Fort Worth Sister Cities International: A World of Opportunity

New Fort Worth Connection Possible With South America

Posted on April 23, 2019 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

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

Architectural Program from Mexico Partnering Locally

Posted on March 25, 2019 by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, TX – Visiting delegation hosted by Sister Cities

Fort Worth Sister Cities International will host a delegation of architecture students from the prestigious campus of Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education in Fort Worth’s sister city of Toluca, Mexico.

Architectural engineering students and their professor will be in Fort Worth for a mentorship program April 13-20.

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 students will also learn about various structures throughout Fort Worth, known for their unique architecture.

Students will visit: Bennett Benner Partners, Huitt-Zollars, Tarrant County College, Fort Worth Central Library, Tarrant County Courthouse, Trinity River Vision Authority, Freese and Nichols, Texas and Pacific Station, and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

“Educational and professional exchanges are integral to the strength of Fort Worth’s global partnerships. These kinds of exchanges enhance local companies’ reach into global markets while at the same time creating stronger ties with our neighbors to the South,” said Toluca Chair Florence Bruner.

In their free time, the group will visit sites such as Sundance Square, the Kimbell Art Museum, Fort Worth Museum of Science and History and AT&T Stadium.

To show the group our Texas hospitality, they will be home hosted by community leaders.

If you are interested in home hosting in the future, please contact Beth Weibel with Fort Worth Sister Cities International at beth@fwsistercities.org.

2019-03-25 10:36

Architectural Program from Mexico Partnering Locally

Fort Worth, TX – Visiting delegation hosted by Sister Cities

Architectural engineering students and their professor will be in Fort Worth for a mentorship program April 13-20.

In their free time, the group will visit sites such as Sundance Square, the Kimbell Art Museum, Fort Worth Museum of Science and History and AT&T Stadium.

To show the group our Texas hospitality, they will be home hosted by community leaders.

If you are interested in home hosting in the future, please contact Beth Weibel with Fort Worth Sister Cities International at beth@fwsistercities.org.

Mayor’s International Dinner Global Award Winners Announced

Posted on March 7, 2019March 7, 2019 by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, TX – Sister Cities to honor Ross Perot, Jr. at May 23 event

Mayor Betsy Price and Dinner Chairs Greg and Claudine Jackson will lead the annual Mayor’s International Dinner & Global Awards May 23, 2019 as Sister Cities honors individuals, businesses, and organizations that have made significant contributions to citizen diplomacy, global understanding, world political stability, and international commerce.

Ross Perot, Jr., real estate developer and businessman who is best known for his development of AllianceTexas and his circumnavigation of the world in a helicopter at the age of 23, will be honored with the Global Impact Award. This honor is given to individuals who have made significant efforts to promote Fort Worth globally and establish international partnerships.

Cook Children’s Health System will be awarded the Global Nexus Award recognizing businesses that are connected globally and are good representatives of Fort Worth to the world creating commerce and a healthier community for all.

LINKS, Inc.–Fort Worth Chapter will receive the Global Citizens Award which is given to organizations that are good representatives of Fort Worth to the world creating a positive view of the U.S. through educational, humanitarian, or cultural initiatives.

The dinner will be held May 23 at the Worthington Hotel to celebrate 34 years of service by Sister Cities to the City of Fort Worth. With a theme of A Night in Nîmes, the event will focus on Fort Worth’s ninth and newest sister city, Nîmes, France.

The dinner is made possible by the Members Circle of Giving which is comprised of individuals, businesses, and organizations who support the mission of Sister Cities. Funding and in-kind support from the City of Fort Worth plays a key role in its mission, but most work is made possible through public support through the Members Circle.

For more information on how to join the Members Circle, click here or call Katie Wharry at 817-632-7101 or katie@fwsistercities.org.

2019-03-07 01:45

Mayor’s International Dinner Global Award Winners Announced

Fort Worth, TX – Sister Cities to honor Ross Perot, Jr. at May 23 event

For more information on how to join the Members Circle, click here or call Katie Wharry at 817-632-7101 or katie@fwsistercities.org.

German Organist Returns to Fort Worth

Posted on March 1, 2019March 1, 2019 by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, TX – Free concert planned

A special performance by Martin Bambauer, concert organist and Director of Music at the Basilica of Constantine in Trier, Germany, Fort Worth’s sister city since 1987, is planned for Sunday, March 3, 7:00 p.m. at Broadway Baptist Church, 305 West Broadway, and is free and open to the public.

The concert is the result of a collaboration between Fort Worth Sister Cities International, The Fort Worth Chapter of American Guild of Organists and Fort Worth Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity for Women.

Fort Worth Sister Cities stages international events and programs to bring the world to Fort Worth and enrich the community. This will be Bambauer’s second concert in Fort Worth, having performed in 2011. “We are thrilled to be welcoming Mr. Bambauer back to Fort Worth and are excited to showcase his talents to the public,” said Shanna Cate, the Trier, Germany Committee Chair.

