Category: Uncategorized

Calling High School Students for International Leadership Academy

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, Texas- Applications due February 25th This year’s International Leadership Academy (ILA), themed “The World in HD”, will be held on the TCU campus July 13-28. High school students (grades 9-12) are invited to attend. Applications are being accepted now through Feb. 25th and can be downloaded on the Fort Worth Sister Cities website at ILA. Participants will live on the TCU campus, and share a room with students from another country. They will attend classes that are designed to challenge stereotypes, highlight cultures, promote diplomatic dialogue and develop leadership skills. Activities will also include field trips to local museums, the Fort Worth Stockyards and a community service project. This unique youth leadership program promotes global understanding by building friendships and creating awareness of international issues. Since 1989, this award-winning program has brought young people from Fort Worth’s eight sister cities to the area for leadership training. Middle school students are invited to attend the Jr. International Leadership Academy July 8-12. Applications are also available online and will be accepted through April 23. Last year’s JILA included students from Iraq, sharing their cultures. A full description of ILA, along with application information, is available at ILA. For more information, individuals should contact Irene Chase, vice president at (817) 632-7101 or irene@fwsistercities.org.

2013-02-05 10:19

Calling High School Students for International Leadership Academy

Fort Worth, Texas- Applications due February 25th This year’s International Leadership Academy (ILA), themed “The World in HD”, will be held on the TCU campus July 13-28. High school students (grades 9-12) are invited to attend. Applications are being accepted now through Feb. 25th and can be downloaded on the Fort Worth Sister Cities website at ILA. Participants will live on the TCU campus, and share a room with students from another country. They will attend classes that are designed to challenge stereotypes, highlight cultures, promote diplomatic dialogue and develop leadership skills. Activities will also include field trips to local museums, the Fort Worth Stockyards and a community service project. This unique youth leadership program promotes global understanding by building friendships and creating awareness of international issues. Since 1989, this award-winning program has brought young people from Fort Worth’s eight sister cities to the area for leadership training. Middle school students are invited to attend the Jr. International Leadership Academy July 8-12. Applications are also available online and will be accepted through April 23. Last year’s JILA included students from Iraq, sharing their cultures. A full description of ILA, along with application information, is available at ILA. For more information, individuals should contact Irene Chase, vice president at (817) 632-7101 or irene@fwsistercities.org.

Japanese New Year’s Celebration Big Success!

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Oshogatsu Celebration  – Year of the Snake

What an amazing Oshogatsu Celebration held in January. From fabulous Asian foods to the sounds of Taiko drummers the event was incredibly successful. Over 100 people joined in to celebrate the Japanese New Year and learn and experience more about Japanese culture. Domo Arigato to Nagaoka Chair Tom Brents and the committee for their work on the event. Join us next year for the celebration of 2014 – The Year of the Horse. Fort Worth, TX – The Nagaoka, Japan committee of Fort Worth Sister Cities plans to stage an authentic  Japanese Oshogatsu celebration (Japanese New Year’s celebration), January 24th at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas.  The evening will feature international cuisine, entertainment, and a raffle. Oshogatsu is the celebration of the Japanese New Year and is considered to be one of the most important  annual festivals and holidays in Japan.  “The Japanese look to Oshogatsu as a time for peace and resolution.   It provides people with a sense of renewal,” said Tom Brents, Sister Cities’ Nagaoka Chair.  In Japan, houses can be found decorated with origami and special good luck charms of cranes and turtles that signify hope and happiness for the New Year. Sister Cities stages international events and programs as a way to bring the world to Fort Worth and connect globally as citizen diplomats.  “Despite the fact that technology has made the world a smaller place and facilitated communication, humanity is just as much in conflict.  It is imperative that we prepare ourselves with skills and cultural understanding necessary to function in an increasingly globalized world.   Sister Cities has programs that do just that,” said Board Chairwoman Ann Rice. Cost for the event is $25.00 for Sister Cities’ members and $30.00 non-members.   For more information, please contact Beth Weibel, Sr. Program Manager of Sister Cities at beth@fwsistercities.org.  You may purchase tickets here: https://www.fwsistercities.org/2013-oshogatsu-the-year-of-the-snake

2013-01-25 10:46

Japanese New Year’s Celebration Big Success!

