Category: Professional Development

Young Professionals From Kazakhstan Examine Response To Domestic Violence In Fort Worth

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, TX — The Congressional Office for International Leadership, an agency of the U.S. Congress, will send a delegation of young professionals from Kazakhstan to Fort Worth from April 7-15, 2023, through the Open World program. The delegation consists of five professionals who will be accompanied by a bicultural facilitator and an interpreter. While in Fort Worth, the COIL program participants will be hosted by Fort Worth Sister Cities International.

Prior to their arrival in Fort Worth the participants will complete an orientation in Washington, D.C.

In Fort Worth, delegates will collaborate on best practices for law enforcement and social services response to domestic violence from local leaders in Fort Worth. Activities include visits to One Safe Place, the Fort Worth Police Department, Alliance for Children, the District Attorney’s Office, SafeHaven of Tarrant County and more. The delegation will stay in the homes of Fort Worth residents who serve as hospitality hosts.

More than 28,000 current and future leaders from post-Soviet era countries have participated in the Open World program. Open World offers one of the most effective U.S. exchange programs to promote mutually beneficial options for depolarized engagement between future national leaders.

Founded in 1999 by Congress, COIL maintains a vast network of more than 28,000 alumni in strategic countries including Russia, Ukraine, and others in the Balkans, Caucuses, Central Asia and Eastern Europe. Open World supports legislative diplomacy efforts for Members of Congress by conducting exchanges that establish lasting professional relationships between emerging leaders and their U.S. counterparts. Program participants are provided with extensive exposure to American politics, accountable governance, and citizen diplomacy, while being home hosted by American families. To learn more about Open World, please visit www.openworld.gov/.

2023-03-27 04:44

Young Professionals From Kazakhstan Examine Response To Domestic Violence In Fort Worth

Fort Worth, TX — The Congressional Office for International Leadership, an agency of the U.S. Congress, will send a delegation of young professionals from Kazakhstan to Fort Worth from April 7-15, 2023, through the Open World program. The delegation consists of five professionals who will be accompanied by a bicultural facilitator and an interpreter. While in Fort Worth, the COIL program participants will be hosted by Fort Worth Sister Cities International.

Prior to their arrival in Fort Worth the participants will complete an orientation in Washington, D.C.

In Fort Worth, delegates will collaborate on best practices for law enforcement and social services response to domestic violence from local leaders in Fort Worth. Activities include visits to One Safe Place, the Fort Worth Police Department, Alliance for Children, the District Attorney’s Office, SafeHaven of Tarrant County and more. The delegation will stay in the homes of Fort Worth residents who serve as hospitality hosts.

More than 28,000 current and future leaders from post-Soviet era countries have participated in the Open World program. Open World offers one of the most effective U.S. exchange programs to promote mutually beneficial options for depolarized engagement between future national leaders.

Founded in 1999 by Congress, COIL maintains a vast network of more than 28,000 alumni in strategic countries including Russia, Ukraine, and others in the Balkans, Caucuses, Central Asia and Eastern Europe. Open World supports legislative diplomacy efforts for Members of Congress by conducting exchanges that establish lasting professional relationships between emerging leaders and their U.S. counterparts. Program participants are provided with extensive exposure to American politics, accountable governance, and citizen diplomacy, while being home hosted by American families. To learn more about Open World, please visit www.openworld.gov/.

Seeking Community Engagement Manager

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

In an increasingly divided world, Fort Worth Sister Cities International brings individuals, cultures and countries together for the benefit of all. We manage the City of Fort Worth’s nine sister city relationships around the world. No other organization in Fort Worth promotes global understanding, as well as builds and sustains international relationships the way we do and you could be part of making that happen.

We are looking for a team-oriented individual with experience in development and marketing who will work alongside the President/CEO to tell our story. This high-level position requires an individual who is a highly competent enabler of volunteers and who can develop innovative communications and development plans. This individual should also possesses excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.

The amount of knowledge required would typically be acquired in a bachelor’s degree and minimum 3-5 years fundraising and marketing experience in a professional position. The individual is expected to:

  • Translate goals into achievable outcomes
  • Help set and manage expectations
  • Plan and implement a fund development program
  • Plan and implement a marketing plan
  • Establish relationships with CEO, board, volunteers, donors and the public
  • Plan and meet deadlines while maintaining a flexible work schedule
  • Demonstrate initiative and work as a team player
  • Graphic design, event planning and CRM software management experience a plus

If you want to join this internationally recognized and awarded team to promote Fort Worth around the world, send your resume and cover letter to amy@fwsistercities.org.

