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Welcome back to China delegation

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 25 , 2012 FORT WORTH, Texas- 71 Fort Worth delegates have returned from Guiyang, China on an inaugural exchange to Fort Worth’s eighth sister city. The delegation was led April 13-22 by State Senator Jane Nelson and City Councilman Dennis Shingleton. Along with the delegation, 28 members of the Texas Wesleyan University choir attended at the invitation from Mayor Li Zaiyong of Guiyang. Mayor Li extended the invitation on Oct. 17, 2011, after the Wesleyan Chamber Singers sang at the official signing of Guiyang as Fort Worth’s sister city. The TWU choir performed in the Guiyang Grand Theater with the Guiyang Symphony. Hundreds were in attendance and strong friendships were created during this exchange between two universities.  The choir was accompanied by John Fisher, chair of the music department, and Jerome Bierschenk, director of choral activities. While in Guiyang, the delegates experienced Fort Worth’s newest sister city by exploring sites of historic interest in and around Guiyang, a city of more than 4.3 million. Sights visited included the Ming Dynasty temple and rang a ceremonial bell in the city square. The group also traveled to Beijing where they explored Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. The delegation participated in talks on how to develop future business opportunities between the two cities, as well as educational and cultural exchanges.  As a special recognition, Guiyang Mayor Li made the following people honorary citizens of Guiyang:   Senator Jane Nelson and Mike Nelson Dennis Shingleton Brad Mahon Mike Hyatt John &Nancy Burgoyne Mae Ferguson David Dubois Irene Chase   For more information, visit Fort Worth Sister Cities’ Guiyang travel blog at https://fwsistercitiesguiyang.wordpress.com/ or contact Mae Ferguson, President and CEO, at (817) 732- 7104 or mae@fwsistercities.org.

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2012-04-25 11:43

Welcome back to China delegation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 25 , 2012 FORT WORTH, Texas- 71 Fort Worth delegates have returned from Guiyang, China on an inaugural exchange to Fort Worth’s eighth sister city. The delegation was led April 13-22 by State Senator Jane Nelson and City Councilman Dennis Shingleton. Along with the delegation, 28 members of the Texas Wesleyan University choir attended at the invitation from Mayor Li Zaiyong of Guiyang. Mayor Li extended the invitation on Oct. 17, 2011, after the Wesleyan Chamber Singers sang at the official signing of Guiyang as Fort Worth’s sister city. The TWU choir performed in the Guiyang Grand Theater with the Guiyang Symphony. Hundreds were in attendance and strong friendships were created during this exchange between two universities.  The choir was accompanied by John Fisher, chair of the music department, and Jerome Bierschenk, director of choral activities. While in Guiyang, the delegates experienced Fort Worth’s newest sister city by exploring sites of historic interest in and around Guiyang, a city of more than 4.3 million. Sights visited included the Ming Dynasty temple and rang a ceremonial bell in the city square. The group also traveled to Beijing where they explored Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. The delegation participated in talks on how to develop future business opportunities between the two cities, as well as educational and cultural exchanges.  As a special recognition, Guiyang Mayor Li made the following people honorary citizens of Guiyang:   Senator Jane Nelson and Mike Nelson Dennis Shingleton Brad Mahon Mike Hyatt John &Nancy Burgoyne Mae Ferguson David Dubois Irene Chase   For more information, visit Fort Worth Sister Cities’ Guiyang travel blog at https://fwsistercitiesguiyang.wordpress.com/ or contact Mae Ferguson, President and CEO, at (817) 732- 7104 or mae@fwsistercities.org.

