Author: Fort Worth Sister Cities

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

For decades, Sister Cities International has leveraged the power that art has to transform societies and transcend cultural boundaries through the Young Artists and Authors Showcase, or YAAS. The showcase has given youth worldwide the opportunity to express their vision for a more unified, peaceful world through original art, literature, and music.

Please see the following for our poetry and essay submissions.

Essay, Age 12-14
Essay, Age 15-18
Poetry, Age 15-18
Poetry, Age 12-14

2026-05-14 12:28

For decades, Sister Cities International has leveraged the power that art has to transform societies and transcend cultural boundaries through the Young Artists and Authors Showcase, or YAAS. The showcase has given youth worldwide the opportunity to express their vision for a more unified, peaceful world through original art, literature, and music.

Please see the following for our poetry and essay submissions.

Essay, Age 12-14
Essay, Age 15-18
Poetry, Age 15-18
Poetry, Age 12-14

Young Artists, Authors and Musicians Chosen to Represent Fort Worth in 2026 International Showcase

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

For many years, Sister Cities International has used art as a powerful way to connect cultures and inspire understanding through the Young Artists and Authors Showcase (YAAS). This program invites young people from around the world to share their perspectives on a more peaceful and united future through original art, writing, and music.

Fort Worth Sister Cities International recently hosted its local competition to select student entries for the global showcase, based on the theme “Voices of Today, Visions of Tomorrow.” All participants will be celebrated, and their work displayed, at a special reception on May 14th.

Congratulations to all the artists, authors, and musicians selected to advance to the international level.

Classical Art (ages 12-14)

  • 1st Place – “A World Still Learning to Bloom” by Eva Vega, Marine Creek Middle School
  • 2nd Place – “What Life Could Be” by Kessler Whitmire, All Saints Episcopal School
  • 3rd Place – “Dear Future Me” by Meghan DeLaughter, Fort Worth Country Day

Classical Art (ages 15-18)

  • 1st Place – “Adolescent aurora” by Ruby Macnab, Central High School
  • 2nd Place – “Resonance of a Daydream: Reminisce ruins” by Alyssa Reyes, Amon Carter Riverside High School
  • 3rd Place – “Remembering Nagaoka” by Chloe Swinford, Amon Carter Riverside High School
Digital Art (ages 12-14)
  • 1st Place – “Voices for the Future” by Taylor McMillan, Fort Worth Country Day
  • 2nd Place – “The Future Starts with an Idea” by Helena McClanahan, Fort Worth Country Day
  • 3rd Place – “Your Words Create your Reality” by Sophie Ratino, Fort Worth Country Day
Photography (ages 12-14)
  • 1st Place – “The circle, we choose to hold the world” by William Cobb, Fort Worth Country Day
  • Honorable Mention – “Small Voices, Big Futures” by Katherine Walker, Fort Worth Country Day
Photography (ages 15-18)
  • 1st Place – “A Vision” by Aiden Hernandez, Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts
  • 2nd Place – “Murky Glass” by Elliott Mendez, Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts
  • 3rd Place – “New Light” by Savannah Solsbery, Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts
  • Honorable Mention – “The brown bench in fall” by Digory Milburn, Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts
  • Honorable Mention – “Words of Tomorrow” by Makenzie White, Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts
Essay (ages 12-14)
  • 1st Place – “The Voice of Truth” by Tallula Celentano, Fort Worth Country Day
Essay (ages 15-18)
  • 1st Place – “Bonnets and Blossoms” by Harmon Hong, Fort Worth Country Day
  • 2nd Place – “When The Spark Fades” by Jonathan Washington, Trinity Valley School
Poetry (ages 12-14)
  • 1st Place – “”The Hope of the Universe” by Nadia Medlin, Fort Worth Academy
Poetry (ages 15-18)
  • 1st Place – “A Garden (Can’t Be Built) on a Wildfire” by Trang Pham, homeschooled
  • 2nd Place – “The Right Kind of Doubt” by Sivani Subramanian, Trinity Valley School
  • 3rd Place – “A View from Denali” by Eliza Stubblefield, I.M. Terrell Academy for STEM and VPA

Thank you again to our judges!

