Category: Awards

Fort Worth Wins Best Program in the Nation for the 11th Time

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, Texas has won the Sister Cities International 2022 Best Overall Program Award and the Innovation in Business, Trade and Professional Exchange Award for a city with a population greater than 300,000 for outstanding programming in 2022. 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.

President/CEO Mae Ferguson was also honored with the Ruth Hashimoto Award for her work for over 23 years in advancing citizen diplomacy and international exchange.

2022 was an incredible year for Fort Worth Sister Cities International. We consistently created programs that embody the mission of SCI, promoting peace through mutual respect, understanding and cooperation with numerous annual exchanges with our nine sister cities.

We were once again able to conduct annual adult and youth exchanges and stage our successful International Leadership Academy, a two-week global forum held in Fort Worth, uniting high school students from our sister cities with students in Fort Worth.

To secure additional revenue streams and reach other parts of the world, we received a grant from the World Learning organization to virtually home host students from Venezuela, and we reestablished important partnerships with the Congressional Office for International Leadership for professional development exchanges with the Republic of Georgia and Serbia.

We also launched the virtual roadshow series to keep our local community engaged through various cultural, educational and business topics while ramping up in-person events and activities. These activities included cooking classes and cultural celebrations like Japanese Children’s Day, as well as forums held with our European partners on the state of the economy and the affect the pandemic had on their cities and countries.

Donors make decisions on charitable donations based on the impact organizations make on the community. Anecdotal proof of success of sister city programs is not enough. With the help of the Center for Nonprofit Management, FWSCI collected data to prove that youth and adults who experience sister city programs:

  • Gain awareness of global issues
  • Can persevere in difficult situations
  • Increase their cultural competencyImprove their leadership and problem-solving skills
  • Improve their foreign language skills
  • Increase their confidence and independence

This leads to decreased stereotypes, racism, violence, and fear of other cultures, and increases empathy, creating a more peaceful world. This model can be shared with other SCI programs in the future.

This past year we focused on a new vision to create a culturally competent organization, as well as be the catalyst for the creation of an international center in Fort Worth. 2022 programs modeled everything the organization believes in: creating lifelong friendships, valuable partnerships and real-life experiences that foster peace and understanding. Through our programs, Fort Worth Sister Cities International is truly “connecting globally, thriving locally.”

Sister Cities International Annual Awards recognize excellence in overall programming and highlight key innovations in arts and culture; business and trade; humanitarian assistance; and youth and education. All award winners were honored during Sister Cities International’s 2022 Annual Business Meeting held virtually and in-person on July 28, 2023.

2023-07-28 11:01

Fort Worth Wins Best Program in the Nation for the 11th Time

Fort Worth, Texas has won the Sister Cities International 2022 Best Overall Program Award and the Innovation in Business, Trade and Professional Exchange Award for a city with a population greater than 300,000 for outstanding programming in 2022. 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.

President/CEO Mae Ferguson was also honored with the Ruth Hashimoto Award for her work for over 23 years in advancing citizen diplomacy and international exchange.

2022 was an incredible year for Fort Worth Sister Cities International. We consistently created programs that embody the mission of SCI, promoting peace through mutual respect, understanding and cooperation with numerous annual exchanges with our nine sister cities.

We were once again able to conduct annual adult and youth exchanges and stage our successful International Leadership Academy, a two-week global forum held in Fort Worth, uniting high school students from our sister cities with students in Fort Worth.

To secure additional revenue streams and reach other parts of the world, we received a grant from the World Learning organization to virtually home host students from Venezuela, and we reestablished important partnerships with the Congressional Office for International Leadership for professional development exchanges with the Republic of Georgia and Serbia.

We also launched the virtual roadshow series to keep our local community engaged through various cultural, educational and business topics while ramping up in-person events and activities. These activities included cooking classes and cultural celebrations like Japanese Children’s Day, as well as forums held with our European partners on the state of the economy and the affect the pandemic had on their cities and countries.

