveling for business or pleasure the tools they need to be good citizen diplomats representing Fort Worth, Texas and the U.S.A. In a humorous, rapid fire presentation, Turner will discuss ways to capitalize on your experience.

mayor signing“Today, business decisions come down to more than dollars and cents, tax incentives, and the bottom line. How people feel about the community, its leadership, its civic spirit, and its culture matter just as much, if not more,” says Mae Ferguson, President/CEO and Protocol Officer of Fort Worth Sister Cities International. Ferguson also says, “Leisure travelers can receive more meaningful experiences with training to either gain new perspectives or by learning to invest in the people of the places they visit.”

For more information and to make your reservation, please contact Danielle at danielle@fwsistercities.org.

Sister Cities Makes $14 Million Impact On City

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, Texas – New study just released out of Washington, DC

economic impactSister city partnerships have long been praised for their cultural benefit, but a new study suggests that citizen diplomacy and the exchange it fosters can mean real money for cities and their partners.

Presented at Sister Cities International’s annual conference in Washington, DC last month, the study observed the impact of travel and tourism, foreign investments from sister cities, spending by students and adults coming for exchange programs, impact of volunteers, in-kind donations and more.

Fort Worth was chosen along with Nashville, Tenn. and Atlanta, Georgia, to participate in the pilot study by ValueIdeas, which boosters say could help provide a better picture of the value international ties bring to cities. Fort Worth has 8 sister-city relationships around the world that provide vibrant educational, cultural and commercial exchanges.

Averaging data collected from sister-city committees, as well as private and government sources over a three-year period, the study determined that Fort Worth saw $14 million in “direct and indirect” economic impact in 2016, most of which came from travel and tourism.

The findings come as the Fort Worth mayor’s office seeks to partner with sister cities to further its economic development goals, even while maintaining their tradition of cultural exchange. Fort Worth and Reggio Emilia, a more than 30-year partnership, are researching possible entrepreneurial exchanges next year.

The study estimated that the impact of Sister Cities International-related exchanges on the U.S. economy, network-wide, is $525 million.

2016-08-15 08:53

Sister Cities Makes $14 Million Impact On City

Fort Worth, Texas – New study just released out of Washington, DC

economic impactSister city partnerships have long been praised for their cultural benefit, but a new study suggests that citizen diplomacy and the exchange it fosters can mean real money for cities and their partners.

Presented at Sister Cities International’s annual conference in Washington, DC last month, the study observed the impact of travel and tourism, foreign investments from sister cities, spending by students and adults coming for exchange programs, impact of volunteers, in-kind donations and more.

Fort Worth was chosen along with Nashville, Tenn. and Atlanta, Georgia, to participate in the pilot study by ValueIdeas, which boosters say could help provide a better picture of the value international ties bring to cities. Fort Worth has 8 sister-city relationships around the world that provide vibrant educational, cultural and commercial exchanges.

Averaging data collected from sister-city committees, as well as private and government sources over a three-year period, the study determined that Fort Worth saw $14 million in “direct and indirect” economic impact in 2016, most of which came from travel and tourism.

The findings come as the Fort Worth mayor’s office seeks to partner with sister cities to further its economic development goals, even while maintaining their tradition of cultural exchange. Fort Worth and Reggio Emilia, a more than 30-year partnership, are researching possible entrepreneurial exchanges next year.

The study estimated that the impact of Sister Cities International-related exchanges on the U.S. economy, network-wide, is $525 million.

Fort Worth Youth Ambassadors Visit Japan

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, TX – Sister Cities provides unique opportunity for Fort Worth youth

Mr. Hara & students in NagaokaSince 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 exchange. 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. For 25 years, it is estimated that over $2 million has been generously donated for this program.

Harashin scholars include: Sarah Alexander, Matthew Aufiero, Juan Cervantes, Claire-Lise Greve, Tabitha Kaiser, Jack Henry, Campbell Robinson, Alexander Roemer, and delegation leaders Kimberly Tezak-Daus and James Gleaton.

sundance squareAll student applicants (9th-11th grades) 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.

Exchange programs are a key element in the overall programs of Fort Worth Sister Cities International and this unique opportunity for students is no exception. The students depart July 26 for a week long exchange and the Japanese students will be in Fort Worth August 9-17.

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 their 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.

2016-07-28 01:50

Fort Worth Youth Ambassadors Visit Japan

Fort Worth, TX – Sister Cities provides unique opportunity for Fort Worth youth

Mr. Hara & students in NagaokaSince 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 exchange. 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. For 25 years, it is estimated that over $2 million has been generously donated for this program.

Harashin scholars include: Sarah Alexander, Matthew Aufiero, Juan Cervantes, Claire-Lise Greve, Tabitha Kaiser, Jack Henry, Campbell Robinson, Alexander Roemer, and delegation leaders Kimberly Tezak-Daus and James Gleaton.

sundance squareAll student applicants (9th-11th grades) 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.