  • Hilde Horchler
  • Bronwyn Logan
  • Estrus Tucker
  • Britt Stokes
  • Brian Dickson Jr.
  • Greg Bahr
  • Nicole Vallee
  • Matt Fels
  • Amber Shumake

Learn more about the Showcase on May 14th! Photo: “A Vision” by Aiden Hernandez

2026-04-30 04:41

Young Artists, Authors and Musicians Chosen to Represent Fort Worth in 2026 International Showcase

For many years, Sister Cities International has used art as a powerful way to connect cultures and inspire understanding through the Young Artists and Authors Showcase (YAAS). This program invites young people from around the world to share their perspectives on a more peaceful and united future through original art, writing, and music.

Fort Worth Sister Cities International recently hosted its local competition to select student entries for the global showcase, based on the theme “Voices of Today, Visions of Tomorrow.” All participants will be celebrated, and their work displayed, at a special reception on May 14th.

Congratulations to all the artists, authors, and musicians selected to advance to the international level.

Classical Art (ages 12-14)

  • 1st Place – “A World Still Learning to Bloom” by Eva Vega, Marine Creek Middle School
  • 2nd Place – “What Life Could Be” by Kessler Whitmire, All Saints Episcopal School
  • 3rd Place – “Dear Future Me” by Meghan DeLaughter, Fort Worth Country Day

Classical Art (ages 15-18)

  • 1st Place – “Adolescent aurora” by Ruby Macnab, Central High School
  • 2nd Place – “Resonance of a Daydream: Reminisce ruins” by Alyssa Reyes, Amon Carter Riverside High School
  • 3rd Place – “Remembering Nagaoka” by Chloe Swinford, Amon Carter Riverside High School
Digital Art (ages 12-14)
  • 1st Place – “Voices for the Future” by Taylor McMillan, Fort Worth Country Day
  • 2nd Place – “The Future Starts with an Idea” by Helena McClanahan, Fort Worth Country Day
  • 3rd Place – “Your Words Create your Reality” by Sophie Ratino, Fort Worth Country Day
Photography (ages 12-14)
  • 1st Place – “The circle, we choose to hold the world” by William Cobb, Fort Worth Country Day
  • Honorable Mention – “Small Voices, Big Futures” by Katherine Walker, Fort Worth Country Day
Photography (ages 15-18)
  • 1st Place – “A Vision” by Aiden Hernandez, Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts
  • 2nd Place – “Murky Glass” by Elliott Mendez, Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts
  • 3rd Place – “New Light” by Savannah Solsbery, Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts
  • Honorable Mention – “The brown bench in fall” by Digory Milburn, Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts
  • Honorable Mention – “Words of Tomorrow” by Makenzie White, Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts
Essay (ages 12-14)
  • 1st Place – “The Voice of Truth” by Tallula Celentano, Fort Worth Country Day
Essay (ages 15-18)
  • 1st Place – “Bonnets and Blossoms” by Harmon Hong, Fort Worth Country Day
  • 2nd Place – “When The Spark Fades” by Jonathan Washington, Trinity Valley School
Poetry (ages 12-14)
  • 1st Place – “”The Hope of the Universe” by Nadia Medlin, Fort Worth Academy
Poetry (ages 15-18)
  • 1st Place – “A Garden (Can’t Be Built) on a Wildfire” by Trang Pham, homeschooled
  • 2nd Place – “The Right Kind of Doubt” by Sivani Subramanian, Trinity Valley School
  • 3rd Place – “A View from Denali” by Eliza Stubblefield, I.M. Terrell Academy for STEM and VPA

Thank you again to our judges!

  • Hilde Horchler
  • Bronwyn Logan
  • Estrus Tucker
  • Britt Stokes
  • Brian Dickson Jr.
  • Greg Bahr
  • Nicole Vallee
  • Matt Fels
  • Amber Shumake

Learn more about the Showcase on May 14th! Photo: “A Vision” by Aiden Hernandez

Fort Worth Hospitality Training

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth is preparing to welcome visitors from around the globe and we want our community to be ready.