Donors make decisions on charitable donations based on the impact organizations make on the community. Anecdotal proof of success of sister city programs is not enough. With the help of the Center for Nonprofit Management, FWSCI collected data to prove that youth and adults who experience sister city programs:

  • Gain awareness of global issues
  • Can persevere in difficult situations
  • Increase their cultural competencyImprove their leadership and problem-solving skills
  • Improve their foreign language skills
  • Increase their confidence and independence

This leads to decreased stereotypes, racism, violence, and fear of other cultures, and increases empathy, creating a more peaceful world. This model can be shared with other SCI programs in the future.

This past year we focused on a new vision to create a culturally competent organization, as well as be the catalyst for the creation of an international center in Fort Worth. 2022 programs modeled everything the organization believes in: creating lifelong friendships, valuable partnerships and real-life experiences that foster peace and understanding. Through our programs, Fort Worth Sister Cities International is truly “connecting globally, thriving locally.”

Sister Cities International Annual Awards recognize excellence in overall programming and highlight key innovations in arts and culture; business and trade; humanitarian assistance; and youth and education. All award winners were honored during Sister Cities International’s 2022 Annual Business Meeting held virtually and in-person on July 28, 2023.

Team USA Brings Home Gold, Silver and Bronze

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

In its ongoing efforts to promote Fort Worth globally and provide opportunities to enhance understanding and awareness of different cultures on a global basis, Fort Worth Sister Cities International sent nearly 100 student athletes, coaches and staff to the Tricolore Games in Reggio Emilia, Italy July 22-30.

The Athlete Ambassadors and coaches representing Fort Worth have been competing and living in an Olympic-style village with nearly 1,000 other student athletes from around the world, representing Fort Worth and the U.S.A. through positive sportsmanship and goodwill.

The student athletes returned over the weekend and are bringing home gold, silver, and bronze medals.

“We are so proud to be representing Fort Worth and the USA,” said Fort Worth Sister Cities President/CEO Mae Ferguson. “The student athletes have exhibited great sportsmanship and learned the true meaning of citizen diplomacy.”

The games are held every four years in Reggio Emilia, Italy with Fort Worth being the only city in the U.S.A. invited to participate.

2023-07-28 09:07

Team USA Brings Home Gold, Silver and Bronze

In its ongoing efforts to promote Fort Worth globally and provide opportunities to enhance understanding and awareness of different cultures on a global basis, Fort Worth Sister Cities International sent nearly 100 student athletes, coaches and staff to the Tricolore Games in Reggio Emilia, Italy July 22-30.

The Athlete Ambassadors and coaches representing Fort Worth have been competing and living in an Olympic-style village with nearly 1,000 other student athletes from around the world, representing Fort Worth and the U.S.A. through positive sportsmanship and goodwill.

The student athletes returned over the weekend and are bringing home gold, silver, and bronze medals.

“We are so proud to be representing Fort Worth and the USA,” said Fort Worth Sister Cities President/CEO Mae Ferguson. “The student athletes have exhibited great sportsmanship and learned the true meaning of citizen diplomacy.”

The games are held every four years in Reggio Emilia, Italy with Fort Worth being the only city in the U.S.A. invited to participate.

Young Artists and Poets Chosen to Represent Fort Worth

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 and literature.

Fort Worth Sister Cities International held the local showcase to choose student pieces to be submitted to the worldwide competition.

We want to give a special thanks to our Young Artists and Authors Co-Chairs Rachel Jenkins and Julia King and their committee for recruiting judges and securing prize money.

Congratulations to all the artists and authors who were selected and entered into the international competition.

Artists (classic)

Artists (digital)

Poets

2023-04-24 11:37

Young Artists and Poets Chosen to Represent Fort Worth

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 and literature.

Fort Worth Sister Cities International held the local showcase to choose student pieces to be submitted to the worldwide competition.

We want to give a special thanks to our Young Artists and Authors Co-Chairs Rachel Jenkins and Julia King and their committee for recruiting judges and securing prize money.

Congratulations to all the artists and authors who were selected and entered into the international competition.

Artists (classic)

Artists (digital)

Poets

Sister Cities Presents Global Impact Awards

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Mayor Mattie Parker and Dinner Chairs, Joanne and David Campbell are hosting an evening of international cuisine and entertainment as Fort Worth Sister Cities celebrates its 35-year relationship with Trier, Germany. Honorary Dinner Chairs Helmut and Hilde Horchler will also be recognized.