Exchange programs are a key element in the overall programs of Fort Worth Sister Cities International and this unique opportunity for students is no exception. The students depart July 26 for a week long exchange and the Japanese students will be in Fort Worth August 9-17.

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 their 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.

Sister Cities Partners with Tarrant County College For Global Educators Workshop

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, TX– Teachers from nine countries to participate   

IMG_9588Fort Worth Sister Cities International is partnering with Tarrant County College (TCC) for the 4th Global Educators Workshop on July 26.  Educators from nine countries will participate offering diverse perspectives from around the world.

The one-day conference held at the TCC South Campus is $45 and participants will receive six hours of continuing professional education credits, lunch, resources, and an opportunity to network with educators from around the world.

IMG_9773 - CopySpeakers will include Glenda Redeemer, Manager of Chronic Disease Prevention Division at Tarrant County Public Health Dept. and Dr. Staussa Ervin, Ed.D, Professor of Psychology at Tarrant County College and owner of MindPeace Integrated Psychotherapy. The day will also include an overview of the educational systems in China, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, and Swaziland.

The goals of the conference are to engage the educators in interactive dialogue, hear from teachers with success stories, learn how educators connect in other cultures, network and plan, and make lasting professional friendships.

For more information and to make your reservation, please contact Danielle at 817/632-7100 or go online at https://www.fwsistercities.org/event/global-educators-workshop/ .

2016-06-27 09:53

Sister Cities Partners with Tarrant County College For Global Educators Workshop

Fort Worth, TX– Teachers from nine countries to participate   

IMG_9588Fort Worth Sister Cities International is partnering with Tarrant County College (TCC) for the 4th Global Educators Workshop on July 26.  Educators from nine countries will participate offering diverse perspectives from around the world.

The one-day conference held at the TCC South Campus is $45 and participants will receive six hours of continuing professional education credits, lunch, resources, and an opportunity to network with educators from around the world.

IMG_9773 - CopySpeakers will include Glenda Redeemer, Manager of Chronic Disease Prevention Division at Tarrant County Public Health Dept. and Dr. Staussa Ervin, Ed.D, Professor of Psychology at Tarrant County College and owner of MindPeace Integrated Psychotherapy. The day will also include an overview of the educational systems in China, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, and Swaziland.

The goals of the conference are to engage the educators in interactive dialogue, hear from teachers with success stories, learn how educators connect in other cultures, network and plan, and make lasting professional friendships.

For more information and to make your reservation, please contact Danielle at 817/632-7100 or go online at https://www.fwsistercities.org/event/global-educators-workshop/ .

International Students Attend Leadership Academies

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, TX: Building a Culture of Health Theme of Academies

group photo sillySince 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, nearly 150 participants will converge at TCU July 16 – 31 to share their cultures and learn more about leadership.

Students from Fort Worth, China, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico and Swaziland will be in Fort Worth for this two-week program. The Academy’s goal is to increase communication and leadership skills through team-building, problem-solving, and sharing cultures.

community center 19Participants 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 and a community service project.

students making funny facesThis year marks the 12th year of ILA’s middle school program, Jr. International Leadership Academy (JILA) held July 11—15. College students from Toluca, Mexico and Mbabane, Swaziland 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 Mexico and Swaziland gaining an international perspective.

“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 Nancy Marchant, ILA and JILA Coordinator.

The closing ceremonies for ILA take place on July 31, 10:00 a.m. at TCU’s Ed Landreth Auditorium and are open to the public.

2016-06-21 04:22

International Students Attend Leadership Academies

Fort Worth, TX: Building a Culture of Health Theme of Academies

group photo sillySince 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, nearly 150 participants will converge at TCU July 16 – 31 to share their cultures and learn more about leadership.

Students from Fort Worth, China, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico and Swaziland will be in Fort Worth for this two-week program. The Academy’s goal is to increase communication and leadership skills through team-building, problem-solving, and sharing cultures.

community center 19Participants 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 and a community service project.

students making funny facesThis year marks the 12th year of ILA’s middle school program, Jr. International Leadership Academy (JILA) held July 11—15. College students from Toluca, Mexico and Mbabane, Swaziland 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 Mexico and Swaziland gaining an international perspective.

“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 Nancy Marchant, ILA and JILA Coordinator.

The closing ceremonies for ILA take place on July 31, 10:00 a.m. at TCU’s Ed Landreth Auditorium and are open to the public.

Sister Cities Partnering with FWISD For Spanish Immersion Camp 2016

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, Texas — Local students receiving Spanish enrichment training

Fort Worth Sister Cities welcomes 10 university students and 2 educators from Toluca, Mexico’s Tec de Monterrey University June 13-24 for the third Spanish Immersion Camp for elementary students, in partnership with the FWISD. The Toluca students will act as international facilitators for the two-week camp.