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Special “thank you” to hosts of Toluca engineering and Trier student delegations

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Muchimas Gracias to the fabulous families who hosted 12 students and 2 delegation leaders from Tec de Monterrey University in Toluca, Mexico.  Your hospitality made them feel so at home and welcome in Fort Worth during their exchange March 31-April 7th. We could not have done it without you.
Danke to the host families for the 15 students and one teacher from Trier, Germany April 9-24. What a treat to have such awesome students visiting Fort Worth.  Thank you especially to Cody Cox and Arlington Heights High School for an incredible job hosting these students as this year’s Ambassador school. Thanks also to Trinity Valley and All Saints Episcopal schools for hosting the German students for a day at their schools. It was truly a special experience for all. Home hosting is an amazing way to meet and get to know a student from another country.  Contact Beth Weibel, Senior Program Director, for more information.

2012-04-25 11:04

Special “thank you” to hosts of Toluca engineering and Trier student delegations

Muchimas Gracias to the fabulous families who hosted 12 students and 2 delegation leaders from Tec de Monterrey University in Toluca, Mexico.  Your hospitality made them feel so at home and welcome in Fort Worth during their exchange March 31-April 7th. We could not have done it without you.
Danke to the host families for the 15 students and one teacher from Trier, Germany April 9-24. What a treat to have such awesome students visiting Fort Worth.  Thank you especially to Cody Cox and Arlington Heights High School for an incredible job hosting these students as this year’s Ambassador school. Thanks also to Trinity Valley and All Saints Episcopal schools for hosting the German students for a day at their schools. It was truly a special experience for all. Home hosting is an amazing way to meet and get to know a student from another country.  Contact Beth Weibel, Senior Program Director, for more information.

Sister Cities International Board of Directors approves Mae Ferguson as Texas State Coordinator

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
WASHINGTON, DC – Sister Cities International Board of Directors approved Ms. Mae Ferguson of Fort Worth as the State Coordinator for Texas.  In her new role, Ms. Ferguson will spearhead Texas’ international exchanges and programs. Her vast leadership experience will help facilitate positive economic impact for the state through its sister city relationships. Ms. Ferguson is president and CEO of Fort Worth Sister Cities International where she manages a budget of $1.6 million. She oversees all program activities with Fort Worth’s 8 international partners. Ms. Ferguson serves on Sister Cities International’s human resources, development, advocacy, and governance committees. State Coordinators are dedicated and experienced sister cities volunteers.  They serve as a resource at the local level to provide professional assistance and help, with support provided by Sister Cities International, to member communities in their state; and assist communities wishing to maintain or establish a sister city. Read More About Mae About Sister Cities International Sister Cities International facilitates nearly 2,000 partnerships in 136 countries on six continents between 600 communities in the United States with similar municipalities abroad. Sister Cities International represents citizen diplomats who work tirelessly to promote the organizations’ mission of creating world peace and cultural understanding through economic and sustainable development programs, youth and education projects, arts and culture, and humanitarian assistance. Facebook: Sister Cities International; Twitter: @SisterCityIntl; Website: www.sister-cities.org  

Congratulations, Mae!

2012-03-29 08:53

Sister Cities International Board of Directors approves Mae Ferguson as Texas State Coordinator

WASHINGTON, DC – Sister Cities International Board of Directors approved Ms. Mae Ferguson of Fort Worth as the State Coordinator for Texas.  In her new role, Ms. Ferguson will spearhead Texas’ international exchanges and programs. Her vast leadership experience will help facilitate positive economic impact for the state through its sister city relationships. Ms. Ferguson is president and CEO of Fort Worth Sister Cities International where she manages a budget of $1.6 million. She oversees all program activities with Fort Worth’s 8 international partners. Ms. Ferguson serves on Sister Cities International’s human resources, development, advocacy, and governance committees. State Coordinators are dedicated and experienced sister cities volunteers.  They serve as a resource at the local level to provide professional assistance and help, with support provided by Sister Cities International, to member communities in their state; and assist communities wishing to maintain or establish a sister city. Read More About Mae About Sister Cities International Sister Cities International facilitates nearly 2,000 partnerships in 136 countries on six continents between 600 communities in the United States with similar municipalities abroad. Sister Cities International represents citizen diplomats who work tirelessly to promote the organizations’ mission of creating world peace and cultural understanding through economic and sustainable development programs, youth and education projects, arts and culture, and humanitarian assistance. Facebook: Sister Cities International; Twitter: @SisterCityIntl; Website: www.sister-cities.org  

Congratulations, Mae!