During dinner global recognition will be highlighted through awards given to honor businesses, individuals and organizations that make a significant contribution to global understanding, world political stability and international trade or cooperative efforts to solve international health, economic, social or environmental challenges.

This year’s recipients include:

  • Fort Worth Zoo – GLOBAL CITIZENS AWARD
  • Jacques Marquis – GLOBAL IMPACT AWARD
  • Mrs. Renfro’s – GLOBAL NEXUS AWARD
  • Eosera Inc., Elyse Dickerson & Joe Griffin – GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP AWARD

The event is made possible by the Fort Worth Sister Cities Members Circle of Giving, a network of individuals, organizations, corporations and community leaders committed to expanding global relationships for peace and prosperity at home and abroad.

Funding and in-kind support from the City of Fort Worth plays a key role in the Sister Cities’ mission, but most work is made possible from public support through the Members Circle of Giving.

The dinner will be held Nov. 3 at the Fort Worth Convention Center. For ticket information click here.

2022-10-18 03:01

Sister Cities Presents Global Impact Awards

Mayor Mattie Parker and Dinner Chairs, Joanne and David Campbell are hosting an evening of international cuisine and entertainment as Fort Worth Sister Cities celebrates its 35-year relationship with Trier, Germany. Honorary Dinner Chairs Helmut and Hilde Horchler will also be recognized.

During dinner global recognition will be highlighted through awards given to honor businesses, individuals and organizations that make a significant contribution to global understanding, world political stability and international trade or cooperative efforts to solve international health, economic, social or environmental challenges.

This year’s recipients include:

  • Fort Worth Zoo – GLOBAL CITIZENS AWARD
  • Jacques Marquis – GLOBAL IMPACT AWARD
  • Mrs. Renfro’s – GLOBAL NEXUS AWARD
  • Eosera Inc., Elyse Dickerson & Joe Griffin – GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP AWARD

The event is made possible by the Fort Worth Sister Cities Members Circle of Giving, a network of individuals, organizations, corporations and community leaders committed to expanding global relationships for peace and prosperity at home and abroad.

Funding and in-kind support from the City of Fort Worth plays a key role in the Sister Cities’ mission, but most work is made possible from public support through the Members Circle of Giving.

The dinner will be held Nov. 3 at the Fort Worth Convention Center. For ticket information click here.

Fort Worth Wins Best Youth Program in the Nation

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, Texas has won the Sister Cities International Innovation in Youth & Education Award for a city with a population greater than 300,000 for outstanding youth programming in 2021. 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.

Fort Worth Sister Cities International has some of the most robust international youth programming in the U.S. We focus a majority of our programming on youth because we know that these programs change the trajectory of a student’s life by:

  • Improving school performance
  • Teaching perseverance
  • Providing problem-solving skills
  • Giving students an edge for universities and scholarships
  • Increasing their desire to serve the community
  • Creating empathy for others

In 2021, Fort Worth Sister Cities International explored ways to increase the innovation and diversity of our programs. With the pandemic preventing many in-person programs and exchanges, the team of staff and volunteers rolled up their sleeves, conducted numerous zoom meetings, and designed virtual programming for students and educators to increase global competency in our community.

Because most of the programming was conducted virtually, it was accessible to many more students since there was little cost associated with the online programming. The students we recruited demonstrated Fort Worth’s diversity to the world: 37% Latino/Hispanic; 17% White; 24% Black; 19% Asian/Pacific Islander; and 3% multi-racial.

Programs conducted in 2021 included:

  1. Virtual Youth Ambassador exchange with Nagaoka, Japan
  2. The Experiment Digital virtual exchange program through the US Department of State
  3. Showcase of Young Artists and Authors
  4. Local student group Fort Worth Youth International
  5. Virtual programming with Boys & Girls Club of Tarrant County and Toluca, Mexico
  6. Virtual International Leadership Academy with six sister cities
  7. World Learning virtual homestay with Central America and the Dominican Republic

Sister Cities International Annual Awards recognize excellence in overall programming and highlight key innovations in arts and culture; business and trade; humanitarian assistance; and youth and education. All award winners were honored during Sister Cities International’s 2022 Annual Business Meeting held virtually July 8.

