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BECAUSE THE ULTIMATE DESTINATION IS UNDERSTANDING

Get connected to a powerful local resource for international relations, global education and cultural competency. Whether you’re traveling to sister cities or participating in community programs, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation of different cultures that can help foster a more peaceful, prosperous world. Learn more.

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Our global education programs are designed to support lifelong learning and cultural competence. We’re not just making people smarter. We’re making the world better.

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Fort Worth Honors Community and Global Leaders

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, TX – Community Awards Given to Global Leaders

Fort Worth Sister Cities International’s 34th Annual Meeting was held Sept. 18 at The Fort Worth Club, attended by nearly 300 community leaders and members.

Fort Worth honored individuals and organizations for their work in the community and promotion of Fort Worth around the world.

The Bob Bolen Award for Outstanding Board Leadership was awarded to Carlo Capua, Z’s Café & Locavore. Carlo’s first experience with Sister Cities was as a student, attending his first International Leadership Academy in 1993 which awoke the giant within. From there forward, Capua home hosted international visitors, served as a Youth Ambassador on exchanges, organized a local young alumni group and now serves on the board of Fort Worth Sister Cities and Sister Cities International, the national organization in Washington, D.C.

Fort Worth Country Day School was awarded the Eisenhower Award for Organizational Involvement. The school has been a valued partner for many years, hosting nearly 50 international students and educators from Japan, France and Germany this year alone. Fort Worth Country Day has served as a host for high school and middle school students many times, involves many students in leadership position for Sister Cities and supports educators as delegation leaders on many exchanges.

Andréanne Annis received the prestigious Volunteer of the Year Award. Annis has led student exchanges to Hungary, Japan and France many times. She played a huge role in the official signing with our newest sister city, Nîmes, France in February, by organizing the official welcoming reception, acting as translator and hosting guests throughout their stay. Annis has also home hosted delegations when they visited Fort Worth.

Fort Worth Sister Cities International is proud to work with such outstanding volunteers and organizations, who help fulfill our mission to the community.

Check out photos from the event!

2019-09-26 09:00

Fort Worth Honors Community and Global Leaders

Fort Worth, TX – Community Awards Given to Global Leaders

Fort Worth Sister Cities International’s 34th Annual Meeting was held Sept. 18 at The Fort Worth Club, attended by nearly 300 community leaders and members.

Fort Worth honored individuals and organizations for their work in the community and promotion of Fort Worth around the world.

The Bob Bolen Award for Outstanding Board Leadership was awarded to Carlo Capua, Z’s Café & Locavore. Carlo’s first experience with Sister Cities was as a student, attending his first International Leadership Academy in 1993 which awoke the giant within. From there forward, Capua home hosted international visitors, served as a Youth Ambassador on exchanges, organized a local young alumni group and now serves on the board of Fort Worth Sister Cities and Sister Cities International, the national organization in Washington, D.C.

Fort Worth Country Day School was awarded the Eisenhower Award for Organizational Involvement. The school has been a valued partner for many years, hosting nearly 50 international students and educators from Japan, France and Germany this year alone. Fort Worth Country Day has served as a host for high school and middle school students many times, involves many students in leadership position for Sister Cities and supports educators as delegation leaders on many exchanges.

Andréanne Annis received the prestigious Volunteer of the Year Award. Annis has led student exchanges to Hungary, Japan and France many times. She played a huge role in the official signing with our newest sister city, Nîmes, France in February, by organizing the official welcoming reception, acting as translator and hosting guests throughout their stay. Annis has also home hosted delegations when they visited Fort Worth.

Fort Worth Sister Cities International is proud to work with such outstanding volunteers and organizations, who help fulfill our mission to the community.

Check out photos from the event!

Fort Worth Welcomes International Students

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

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

Fort Worth welcomes students from sister cities, Trier, Germany and Nagaoka, Japan, this October for youth ambassador exchanges.

Two educators and 12 students from Trier, Germany will be hosted by Trinity Valley School and Fort Worth Country Day School Oct. 6-20.

Six educators and 30 middle school students from Nagaoka, Japan will participate in a middle school exchange, partnering with Daggett Montessori School, McLean Middle School, and World Languages Institute. Students and teachers will be visiting Oct. 12-20.