Kids Who Care back from performing in Trier, Germany

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
FORT WORTH- Kids Who Care back from exchange to Trier, Germany The 22 students and 17 adult chaperones who traveled to Trier, Germany last month are back after a successful trip. These students are part of a musical theater performance group. The group also visited Albania during their travels. High School students from Trier, Germany visited Fort Worth in 2011 and participated in the Kids Who Care summer camp. The Fort Worth and Trier high school students worded together to perform an original musical in Trier at the Humboldt High School Assembly Hall. The group will be performing  an encore performance of some of the musical numbers from “Choices” at the Trier, Germany High School student farewell potluck dinner on April 19th. Find details here. For more information, contact Beth Weibel, 817/ 632-7105 or beth@fwsistercities.org. Find out more about Kids Who Care by visiting their website: https://www.kidswhocare.org/

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2012-03-28 10:26

Kids Who Care back from performing in Trier, Germany

FORT WORTH- Kids Who Care back from exchange to Trier, Germany The 22 students and 17 adult chaperones who traveled to Trier, Germany last month are back after a successful trip. These students are part of a musical theater performance group. The group also visited Albania during their travels. High School students from Trier, Germany visited Fort Worth in 2011 and participated in the Kids Who Care summer camp. The Fort Worth and Trier high school students worded together to perform an original musical in Trier at the Humboldt High School Assembly Hall. The group will be performing  an encore performance of some of the musical numbers from “Choices” at the Trier, Germany High School student farewell potluck dinner on April 19th. Find details here. For more information, contact Beth Weibel, 817/ 632-7105 or beth@fwsistercities.org. Find out more about Kids Who Care by visiting their website: https://www.kidswhocare.org/

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BNSF, UNT Health Science Center and more hosting engineering students from Toluca, Mexico

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth Sister Cities International is thrilled to be hosting a delegation of engineering students from TEC de Monterrey University in our sister city of Toluca, Mexico. Five engineering students and one adult chaperone and, for the first time,  seven bio-engineering students and accompanying professor arrived on Saturday, March 31. The students will have separate but concurrent programs and they will be here through April 7th. While in Fort Worth, the group will visit several businesses and universities to learn about the variety of potential careers  in their chosen field, and to learn about the sciences behind those fields. The group will be hosted by: BNSF Railway, Oncor Electric Delivery, XTO Energy, Lockheed Martin, Bell Helicopter, Fort Worth Police Dept. Crime Lab, UNT Health Science Center School of Forensic Sciences and Human Movement lab, University of Texas at Arlington, Botanical Research Institute of Texas, Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences, and DFW International Airport. For more information, contact Beth at beth@fwsistercities.org

2012-03-28 09:49

BNSF, UNT Health Science Center and more hosting engineering students from Toluca, Mexico

Fort Worth Sister Cities International is thrilled to be hosting a delegation of engineering students from TEC de Monterrey University in our sister city of Toluca, Mexico. Five engineering students and one adult chaperone and, for the first time,  seven bio-engineering students and accompanying professor arrived on Saturday, March 31. The students will have separate but concurrent programs and they will be here through April 7th. While in Fort Worth, the group will visit several businesses and universities to learn about the variety of potential careers  in their chosen field, and to learn about the sciences behind those fields. The group will be hosted by: BNSF Railway, Oncor Electric Delivery, XTO Energy, Lockheed Martin, Bell Helicopter, Fort Worth Police Dept. Crime Lab, UNT Health Science Center School of Forensic Sciences and Human Movement lab, University of Texas at Arlington, Botanical Research Institute of Texas, Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences, and DFW International Airport. For more information, contact Beth at beth@fwsistercities.org

Health & Social Center opened by group in Swaziland

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Rotary Reading Corner also dedicated