2023-03-17 11:38

Seeking Community Engagement Manager

In an increasingly divided world, Fort Worth Sister Cities International brings individuals, cultures and countries together for the benefit of all. We manage the City of Fort Worth’s nine sister city relationships around the world. No other organization in Fort Worth promotes global understanding, as well as builds and sustains international relationships the way we do and you could be part of making that happen.

We are looking for a team-oriented individual with experience in development and marketing who will work alongside the President/CEO to tell our story. This high-level position requires an individual who is a highly competent enabler of volunteers and who can develop innovative communications and development plans. This individual should also possesses excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.

The amount of knowledge required would typically be acquired in a bachelor’s degree and minimum 3-5 years fundraising and marketing experience in a professional position. The individual is expected to:

  • Translate goals into achievable outcomes
  • Help set and manage expectations
  • Plan and implement a fund development program
  • Plan and implement a marketing plan
  • Establish relationships with CEO, board, volunteers, donors and the public
  • Plan and meet deadlines while maintaining a flexible work schedule
  • Demonstrate initiative and work as a team player
  • Graphic design, event planning and CRM software management experience a plus

If you want to join this internationally recognized and awarded team to promote Fort Worth around the world, send your resume and cover letter to amy@fwsistercities.org.

Sister Cities Hiring Part-Time Positions

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth Sister Cities International is seeking two energetic individuals to work part-time from January to August on the International Leadership Academy and the Tricolore Youth Sports Games.

International Leadership Academy Coordinator

The International Leadership Academy Coordinator executes and administers the International Leadership Academy, a dynamic, two-week international issues forum and leadership development program for high school students, and the Jr. International Leadership Academy, a weeklong program for middle school students. Both programs will take place in the summer of 2023.

Pay: $1,000/month

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Work with leadership and staff on all aspects of ILA/JILA including planning daily activities
  • Train and supervise Fort Worth and international interns
  • Maintain roster of all participants with accurate and up to date information
  • Communicate with parents and students about deadlines and logistical details
  • Oversee acquisition of all supplies including official t-shirts
  • Assist leaders with training sessions for local students
  • Manage all collateral and marketing pieces
  • Organize arrival and departure of all international participants
  • Recruit host families and manage home hosting experiences for international delegates
  • Provide 24/7 on-call service during ILA
  • Oversee program evaluation and wrap up

Job Requirements

  • High school education or similar
  • Project management experience
  • Ability to meet deadlines
  • Good organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
  • Familiarity with Office Suite, Dropbox and Google Forms

Applicants may send resume and cover letter to beth@fwsistercities.org.

Tricolore Games Coordinator

The Tricolore Games Coordinator provides logistical support for the Tricolore Youth Sports Games, held every four years in Fort Worth’s sister city, Reggio Emilia, Italy, an Olympic-style youth sports competition to foster peace and unity among people. The Tricolore Games will take place July 22-30, 2023.

Pay: $500/month

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Work with leadership and staff on all aspects Tricolore Games
  • Maintain roster of all participants with accurate and up to date information
  • Oversee management and acquisition of all supplies, including delegate uniforms
  • Assist leaders with pre-exchange training sessions for local students
  • Manage departure and return of all participants
  • Coordinate travel logistics
  • Oversee program evaluation and coordinate post-exchange recognition & celebration

Job Requirements

  • High school education or similar
  • Project management experience
  • Ability to meet deadlines
  • Good organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
  • Familiarity with Office Suite, Dropbox and Google Forms

Applicants may send resume and cover letter to beth@fwsistercities.org.  

2022-10-19 10:32

Sister Cities Hiring Part-Time Positions

Fort Worth Sister Cities International is seeking two energetic individuals to work part-time from January to August on the International Leadership Academy and the Tricolore Youth Sports Games.

International Leadership Academy Coordinator

The International Leadership Academy Coordinator executes and administers the International Leadership Academy, a dynamic, two-week international issues forum and leadership development program for high school students, and the Jr. International Leadership Academy, a weeklong program for middle school students. Both programs will take place in the summer of 2023.

Pay: $1,000/month

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Work with leadership and staff on all aspects of ILA/JILA including planning daily activities
  • Train and supervise Fort Worth and international interns
  • Maintain roster of all participants with accurate and up to date information
  • Communicate with parents and students about deadlines and logistical details
  • Oversee acquisition of all supplies including official t-shirts
  • Assist leaders with training sessions for local students
  • Manage all collateral and marketing pieces
  • Organize arrival and departure of all international participants
  • Recruit host families and manage home hosting experiences for international delegates
  • Provide 24/7 on-call service during ILA
  • Oversee program evaluation and wrap up

Job Requirements

  • High school education or similar
  • Project management experience
  • Ability to meet deadlines
  • Good organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
  • Familiarity with Office Suite, Dropbox and Google Forms

Applicants may send resume and cover letter to beth@fwsistercities.org.