Leadership Fort Worth and Visit Fort Worth have teamed up to create specialized ambassador trainings for volunteers. Whether you serve on the front lines of customer service, volunteer at events, or simply love representing our city, these exciting training opportunities are available to help you confidently showcase everything Fort Worth has to offer.

Fort Worth Host Training

The Fort Worth Host Training was designed to equip frontline hospitality professionals with relevant, engaging education that benefits anyone representing Fort Worth.

This 90-minute, self-paced course can be started and stopped at your convenience, making it easy to complete on your schedule.

What you’ll gain:

  • A deeper understanding of Fort Worth’s history, culture, and attractions
  • Tools to confidently represent and promote the city
  • Best practices for creating exceptional visitor experiences

Upon completion, participants will receive:

  • An official digital certificate
  • A physical and digital Fort Worth Host lapel pin

This training will remain available for years to come and will be updated annually to ensure information stays current and accurate.

ENROLL HERE for the Fort Worth Host Training.

Fort Worth Soccer Ambassador Training

With global soccer excitement building, the Fort Worth Soccer Ambassador Training was created to prepare our community to welcome international visitors with knowledge and cultural awareness.

This 90-minute, self-paced course provides education on:

  • The World Cup
  • Participating countries
  • Best practices for appropriately and effectively engaging with visitors from around the world

While you may complete the course at your convenience, we encourage finishing within 1–2 weeks.

Upon completion, participants will receive an official digital certificate.

ENROLL HERE for the Fort Worth Soccer Ambassador Training.

Please note: This training will only be available through August.

To learn more, click here.

2026-02-27 02:26

Fort Worth Hospitality Training

Fort Worth is preparing to welcome visitors from around the globe and we want our community to be ready.

Leadership Fort Worth and Visit Fort Worth have teamed up to create specialized ambassador trainings for volunteers. Whether you serve on the front lines of customer service, volunteer at events, or simply love representing our city, these exciting training opportunities are available to help you confidently showcase everything Fort Worth has to offer.

Fort Worth Host Training

The Fort Worth Host Training was designed to equip frontline hospitality professionals with relevant, engaging education that benefits anyone representing Fort Worth.

This 90-minute, self-paced course can be started and stopped at your convenience, making it easy to complete on your schedule.

What you’ll gain:

  • A deeper understanding of Fort Worth’s history, culture, and attractions
  • Tools to confidently represent and promote the city
  • Best practices for creating exceptional visitor experiences

Upon completion, participants will receive:

  • An official digital certificate
  • A physical and digital Fort Worth Host lapel pin

This training will remain available for years to come and will be updated annually to ensure information stays current and accurate.

ENROLL HERE for the Fort Worth Host Training.

Fort Worth Soccer Ambassador Training

With global soccer excitement building, the Fort Worth Soccer Ambassador Training was created to prepare our community to welcome international visitors with knowledge and cultural awareness.

This 90-minute, self-paced course provides education on:

  • The World Cup
  • Participating countries
  • Best practices for appropriately and effectively engaging with visitors from around the world

While you may complete the course at your convenience, we encourage finishing within 1–2 weeks.

Upon completion, participants will receive an official digital certificate.

ENROLL HERE for the Fort Worth Soccer Ambassador Training.

Please note: This training will only be available through August.

To learn more, click here.

Student Ambassadors to Visit France and Italy

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth students and leaders depart this month for Nimes, France and Reggio Emilia, Italy. Delegations are led by educators from the FWISD, private schools, and universities. On February 10th, the students attended a Fort Worth City Council where Mayor Mattie Parker 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 Fort Worth 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. When the students return to their local campuses, they share the lessons learned while abroad with others, helping make Fort Worth more globally fluent. More students will be traveling this summer.