The concert will be held in memory of Trier Committee member and past chair, Jean Frick, who passed away in August. Jean was an active citizen diplomat, representing Fort Worth in several sister cities and took an active role during her tenure as a member of the board of directors.

Martin Bambauer studied protestant church music at the Robert Schumann University of Music and Media in Düsseldorf and Frankfurt University of Music and Performing Arts. Since 1999, he has worked full-time as organist and choirmaster at the Basilica of Constantine. From 2001 to 2008 he taught organ improvisation at the Cologne University of Music. Bambauer has visited many European countries and the USA as guest organist and conductor and has made several recordings.

For more information contact Beth Weibel at 817-632-7105 or click here.

2019-03-01 10:48

German Organist Returns to Fort Worth

Fort Worth, TX – Free concert planned

For more information contact Beth Weibel at 817-632-7105 or click here.

Students to Represent Fort Worth Around the World

Posted on February 21, 2019March 6, 2019 by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, TX – Student Ambassadors Given Oath at City Council Meeting

Nearly 100 Fort Worth students attended the Fort Worth City Council meeting on March 5 where Mayor Betsy Price administered the Citizen Diplomat Oath to the students and their Delegation Leaders in preparation for upcoming youth exchanges to four of Fort Worth’s nine sister cities.

The students and leaders are visiting Budapest, Hungary; Reggio Emilia, Italy; Toluca, Mexico; and Trier, Germany later this March. Delegations are led by educators from the FWISD, private schools, and universities. More students will depart for exchanges to Nagaoka, Japan and Bandung, Indonesia later in the summer.

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 here.

2019-02-21 02:50

Students to Represent Fort Worth Around the World

Fort Worth, TX – Student Ambassadors Given Oath at City Council Meeting

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 here.

Nîmes, France is Now Fort Worth’s Ninth Sister City

Posted on February 15, 2019February 15, 2019 by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, TX – Municipal agreements signed finalizing process

Yesterday, Mayor Jean-Paul Fournier of Nîmes, (pronounced NEEM) France and Councilwoman Ann Zadeh, stepping in for Mayor Price, formally signed municipal agreements to become sister cities at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.

The signing ceremony last night was complete with a Presentation of the Colors by the Fort Worth Police Dept. Honor Guard and singing of the French and American National Anthems by the Texas Girls’ Choir. While the ceremony was open and free to the public, a private reception took place afterwards at Café Modern.

Mayor Fournier, along with an official delegation arrived in Fort Worth on Tuesday and have been busy touring the best Fort Worth has to offer, including a visit to the Fort Worth Stockyards, the Kimbell Art Museum, the Bureau of Engraving and Alcon due to an interest of Nîmes to develop business relations in the eye care industry.

This partnership came to fruition as the result of a three-year process which started with a visit to Nîmes by a Fort Worth search team in 2017. The newly-minted relationship has already proven fruitful, as a youth delegation of 21 high school students from Nîmes will arrive in Fort Worth Friday for a ten-day educational exchange hosted by the FWISD World Languages Institute and Fort Worth Country Day School.

Mayor Price will lead a delegation to Nîmes Sept. 25 – Oct. 4, 2019 to sign the reciprocal agreement there. To join the group on this official visit, contact beth@fwsistercities.org.

Nîmes is now the ninth Sister City of Fort Worth.

2019-02-15 11:28

Nîmes, France is Now Fort Worth’s Ninth Sister City

Fort Worth, TX – Municipal agreements signed finalizing process

Mayor Price will lead a delegation to Nîmes Sept. 25 – Oct. 4, 2019 to sign the reciprocal agreement there. To join the group on this official visit, contact beth@fwsistercities.org.

Nîmes is now the ninth Sister City of Fort Worth.

Fort Worth Adding Sister City in France

Posted on February 8, 2019February 15, 2019 by Fort Worth Sister Cities

FORT WORTH, TX – Mayor Price to sign official agreement in February

Mayor Jean-Paul Fournier, of Nîmes (pronounced NEEM), France, and delegation will travel to Fort Worth Feb. 12-17 to sign the official document to become Fort Worth’s ninth sister city. The official signing will take place between Mayor Price and Fournier at a ceremony on Feb. 13 at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth at 6:00 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

“Fort Worth is excited to formally welcome Nîmes as our ninth sister city. We look forward to fostering business relationships and expanding cultural exchange opportunities through this partnership,” said Mayor Betsy Price.

Mayor Price will lead a delegation to Nîmes Sept. 25 – Oct. 4 to sign the reciprocal agreement there. To join the group on this official visit, contact beth@fwsistercities.org.

Fort Worth Sister Cities International launched a long-range plan to select new sister cities in countries where they can build mutually beneficial relationships through education, exchanges and commerce. In 2017, Sister Cities sent a delegation to explore the potential partnership with Nîmes, France. A delegation reciprocated with a visit in 2018 to Fort Worth and quickly moved to make the partnership official.