Tricolore Games Coordinator

The Tricolore Games Coordinator provides logistical support for the Tricolore Youth Sports Games, held every four years in Fort Worth’s sister city, Reggio Emilia, Italy, an Olympic-style youth sports competition to foster peace and unity among people. The Tricolore Games will take place July 22-30, 2023.

Pay: $500/month

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Work with leadership and staff on all aspects Tricolore Games
  • Maintain roster of all participants with accurate and up to date information
  • Oversee management and acquisition of all supplies, including delegate uniforms
  • Assist leaders with pre-exchange training sessions for local students
  • Manage departure and return of all participants
  • Coordinate travel logistics
  • Oversee program evaluation and coordinate post-exchange recognition & celebration

Job Requirements

  • High school education or similar
  • Project management experience
  • Ability to meet deadlines
  • Good organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
  • Familiarity with Office Suite, Dropbox and Google Forms

Applicants may send resume and cover letter to beth@fwsistercities.org.  

Judges from Serbia Examine Rule of Law in Fort Worth

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, TX — The Congressional Office for International Leadership, an agency of the U.S. Congress, will send a delegation of judges from Serbia to Fort Worth from Sept. 9-17, 2022, through the Open World program. The delegation consists of five professionals who will be accompanied by a bicultural facilitator and an interpreter. While in Fort Worth, the COIL program participants will be hosted by Fort Worth Sister Cities International.

Prior to their arrival in Fort Worth the participants will complete an orientation in Washington, D.C.

In Fort Worth, delegates will collaborate on best practices for rule of law and criminal proceedings with local leaders in Fort Worth including Judge Mark Pittman, Judge Jeff Cureton, Judge Robb Catalano, and Chief Justice Bonnie Sudderth. Activities include visits to the U.S. District Court, Criminal District Court No. 3, the Second Court of Appeals, the District Attorney’s office, and the Texas A&M University School of Law. The delegation will stay in the homes of Fort Worth residents who serve as hospitality hosts.

More than 28,000 current and future leaders from post-Soviet era countries have participated in the Open World program. Open World offers one of the most effective U.S. exchange programs to promote mutually beneficial options for depolarized engagement between future national leaders.

Founded in 1999 by Congress, COIL maintains a vast network of more than 28,000 alumni in strategic countries including Russia, Ukraine, and others in the Balkans, Caucuses, Central Asia and Eastern Europe. Open World supports legislative diplomacy efforts for Members of Congress by conducting exchanges that establish lasting professional relationships between emerging leaders and their U.S. counterparts. Program participants are provided with extensive exposure to American politics, accountable governance, and citizen diplomacy, while being home hosted by American families. To learn more about Open World, please visit www.openworld.gov/.

2022-08-19 10:47

Judges from Serbia Examine Rule of Law in Fort Worth

Fort Worth, TX — The Congressional Office for International Leadership, an agency of the U.S. Congress, will send a delegation of judges from Serbia to Fort Worth from Sept. 9-17, 2022, through the Open World program. The delegation consists of five professionals who will be accompanied by a bicultural facilitator and an interpreter. While in Fort Worth, the COIL program participants will be hosted by Fort Worth Sister Cities International.

Prior to their arrival in Fort Worth the participants will complete an orientation in Washington, D.C.

In Fort Worth, delegates will collaborate on best practices for rule of law and criminal proceedings with local leaders in Fort Worth including Judge Mark Pittman, Judge Jeff Cureton, Judge Robb Catalano, and Chief Justice Bonnie Sudderth. Activities include visits to the U.S. District Court, Criminal District Court No. 3, the Second Court of Appeals, the District Attorney’s office, and the Texas A&M University School of Law. The delegation will stay in the homes of Fort Worth residents who serve as hospitality hosts.

More than 28,000 current and future leaders from post-Soviet era countries have participated in the Open World program. Open World offers one of the most effective U.S. exchange programs to promote mutually beneficial options for depolarized engagement between future national leaders.