Fort Worth Sister City’s team of ten, headed by board chair Brad Mahon, traveled to Fort Worth’s sister city of Mbabane, Swaziland in February to dedicate a community health and social center the group helped design and build. “To actually be there for the dedication and to see the finished product was very rewarding,” said Brad Mahon. “There are many people we need to thank for helping make this possible including Freese & Nichols who helped with the initial design, and individuals too numerous to mention,” continued Mahon. The goal of the health center is to improve the health and wellbeing of people in the Nkwalini Zone of Mbabane. The clinic will improve accessibility of health and social services to a community of over 1,500 people providing access to immunization and HIV/AIDS counseling, as well as food and nutrition for orphaned and vulnerable children. The Rotary Reading Corner was also dedicated. The team from Fort Worth brought over 300 books to open the reading corner. Students and teachers going on an exchange in June will take even more books, along with future exchanges, to sustain the library for the children. While there, members of the group researched future Rotary wheelchair projects with local Rotary clubs. Fort Worth Sister Cities was awarded a three-year, $115,000 grant by Sister Cities International funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to construct the community health center in Mbabane, Swaziland as part of the Africa Urban Poverty Alleviation Program. Fort Worth was one of 28 cities to receive funding for the center after a competitive process of all U.S. sister cities organizations with African partners. For more information, please contact Mae Ferguson, President/CEO at 817/632-7104 or mae@fwsistercities.org.

2012-03-15 11:01

Health & Social Center opened by group in Swaziland

Rotary Reading Corner also dedicated

Fort Worth Sister City’s team of ten, headed by board chair Brad Mahon, traveled to Fort Worth’s sister city of Mbabane, Swaziland in February to dedicate a community health and social center the group helped design and build. “To actually be there for the dedication and to see the finished product was very rewarding,” said Brad Mahon. “There are many people we need to thank for helping make this possible including Freese & Nichols who helped with the initial design, and individuals too numerous to mention,” continued Mahon. The goal of the health center is to improve the health and wellbeing of people in the Nkwalini Zone of Mbabane. The clinic will improve accessibility of health and social services to a community of over 1,500 people providing access to immunization and HIV/AIDS counseling, as well as food and nutrition for orphaned and vulnerable children. The Rotary Reading Corner was also dedicated. The team from Fort Worth brought over 300 books to open the reading corner. Students and teachers going on an exchange in June will take even more books, along with future exchanges, to sustain the library for the children. While there, members of the group researched future Rotary wheelchair projects with local Rotary clubs. Fort Worth Sister Cities was awarded a three-year, $115,000 grant by Sister Cities International funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to construct the community health center in Mbabane, Swaziland as part of the Africa Urban Poverty Alleviation Program. Fort Worth was one of 28 cities to receive funding for the center after a competitive process of all U.S. sister cities organizations with African partners. For more information, please contact Mae Ferguson, President/CEO at 817/632-7104 or mae@fwsistercities.org.