Click here to find out more about youth programs.

2022-07-12 11:09

Fort Worth Wins Best Youth Program in the Nation

Fort Worth, Texas has won the Sister Cities International Innovation in Youth & Education Award for a city with a population greater than 300,000 for outstanding youth programming in 2021. 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.

Fort Worth Sister Cities International has some of the most robust international youth programming in the U.S. We focus a majority of our programming on youth because we know that these programs change the trajectory of a student’s life by:

  • Improving school performance
  • Teaching perseverance
  • Providing problem-solving skills
  • Giving students an edge for universities and scholarships
  • Increasing their desire to serve the community
  • Creating empathy for others

In 2021, Fort Worth Sister Cities International explored ways to increase the innovation and diversity of our programs. With the pandemic preventing many in-person programs and exchanges, the team of staff and volunteers rolled up their sleeves, conducted numerous zoom meetings, and designed virtual programming for students and educators to increase global competency in our community.

Because most of the programming was conducted virtually, it was accessible to many more students since there was little cost associated with the online programming. The students we recruited demonstrated Fort Worth’s diversity to the world: 37% Latino/Hispanic; 17% White; 24% Black; 19% Asian/Pacific Islander; and 3% multi-racial.

Programs conducted in 2021 included:

  1. Virtual Youth Ambassador exchange with Nagaoka, Japan
  2. The Experiment Digital virtual exchange program through the US Department of State
  3. Showcase of Young Artists and Authors
  4. Local student group Fort Worth Youth International
  5. Virtual programming with Boys & Girls Club of Tarrant County and Toluca, Mexico
  6. Virtual International Leadership Academy with six sister cities
  7. World Learning virtual homestay with Central America and the Dominican Republic

Sister Cities International Annual Awards recognize excellence in overall programming and highlight key innovations in arts and culture; business and trade; humanitarian assistance; and youth and education. All award winners were honored during Sister Cities International’s 2022 Annual Business Meeting held virtually July 8.

Click here to find out more about youth programs.

Young Artists and Authors Chosen to Represent Fort Worth

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 and literature.

Fort Worth Sister Cities International held the local showcase to choose student pieces to be submitted to the worldwide competition.

We want to give a special thanks to our Young Artists and Authors Chair Rachel Malone and her committee for recruiting judges and securing prize money.

Congratulations to all the artists and authors who were selected and entered into the international competition.

Artists (classic)

Artists (digital)

Authors & Poets

Photographers

Musicians

2022-04-01 08:00

Young Artists and Authors Chosen to Represent Fort Worth

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 and literature.

Fort Worth Sister Cities International held the local showcase to choose student pieces to be submitted to the worldwide competition.

We want to give a special thanks to our Young Artists and Authors Chair Rachel Malone and her committee for recruiting judges and securing prize money.

Congratulations to all the artists and authors who were selected and entered into the international competition.

Artists (classic)

Artists (digital)

Authors & Poets

Photographers

Musicians

Sister Cities Presents Global Impact Awards

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

FORT WORTH, TEXAS (October 21, 2021) – Fort Worth Sister Cities International’s 20th Mayor’s International Dinner & Global Awards will be held Nov. 11, 2021 at the River Ranch Stockyards. Tickets can be purchased here.

Mayor Mattie Parker and Dinner Chairs, Dr. Rachael and Carlo Capua are hosting an evening of international cuisine and entertainment as Sister Cities celebrates its first sister city, Reggio Emilia, Italy.

Global Awards will also be presented to individuals, businesses, and organizations that have made significant contributions to citizen diplomacy, global understanding, world political stability and international commerce in the following categories.

Jerry Boonyaratanakornkit and Rich Petronis – GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP AWARD. This is a new award created to recognize a trail-blazing business based on their vision to achieve their goals and to promote Fort Worth globally, developing international partnerships and establishing global connections to provide understanding of other cultures.

The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth – GLOBAL CITIZENS AWARD. This award recognizes organizations that are connected globally and are good representatives of Fort Worth creating a positive view of the U.S. through educational, humanitarian or cultural initiatives. Last year’s awardee was the Links, Inc.

