Fort Worth Sister Cities

Arlington Heights High School Hosting Students from Bandung, Indonesia

Posted on September 17, 2012April 10, 2018 by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Twelve high school students and two teachers from Bandung, Indonesia will spend two weeks in Fort Worth hosted by Arlington Heights High School as part of the Sister Cities Ambassador School Program October 20^th – November 2nd. The goal of the exchange is to provide an international experience that will further promote global understanding, provide an opportunity to share cultural heritage and traditions, learn about the U.S. educational system and develop new international friendships while gaining a personal experience of living with a Fort Worth host family. As part of a reciprocal exchange, Bandung is inviting high school students from Arlington Heights and all area Fort Worth students to their city in June 2013 to further enrich this international program. The Bandung students have also been invited by the Indonesian Consulate in Houston for a weekend to tour NASA and to participate in their local Indonesian Festival where they will perform a cultural dance. They will also tour Austin and the State Capitol. They will conclude their stay with a full knowledge of Texas history led by Arlington Heights German teacher Cody Cox for this weekend trip to Houston and Austin.

2012-09-17 10:16

Arlington Heights High School Hosting Students from Bandung, Indonesia

Danke Shon Simon Kohl

Posted on September 17, 2012April 10, 2018 by Fort Worth Sister Cities

We have had the pleasure of working with a wonderful international intern from Trier, Germany for three months. Simon Kohl leaves us this month to return to Germany and his studies. We appreciate all his hard work managing the different international and educational projects in our office. Also, a huge thank you to his host families, Professor Jeffrey and Heather Todd and Katie Sherrod and Gayland Poole for making him feel so welcome and for giving him a place to call home. Danke and auf wiedersehen Simon. We’ll miss you. Simon Kohl with Trier City Chair Michael Bennett and Director Emeritus Hilde Horchler

2012-09-17 08:56

Danke Shon Simon Kohl

Mayor Betsy Price to Host Dancing with the Sister Cities Stars!

Posted on September 12, 2012April 10, 2018 by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, TX— Celebrity dancers announced As Honorary Chair of Fort Worth Sister Cities, Mayor Betsy Price will again host the annual Mayor’s International Dinner Nov. 1st at the Renaissance Worthington Hotel to raise funds for educational, cultural and business opportunities for the citizens of Fort Worth. The dancers are rehearsing, the chef is cooking and early voting has started for the Best Dancers at this year’s event. The winning couple will be selected by audience votes at the dinner and online prior to the event at www.fwsistercities.org. This year’s line up of local celebrity dancers include: Swing—Councilman Dennis & Cindy Shingleton, Greg & Jeanine Ricks and Kyle Arnold & Andrea Ballard Waltz—Bob & Sally Parmelee, Charlie & Beverly Powell, Marshall & Annette Searcy, and Capt. Rob & Lori Bennett. Tango—Joe Berry & Janee Harrell, Clint Riley & Kelly Campbell, Travis & Catharine DeVault, and JaMarcus Perdue & Stephanie Flesher. Disco—St. Rep. Kelly & Robin Hancock, Steve & Rebecca Montgomery, Mayor Ken & Ashley Shetter, and Fred Slabach & Melany Neilson. New this year are the “Stompin’ Studs” dancing with Mayor Price. This group of community leaders will perform to a wild and energetic song but will not compete for votes. They include: Bob Jameson, David Goodroe, Glen Hahn, Greg Kalina, Carlo Capua, Andy Taft, Robert Sturns, David Parker, Matt Graves, T. D. Smyers, Chris Edwards, Chief Jeff Halstead, Lee Rogers, and Henry Borbolla. “This is going to be an event you do not want to miss. These guys are well-known in Fort Worth but you don’t usually see them perform a dance routine for a crowd of 500 people,“ said Michael Guyton, this year’s Dinner Chair and Vice President of ONCOR. For information about sponsorship opportunities and to purchase individual tickets at $150 each contact Sister Cities at 817.632-7100 or email Eva.

2012-09-12 09:17

Mayor Betsy Price to Host Dancing with the Sister Cities Stars!