Nimes, France
  • Chloe Adams, Southwest Christian High School
  • Marely Arguello, Amon Carter Riverside High School
  • Elizabeth Brown, Birdville High School
  • Sloane Criado, Young Women’s Leadership Academy
  • Katherine Nytko, Science, Etc. Home School
  • Alyssa Reyes, Amon Carter Riverside High School
  • Zoe Williams, Young Women’s Leadership Academy
  • Annabel Young, Southwest Christian High School
  • Dakota Vega, TCC South Collegiate High School
Delegation Leaders
  • Alexis Gross, All Saints Episcopal Middle School
  • Greg Gross, All Saints Episcopal High School
Reggio Emilia, Italy
  • Isabelle Almanza, Southwest High School
  • Daniel Barreto, World Languages Institute
  • Jackson Cross, All Saints Episcopal High School
  • Daisy Daniels, Western Hills High School
  • Clara Enlow, All Saints Episcopal High School
  • Romelia Flores, World Languages Institute
  • Elizabeth Nytko, Science Etc. Home School
  • Chloe Soule, Southwest High School
  • Sophia Tinley, All Saints Episcopal High School
  • Victoria Tran, Nolan Catholic High School
Delegations Leaders
  • Monica Prochnow, Tarrant County College
  • Brian Wooddell, Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences

2026-02-19 03:44

Student Ambassadors to Visit France and Italy

Fort Worth students and leaders depart this month for Nimes, France and Reggio Emilia, Italy. Delegations are led by educators from the FWISD, private schools, and universities. On February 10th, the students attended a Fort Worth City Council where Mayor Mattie Parker 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 Fort Worth 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. When the students return to their local campuses, they share the lessons learned while abroad with others, helping make Fort Worth more globally fluent. More students will be traveling this summer.

Nimes, France

  • Chloe Adams, Southwest Christian High School
  • Marely Arguello, Amon Carter Riverside High School
  • Elizabeth Brown, Birdville High School
  • Sloane Criado, Young Women’s Leadership Academy
  • Katherine Nytko, Science, Etc. Home School
  • Alyssa Reyes, Amon Carter Riverside High School
  • Zoe Williams, Young Women’s Leadership Academy
  • Annabel Young, Southwest Christian High School
  • Dakota Vega, TCC South Collegiate High School
Delegation Leaders
  • Alexis Gross, All Saints Episcopal Middle School
  • Greg Gross, All Saints Episcopal High School
Reggio Emilia, Italy
  • Isabelle Almanza, Southwest High School
  • Daniel Barreto, World Languages Institute
  • Jackson Cross, All Saints Episcopal High School
  • Daisy Daniels, Western Hills High School
  • Clara Enlow, All Saints Episcopal High School
  • Romelia Flores, World Languages Institute
  • Elizabeth Nytko, Science Etc. Home School
  • Chloe Soule, Southwest High School
  • Sophia Tinley, All Saints Episcopal High School
  • Victoria Tran, Nolan Catholic High School
Delegations Leaders
  • Monica Prochnow, Tarrant County College
  • Brian Wooddell, Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences

US/Russian Relations From An Insider’s Perspective

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, TX – Timely topic for Sister Cities forum

Join Fort Worth Sister Cities International to hear about Russia Today from an Insider’s Perspective, October 11, noon at Texas Christian University’s Dee J. Kelly Alumni & Visitors Center. The event is open to the public and tickets can be purchased at www.fwsistercities.org/event/us-russia.

The event will include an analysis of US and Russia relations by Sharon Tennison, President and Founder of the Center for Citizen Initiatives (CCI).

CCI’s mission is to conduct a series of Citizen-to-Citizen initiatives and exchanges, buttressed by official media PR and social media networks across America and across Russia. They wish to bring the two peoples together, including those in leadership to listen and learn and hammer out ways to cooperate rather than plot war against the other.

“After hearing Tennison speak on this subject earlier this year, we decided to host her in Fort Worth to hear about what it’s really like on the ground in Russia today and how we can help with more peaceful relations,” said Mae Ferguson, President/CEO of Fort Worth Sister Cities.

Tennison has written a book on the subject, entitled The Power of Impossible Ideas: Ordinary Citizens’ Extraordinary Efforts to Avert International Crises and travels back and forth frequently between the two countries.

A small group of Fort Worth participants may travel to Russia in the Spring 2018.

For more information about joining the mission to Russia and to make your reservation for the luncheon, please contact Danielle at 817/632-7106 or danielle@fwsistercities.org.