The Kimbell Art Museum – GLOBAL NEXUS AWARD. Awarded last year to Cook Children’s Health Care System, this award recognizes businesses that are connected globally and are good representatives of Fort Worth to the world creating commerce and a healthier community for all.

Miguel Harth-Bedoya – GLOBAL IMPACT AWARD. This award is based on an individual’s role in promoting Fort Worth globally, developing international partnerships, and establishing connections, particularly in the areas of business, culture, education, immigration, and tourism. Past honorees include: 2015 Recipient: U. S. Congresswoman Kay Granger 2017 Recipient: Bob Jameson 2019 Recipient: Ross Perot, Jr.

2021-10-25 08:52

Sister Cities Presents Global Impact Awards

FORT WORTH, TEXAS (October 21, 2021) – Fort Worth Sister Cities International’s 20th Mayor’s International Dinner & Global Awards will be held Nov. 11, 2021 at the River Ranch Stockyards. Tickets can be purchased here.

Mayor Mattie Parker and Dinner Chairs, Dr. Rachael and Carlo Capua are hosting an evening of international cuisine and entertainment as Sister Cities celebrates its first sister city, Reggio Emilia, Italy.

Global Awards will also be presented to individuals, businesses, and organizations that have made significant contributions to citizen diplomacy, global understanding, world political stability and international commerce in the following categories.

Jerry Boonyaratanakornkit and Rich Petronis – GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP AWARD. This is a new award created to recognize a trail-blazing business based on their vision to achieve their goals and to promote Fort Worth globally, developing international partnerships and establishing global connections to provide understanding of other cultures.

The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth – GLOBAL CITIZENS AWARD. This award recognizes organizations that are connected globally and are good representatives of Fort Worth creating a positive view of the U.S. through educational, humanitarian or cultural initiatives. Last year’s awardee was the Links, Inc.

The Kimbell Art Museum – GLOBAL NEXUS AWARD. Awarded last year to Cook Children’s Health Care System, this award recognizes businesses that are connected globally and are good representatives of Fort Worth to the world creating commerce and a healthier community for all.

Miguel Harth-Bedoya – GLOBAL IMPACT AWARD. This award is based on an individual’s role in promoting Fort Worth globally, developing international partnerships, and establishing connections, particularly in the areas of business, culture, education, immigration, and tourism. Past honorees include: 2015 Recipient: U. S. Congresswoman Kay Granger 2017 Recipient: Bob Jameson 2019 Recipient: Ross Perot, Jr.

36th Annual Meeting a Big Success

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

FORT WORTH, TEXAS (Sept. 20, 2021) – Fort Worth Sister Cities International’s 36th Annual Meeting was held earlier this month at the Hilton Hotel, attended by over 200 community leaders and members.

A major announcement was made regarding the creation of the Connect Globally Endowment for International Relations which was established by a generous gift from Connie Beck and Frank Tilley in memory of their parents James and Janeyl Beck and Gordon and Mable Tilley. The endowment was created to ensure that the valuable work done by Fort Worth Sister Cities International is sustained well into the future. For information about the endowment click here.

Fort Worth Sister Cities also honored several 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 Cindy Johnson. Johnson helped lead Sister Cities’ Long Range Planning effort by creating an exciting vision of the future. She helped create a new vision for Fort Worth Sister Cities International to become a hub for international relations in the City of Fort Worth.

MedStar Mobile Healthcare was awarded the Eisenhower Award for Organizational Involvement. During the pandemic, MedStar donated an ambulance to Fort Worth’s sister city of Toluca, Mexico. Not only was it used to help during the pandemic, but it is now being used to assist victims of domestic violence.

Milena Razack received the prestigious Volunteer of the Year Award. Razack began by home hosting many students, as well as holding events in her home as part of the planning team for the International Leadership Academies in 2020 and in 2021. Parents of youth ambassadors often get involved in programs by home hosting.

“In an increasingly divided world, Sister Cities brings individuals, cultures and countries together for the benefit of all,” said Becky Renfro Borbolla, Board Chairman. “We are grateful for these committed volunteers and organizations who know what it means to be good citizen diplomats.”

See the photos from the 36th Annual Meeting.