Founded in 1999 by Congress, COIL maintains a vast network of more than 28,000 alumni in strategic countries including Russia, Ukraine, and others in the Balkans, Caucuses, Central Asia and Eastern Europe. Open World supports legislative diplomacy efforts for Members of Congress by conducting exchanges that establish lasting professional relationships between emerging leaders and their U.S. counterparts. Program participants are provided with extensive exposure to American politics, accountable governance, and citizen diplomacy, while being home hosted by American families. To learn more about Open World, please visit www.openworld.gov/.

Leaders from the Republic of Georgia Examine Urban Planning in Fort Worth

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, TX — The Congressional Office for International Leadership, an agency of the U.S. Congress, will send a delegation of urban planners from the Republic of Georgia to Fort Worth from July 22-30, 2022, through the Open World program. The delegation consists of five professionals who will be accompanied by a bicultural facilitator and an interpreter. While in Fort Worth, the COIL program participants will be hosted by Fort Worth Sister Cities International and the City of Fort Worth through a team led by Assistant City Manager Fernando Costa.

Prior to their arrival in Fort Worth the participants will complete an orientation in Washington, D.C.

In Fort Worth, delegates will collaborate on best practices for urban planning and preservation with city staff and local leaders in Fort Worth. Additional activities include visits to the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, Near Southside, Inc, and Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. The delegation will stay in the homes of Fort Worth residents who serve as hospitality hosts.

More than 28,000 current and future leaders from post-Soviet era countries have participated in the Open World program. Open World offers one of the most effective U.S. exchange programs to promote mutually beneficial options for depolarized engagement between future national leaders.

Founded in 1999 by Congress, the Open World program, administered by the Congressional Office for International Leadership, maintains a vast network of more than 28,000 alumni in strategic countries including Russia, Ukraine, and others in the Balkans, Caucuses, Central Asia and Eastern Europe. Open World supports legislative diplomacy efforts for Members of Congress by conducting exchanges that establish lasting professional relationships between emerging leaders and their U.S. counterparts. Program participants are provided with extensive exposure to American politics, accountable governance, and citizen diplomacy, while being home hosted by American families. To learn more about Open World, please visit www.openworld.gov/.

2022-06-22 10:34

Leaders from the Republic of Georgia Examine Urban Planning in Fort Worth

Fort Worth, TX — The Congressional Office for International Leadership, an agency of the U.S. Congress, will send a delegation of urban planners from the Republic of Georgia to Fort Worth from July 22-30, 2022, through the Open World program. The delegation consists of five professionals who will be accompanied by a bicultural facilitator and an interpreter. While in Fort Worth, the COIL program participants will be hosted by Fort Worth Sister Cities International and the City of Fort Worth through a team led by Assistant City Manager Fernando Costa.

Prior to their arrival in Fort Worth the participants will complete an orientation in Washington, D.C.

In Fort Worth, delegates will collaborate on best practices for urban planning and preservation with city staff and local leaders in Fort Worth. Additional activities include visits to the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, Near Southside, Inc, and Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. The delegation will stay in the homes of Fort Worth residents who serve as hospitality hosts.

More than 28,000 current and future leaders from post-Soviet era countries have participated in the Open World program. Open World offers one of the most effective U.S. exchange programs to promote mutually beneficial options for depolarized engagement between future national leaders.

Founded in 1999 by Congress, the Open World program, administered by the Congressional Office for International Leadership, maintains a vast network of more than 28,000 alumni in strategic countries including Russia, Ukraine, and others in the Balkans, Caucuses, Central Asia and Eastern Europe. Open World supports legislative diplomacy efforts for Members of Congress by conducting exchanges that establish lasting professional relationships between emerging leaders and their U.S. counterparts. Program participants are provided with extensive exposure to American politics, accountable governance, and citizen diplomacy, while being home hosted by American families. To learn more about Open World, please visit www.openworld.gov/.

Fort Worth Wins Innovation Award for Business and Trade

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

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

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

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

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

2019-07-25 09:46

Fort Worth Wins Innovation Award for Business and Trade

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

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

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

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

Architectural Program from Mexico Partnering Locally

Posted on 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

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.

Sister Cities Seeking Full-Time Seasonal Position

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Photos with Santa in Sundance Square Plaza

Job Title: Sundance Square Santa Program Manager

Job Type: Seasonal Full-Time

Nov. 1 – Dec. 24, 2019

BASIC FUNCTION: Responsible for managing the day to day operation of Sundance Santa

JOB SPECIFICATIONS: High school education or equivalent is required. Must have project management experience and possess the ability to meet deadlines. Must work well under pressure. Good organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills are required.