Oshogatsu Celebration  – Year of the Snake

What an amazing Oshogatsu Celebration held in January. From fabulous Asian foods to the sounds of Taiko drummers the event was incredibly successful. Over 100 people joined in to celebrate the Japanese New Year and learn and experience more about Japanese culture. Domo Arigato to Nagaoka Chair Tom Brents and the committee for their work on the event. Join us next year for the celebration of 2014 – The Year of the Horse. Fort Worth, TX – The Nagaoka, Japan committee of Fort Worth Sister Cities plans to stage an authentic  Japanese Oshogatsu celebration (Japanese New Year’s celebration), January 24th at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas.  The evening will feature international cuisine, entertainment, and a raffle. Oshogatsu is the celebration of the Japanese New Year and is considered to be one of the most important  annual festivals and holidays in Japan.  “The Japanese look to Oshogatsu as a time for peace and resolution.   It provides people with a sense of renewal,” said Tom Brents, Sister Cities’ Nagaoka Chair.  In Japan, houses can be found decorated with origami and special good luck charms of cranes and turtles that signify hope and happiness for the New Year. Sister Cities stages international events and programs as a way to bring the world to Fort Worth and connect globally as citizen diplomats.  “Despite the fact that technology has made the world a smaller place and facilitated communication, humanity is just as much in conflict.  It is imperative that we prepare ourselves with skills and cultural understanding necessary to function in an increasingly globalized world.   Sister Cities has programs that do just that,” said Board Chairwoman Ann Rice. Cost for the event is $25.00 for Sister Cities’ members and $30.00 non-members.   For more information, please contact Beth Weibel, Sr. Program Manager of Sister Cities at beth@fwsistercities.org.  You may purchase tickets here: https://www.fwsistercities.org/2013-oshogatsu-the-year-of-the-snake

Sister Cities Elects New Leadership 2012

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, TX – Fort Worth Sister Cities elects new board of directors at annual meeting Dec. 6th Newly elected officers are Board Chair, Ann Rice, United Way; Chair-Elect Michael Bennett, Bennett Benner Pettit; Secretary, Denise Whitfield; and Treasurer, Cee Yager, Worthington National Bank.  New board members include: L.O. Brightbill III, Thomas Fairchild, Tre Garrett, Greg Irwin, Marianne Leal, Kara Peterson, Mary Jo Polidore, Michael Roemer and Mac Zimmerman. “The annual meeting is a time to review accomplishments and recognize those responsible for our success,” said Brad Mahon Chairman of the Board.  “This year we signed Guiyang, China as our eighth sister city;   celebrated 25th anniversaries with Nagaoka, Japan and Trier, Germany; hosted firefighters from Indonesia, an organist from Germany; added a new Director Emeriti, Hilde Horchler; and won our 8th Best Overall  Program in the U.S. award,” said Mahon. Sister Cities also recognized individuals and businesses for outstanding service.  The Fort Worth Independent School District was awarded the Eisenhower Award for Organizational Involvement. Paul Geisel was awarded the prestigious Bob Bolen Award for Outstanding Board Leadership and Mary Eckelbarger was awarded the Yamagata Emerging Leaders Scholarship. Youth Volunteer of the Year went to Zack Kurima and Volunteer of the Year to Cody Cox.   https://www.fwsistercities.org/about-us/awards Other elected officers include:
Past Chairman/Nominating, Brad Mahon, Murphy Mahon Keffler & Farrier
Development Chair, Jeff King, Northern Trust Co.
Government Relations, Michael Hyatt, UBS Financial Services, Inc.
Marketing Chair, Kara Peterson, Alcon Laboratories
Long Range Planning, Julie Johncox, JP Solutions
Program Chair, Eva Bonilla
At-Large, Travis DeVault, BNSF Railways
At-Large, James Meintges, JP Morgan Chase
At-Large, Mary Jo Polidore, DFW International Airport
Bandung Chair, Brent Clifford
Budapest Chair, Mac Zimmerman
Guiyang Chair, Albon Head, Jackson Walker, LLP
Mbabane Chair, Dr. Staussa Ervin
Nagaoka Chair, Tom Brents
Reggio Emilia Chair, Veronica Chavez Law, Decker Jones LLP
Toluca Chair, Doug Harman
Emerging Leaders Network, Andrea Ballard
“We have many things to look forward to next year.  We’re going to Indonesia and Swaziland in June;  and we have 75 students going to Fort Worth’s sister cities on educational exchanges,”  said Ann Rice, new Board Chairperson.  “We do this because we’re citizen diplomats.  We care what the world thinks about the U.S. and we want to know more about the rest of the world.” For more information, please contact Mae Ferguson, President/CEO at 817/632-7104 or email.