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. Activities include visits to the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, Kimbell Art Museum, Stockyards Station and many other Fort Worth favorites.

“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 Veronica Chavez Law, Chairwoman of the board. “Exchanges, like these, are more important than ever to teach our young people the importance of global understanding.”

If you’re interested in getting involved and home hosting, please contact Beth Weibel, at beth@fwsistercities.org.

2019-09-24 09:57

Fort Worth Welcomes International Students

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

Fort Worth welcomes students from sister cities, Trier, Germany and Nagaoka, Japan, this October for youth ambassador exchanges.

Two educators and 12 students from Trier, Germany will be hosted by Trinity Valley School and Fort Worth Country Day School Oct. 6-20.

Six educators and 30 middle school students from Nagaoka, Japan will participate in a middle school exchange, partnering with Daggett Montessori School, McLean Middle School, and World Languages Institute. Students and teachers will be visiting Oct. 12-20.

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. Activities include visits to the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, Kimbell Art Museum, Stockyards Station and many other Fort Worth favorites.

“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 Veronica Chavez Law, Chairwoman of the board. “Exchanges, like these, are more important than ever to teach our young people the importance of global understanding.”

If you’re interested in getting involved and home hosting, please contact Beth Weibel, at beth@fwsistercities.org.

Leadership Academy Headed to Japan For 30th Anniversary

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

FORT WORTH, TX – Since 1989, the International Leadership Academy has brought young people from Fort Worth’s nine sister cities to the area to discuss pressing global issues. This year, Fort Worth Sister Cities is taking the Academy to Nagaoka, Japan as we celebrate this dynamic summer leadership program’s 30th anniversary.

A select number of students from Fort Worth were selected to participate in an Advanced Leadership Academy with other students from eSwatini, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, and Japan. This year’s theme, Peace through Innovation, will encourage students to explore and focus on critical and current issues. Through the program they will gain essential leadership and communication skills through cross-cultural activities such as art, music, and language studies.

Participants will live stay with host families in Nagaoka. During the day, 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, as well as a community service project.

“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, Leadership Academy Coordinator.

The Fort Worth students depart on Aug. 1 and will spend a few days in Tokyo for orientation. Then, on Aug. 5 everyone will convene in Nagaoka for several days of team-building and problem-solving using diplomacy. The students return to Fort Worth on Aug. 11.

2019-07-26 12:12

Leadership Academy Headed to Japan For 30th Anniversary

FORT WORTH, TX – Since 1989, the International Leadership Academy has brought young people from Fort Worth’s nine sister cities to the area to discuss pressing global issues. This year, Fort Worth Sister Cities is taking the Academy to Nagaoka, Japan as we celebrate this dynamic summer leadership program’s 30th anniversary.

A select number of students from Fort Worth were selected to participate in an Advanced Leadership Academy with other students from eSwatini, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, and Japan. This year’s theme, Peace through Innovation, will encourage students to explore and focus on critical and current issues. Through the program they will gain essential leadership and communication skills through cross-cultural activities such as art, music, and language studies.

Participants will live stay with host families in Nagaoka. During the day, 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, as well as a community service project.

“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, Leadership Academy Coordinator.

The Fort Worth students depart on Aug. 1 and will spend a few days in Tokyo for orientation. Then, on Aug. 5 everyone will convene in Nagaoka for several days of team-building and problem-solving using diplomacy. The students return to Fort Worth on Aug. 11.

Fort Worth Wins Innovation Award for Business and Trade

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

HOUSTON, TX – Fort Worth, Texas has won the Sister Cities International 2019 Innovation Award for Business and Trade for a city with a population greater than 100,000. The awards competition, which is open to over 500 sister city programs nationwide, recognizes the accomplishments of outstanding individuals and community sister city programs that are promoting peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation.

In the fall of 2018, Fort Worth Sister Cities International and Wild Acre Brewing Co. collaborated with the city of Trier, Germany to introduce the first-ever collaborative beer at the 5th annual Oktoberfest in Fort Worth. The brew master from German-based Kraft Bräu brewery in Trier attended and tapped the keg of the collaborative beer called Wild Acre Kraft Haus Lager. Similarly, Fort Worth companies Best Maid Pickles and Firestone & Robertson Distilling Co. both found a natural partner in Nagaoka, Japan. Both companies brought samples of their products to Japan and a tasting was arranged with members of Nagaoka’s Chamber of Commerce small business group.