SUPERVISORY DIMENSIONS: Volunteers

EXTERNAL CONTACTS: General public and Sundance Square customers

INTERNAL CONTACTS: Daily contact with Fort Worth Sister Cities International staff and volunteers & Sundance Square staff

RESPONSIBILITIES & ROUTINE DUTIES:

  • Oversee day to day Sundance Santa processes at the set in Sundance Square Plaza
  • Be on set full-time to set up and coordinate while Santa is open
  • Trains, tracks & manages volunteers
  • Manages the schedule through the electronic line system (QLess)
  • Assists with customer relations and answers questions
  • Serves as primary point of contact between QLess and Sundance Square Santa matters
  • Contacts QLess Customer Service in case of issues with electronic line, seeks quick resolution and tracks progress
  • Provides regular review of daily interactions with customers and maintains copies of communication with QLess for recordkeeping and recognizing opportunities for improvement.
  • Manages customer expectations and interacts with customers.
  • Be available to work November 16 & 17 and then Wednesday – Sunday from Thanksgiving to Christmas.

DESIRED SKILLS & EXPERTISE

  • Energetic, outgoing, customer-oriented personality
  • Ability to engage customers in a courteous, helpful, and respectful manner
  • Able to learn and adapt to current technology needs and communicate changes with others
  • Proficiency with Apple products (iPad), familiarity with using apps and basic computer skills
  • Able to think quickly on the spot to answer customer questions
  • Physical demands include: standing for prolonged periods of time, outdoors
  • Spanish is a plus
  • Exercise flexibility and patience in difficult situations
  • Composure and ability to handle stress
  • Ability to multitask, provide attention to detail and proactively solve problems
  • Basic mathematical skills
  • Act in a manner of integrity that shows support for Fort Worth Sister Cities International & Sundance Square, its values and employees, while meeting customer expectations

COMPENSATION: $15/hour with time and a half for hours over 40 each week

EXPERIENCE: 3+ years Client Services Coordination or retail shop management

If interested, send resume and cover letter to katie@fwsistercities.org.

2018-08-31 11:14

Sister Cities Seeking Full-Time Seasonal Position

Photos with Santa in Sundance Square Plaza

Job Title: Sundance Square Santa Program Manager

Job Type: Seasonal Full-Time

Nov. 1 – Dec. 24, 2019

BASIC FUNCTION: Responsible for managing the day to day operation of Sundance Santa

JOB SPECIFICATIONS: High school education or equivalent is required. Must have project management experience and possess the ability to meet deadlines. Must work well under pressure. Good organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills are required.

SUPERVISORY DIMENSIONS: Volunteers

EXTERNAL CONTACTS: General public and Sundance Square customers

INTERNAL CONTACTS: Daily contact with Fort Worth Sister Cities International staff and volunteers & Sundance Square staff

RESPONSIBILITIES & ROUTINE DUTIES:

  • Oversee day to day Sundance Santa processes at the set in Sundance Square Plaza
  • Be on set full-time to set up and coordinate while Santa is open
  • Trains, tracks & manages volunteers
  • Manages the schedule through the electronic line system (QLess)
  • Assists with customer relations and answers questions
  • Serves as primary point of contact between QLess and Sundance Square Santa matters
  • Contacts QLess Customer Service in case of issues with electronic line, seeks quick resolution and tracks progress
  • Provides regular review of daily interactions with customers and maintains copies of communication with QLess for recordkeeping and recognizing opportunities for improvement.
  • Manages customer expectations and interacts with customers.
  • Be available to work November 16 & 17 and then Wednesday – Sunday from Thanksgiving to Christmas.

DESIRED SKILLS & EXPERTISE

  • Energetic, outgoing, customer-oriented personality
  • Ability to engage customers in a courteous, helpful, and respectful manner
  • Able to learn and adapt to current technology needs and communicate changes with others
  • Proficiency with Apple products (iPad), familiarity with using apps and basic computer skills
  • Able to think quickly on the spot to answer customer questions
  • Physical demands include: standing for prolonged periods of time, outdoors
  • Spanish is a plus
  • Exercise flexibility and patience in difficult situations
  • Composure and ability to handle stress
  • Ability to multitask, provide attention to detail and proactively solve problems
  • Basic mathematical skills
  • Act in a manner of integrity that shows support for Fort Worth Sister Cities International & Sundance Square, its values and employees, while meeting customer expectations

COMPENSATION: $15/hour with time and a half for hours over 40 each week

EXPERIENCE: 3+ years Client Services Coordination or retail shop management

If interested, send resume and cover letter to katie@fwsistercities.org.