2012-12-17 01:10

Sister Cities Elects New Leadership 2012

Fort Worth, TX – Fort Worth Sister Cities elects new board of directors at annual meeting Dec. 6th Newly elected officers are Board Chair, Ann Rice, United Way; Chair-Elect Michael Bennett, Bennett Benner Pettit; Secretary, Denise Whitfield; and Treasurer, Cee Yager, Worthington National Bank.  New board members include: L.O. Brightbill III, Thomas Fairchild, Tre Garrett, Greg Irwin, Marianne Leal, Kara Peterson, Mary Jo Polidore, Michael Roemer and Mac Zimmerman. “The annual meeting is a time to review accomplishments and recognize those responsible for our success,” said Brad Mahon Chairman of the Board.  “This year we signed Guiyang, China as our eighth sister city;   celebrated 25th anniversaries with Nagaoka, Japan and Trier, Germany; hosted firefighters from Indonesia, an organist from Germany; added a new Director Emeriti, Hilde Horchler; and won our 8th Best Overall  Program in the U.S. award,” said Mahon. Sister Cities also recognized individuals and businesses for outstanding service.  The Fort Worth Independent School District was awarded the Eisenhower Award for Organizational Involvement. Paul Geisel was awarded the prestigious Bob Bolen Award for Outstanding Board Leadership and Mary Eckelbarger was awarded the Yamagata Emerging Leaders Scholarship. Youth Volunteer of the Year went to Zack Kurima and Volunteer of the Year to Cody Cox.   https://www.fwsistercities.org/about-us/awards Other elected officers include:

Past Chairman/Nominating, Brad Mahon, Murphy Mahon Keffler & Farrier
Development Chair, Jeff King, Northern Trust Co.
Government Relations, Michael Hyatt, UBS Financial Services, Inc.
Marketing Chair, Kara Peterson, Alcon Laboratories
Long Range Planning, Julie Johncox, JP Solutions
Program Chair, Eva Bonilla
At-Large, Travis DeVault, BNSF Railways
At-Large, James Meintges, JP Morgan Chase
At-Large, Mary Jo Polidore, DFW International Airport
Bandung Chair, Brent Clifford
Budapest Chair, Mac Zimmerman
Guiyang Chair, Albon Head, Jackson Walker, LLP
Mbabane Chair, Dr. Staussa Ervin
Nagaoka Chair, Tom Brents
Reggio Emilia Chair, Veronica Chavez Law, Decker Jones LLP
Toluca Chair, Doug Harman
Emerging Leaders Network, Andrea Ballard
“We have many things to look forward to next year.  We’re going to Indonesia and Swaziland in June;  and we have 75 students going to Fort Worth’s sister cities on educational exchanges,”  said Ann Rice, new Board Chairperson.  “We do this because we’re citizen diplomats.  We care what the world thinks about the U.S. and we want to know more about the rest of the world.” For more information, please contact Mae Ferguson, President/CEO at 817/632-7104 or email.