2017-10-05 10:50

US/Russian Relations From An Insider’s Perspective

Fort Worth, TX – Timely topic for Sister Cities forum

Join Fort Worth Sister Cities International to hear about Russia Today from an Insider’s Perspective, October 11, noon at Texas Christian University’s Dee J. Kelly Alumni & Visitors Center. The event is open to the public and tickets can be purchased at www.fwsistercities.org/event/us-russia.

The event will include an analysis of US and Russia relations by Sharon Tennison, President and Founder of the Center for Citizen Initiatives (CCI).

CCI’s mission is to conduct a series of Citizen-to-Citizen initiatives and exchanges, buttressed by official media PR and social media networks across America and across Russia. They wish to bring the two peoples together, including those in leadership to listen and learn and hammer out ways to cooperate rather than plot war against the other.

“After hearing Tennison speak on this subject earlier this year, we decided to host her in Fort Worth to hear about what it’s really like on the ground in Russia today and how we can help with more peaceful relations,” said Mae Ferguson, President/CEO of Fort Worth Sister Cities.

Tennison has written a book on the subject, entitled The Power of Impossible Ideas: Ordinary Citizens’ Extraordinary Efforts to Avert International Crises and travels back and forth frequently between the two countries.

A small group of Fort Worth participants may travel to Russia in the Spring 2018.

For more information about joining the mission to Russia and to make your reservation for the luncheon, please contact Danielle at 817/632-7106 or danielle@fwsistercities.org.

Japanese Mayor Leading Delegation to Fort Worth

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, Texas – Celebrating 30 years of partnership

Fort Worth Sister Cities International will welcome a delegation of people from Nagaoka, Japan to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Sister Cities partnership between Fort Worth and Nagaoka on October 27, 2017.

Led by the Mayor of Nagaoka, Tatsunobu Isoda, the delegation plans to visit with Fort Worth City Council members and Mayor Betsy Price, tour Sundance Square and the Cultural District, attend the Japanese Fall Festival in the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, and participate in an educators panel discussion at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas.

On October 28, a 30th anniversary celebration dinner will be held in Mayor Isoda’s honor at Billy Bob’s Texas. Tickets to the celebration include dinner and a ticket to the Trace Adkins concert that evening. To buy tickets go to: www.fwsistercities.org/event/nagaoka-30th-anniversary/

“We are excited to welcome our guests and show them what Fort Worth has to offer, as well as to celebrate thirty years of friendship which is something to be valued and is more important today than ever before,” said Jane Bass, Chair of the Nagaoka 30th Anniversary committee.

A delegation from Fort Worth plans to visit Nagaoka in 2018 to continue the 30th anniversary celebrations.

For more information or to make your reservation, please contact Danielle at 817-632-7106 or danielle@fwsistercities.org.

2017-09-28 12:28

Japanese Mayor Leading Delegation to Fort Worth

Fort Worth, Texas – Celebrating 30 years of partnership

Fort Worth Sister Cities International will welcome a delegation of people from Nagaoka, Japan to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Sister Cities partnership between Fort Worth and Nagaoka on October 27, 2017.

Led by the Mayor of Nagaoka, Tatsunobu Isoda, the delegation plans to visit with Fort Worth City Council members and Mayor Betsy Price, tour Sundance Square and the Cultural District, attend the Japanese Fall Festival in the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, and participate in an educators panel discussion at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas.

On October 28, a 30th anniversary celebration dinner will be held in Mayor Isoda’s honor at Billy Bob’s Texas. Tickets to the celebration include dinner and a ticket to the Trace Adkins concert that evening. To buy tickets go to: www.fwsistercities.org/event/nagaoka-30th-anniversary/

“We are excited to welcome our guests and show them what Fort Worth has to offer, as well as to celebrate thirty years of friendship which is something to be valued and is more important today than ever before,” said Jane Bass, Chair of the Nagaoka 30th Anniversary committee.

A delegation from Fort Worth plans to visit Nagaoka in 2018 to continue the 30th anniversary celebrations.

For more information or to make your reservation, please contact Danielle at 817-632-7106 or danielle@fwsistercities.org.