“We are already making plans to welcome our new French friends and share our finest Texas culture,” said Chairwoman of the Board, Veronica Chavez Law. “Future exchanges may focus on education, economic relations, and arts and culture to create understanding and respect of each other’s cultures.”

Anyone interested in learning more about the signing ceremony between Fort Worth and Nîmes can visit https://www.fwsistercities.org/event/official-nimes-signing/.

2019-02-08 06:21

Fort Worth Adding Sister City in France

FORT WORTH, TX – Mayor Price to sign official agreement in February

Mayor Price will lead a delegation to Nîmes Sept. 25 – Oct. 4 to sign the reciprocal agreement there. To join the group on this official visit, contact beth@fwsistercities.org.

Anyone interested in learning more about the signing ceremony between Fort Worth and Nîmes can visit https://www.fwsistercities.org/event/official-nimes-signing/.

Fort Worth Welcomes French Students

Posted on January 25, 2019February 8, 2019 by Fort Worth Sister Cities

FORT WORTH, TX— Sister Cities Partners with Local Schools

Fort Worth welcomes students from its newest sister city, Nîmes, France, this week for the first youth ambassador exchange to Fort Worth.

Three teachers and 21 students from Nîmes (pronounced NEEM) will be hosted by the World Languages Institute and Fort Worth Country Day School Feb. 15-25. Students will be home hosted by community volunteers giving them a true Texas experience, as well as providing a glimpse of life in America. The students will also attend school and visit cultural sites of interest while in Fort Worth.

“Sister Cities works closely with the Fort Worth ISD and private schools to give 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 young people the importance of global understanding and respect of other cultures whether here in Fort Worth or abroad.”

The students’ visit overlaps with a visit by Nîmes Mayor Jean-Paul Fournier and delegation who are here to sign the official documents joining Fort Worth and Nîmes as sister cities. The signing ceremony will take place on Feb. 13 at 6:00 pm at the Modern Art Museum and is free and open to the public. Mayors Betsy Price and Fournier will participate in this auspicious occasion. For more information about the Nîmes and Fort Worth signing ceremony go to https://www.fwsistercities.org/event/official-nimes-signing/.

A special reception for the students, as well as Mayor Fournier and the French delegation, will be held at Fort Worth Country Day School on Feb. 16 with special performances by the French and Fort Worth students.

If you know a student who wants to travel to one of Fort Worth’s sister cities in 2020, contact Beth Weibel at beth@fwsistercities.org or visit our website at https://www.fwsistercities.org/what-we-do/youth-exchanges/.

2019-01-25 09:55

Fort Worth Welcomes French Students

FORT WORTH, TX— Sister Cities Partners with Local Schools

Fort Worth welcomes students from its newest sister city, Nîmes, France, this week for the first youth ambassador exchange to Fort Worth.

Mark Nurdin Chairing Global Effort

Posted on January 23, 2019January 23, 2019 by Fort Worth Sister Cities

GLOBAL CONNECTIONS THRIVE IN FORT WORTH

Fort Worth, Texas – Mark Nurdin Announced as Chair of Sister Cities Campaign

Mark Nurdin, President, Bank of Texas, and 2019 Members Circle of Giving Campaign Chair for Sister Cities, announced to the public today that $203,375 of the $325,000 campaign goal has already been raised for 2019.

This early support comes from the 100% participation of the Fort Worth Sister Cities board of directors and staff; Visit Fort Worth, Rae and Michael Hyatt, and Texas Health Resources as Premier members; BNSF Railway Company, the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, and Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson as Global members; Bank of Texas, BBVA Compass, Cook Children’s Health Care System, Hillwood, Hilde and Helmut Horchler and Mary Palko as Presidential members; and many others.

Lead donors to this year’s campaign will be recognized at a private reception in February celebrating the new partnership between Fort Worth and Nîmes, France and at the Mayor’s International Dinner and Global Awards on May 23.

“This is an exciting year for Sister Cities,” said Veronica Chavez Law, Board Chairwoman. “Not only were we recently named as having the best sister city’s program in the nation, but Fort Worth will expand its global connections by signing its ninth sister city, Nîmes, France, on Feb. 13. We are working to strengthen and create even more relationships for Fort Worth and grow the opportunities for youth and adults alike.”

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

2019-01-23 02:36

Mark Nurdin Chairing Global Effort

GLOBAL CONNECTIONS THRIVE IN FORT WORTH

Fort Worth, Texas – Mark Nurdin Announced as Chair of Sister Cities Campaign

Youth Ambassadors Selected for 2019 Exchanges

Posted on November 28, 2018March 25, 2019 by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Congratulations to all the students who were selected for Youth Ambassador exchanges in 2019! Students go through a rigorous application and interview process before being selected for travel to one of our sister cities. After selection, students attend cultural orientations to prepare for travel abroad and to get to know the culture of their destination.

A special congratulation to Melany Rodriguez who received the Yamagata Emerging Leader Scholarship for her excellence in community service and leadership. Rodriguez will be using her scholarship to travel to Nagaoka, Japan and attend the International Leadership Academy.