Humility & Respect

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Editorial by President/CEO Mae Ferguson

Featured in Rotary Club of Fort Worth newsletter

Mae

Imagine that you have a crucial building project that will vastly change things for the better and your boss has assigned a partner to assist you. This partner has strengths that will compliment your areas of expertise and vice versa, but there is a problem; you only understand how to create triangles and your partner only understands how to create circles. How would you proceed? How would you find a common language so that you could achieve your goal?

As unlikely as this scenario might seem, it is not so different from attempting to conduct business with those in other countries. Often businesses, civic groups, religious institutions and even charities face challenges when working with people from different cultures. The most obvious barrier is language, but in many ways that barrier is the easiest to overcome.

There are often more important nuances to consider, such as: how do they like to be greeted, what conversational topics are taboo, what is customary in terms of giving gifts, what are their dining preferences, what is their viewpoint on doing business with women, what are their religious customs, what are their expectations on attire, what are their business customs, do they shake hands, bow or kiss?

Does conducting international business or traveling for leisure now seem more daunting when you are facing those questions? Technology has made it easier to conduct business worldwide. Companies sell to clients all over the world and dealing with different cultures can be tricky. But, it need not be.

Protocol training provides tools to help navigate these waters by respectfully considering these cultural nuances and familiarizing others to work within them. Training is needed for companies, civic groups, churches, individuals, and non-profit organizations to make international business and leisure travel easier and more engaging and successful.

In order to host international visitors and provide the best possible experience for their guests, companies will focus on specific nuances of different cultures for their training such as proper pronunciations, conversational topics, dining etiquette, potential pitfalls, how to make introductions properly, how to greet properly, the importance of punctuality and receiving and reading business cards.

As a certified protocol officer, I regularly consult with various groups to discover needs, goals and intent. Protocol trainings are customizable and tailored to the needs of any company, group, individual or organization all with a desired outcome of – mutual understanding and respect of other cultures and good international relations for all.

A quote I regularly use during trainings comes from Dorothea Johnson, who is the founder of the Protocol School of Washington who says, “The soul of politeness is not a question of rules but tranquility, humility and simplicity.”

In essence, the heart of protocol is caring enough to go the extra mile to ensure that you are presenting yourself, your company, your city or country respectfully, and it goes beyond that. It is caring enough to be open to receive the beauty that other cultures are waiting to share with you. When viewed through that lens, protocol becomes so much more than a set of rules or code of conduct. It truly is the Rosetta Stone that unlocks the power of international relations.

2018-08-21 10:16

Humility & Respect

Editorial by President/CEO Mae Ferguson

Featured in Rotary Club of Fort Worth newsletter

Mae

Imagine that you have a crucial building project that will vastly change things for the better and your boss has assigned a partner to assist you. This partner has strengths that will compliment your areas of expertise and vice versa, but there is a problem; you only understand how to create triangles and your partner only understands how to create circles. How would you proceed? How would you find a common language so that you could achieve your goal?

As unlikely as this scenario might seem, it is not so different from attempting to conduct business with those in other countries. Often businesses, civic groups, religious institutions and even charities face challenges when working with people from different cultures. The most obvious barrier is language, but in many ways that barrier is the easiest to overcome.

There are often more important nuances to consider, such as: how do they like to be greeted, what conversational topics are taboo, what is customary in terms of giving gifts, what are their dining preferences, what is their viewpoint on doing business with women, what are their religious customs, what are their expectations on attire, what are their business customs, do they shake hands, bow or kiss?

Does conducting international business or traveling for leisure now seem more daunting when you are facing those questions? Technology has made it easier to conduct business worldwide. Companies sell to clients all over the world and dealing with different cultures can be tricky. But, it need not be.

Protocol training provides tools to help navigate these waters by respectfully considering these cultural nuances and familiarizing others to work within them. Training is needed for companies, civic groups, churches, individuals, and non-profit organizations to make international business and leisure travel easier and more engaging and successful.

In order to host international visitors and provide the best possible experience for their guests, companies will focus on specific nuances of different cultures for their training such as proper pronunciations, conversational topics, dining etiquette, potential pitfalls, how to make introductions properly, how to greet properly, the importance of punctuality and receiving and reading business cards.

As a certified protocol officer, I regularly consult with various groups to discover needs, goals and intent. Protocol trainings are customizable and tailored to the needs of any company, group, individual or organization all with a desired outcome of – mutual understanding and respect of other cultures and good international relations for all.

A quote I regularly use during trainings comes from Dorothea Johnson, who is the founder of the Protocol School of Washington who says, “The soul of politeness is not a question of rules but tranquility, humility and simplicity.”