“The FWISD is thrilled to partner with Sister Cities in this way providing our students an opportunity to study Spanish from native speakers.  Last year’s camp proved to be very successful with over 125 elementary students participating,” said Carrie Harrington, Director of World Languages for the FWISD.

All Toluca facilitators and educators will be home hosted by local families in order to give them a glimpse into American life and to give the hosting families exposure to Spanish from native speakers as well.

While here the group from Toluca will also have an opportunity to explore cultural attractions and experience true Texas hospitality.   Visits are scheduled to the Stockyards, AT&T Stadium, the Kimbell Art Museum, Fort Worth Water Gardens, Sundance Square Plaza, and more.

Toluca, Mexico is Fort Worth’s closest Sister City. Signed in 1998, this partnership has resulted in many exciting 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 City of Fort Worth Police Dept. training program.

2016-06-21 04:17

Sister Cities Partnering with FWISD For Spanish Immersion Camp 2016

Fort Worth, Texas — Local students receiving Spanish enrichment training

Fort Worth Sister Cities welcomes 10 university students and 2 educators from Toluca, Mexico’s Tec de Monterrey University June 13-24 for the third Spanish Immersion Camp for elementary students, in partnership with the FWISD. The Toluca students will act as international facilitators for the two-week camp.

“The FWISD is thrilled to partner with Sister Cities in this way providing our students an opportunity to study Spanish from native speakers.  Last year’s camp proved to be very successful with over 125 elementary students participating,” said Carrie Harrington, Director of World Languages for the FWISD.

All Toluca facilitators and educators will be home hosted by local families in order to give them a glimpse into American life and to give the hosting families exposure to Spanish from native speakers as well.

While here the group from Toluca will also have an opportunity to explore cultural attractions and experience true Texas hospitality.   Visits are scheduled to the Stockyards, AT&T Stadium, the Kimbell Art Museum, Fort Worth Water Gardens, Sundance Square Plaza, and more.

Toluca, Mexico is Fort Worth’s closest Sister City. Signed in 1998, this partnership has resulted in many exciting 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 City of Fort Worth Police Dept. training program.

Fort Worth To Celebrate 5th Anniversary With Chinese Partner

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, Texas – Mayor Pro Tem Espino leading group to China  

Guiyang, ChinaFort Worth Mayor Pro Tem Sal Espino will lead a delegation of twenty Fort Worth Ambassadors to Guiyang, China June 11-19 to celebrate the 5th anniversary of the partnership as sister cities.

07 - Baby Miao, a Chinese ethnic minority...she is a global thinker alreadyThe exchange will consist of three nights in Guiyang, visiting local sites of interest as well as an official commemoration of the establishment of the partnership at city hall and a celebration banquet following. The exchange will also include a visit to Beijing to see the Great Wall of China, Tiananmen Square, and a tour of the Forbidden City as well as a visit to Shanghai. 

“Fort Worth is eager to recommit to this important relationship with Guiyang and looks forward to many more beneficial exchanges between our two cities.  Together, Fort Worth and Guiyang, hope to create a better understanding of our individual cultures. There are many similarities and many differences we will be able to share,” said Mayor Pro Tem Espino.

grp photo_nice scenaryThe group will also include Youth Ambassadors who will be home hosted while in Guiyang. Fort Worth and Guiyang have developed a strong reciprocal youth program with students visiting each other’s cities annually. Fort Worth will be hosting fifteen Chinese students at its International Leadership Academy in July.

Guiyang is Fort Worth’s eighth sister city and the 124th U.S. city to form a partnership in China.

2016-05-24 10:57

Fort Worth To Celebrate 5th Anniversary With Chinese Partner

Fort Worth, Texas – Mayor Pro Tem Espino leading group to China  

Guiyang, ChinaFort Worth Mayor Pro Tem Sal Espino will lead a delegation of twenty Fort Worth Ambassadors to Guiyang, China June 11-19 to celebrate the 5th anniversary of the partnership as sister cities.

07 - Baby Miao, a Chinese ethnic minority...she is a global thinker alreadyThe exchange will consist of three nights in Guiyang, visiting local sites of interest as well as an official commemoration of the establishment of the partnership at city hall and a celebration banquet following. The exchange will also include a visit to Beijing to see the Great Wall of China, Tiananmen Square, and a tour of the Forbidden City as well as a visit to Shanghai. 

“Fort Worth is eager to recommit to this important relationship with Guiyang and looks forward to many more beneficial exchanges between our two cities.  Together, Fort Worth and Guiyang, hope to create a better understanding of our individual cultures. There are many similarities and many differences we will be able to share,” said Mayor Pro Tem Espino.

grp photo_nice scenaryThe group will also include Youth Ambassadors who will be home hosted while in Guiyang. Fort Worth and Guiyang have developed a strong reciprocal youth program with students visiting each other’s cities annually. Fort Worth will be hosting fifteen Chinese students at its International Leadership Academy in July.

Guiyang is Fort Worth’s eighth sister city and the 124th U.S. city to form a partnership in China.