36 Peace Murals in 6 months

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
One of the many highlights of the Fort Worth Sister Cities evening of cultural perspectives hosted by the Toluca, Mbabane and Reggio committees, was the presentation by local artist, Jo Dufo, whose original goal was to create 36 Peace Murals in just 6 months. Dufo’s plan has now expanded to include a non-profit organization (ZOAZ) and a documentary about the project entitled “Walls of Peace”, to be created and directed by Michael Aku RoDriguez. With murals already completed in Fort Worth, (2009) Nagaoka, Japan (2010) and on all four outside walls of the care center in Mbabane, Swaziland,(2011) Dufo’s plans include our other six sister cities as well. Her vision reaches as far as a children’s mural in Nicaragua, a women and children’s health clinic in Bangladesh and projects in India and Haiti. “It is inspiring to have 150 people show up and be able to complete a 250 foot mural in a day. Especially one that brings awareness to these care centers that provide meals to kids between 3-13 years old, who have been orphaned by AIDS and whose caregivers cannot afford to feed them, “ said Dufo. The documentary, entitled “Walls of Peace”, will be featured on Kick Start.org once completed. Dufo and filmmaker RoDriguez spent two weeks this past Christmas in Chiapas, Mexico at an orphanage completing a 100 ft peace mural with artists in the community, both adults and children. Dufo shared, “Our way of spreading peace in the world is to go to these various locations, orphanages, hospitals, schools, clinics and celebrate life, celebrate the children, and create peace murals as a way for the community to connect with the organization. The experience allows people who live in the same area to develop a relationship with each other.” The nonprofit that supports this project is ZOAS, Creative Healing Arts. To see pictures of the project in motion visit their facebook page. The evening included an historic documentary on the Rose Marine Theater by Artes de la Rosa Cultural Center for the Arts and Jorge Varela, Executive Director and a presentation of “Mexico and the United States: Perspectives on Police Training” by Fort Worth Police Officers Daniel Segura and Manuel Reyes. You can stay updated on the wonderful international and cultural events hosted regularly by Fort Worth Sister Cites by signing up for our newsletter, or visiting our facebook page.

2012-03-06 05:49

36 Peace Murals in 6 months

One of the many highlights of the Fort Worth Sister Cities evening of cultural perspectives hosted by the Toluca, Mbabane and Reggio committees, was the presentation by local artist, Jo Dufo, whose original goal was to create 36 Peace Murals in just 6 months. Dufo’s plan has now expanded to include a non-profit organization (ZOAZ) and a documentary about the project entitled “Walls of Peace”, to be created and directed by Michael Aku RoDriguez. With murals already completed in Fort Worth, (2009) Nagaoka, Japan (2010) and on all four outside walls of the care center in Mbabane, Swaziland,(2011) Dufo’s plans include our other six sister cities as well. Her vision reaches as far as a children’s mural in Nicaragua, a women and children’s health clinic in Bangladesh and projects in India and Haiti. “It is inspiring to have 150 people show up and be able to complete a 250 foot mural in a day. Especially one that brings awareness to these care centers that provide meals to kids between 3-13 years old, who have been orphaned by AIDS and whose caregivers cannot afford to feed them, “ said Dufo. The documentary, entitled “Walls of Peace”, will be featured on Kick Start.org once completed. Dufo and filmmaker RoDriguez spent two weeks this past Christmas in Chiapas, Mexico at an orphanage completing a 100 ft peace mural with artists in the community, both adults and children. Dufo shared, “Our way of spreading peace in the world is to go to these various locations, orphanages, hospitals, schools, clinics and celebrate life, celebrate the children, and create peace murals as a way for the community to connect with the organization. The experience allows people who live in the same area to develop a relationship with each other.” The nonprofit that supports this project is ZOAS, Creative Healing Arts. To see pictures of the project in motion visit their facebook page. The evening included an historic documentary on the Rose Marine Theater by Artes de la Rosa Cultural Center for the Arts and Jorge Varela, Executive Director and a presentation of “Mexico and the United States: Perspectives on Police Training” by Fort Worth Police Officers Daniel Segura and Manuel Reyes. You can stay updated on the wonderful international and cultural events hosted regularly by Fort Worth Sister Cites by signing up for our newsletter, or visiting our facebook page.