In essence, the heart of protocol is caring enough to go the extra mile to ensure that you are presenting yourself, your company, your city or country respectfully, and it goes beyond that. It is caring enough to be open to receive the beauty that other cultures are waiting to share with you. When viewed through that lens, protocol becomes so much more than a set of rules or code of conduct. It truly is the Rosetta Stone that unlocks the power of international relations.

Meet the 2018 Summer Interns

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Courtney Cannon

Courtney Cannon is a recent graduate and Zeta Tau Alpha alumna of the University of North Texas (UNT). Receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in international studies with a concentration in international development and humanitarian affairs, she is very interested in learning and immersing herself more in all cultures of the world. As the Leadership Academy Coordinator for Fort Worth Sister Cities International (FWSCI), she organized all aspects of both the Junior International Leadership Academy (JILA) and the International Leadership Academy (ILA) programs for this summer.

Matthieu Ferrero

Matthieu Ferrero was born in Takoma Park, Maryland, near Washington, DC. He moved to France when he was 2, after his brother was born. He lived in France for about 12 years, then went to live in Vietnam for four years, attending a French high school in Ho Chi Minh City. After passing his final exams and before studying at university, he enrolled in a business school in Nîmes, France, to earn a Bachelor of Business Administration. As it is his second year in the program (out of three), he is doing his international internship at FWSCI.

Grace Lu

Grace Lu is an international studies major at Texas A&M University (gig ’em!) with a concentration in environmental studies and minors in bioinformatics and Chinese. She is a program coordinator intern for youth outbound exchanges at FWSCI, working primarily with the Harashin Scholar Program. In her free time, Grace enjoys swimming and reading.

Megan Metersky

Megan Metersky will be entering her sophomore year at the University of Notre Dame. She is currently studying international economics and applied computational mathematics and statistics. She has been involved with FWSCI for many years, participating in student exchanges and ILA. This summer, she is coordinated the Dual Language Immersion Camp and will be a facilitator at ILA.

José Mauricio “Mau” Moreno García

Mau is a student of the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, Campus Toluca where he is studying mechatronics engineering. He is a creative person and he is not afraid to express new and innovative ideas. He has experience in several areas, the strongest being design and teamwork. He also has a lot of experience speaking in public and attracting people through technology. In addition, he has had international experiences in robotics competitions in Chandler, Arizona; St. Louis, Missouri; and leadership experience in Fort Worth, Texas. This summer, he worked as an international intern in the FWSCI office working on ILA and JILA where he also served as a facilitator.

Amber Parsley

Amber Parsley is 22 years-old and from Arlington, Texas. She recently graduated from UNT with a degree in public relations. This summer, she assisted Katie Wharry as a Marketing and Community Engagement Intern.

Alexis Runyons

Alexis Runyons was a Program Coordinator Intern at FWSCI. Her main tasks were finding host families and managing logistics for ILA. During the month of July, she worked as a facilitator at ILA, as well. Currently, she is a student at UNT, and is majoring in communication studies, double minoring in marketing and Chinese, and pursuing a certificate in digital media studies. She is a half Taiwanese, half American individual that hopes to return to Taiwan after graduation and pursue a career in social media management.

Avalon Wolfe

Avalon Wolfe is a rising sophomore at Stanford University, where she intends to major in political science and minor in computer science. She is involved with the Forum for American/Chinese Exchange at Stanford, Stanford in Government, and Night Outreach. After graduation, she seeks to work with international policy and intergovernmental organizations, with the hopes of eventually running for public office. Aside from serving as a Program Coordinator Intern at FWSCI this summer, she is volunteering at Prevent Blindness Texas and self-studying the C programming language.

Muna Yowell

Muna Yowell is a senior at UNT majoring in international studies with a minor in Arabic. She worked as an intern at FWSCI as the Tricolore Games Coordinator, responsible for the logistics of an international youth sports games in Fort Worth’s sister city Reggio Emilia, Italy. In the fall, she will be interning at the International Rescue Committee in Washington, DC and will be graduating in December 2018.

Ameera Zaman

Ameera Zaman was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas, but her parents are from Bangladesh. She is currently a junior at UNT where she is majoring in communication studies and minoring in biology, Arabic, and social sciences. This last year, she joined a collegiate Bollywood fusion dance team called Chingaarii. She has been involved with FWSCI since her sophomore year of high school, traveling to Reggio Emilia, Italy and Nagaoka, Japan as a Youth Ambassador. She has also been an Associate Delegation Leader (ADL) for an exchange to Japan, and currently she is a Program Coordinator Intern. She primarily worked on anything involving the facilitators for JILA and ILA, but she also helped with the rest of the program. She also serve as a facilitator for ILA this summer. She looks forward her future endeavors with the program.