Fort Worth Elects Global Leaders

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, TX – Sundance Square’s Johnny Campbell Leads Sister Cities

Newly elected officers at Fort Worth Sister Cities International’s 32nd Annual Meeting, are Secretary, Casey Dyer Oliver, Texas A&M University; Treasurer, Frank Tilley, SeatonHill; Development Chair, Julie Johncox, JP Solutions; Government Relations Chair, Michael Crain, Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty; and Exchanges & Outreach Chair, Dr. Sheryl Harris, Tarrant County College.

New board members include: PJ Budler, the Cattle Market; Mark Davidovich, JP Morgan; Vishal Gandhi, Hillwood; Ratna Goenardi, Sugar Biscuit Cakery; Andrew Johnsen, BNSF Railway Company; Cindy Milrany, Freese & Nichols; Andy Roseliep, Bank of America; Andy Taft, Downtown Fort Worth, Inc.; and Libby Watson.

The Bob Bolen Award for Outstanding Board Leadership was awarded to Greg Irwin.  The Fort Worth Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas and Women’s Policy Forum were awarded the Eisenhower Award for Organizational Involvement and Sherri Whiting was awarded the prestigious Volunteer of the Year award.

Tim Quigley, Chairman of the national office of Sister Cities International in Washington, D.C., spoke to the Members Circle about the importance of sister city relationships and the close connection with Department of State priorities. “When public policy fails, citizen diplomacy is our connective tissue,” Quigley told the crowd.

Board members returning for a 2nd term include: Veronica Chavez Law, Michael Parker, and Lu Pham. City chairs include: Ratna Goenardi, Bandung; Greg Jackson, Budapest; Nommo Donald, Mbabane; Libby Watson, Nagaoka; Tom Law, Jr., Reggio Emilia; Anette Soto, Toluca; and Hannah Behrens, Trier. 

Fort Worth Sister Cities celebrated raising $300,000 for its annual Members Circle campaign with the help of Campaign Chair, Bob Jameson, and is setting a launch for the 2018 campaign for January 2, 2018. 

The Members Circle is a thriving network of individuals, organizations, corporations, and community leaders committed to expanding global relationships for peace and prosperity at home and abroad. For information on joining the Members Circle, contact Danielle at 817-632-7106 or danielle@fwsistercities.org.

2017-09-25 10:49

Fort Worth Elects Global Leaders

Fort Worth, TX – Sundance Square’s Johnny Campbell Leads Sister Cities

Newly elected officers at Fort Worth Sister Cities International’s 32nd Annual Meeting, are Secretary, Casey Dyer Oliver, Texas A&M University; Treasurer, Frank Tilley, SeatonHill; Development Chair, Julie Johncox, JP Solutions; Government Relations Chair, Michael Crain, Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty; and Exchanges & Outreach Chair, Dr. Sheryl Harris, Tarrant County College.

New board members include: PJ Budler, the Cattle Market; Mark Davidovich, JP Morgan; Vishal Gandhi, Hillwood; Ratna Goenardi, Sugar Biscuit Cakery; Andrew Johnsen, BNSF Railway Company; Cindy Milrany, Freese & Nichols; Andy Roseliep, Bank of America; Andy Taft, Downtown Fort Worth, Inc.; and Libby Watson.

The Bob Bolen Award for Outstanding Board Leadership was awarded to Greg Irwin.  The Fort Worth Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas and Women’s Policy Forum were awarded the Eisenhower Award for Organizational Involvement and Sherri Whiting was awarded the prestigious Volunteer of the Year award.

Tim Quigley, Chairman of the national office of Sister Cities International in Washington, D.C., spoke to the Members Circle about the importance of sister city relationships and the close connection with Department of State priorities. “When public policy fails, citizen diplomacy is our connective tissue,” Quigley told the crowd.

Board members returning for a 2nd term include: Veronica Chavez Law, Michael Parker, and Lu Pham. City chairs include: Ratna Goenardi, Bandung; Greg Jackson, Budapest; Nommo Donald, Mbabane; Libby Watson, Nagaoka; Tom Law, Jr., Reggio Emilia; Anette Soto, Toluca; and Hannah Behrens, Trier. 