Fort Worth Awarded International Friendly City

Posted on August 31, 2012April 10, 2018 by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, TX — Chinese Sister City Makes Recommendation Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price was recently notified that the City of Fort Worth will receive the award as the 2012 International Friendly City at the China Friendship Cities Conference in Chengdu, China next month. Guiyang, China, Fort Worth’s newest sister city, made the nomination after only 12 months of on-going youth and adult programs and exchanges since signing the official city agreement in October 2011. “On behalf of the City Council and citizens of Fort Worth, I want to thank Guiyang for this nomination. We are delighted that our newest sister city feels that Fort Worth deserves this honor. Friendliness is strongly valued in our city, and we are humbled by this recognition. Thank you, City of Guiyang, for your friendship and kindness,” said Mayor Price. The conference, where the award will be presented, is hosted by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the China International Friendship Cities Association. Topics at the conference will include development strategies in cities, emergency relief, aging populations and economic initiatives. Sister Cities International will send a delegation of board members to the conference and Tom Lisk, Chairman of the Board, will accept the award on behalf of Mayor Price and the citizens of Fort Worth. In 2010, a delegation of Sister Cities board members, representatives from the Fort Worth Chamber, City of Fort Worth and local business leaders visited China to determine which city to invite as Fort Worth’s 8th sister city. Upon a recommendation from the group, the Fort Worth city council unanimously selected Guiyang, China.

2012-08-31 10:01

Fort Worth Awarded International Friendly City

Ambassador Middle Schools Bring 35 Japanese Students to Fort Worth

Posted on August 30, 2012 by Fort Worth Sister Cities

FORT WORTH, TX— Sister Cities Partnering With 3 Fort Worth Schools Fort Worth Sister Cities International announced the Ambassador Middle Schools for 2012 earlier this year. They include Daggett Montessori, Fort Worth Academy and Trinity Valley School. These schools will host 35 students and teachers in September on this annual international exchange initiative. Fort Worth Sister Cities established the Ambassador Middle School program in 1991 partnering with local public and private schools to promote international education. The goal of the Ambassador Middle School program is to provide Fort Worth teachers with creative teaching tools in order to prepare students as future leaders. Through participation in the program, students gain critical skills and experiences necessary to succeed in a global society. “The Fort Worth ISD is proud to partner with Sister Cities on this program, as well as many other international initiatives. We want to give our students the best opportunity possible to be successful,” said Superintendent Walter Dansby. While at the Ambassador Schools the Japanese students will attend classes, participate in cultural activities and be home hosted by families from the participating schools. Through this unique experience they will learn about our language and culture, as well as educational system, and develop new friendships.

2012-08-30 03:04

Ambassador Middle Schools Bring 35 Japanese Students to Fort Worth

Proposed City Budget Contains No Funding for Sister Cities

Posted on August 21, 2012 by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, TX—Nation’s Best Program in Jeopardy The City of Fort Worth’s proposed FY2012/13 budget contains no funding for Fort Worth Sister Cities. This total cut in funding may seriously jeopardize Fort Worth Sister Cities’ continued existence. After a meeting in which the Mayor indicated further consideration of funding may be given, Brad Mahon, Chairman of the Board stated, “We are hopeful the funding will be directly designated in the budget so that we can continue to provide award-winning programs on behalf of the City.” Fort Worth has been recognized as having the Best Overall Program in the U.S. from the national organization eight times, more than any other city in the U.S. “Since starting Fort Worth Sister Cities in 1985 during my mayoral term, I have watched Sister Cities grow youth leadership programs, travel exchanges and business expansions around the world,” said former Mayor Bob Bolen. Sister city relationships are municipal government agreements recognized by the U.S. Dept. of State. Fort Worth has eight such recognized official agreements signed by Mayors of Fort Worth beginning in 1985. Sister Cities, who manages these relationships, received $100,000 from the City this year which is 20% of its core budget. Fort Worth Sister Cities programs yield an annual economic impact of $2.6 million to the City of Fort Worth hosting over 500 visitors annually. It leverages international relationships to attract economic connections and tourism.

2012-08-21 08:11

Proposed City Budget Contains No Funding for Sister Cities

An Open Letter to the International Leadership Academy host families, teachers, facilitators, interns and volunteers

Posted on July 30, 2012April 10, 2018 by Fort Worth Sister Cities

It is difficult to believe that the Fort Worth Sister Cities International Leadership Academy and Jr. Academy have come to a close and that the 125 participants have returned home – hopefully with wonderful stories of friendship and exciting activities they experienced while in Fort Worth. Because of this experience, you and they are forever changed. On behalf of the board of directors, staff and our members, Sister Cities sends a heartfelt THANK YOU to each and every one of you. The things you did, from unloading linens for the dorms to taking a host son or daughter for the week or weekend, to teaching a hip hop dance or art class, your contribution exemplifies commitment to our mission of respect and understanding of other cultures and your desire to make the world a better place. Danke, Domo, Xie Xie, Terimah Kashi, köszönöm , Gracias, Grazie, and Ngiyabonga, to each of you for contributing your time, energy, and financial resources to continue this award-winning academy. The Sister Cities community is an impressive one. Because of you and others in our network, we are recognized as having the best program in the United States. Sincerely,

2012-07-30 08:50

An Open Letter to the International Leadership Academy host families, teachers, facilitators, interns and volunteers

Ambassadors Visit Japan

Posted on July 27, 2012 by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, TX – Sister Cities sends 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 departed July 26th 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: Blaine Edwards, Mariley Grissom, Morgan Killian, Brian Loredo, Meagan Moses, Daniela Silva, Alison Strickland and Katherine Super accompanied by delegation leaders Masaki Nakamoto and Renee Snoke.