“We all stand to learn from these superstar Sister City programs as they impact their communities across a broad range of sectors that include business entrepreneurship, youth leadership, and arts and culture,” said Roger-Mark De Souza, Sister Cities International’s President & CEO. “These individuals and local organizations inspire us to be better citizens as their work exemplifies President Eisenhower’s vision of engaged international citizen diplomats. They create beneficial connections and lasting relationships which will help their communities today and for years to come.”

Sister Cities International Annual Awards recognize excellence in overall programming and highlight key innovations in arts and culture; business and trade; humanitarian assistance; youth and education; and professional and technical exchange categories. All award winners were honored during Sister Cities International’s 2019 Annual Conference from July 17-19 in Houston, Texas.

2019-07-25 09:46

Fort Worth Wins Innovation Award for Business and Trade

HOUSTON, TX – Fort Worth, Texas has won the Sister Cities International 2019 Innovation Award for Business and Trade for a city with a population greater than 100,000. The awards competition, which is open to over 500 sister city programs nationwide, recognizes the accomplishments of outstanding individuals and community sister city programs that are promoting peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation.

In the fall of 2018, Fort Worth Sister Cities International and Wild Acre Brewing Co. collaborated with the city of Trier, Germany to introduce the first-ever collaborative beer at the 5th annual Oktoberfest in Fort Worth. The brew master from German-based Kraft Bräu brewery in Trier attended and tapped the keg of the collaborative beer called Wild Acre Kraft Haus Lager. Similarly, Fort Worth companies Best Maid Pickles and Firestone & Robertson Distilling Co. both found a natural partner in Nagaoka, Japan. Both companies brought samples of their products to Japan and a tasting was arranged with members of Nagaoka’s Chamber of Commerce small business group.

“We all stand to learn from these superstar Sister City programs as they impact their communities across a broad range of sectors that include business entrepreneurship, youth leadership, and arts and culture,” said Roger-Mark De Souza, Sister Cities International’s President & CEO. “These individuals and local organizations inspire us to be better citizens as their work exemplifies President Eisenhower’s vision of engaged international citizen diplomats. They create beneficial connections and lasting relationships which will help their communities today and for years to come.”

Sister Cities International Annual Awards recognize excellence in overall programming and highlight key innovations in arts and culture; business and trade; humanitarian assistance; youth and education; and professional and technical exchange categories. All award winners were honored during Sister Cities International’s 2019 Annual Conference from July 17-19 in Houston, Texas.

Fort Worth Students Attend Local Leadership Academy

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, TX: Peace through innovation

This year marks the 15th year of the International Leadership Academy’s middle school program, Jr. International Leadership Academy (JILA) to be held July 8—12 for students completing grades 6-8.  This one-week academy will be held in partnership with the International Newcomer Academy.

College students from Toluca, Mexico will serve as facilitators for the students who will experience cultural presentations and interaction with the university students gaining an international perspective.

As participants, students will be able to:

  • Enhance global leadership, communications, teamwork, and problem-solving skills
  • Enhance college and career opportunities
  • Strengthen global perspectives and appreciation for other cultures
  • Learn about citizen diplomacy

“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 and prepares these students for a global society,” said Nancy Marchant, JILA Coordinator.

The closing ceremony for JILA will take place at the International Newcomer Academy on July 12 at 5:00 pm and is open to the public. The keynote address will be given by Mayor Betsy Price.

2019-06-26 10:27

Fort Worth Students Attend Local Leadership Academy

Fort Worth, TX: Peace through innovation

This year marks the 15th year of the International Leadership Academy’s middle school program, Jr. International Leadership Academy (JILA) to be held July 8—12 for students completing grades 6-8.  This one-week academy will be held in partnership with the International Newcomer Academy.

College students from Toluca, Mexico will serve as facilitators for the students who will experience cultural presentations and interaction with the university students gaining an international perspective.

As participants, students will be able to:

  • Enhance global leadership, communications, teamwork, and problem-solving skills
  • Enhance college and career opportunities
  • Strengthen global perspectives and appreciation for other cultures
  • Learn about citizen diplomacy

“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 and prepares these students for a global society,” said Nancy Marchant, JILA Coordinator.