Fort Worth Sister Cities celebrated raising $300,000 for its annual Members Circle campaign with the help of Campaign Chair, Bob Jameson, and is setting a launch for the 2018 campaign for January 2, 2018. 

The Members Circle is a thriving network of individuals, organizations, corporations, and community leaders committed to expanding global relationships for peace and prosperity at home and abroad. For information on joining the Members Circle, contact Danielle at 817-632-7106 or danielle@fwsistercities.org.

German Mayor Leading Delegation of 53 to Fort Worth

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, Texas – Celebrating 30 years of partnership

Fort Worth Sister Cities International will welcome a delegation of 53 people from Trier, Germany to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Sister Cities partnership between Fort Worth and Trier on September 30, 2017.

Led by the Mayor of Trier, Wolfram Leibe, the delegation plans to visit with Fort Worth City Council members and City Manager David Cooke, tour Sundance Square, and take part in a Reaffirmation Ceremony with Mayor Price. At mid-day on October 2, the famous Stadtgarde Augusta Trevororum, the official marching band of Trier, will perform in Sundance Square. This group travels on all official visits with the mayor and it is an honor to have them perform in Fort Worth.

This exchange comes after a delegation from Fort Worth visited Trier in 2016 to leverage Fort Worth’s long-standing friendship with Trier and capitalize on the opportunity to grow a new platform in the business sphere of influence.

“Our visit to Trier was just the beginning of continued growth.  The business counterpart meetings created value and experience to think and grow small business internationally,” said Johnny Campbell, Chairman of the Board of Fort Worth Sister Cities. “We are excited to welcome our guests and show them what Fort Worth has to offer, as well as to celebrate thirty years of friendship which is something to be valued and is more important today than ever before.”

Click here for more information about the visit and how you can participate

2017-08-28 09:58

German Mayor Leading Delegation of 53 to Fort Worth

Fort Worth, Texas – Celebrating 30 years of partnership

Fort Worth Sister Cities International will welcome a delegation of 53 people from Trier, Germany to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Sister Cities partnership between Fort Worth and Trier on September 30, 2017.

Led by the Mayor of Trier, Wolfram Leibe, the delegation plans to visit with Fort Worth City Council members and City Manager David Cooke, tour Sundance Square, and take part in a Reaffirmation Ceremony with Mayor Price. At mid-day on October 2, the famous Stadtgarde Augusta Trevororum, the official marching band of Trier, will perform in Sundance Square. This group travels on all official visits with the mayor and it is an honor to have them perform in Fort Worth.

This exchange comes after a delegation from Fort Worth visited Trier in 2016 to leverage Fort Worth’s long-standing friendship with Trier and capitalize on the opportunity to grow a new platform in the business sphere of influence.

“Our visit to Trier was just the beginning of continued growth.  The business counterpart meetings created value and experience to think and grow small business internationally,” said Johnny Campbell, Chairman of the Board of Fort Worth Sister Cities. “We are excited to welcome our guests and show them what Fort Worth has to offer, as well as to celebrate thirty years of friendship which is something to be valued and is more important today than ever before.”

Click here for more information about the visit and how you can participate

Rotary Leads Humanitarian Mission to Mbabane

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, TX – First Partnership with Rotary Club for 2017 Swaziland Mission

Fort Worth Sister Cities International, in partnership with the International Service Committee of the Rotary Club, is planning a mission to Mbabane, Swaziland. An adult delegation of 25 will travel to Fort Worth’s seventh sister city from Sept. 1 – 10, 2017. Participants will deliver 265 wheelchairs and 5 bicycles directly to those in need and teach the recipients how to maintain the chairs to provide income for them and sustain the project.

Additionally, Fort Worth Sister Cities is partnering with Dream Outside the Box founder Kam Phillips to provide “Dream Delivered” boxes to the Swazi children. These boxes, brimming with fun and educational activities and pamphlets, are designed to introduce children to diverse careers, such as forensic science, journalism, and archaeology.