2021-09-20 03:49

36th Annual Meeting a Big Success

FORT WORTH, TEXAS (Sept. 20, 2021) – Fort Worth Sister Cities International’s 36th Annual Meeting was held earlier this month at the Hilton Hotel, attended by over 200 community leaders and members.

A major announcement was made regarding the creation of the Connect Globally Endowment for International Relations which was established by a generous gift from Connie Beck and Frank Tilley in memory of their parents James and Janeyl Beck and Gordon and Mable Tilley. The endowment was created to ensure that the valuable work done by Fort Worth Sister Cities International is sustained well into the future. For information about the endowment click here.

Fort Worth Sister Cities also honored several 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 Cindy Johnson. Johnson helped lead Sister Cities’ Long Range Planning effort by creating an exciting vision of the future. She helped create a new vision for Fort Worth Sister Cities International to become a hub for international relations in the City of Fort Worth.

MedStar Mobile Healthcare was awarded the Eisenhower Award for Organizational Involvement. During the pandemic, MedStar donated an ambulance to Fort Worth’s sister city of Toluca, Mexico. Not only was it used to help during the pandemic, but it is now being used to assist victims of domestic violence.

Milena Razack received the prestigious Volunteer of the Year Award. Razack began by home hosting many students, as well as holding events in her home as part of the planning team for the International Leadership Academies in 2020 and in 2021. Parents of youth ambassadors often get involved in programs by home hosting.

“In an increasingly divided world, Sister Cities brings individuals, cultures and countries together for the benefit of all,” said Becky Renfro Borbolla, Board Chairman. “We are grateful for these committed volunteers and organizations who know what it means to be good citizen diplomats.”

See the photos from the 36th Annual Meeting.

Citizen Diplomacy Through Art

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, TX- Local student wins national photography award

Fort Worth Sister Cities International brings international attention to Fort Worth with its nine sister cities in China, Eswatini, France, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, and Mexico since 1985.

This month local Fort Worth student Marissa Heckmann from I.M. Terrell Academy for STEM and VPA was announced as the third-place finalist in the photography category of the 2021 Young Artists and Authors Showcase held by Sister Cities International.

The YAAS has given youth from around the globe the opportunity to express their vision for a more unified, peaceful world through original artwork and literature. The 2021 showcase encouraged youth to submit entries inspired by the theme “United in Hope.” Young artists and authors shared their vision of unity and highlighted the importance of hope and perseverance in both local and global communities to navigate these difficult times.

“Since its inception, youth have been submitting their inspiring artwork to the Young Artists and Authors Showcase. Every year, we are increasingly in awe of the youth’s work. This year’s entries are especially creative and expressive, exemplifying the theme in ways we never would have imagined. We’re excited to share the next generation’s work with the world on our website” said Leroy Allala, Sister Cities International President and CEO.

In past years, Sister Cities International has sent the artwork on tour to several cities across the U.S. However, due to the pandemic, this year it will not be possible to do so. This year’s winners and finalists will have their work showcased on the Sister Cities International website, making it accessible for many to appreciate the artwork. Additionally, the artwork was displayed in an art gallery during the Youth Leadership Summit Public Forum on August 12, 2021.

“In an increasingly divided world, Sister Cities brings individuals, cultures and countries together for the benefit of all,” said Becky Renfro Borbolla, Board Chairman. “While international travel is limited, that doesn’t mean global relationship building can’t continue. We are so proud of Marissa’s creativity and her desire to make our world a better place.”

2021-08-26 11:50

Citizen Diplomacy Through Art

Fort Worth, TX- Local student wins national photography award

Fort Worth Sister Cities International brings international attention to Fort Worth with its nine sister cities in China, Eswatini, France, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, and Mexico since 1985.

This month local Fort Worth student Marissa Heckmann from I.M. Terrell Academy for STEM and VPA was announced as the third-place finalist in the photography category of the 2021 Young Artists and Authors Showcase held by Sister Cities International.

The YAAS has given youth from around the globe the opportunity to express their vision for a more unified, peaceful world through original artwork and literature. The 2021 showcase encouraged youth to submit entries inspired by the theme “United in Hope.” Young artists and authors shared their vision of unity and highlighted the importance of hope and perseverance in both local and global communities to navigate these difficult times.