The closing ceremony for JILA will take place at the International Newcomer Academy on July 12 at 5:00 pm and is open to the public. The keynote address will be given by Mayor Betsy Price.

Scholarship Recipients Represent Fort Worth in Japan

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

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

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 experience. In return, the families of these Fort Worth students host students and teachers from Nagaoka in their homes.

This program and all the scholarships have been funded by the Hara family and Harashin Co. Ltd. of Nagaoka. For 27 years, it is estimated that over $2 million has been generously donated benefiting Fort Worth families.

Fort Worth Harashin scholars include DJ Carter, Erik Cura, Cameron Garcia, Lilian Hicks, Will Lourcey, Saleem Razack, Kyra Rhoades, and Bayan Williams; and will be led by Delegation Leaders Andréanne Annis and Angelia Ross.

“Exchange programs are a key element in the overall programs of Fort Worth Sister Cities and this unique opportunity for students is no exception,” said Veronica Chavez Law, Chairwoman of Fort Worth Sister Cities International. The students depart July 24 for a week-long exchange and the Japanese students will be in Fort Worth August 5-15.

All 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.

Exchanges with each of Fort Worth’s nine sister cities provide youth the opportunity to spend time with an international host family and experience their history, culture and customs. These students become citizen diplomats through this program.  It gives them a better understanding of other cultures providing them an international education only these programs can offer.

2019-06-26 10:05

Scholarship Recipients Represent Fort Worth in Japan

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

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 experience. In return, the families of these Fort Worth students host students and teachers from Nagaoka in their homes.

This program and all the scholarships have been funded by the Hara family and Harashin Co. Ltd. of Nagaoka. For 27 years, it is estimated that over $2 million has been generously donated benefiting Fort Worth families.

Fort Worth Harashin scholars include DJ Carter, Erik Cura, Cameron Garcia, Lilian Hicks, Will Lourcey, Saleem Razack, Kyra Rhoades, and Bayan Williams; and will be led by Delegation Leaders Andréanne Annis and Angelia Ross.

“Exchange programs are a key element in the overall programs of Fort Worth Sister Cities and this unique opportunity for students is no exception,” said Veronica Chavez Law, Chairwoman of Fort Worth Sister Cities International. The students depart July 24 for a week-long exchange and the Japanese students will be in Fort Worth August 5-15.

All 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.

Exchanges with each of Fort Worth’s nine sister cities provide youth the opportunity to spend time with an international host family and experience their history, culture and customs. These students become citizen diplomats through this program.  It gives them a better understanding of other cultures providing them an international education only these programs can offer.

Students to Represent Fort Worth Abroad

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, TX – Student Ambassadors to Visit Japan and Indonesia

Fort Worth students and leaders depart for Bandung, Indonesia and Nagaoka, Japan this month. Delegations are led by educators from the FWISD, private schools, and universities.

In March, the students attended a Fort Worth City Council where Mayor Betsy Price administered the Citizen Diplomat Oath to the students and their Delegation Leaders in preparation for their upcoming youth exchanges.

Students complete a vigorous selection process including personal interviews and are selected to represent the City of Fort Worth as Youth Ambassadors each year by Sister Cities. Applications are available for all students, as well as funding to support many.

Through these experiences, students benefit from a global education, as well as learn valuable leadership skills. Their understanding and respect of other cultures also increases which enhances their college and career opportunities.

“Our goal this year is to strategically grow our youth programs. It is important now more than ever to equip our future leaders with tools that will enable them to thrive in a global community,” said Veronica Chavez Law, Chairwoman of the Board of Sister Cities.

When the students return to their local campuses, they share the lessons learned while abroad with others, helping make Fort Worth more globally fluent.

A complete list of Youth Ambassadors and Delegation Leaders can be found at https://www.fwsistercities.org/youth-ambassadors-selected-for-2019-exchanges/.

2019-06-03 10:58

Students to Represent Fort Worth Abroad

Fort Worth, TX – Student Ambassadors to Visit Japan and Indonesia

Fort Worth students and leaders depart for Bandung, Indonesia and Nagaoka, Japan this month. Delegations are led by educators from the FWISD, private schools, and universities.

In March, the students attended a Fort Worth City Council where Mayor Betsy Price administered the Citizen Diplomat Oath to the students and their Delegation Leaders in preparation for their upcoming youth exchanges.