“Our Swaziland trip is taking the Rotary Wheelchair program to the next level. We are not only distributing donated wheelchairs to those in need, we are establishing a wheelchair and bicycle repair shop business that Mbabane citizens will operate long after we are gone,” said David Campbell, Rotary President. “The training and equipment we will provide makes this project more sustainable, creating a legacy of trade skills that will ensure the repair of wheelchairs and bicycles we bring and provide jobs for years to come.”

Some participants are also staying an additional two nights at the Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge to experience a South African safari. With lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos, the group will see the “Big Five” up close and personal.

For more information about future Sister Cities exchanges, call Danielle at 817/632-7100 for more information.

2017-08-16 05:19

Rotary Leads Humanitarian Mission to Mbabane

Fort Worth, TX – First Partnership with Rotary Club for 2017 Swaziland Mission

Fort Worth Sister Cities International, in partnership with the International Service Committee of the Rotary Club, is planning a mission to Mbabane, Swaziland. An adult delegation of 25 will travel to Fort Worth’s seventh sister city from Sept. 1 – 10, 2017. Participants will deliver 265 wheelchairs and 5 bicycles directly to those in need and teach the recipients how to maintain the chairs to provide income for them and sustain the project.

Additionally, Fort Worth Sister Cities is partnering with Dream Outside the Box founder Kam Phillips to provide “Dream Delivered” boxes to the Swazi children. These boxes, brimming with fun and educational activities and pamphlets, are designed to introduce children to diverse careers, such as forensic science, journalism, and archaeology.

“Our Swaziland trip is taking the Rotary Wheelchair program to the next level. We are not only distributing donated wheelchairs to those in need, we are establishing a wheelchair and bicycle repair shop business that Mbabane citizens will operate long after we are gone,” said David Campbell, Rotary President. “The training and equipment we will provide makes this project more sustainable, creating a legacy of trade skills that will ensure the repair of wheelchairs and bicycles we bring and provide jobs for years to come.”

Some participants are also staying an additional two nights at the Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge to experience a South African safari. With lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos, the group will see the “Big Five” up close and personal.

For more information about future Sister Cities exchanges, call Danielle at 817/632-7100 for more information.

Fort Worth Youth Ambassadors Visit Japan & Prepare for Reciprocal Exchange

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
FORT WORTH, TX – Sister Cities provides unique opportunity for Fort Worth youth

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 26 years, it is estimated that over $2 million has been generously donated.

Fort Worth Harashin scholars include: Henry Chao, Charlie Estes, Valeria Gutierrez, Zoe Nichols-Payne, Jamil Okada, Matthew Ontiveros, Janrose Samson, Shay Smith, and delegation leaders Liliana Hinojosa and Mikako Daniel.

“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 Johnny Campbell, Chairman of Fort Worth Sister Cities International. The students depart July 26 for a week-long exchange and the Japanese students will be in Fort Worth August 8-16.

On August 14, Fort Worth and Nagaoka Harashin scholars will visit Globe Life Park for Japan America Friendship Night with the Texas Rangers. The students and delegation leaders will have the opportunity to take part in a pre-game flag ceremony on the field.

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 eight sister cities provide youth the opportunity to spend 9-15 days 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.

2017-07-26 09:13

Fort Worth Youth Ambassadors Visit Japan & Prepare for Reciprocal Exchange

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

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 26 years, it is estimated that over $2 million has been generously donated.

Fort Worth Harashin scholars include: Henry Chao, Charlie Estes, Valeria Gutierrez, Zoe Nichols-Payne, Jamil Okada, Matthew Ontiveros, Janrose Samson, Shay Smith, and delegation leaders Liliana Hinojosa and Mikako Daniel.

“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 Johnny Campbell, Chairman of Fort Worth Sister Cities International. The students depart July 26 for a week-long exchange and the Japanese students will be in Fort Worth August 8-16.

On August 14, Fort Worth and Nagaoka Harashin scholars will visit Globe Life Park for Japan America Friendship Night with the Texas Rangers. The students and delegation leaders will have the opportunity to take part in a pre-game flag ceremony on the field.

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 eight sister cities provide youth the opportunity to spend 9-15 days 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.