Student Ambassadors heading to Italy and Hungary 2012

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
FORT WORTH-  Celebrating Youth as Global Citizens, March 10-18th  Two youth groups have prepared well for their international adventure this spring where they will be recognized by city officials as Youth Ambassadors, tour cultural sites of the sister cities and be immersed in Italian culture as they visit Florence and Verona learning about the great art masterpieces of Michaelangelo; and experience the Hungarian culture where they will share our Texas culture in schools and visit historic sites in Budapest like the  Hungarian Parliament, as well as a day excursion to Vienna, Austria. They will have all have the unique opportunity to live with host families of our sister cities while establishing international friendships and memories of this journey. Bon Voyage to: Reggio Emilia, Italy: Youth delegation  led by Alum Nelcy Cardenas and Associate Delegation Leader and TCU Intern Sierra Ballard. Youth Ambassador high school students are 9-12th graders : Spencer Bartlett, Shelby  Bennett, Leslie Garcia, Leslie Garcia, Benjamin Gordimer, Anne Jacobs, Meredith Johnston, My Hanh Nguyen, Lizbeth Porras, Enrique Rodgriguez, Sarika Sabnis, and Summer Smith. Budapest, Hungary:  Our first youth delegation to include 8th graders along with high school students will be led by Andrea McCormick, Youth Chair for Budapest committee, and Associate Delegation Leaders Maria Carranza and Carina Clemente .  Youth Ambassadors are:  Julia Cobb,  Olivia Darrow, Isabel Gray, Elizabeth McGehee, Georgiana McCormick, Hunter Owings, Shannon Owings, Lenq Qu, Frances Senkowsky, and Ana Tafoya. Comments and questions, please contact Irene Chase by emailing irene@fwsistercities.org or call 817/632-7101.  

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2012-02-20 12:17

Student Ambassadors heading to Italy and Hungary 2012

FORT WORTH-  Celebrating Youth as Global Citizens, March 10-18th  Two youth groups have prepared well for their international adventure this spring where they will be recognized by city officials as Youth Ambassadors, tour cultural sites of the sister cities and be immersed in Italian culture as they visit Florence and Verona learning about the great art masterpieces of Michaelangelo; and experience the Hungarian culture where they will share our Texas culture in schools and visit historic sites in Budapest like the  Hungarian Parliament, as well as a day excursion to Vienna, Austria. They will have all have the unique opportunity to live with host families of our sister cities while establishing international friendships and memories of this journey. Bon Voyage to: Reggio Emilia, Italy: Youth delegation  led by Alum Nelcy Cardenas and Associate Delegation Leader and TCU Intern Sierra Ballard. Youth Ambassador high school students are 9-12th graders : Spencer Bartlett, Shelby  Bennett, Leslie Garcia, Leslie Garcia, Benjamin Gordimer, Anne Jacobs, Meredith Johnston, My Hanh Nguyen, Lizbeth Porras, Enrique Rodgriguez, Sarika Sabnis, and Summer Smith. Budapest, Hungary:  Our first youth delegation to include 8th graders along with high school students will be led by Andrea McCormick, Youth Chair for Budapest committee, and Associate Delegation Leaders Maria Carranza and Carina Clemente .  Youth Ambassadors are:  Julia Cobb,  Olivia Darrow, Isabel Gray, Elizabeth McGehee, Georgiana McCormick, Hunter Owings, Shannon Owings, Lenq Qu, Frances Senkowsky, and Ana Tafoya. Comments and questions, please contact Irene Chase by emailing irene@fwsistercities.org or call 817/632-7101.  

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Plaque Dedication held March 24

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Thank you to all who participated in the commemoration of our 25th Anniversary bronze plaque in the Stockyards.

The final element to the 25th anniversary celebration of Fort Worth Sister Cites International was installed and dedicated recently in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards.  In recognition of the 25th anniversary, a signpost recognizing each of Fort Worth’s sister cities and the distance to each was erected in front of the Fort Worth Visitor’s Center on Exchange Avenue in the Stockyards. Mayor Pro Tem Zim Zimmerman dedicated the plaque in a ceremony March 24, 2012 thanking the many donors who had contributed their time and efforts to the organization’s 25 year history. The plaque and sign are a fitting recognition of  Fort Worth Sister Cities’  25th anniversary and its many supporters. The directional signpost was installed in 2010 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Fort Worth Sister Cities on June 26th of that year. In 1985, Fort Worth Sister Cities incorporated after a group of dedicated volunteers brought the dream of a citizen diplomacy organization to life in the City of Fort Worth. Shortly thereafter, Reggio Emilia, Italy became Fort Worth’s first sister city, and the organization began planning exchanges and programs.  Since then Sister Cities has added seven other cities to its family including Guiyang, China signed in 2011. The plaque dedication ceremony took place in front of the Stockyards Visitors’ Center, 130 East Exchange Avenue, where the plaque is permanently located. The plaque reads: Plaque text For more information, please contact Mae Ferguson, Sister Cities President/CEO, by calling 817-632-7104 or emailing mae@fwsistercities.org.  