2018-07-09 11:23

Meet the 2018 Summer Interns

Courtney Cannon

Courtney Cannon is a recent graduate and Zeta Tau Alpha alumna of the University of North Texas (UNT). Receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in international studies with a concentration in international development and humanitarian affairs, she is very interested in learning and immersing herself more in all cultures of the world. As the Leadership Academy Coordinator for Fort Worth Sister Cities International (FWSCI), she organized all aspects of both the Junior International Leadership Academy (JILA) and the International Leadership Academy (ILA) programs for this summer.

Matthieu Ferrero

Matthieu Ferrero was born in Takoma Park, Maryland, near Washington, DC. He moved to France when he was 2, after his brother was born. He lived in France for about 12 years, then went to live in Vietnam for four years, attending a French high school in Ho Chi Minh City. After passing his final exams and before studying at university, he enrolled in a business school in Nîmes, France, to earn a Bachelor of Business Administration. As it is his second year in the program (out of three), he is doing his international internship at FWSCI.

Grace Lu

Grace Lu is an international studies major at Texas A&M University (gig ’em!) with a concentration in environmental studies and minors in bioinformatics and Chinese. She is a program coordinator intern for youth outbound exchanges at FWSCI, working primarily with the Harashin Scholar Program. In her free time, Grace enjoys swimming and reading.

Megan Metersky

Megan Metersky will be entering her sophomore year at the University of Notre Dame. She is currently studying international economics and applied computational mathematics and statistics. She has been involved with FWSCI for many years, participating in student exchanges and ILA. This summer, she is coordinated the Dual Language Immersion Camp and will be a facilitator at ILA.

José Mauricio “Mau” Moreno García

Mau is a student of the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, Campus Toluca where he is studying mechatronics engineering. He is a creative person and he is not afraid to express new and innovative ideas. He has experience in several areas, the strongest being design and teamwork. He also has a lot of experience speaking in public and attracting people through technology. In addition, he has had international experiences in robotics competitions in Chandler, Arizona; St. Louis, Missouri; and leadership experience in Fort Worth, Texas. This summer, he worked as an international intern in the FWSCI office working on ILA and JILA where he also served as a facilitator.

Amber Parsley

Amber Parsley is 22 years-old and from Arlington, Texas. She recently graduated from UNT with a degree in public relations. This summer, she assisted Katie Wharry as a Marketing and Community Engagement Intern.

Alexis Runyons

Alexis Runyons was a Program Coordinator Intern at FWSCI. Her main tasks were finding host families and managing logistics for ILA. During the month of July, she worked as a facilitator at ILA, as well. Currently, she is a student at UNT, and is majoring in communication studies, double minoring in marketing and Chinese, and pursuing a certificate in digital media studies. She is a half Taiwanese, half American individual that hopes to return to Taiwan after graduation and pursue a career in social media management.

Avalon Wolfe

Avalon Wolfe is a rising sophomore at Stanford University, where she intends to major in political science and minor in computer science. She is involved with the Forum for American/Chinese Exchange at Stanford, Stanford in Government, and Night Outreach. After graduation, she seeks to work with international policy and intergovernmental organizations, with the hopes of eventually running for public office. Aside from serving as a Program Coordinator Intern at FWSCI this summer, she is volunteering at Prevent Blindness Texas and self-studying the C programming language.

Muna Yowell

Muna Yowell is a senior at UNT majoring in international studies with a minor in Arabic. She worked as an intern at FWSCI as the Tricolore Games Coordinator, responsible for the logistics of an international youth sports games in Fort Worth’s sister city Reggio Emilia, Italy. In the fall, she will be interning at the International Rescue Committee in Washington, DC and will be graduating in December 2018.

Ameera Zaman

Ameera Zaman was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas, but her parents are from Bangladesh. She is currently a junior at UNT where she is majoring in communication studies and minoring in biology, Arabic, and social sciences. This last year, she joined a collegiate Bollywood fusion dance team called Chingaarii. She has been involved with FWSCI since her sophomore year of high school, traveling to Reggio Emilia, Italy and Nagaoka, Japan as a Youth Ambassador. She has also been an Associate Delegation Leader (ADL) for an exchange to Japan, and currently she is a Program Coordinator Intern. She primarily worked on anything involving the facilitators for JILA and ILA, but she also helped with the rest of the program. She also serve as a facilitator for ILA this summer. She looks forward her future endeavors with the program.