“Since its inception, youth have been submitting their inspiring artwork to the Young Artists and Authors Showcase. Every year, we are increasingly in awe of the youth’s work. This year’s entries are especially creative and expressive, exemplifying the theme in ways we never would have imagined. We’re excited to share the next generation’s work with the world on our website” said Leroy Allala, Sister Cities International President and CEO.

In past years, Sister Cities International has sent the artwork on tour to several cities across the U.S. However, due to the pandemic, this year it will not be possible to do so. This year’s winners and finalists will have their work showcased on the Sister Cities International website, making it accessible for many to appreciate the artwork. Additionally, the artwork was displayed in an art gallery during the Youth Leadership Summit Public Forum on August 12, 2021.

“In an increasingly divided world, Sister Cities brings individuals, cultures and countries together for the benefit of all,” said Becky Renfro Borbolla, Board Chairman. “While international travel is limited, that doesn’t mean global relationship building can’t continue. We are so proud of Marissa’s creativity and her desire to make our world a better place.”

Fort Worth Wins Sister Cities International’s 2020 Innovation in Arts & Culture Award

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, Texas has won the Sister Cities International 2020 Innovation in Arts & Culture Award for a city with a population greater than 300,000 for the production of the 35 Things in 35 Days social media campaign. 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.

Fort Worth Sister Cities International was established on June 26, 1985, making the year of 2020 the organization’s 35th anniversary. Because meeting in person was not an option, 35 Things in 35 Days was born with the goal of educating the community about the cultures of Fort Worth’s sister cities and celebrate the organization’s 35th anniversary through fun and informative videos. Starting 35 days prior to June 26, 2020, a new video was debuted each day live on Facebook featuring one of Fort Worth’s sister cities.

This project was a unique way to connect with supporters not just in Fort Worth, but all over the world. Volunteers and colleagues in Fort Worth and all nine of Fort Worth’s sister cities participated. Participants were able to stay involved by contributing their time and talents to the organization from home. They were energized when invited to participate and developed creative ways to engage with others from cooking demonstrations, musical entertainment, tai chi classes, asparagus picking in France and more.

Sister Cities International Annual Awards recognize excellence in overall programming and highlight key innovations in arts and culture; business and trade; humanitarian assistance; and youth and education. All award winners were honored during Sister Cities International’s 2021 Annual Conference held virtually July 15-16.

Click here to watch the presentation of Fort Worth’s award by Sister Cities International President and CEO Leroy Allala.

Click here to watch the videos from 35 Things in 35 Days.

2021-07-27 05:11

Fort Worth Wins Sister Cities International’s 2020 Innovation in Arts & Culture Award

Fort Worth, Texas has won the Sister Cities International 2020 Innovation in Arts & Culture Award for a city with a population greater than 300,000 for the production of the 35 Things in 35 Days social media campaign. 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.

Fort Worth Sister Cities International was established on June 26, 1985, making the year of 2020 the organization’s 35th anniversary. Because meeting in person was not an option, 35 Things in 35 Days was born with the goal of educating the community about the cultures of Fort Worth’s sister cities and celebrate the organization’s 35th anniversary through fun and informative videos. Starting 35 days prior to June 26, 2020, a new video was debuted each day live on Facebook featuring one of Fort Worth’s sister cities.

This project was a unique way to connect with supporters not just in Fort Worth, but all over the world. Volunteers and colleagues in Fort Worth and all nine of Fort Worth’s sister cities participated. Participants were able to stay involved by contributing their time and talents to the organization from home. They were energized when invited to participate and developed creative ways to engage with others from cooking demonstrations, musical entertainment, tai chi classes, asparagus picking in France and more.

Sister Cities International Annual Awards recognize excellence in overall programming and highlight key innovations in arts and culture; business and trade; humanitarian assistance; and youth and education. All award winners were honored during Sister Cities International’s 2021 Annual Conference held virtually July 15-16.

Click here to watch the presentation of Fort Worth’s award by Sister Cities International President and CEO Leroy Allala.

Click here to watch the videos from 35 Things in 35 Days.