Students complete a vigorous selection process including personal interviews and are selected to represent the City of Fort Worth as Youth Ambassadors each year by Sister Cities. Applications are available for all students, as well as funding to support many.

Through these experiences, students benefit from a global education, as well as learn valuable leadership skills. Their understanding and respect of other cultures also increases which enhances their college and career opportunities.

“Our goal this year is to strategically grow our youth programs. It is important now more than ever to equip our future leaders with tools that will enable them to thrive in a global community,” said Veronica Chavez Law, Chairwoman of the Board of Sister Cities.

When the students return to their local campuses, they share the lessons learned while abroad with others, helping make Fort Worth more globally fluent.

A complete list of Youth Ambassadors and Delegation Leaders can be found at https://www.fwsistercities.org/youth-ambassadors-selected-for-2019-exchanges/.

Elementary Students Receiving Dual Language Enrichment

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, Texas – Sister Cities Partners with FWISD and Tec de Monterrey de Toluca

Fort Worth will welcome ten university students and two educators from Toluca, Mexico’s Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education for a Dual Language Immersion Camp for Fort Worth elementary students in partnership with the Fort Worth ISD (FWISD). The Toluca university students will act as international facilitators for the three-week camp June 10-27.

This year’s theme is Architecture of Fort Worth and will provide summer enrichment for FWISD students in dual language studies to increase language and literacy across the content areas. This year’s camp is already full with over 75 students from FWISD dual language elementary schools.

“We are eager to provide Fort Worth’s architecture as the focus of our Dual Language Immersion Summer Camp,” said Xavier Vásquez Director of the Bilingual/ESL Department at FWISD. “It will provide students with wonderful opportunities to explore the history and design of our buildings while incorporating math, science, social studies and literacy skills in two languages. Excitement abounds as we look forward to working alongside our Sister Cities partners from Toluca, Mexico.”

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 Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, Sundance Square Plaza and more. The group will also be volunteering for the Tarrant Area Food Bank and Kids Who Care.

The closing ceremony will take place on June 27 at Morningside  Elementary School.

2019-06-03 10:55

Elementary Students Receiving Dual Language Enrichment

Fort Worth, Texas – Sister Cities Partners with FWISD and Tec de Monterrey de Toluca

Fort Worth will welcome ten university students and two educators from Toluca, Mexico’s Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education for a Dual Language Immersion Camp for Fort Worth elementary students in partnership with the Fort Worth ISD (FWISD). The Toluca university students will act as international facilitators for the three-week camp June 10-27.

This year’s theme is Architecture of Fort Worth and will provide summer enrichment for FWISD students in dual language studies to increase language and literacy across the content areas. This year’s camp is already full with over 75 students from FWISD dual language elementary schools.

“We are eager to provide Fort Worth’s architecture as the focus of our Dual Language Immersion Summer Camp,” said Xavier Vásquez Director of the Bilingual/ESL Department at FWISD. “It will provide students with wonderful opportunities to explore the history and design of our buildings while incorporating math, science, social studies and literacy skills in two languages. Excitement abounds as we look forward to working alongside our Sister Cities partners from Toluca, Mexico.”

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 Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, Sundance Square Plaza and more. The group will also be volunteering for the Tarrant Area Food Bank and Kids Who Care.

The closing ceremony will take place on June 27 at Morningside  Elementary School.

Kazakh Leaders Examine Libraries and Community Centers in Fort Worth

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, TX — The Open World Leadership Center, an agency of the U.S. Congress, will send a delegation of Kazakh librarians to Fort Worth, TX from June 14-23, 2019. The delegation consists of six professionals and will be accompanied by a bicultural facilitator and an interpreter. While in Fort Worth, the Open World program participants will be hosted by Fort Worth Sister Cities International.

Prior to their arrival in Fort Worth the participants will complete an orientation in Washington, D.C. Delegates will have policy meetings with Members of Congress and their staff.

In Fort Worth, delegates will collaborate on best practices for libraries and community centers with staff and local leaders in Fort Worth. Additional activities include visits to several Fort Worth public libraries, Texas Christian University, and the UNT Health Science Center. The delegation will stay in the homes of Fort Worth residents who serve as hospitality hosts.