2012-02-15 12:24

Plaque Dedication held March 24

Thank you to all who participated in the commemoration of our 25th Anniversary bronze plaque in the Stockyards.

The final element to the 25th anniversary celebration of Fort Worth Sister Cites International was installed and dedicated recently in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards.  In recognition of the 25th anniversary, a signpost recognizing each of Fort Worth’s sister cities and the distance to each was erected in front of the Fort Worth Visitor’s Center on Exchange Avenue in the Stockyards. Mayor Pro Tem Zim Zimmerman dedicated the plaque in a ceremony March 24, 2012 thanking the many donors who had contributed their time and efforts to the organization’s 25 year history. The plaque and sign are a fitting recognition of  Fort Worth Sister Cities’  25th anniversary and its many supporters. The directional signpost was installed in 2010 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Fort Worth Sister Cities on June 26th of that year. In 1985, Fort Worth Sister Cities incorporated after a group of dedicated volunteers brought the dream of a citizen diplomacy organization to life in the City of Fort Worth. Shortly thereafter, Reggio Emilia, Italy became Fort Worth’s first sister city, and the organization began planning exchanges and programs.  Since then Sister Cities has added seven other cities to its family including Guiyang, China signed in 2011. The plaque dedication ceremony took place in front of the Stockyards Visitors’ Center, 130 East Exchange Avenue, where the plaque is permanently located. The plaque reads: Plaque text For more information, please contact Mae Ferguson, Sister Cities President/CEO, by calling 817-632-7104 or emailing mae@fwsistercities.org.  

Calling Students for International Leadership Academy

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
FORT WORTH, Texas- Applications now available through February 20th    The 2012 International Leadership Academy (ILA), themed Visions of Peace, will take place July 14-29 at TCU. High school students (grades 9-12) are invited to attend. Applications are being accepted now through February 20th and can be downloaded here. 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 field trips to local museums, the Fort Worth Stockyards and a community service project. This unique youth leadership program promotes global understanding by building friendships and creating awareness of international issues.  Since 1989, the award-winning program has brought young people from Fort Worth’s eight sister cities to the area for leadership training. Middle school students are invited to attend the Jr. International Leadership Academy taking place July 9-13. Applications are also available online and will be accepted through April 23. Last year’s JILA included  students from Iraq, sharing their cultures and learning about leadership. A full description of ILA, along with application information, is available here.   For more information, individuals should contact Irene Chase, vice president at (817) 632-7101 or by emailing irene@fwsistercities.org.  

2012-02-01 11:46

Calling Students for International Leadership Academy

FORT WORTH, Texas- Applications now available through February 20th    The 2012 International Leadership Academy (ILA), themed Visions of Peace, will take place July 14-29 at TCU. High school students (grades 9-12) are invited to attend. Applications are being accepted now through February 20th and can be downloaded here. 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 field trips to local museums, the Fort Worth Stockyards and a community service project. This unique youth leadership program promotes global understanding by building friendships and creating awareness of international issues.  Since 1989, the award-winning program has brought young people from Fort Worth’s eight sister cities to the area for leadership training. Middle school students are invited to attend the Jr. International Leadership Academy taking place July 9-13. Applications are also available online and will be accepted through April 23. Last year’s JILA included  students from Iraq, sharing their cultures and learning about leadership. A full description of ILA, along with application information, is available here.   For more information, individuals should contact Irene Chase, vice president at (817) 632-7101 or by emailing irene@fwsistercities.org.