2012-07-27 01:45

Ambassadors Visit Japan

Students from eight countries in Fort Worth for Leadership Academy

Posted on July 24, 2012 by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, Texas – Visions of Peace Theme of Sister Cities Leadership Academy 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. 125 participants converged at TCU on July 14th to share their cultures and learn from one another. Students from Fort Worth, Italy, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Swaziland, Indonesia and China are in Fort Worth for this 2 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 this Saturday, July 28th, 10:00 a.m. at TCU’s Ed Landreth Auditorium. The ILA Class of 2012 will demonstrate what they have accomplished during the Academy in an elaborate performance. The ceremony is free and open to the public. More than 100 Fort Worth families opened their homes to the students this past weekend sharing our western hospitality. The international students were treated to horseback riding, Texas Rangers baseball games, pool parties and shopping. This is a unique experience for both Fort Worth families, as well as the visiting students and teachers. “We will never forget the students who lived with us and have all made life-long friends. This is true citizen diplomacy in action and one of the most rewarding experiences for all of us, “ said Kelli Bartlett, Sister Cities board member and host family.

2012-07-24 11:32

Students from eight countries in Fort Worth for Leadership Academy

Annual Japan-America Grassroots Summit

Posted on July 24, 2012 by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth to Host Welcoming for

Annual Japan-America Grassroots Summit

North Texas has been selected as the venue for the 2012 Japan-America Grassroots Summit, an annual gathering of Japanese and American citizens which aims to strengthen the peaceful relationships between the two countries by fostering friendships at the grassroots level. The Summit, held alternately in Japan and the U.S., honors one of the first friendships between a Japanese and an American, a unique bond begun in 1841 and continuing through their descendants to the present day. The 2012 Japan-America Grassroots Summit will take place in North Texas from Tuesday, August 28, to Monday, September 3. Opening in Fort Worth and closing in Dallas, the week-long Summit will span the scope of the Texas cowboy heritage as well as the region’s cultural and sports achievements. Residents of fifteen North Texas cities will open their homes and hearts to the Japanese visitors for a three-night local homestay program. The 15 North Texas host cities are:

Arlington

Dallas

Denton

Fort Worth

Gainesville

Glen Rose

Irving

McKinney

Muenster & Lindsay

Parker

Plano

Richardson

Southlake

Waxahachie

The Summit honors the life-long friendship between Captain William H. Whitfield, an American whaler, and John Manjiro Nakahama, a Japanese fisherman and the first Japanese citizen to be educated in America. Manjiro’s knowledge of America faciliated the opening of Japan to trade with the western world following the arrival of Commodore Matthew C. Perry in 1853. Manjiro taught English, navigation, ship-building and American ideas, such as democracy, to young Japanese samurais who led Japan to modernize and join the developed world. “The friendship between these two men is unique in that it has continued for more than 170 years between their descendants,” said Hiroko Todoroki, CIE Secretary General. “The purpose of the annual Grassroots Summit is to encourage new friendships between Japanese and Americans that will last a lifetme and beyond. Members of the Whitfield and Nakahama families play a pivotal role in each Summit, and serve as a reminder of the enormous potential of grassroots exchange.” The 2012 Japan-America Grassroots Summit is being presented by the JASDFW and the CIE in cooperation with the Consulate-General of Japan in Houston, the host cities, and community organizations. Sponsors are 7-Eleven, Inc.; Fujitsu Network Communications, Inc.; and Gulf States Toyota, Inc. Additional support is provided by The Trammell & Margaret Crow Collection of Asian Art, Dallas GiveCamp, and Suzuki Graphic Design Studio. “North Texas is honored to be chosen as the host for the 22nd Grassroots Summit,” said John M. Stich, Honorary Consul General of Japan at Dallas and Vice-Chairman of the Steering Committee of the 2012 Japan-America Grassroots Summit in North Texas. “We anticipate there will be approximately 150-200 Japanese visitors coming to North Texas. We look forward to introducing our Japanese guests to real Texas hospitality and to the many attractions in North Texas.”

2012-07-24 09:08