More than 27,000 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.

OPEN WORLD’S 20TH YEAR

Founded in 1999 by Congress, the Open World Leadership Center 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/.

2019-05-29 09:41

Kazakh Leaders Examine Libraries and Community Centers in Fort Worth

Fort Worth, TX — The Open World Leadership Center, an agency of the U.S. Congress, will send a delegation of Kazakh librarians to Fort Worth, TX from June 14-23, 2019. The delegation consists of six professionals and will be accompanied by a bicultural facilitator and an interpreter. While in Fort Worth, the Open World program participants will be hosted by Fort Worth Sister Cities International.

Prior to their arrival in Fort Worth the participants will complete an orientation in Washington, D.C. Delegates will have policy meetings with Members of Congress and their staff.

In Fort Worth, delegates will collaborate on best practices for libraries and community centers with staff and local leaders in Fort Worth. Additional activities include visits to several Fort Worth public libraries, Texas Christian University, and the UNT Health Science Center. The delegation will stay in the homes of Fort Worth residents who serve as hospitality hosts.

More than 27,000 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.

OPEN WORLD’S 20TH YEAR

Founded in 1999 by Congress, the Open World Leadership Center 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/.

New Fort Worth Connection Possible With South America

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, Texas – Sister Cities delegation visits Argentina and Uruguay

A delegation of 17 will visit Argentina and Uruguay May 3-12 on an eight-day exploratory mission to learn more about the two countries and to promote Fort Worth. The delegation consists of representatives from business, education and finance sectors.

While there the delegation will visit Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Colonia del Sacramento and Montevideo, Uruguay.

Special meetings are set at the US Embassy in Buenos Aires and Montevideo. In Buenos Aires, the group will meet with newly appointed Ambassador Edward Prado. Delegates plan to discuss current issues in the region and how US citizens can connect on a diplomatic level.

“We are exploring a new part of the world and learning about Argentina and Uruguay,” said Cindy Johnson, Sister Cities board member. “Pursuing new relationships like these is needed now more than ever. There is tremendous potential to grow a global movement of citizens committed to deepening ties in the face of forces pulling us apart.”

The delegation will be led by Director Emerita Mary Palko; board members Cindy Johnson, Frank Tilley and Melissa Thompson; and Mae Ferguson, President/CEO. Other delegates include Connie Beck, Kathryn and Lowell Bryan, Becky Finley, Roland Johnson, Janet Lane, Joe Michels, Wanda Murphy, Barbara Ryon, Sally Sims, Terri and Gary West, and Julie Wilson.

Other missions to connect Fort Worth internationally are planned this year to Mexico and France. To learn more about these opportunities, contact Danielle McCown at 817-632-7100 or danielle@fwsistercities.org.

2019-04-23 02:36

New Fort Worth Connection Possible With South America

Fort Worth, Texas – Sister Cities delegation visits Argentina and Uruguay

A delegation of 17 will visit Argentina and Uruguay May 3-12 on an eight-day exploratory mission to learn more about the two countries and to promote Fort Worth. The delegation consists of representatives from business, education and finance sectors.

While there the delegation will visit Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Colonia del Sacramento and Montevideo, Uruguay.

Special meetings are set at the US Embassy in Buenos Aires and Montevideo. In Buenos Aires, the group will meet with newly appointed Ambassador Edward Prado. Delegates plan to discuss current issues in the region and how US citizens can connect on a diplomatic level.

“We are exploring a new part of the world and learning about Argentina and Uruguay,” said Cindy Johnson, Sister Cities board member. “Pursuing new relationships like these is needed now more than ever. There is tremendous potential to grow a global movement of citizens committed to deepening ties in the face of forces pulling us apart.”

The delegation will be led by Director Emerita Mary Palko; board members Cindy Johnson, Frank Tilley and Melissa Thompson; and Mae Ferguson, President/CEO. Other delegates include Connie Beck, Kathryn and Lowell Bryan, Becky Finley, Roland Johnson, Janet Lane, Joe Michels, Wanda Murphy, Barbara Ryon, Sally Sims, Terri and Gary West, and Julie Wilson.

Other missions to connect Fort Worth internationally are planned this year to Mexico and France. To learn more about these opportunities, contact Danielle McCown at 817-632-7100 or danielle@fwsistercities.org.