Educators Selected as International Academic Chairs

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, TX—Sister Cities Partners with Area Schools on Global Fluency Fort Worth Sister Cities welcomed and recognized the newly appointed International Academic Ambassador Chairs (IAAC) recently at a reception held in the Botanic Gardens.  These educators are selected by the principals in their schools to serve in this capacity for one academic year. The specific goal of an IAAC is to create and promote awareness of international  educational opportunities for Fort Worth youth and educators.  The group is comprised of teachers from each middle and high school both public and private.  The 2012/13 Class consists of:
James Aldridge, Fort Worth Country Day Jay Kurima, TX Academy of Biomedical Science
Dustin Alexander -Trimble Tech High School Kelly LaFarge, International Newcomer Acad
Sefakor Amaa, Arlington Heights High School Krystofer Lang, Western Hills High School
Erin Blythe, TX Academy of Biomedical Science Jean-Marc Montagnon, Benbrook MS
Tonia Butler, Trimble Tech High School Marcia Morgan, R.L. Paschal High School
Josue Cardenas, Polytechnical High School Jaime Morris, W.P. McLean Middle School
Alexandra Checka, Applied Learning Academy Marie Morris, Riverside Middle School
Heath Dollar, Eagle Mountain Saginaw ISD Julie Mullender, Como Montessori MS
Carrie Driscoll, Diamond Hill-Jarvis High School Linda Peters, Morningside Middle School
Tara Forrest, Fort Worth Country Day School Gina Powell, Young Men’s Leadership Acad.
John Foster, William Monnig Middle School Janet Reynolds, Leonard Middle School
Kris Franks, Chisholm Trail High School Christopher Reynolds, Young Women’s
Kristen Gabehart, Dunbar Middle School      Leadership Academy
Cynthia Gonzalez, Meadowbrook Middle Sch. Kelly Richey, North Side High School
Kay Gray, Wedgwood 6th Grade School Dr. Michael Roemer, Trinity Valley School
Bridget Guccione, Nolan Catholic High School Denise Rosas, McLean 6th Grade School
Maurice Hawthorne, O.D. Wyatt High School Gladys Scott, Wedgwood Middle School
Evelyn V. Hayden, Southwest High School Lauren Simenauer, J.P. Elder Middle School
Rachel Henderson Cook, Jean McClung MS Juan Soto, Western Hills High School
Chandra Hough, Fort Worth Academy Konstantin Stakhovich, South Hills High School
Isolina Howard, International Newcomer Acad Matthew Stroup, R.L. Paschal High School
Tiffany Johnston, W.C. Stripling Middle School Gabriel Valdez, Rosemont 6th Grade School
Anna King – Boswell High School Priscilla Williams, Rosemont Middle School
Angela Kornman, All Saints Episcopal School Michele  Wright, Carter-Riverside High School
Lori Zarate, Daggett Montessori Middle School

2012-10-05 10:55

Educators Selected as International Academic Chairs

Fort Worth, TX—Sister Cities Partners with Area Schools on Global Fluency Fort Worth Sister Cities welcomed and recognized the newly appointed International Academic Ambassador Chairs (IAAC) recently at a reception held in the Botanic Gardens.  These educators are selected by the principals in their schools to serve in this capacity for one academic year. The specific goal of an IAAC is to create and promote awareness of international  educational opportunities for Fort Worth youth and educators.  The group is comprised of teachers from each middle and high school both public and private.  The 2012/13 Class consists of:

James Aldridge, Fort Worth Country Day Jay Kurima, TX Academy of Biomedical Science
Dustin Alexander -Trimble Tech High School Kelly LaFarge, International Newcomer Acad
Sefakor Amaa, Arlington Heights High School Krystofer Lang, Western Hills High School
Erin Blythe, TX Academy of Biomedical Science Jean-Marc Montagnon, Benbrook MS
Tonia Butler, Trimble Tech High School Marcia Morgan, R.L. Paschal High School
Josue Cardenas, Polytechnical High School Jaime Morris, W.P. McLean Middle School
Alexandra Checka, Applied Learning Academy Marie Morris, Riverside Middle School
Heath Dollar, Eagle Mountain Saginaw ISD Julie Mullender, Como Montessori MS
Carrie Driscoll, Diamond Hill-Jarvis High School Linda Peters, Morningside Middle School
Tara Forrest, Fort Worth Country Day School Gina Powell, Young Men’s Leadership Acad.
John Foster, William Monnig Middle School Janet Reynolds, Leonard Middle School
Kris Franks, Chisholm Trail High School Christopher Reynolds, Young Women’s
Kristen Gabehart, Dunbar Middle School      Leadership Academy
Cynthia Gonzalez, Meadowbrook Middle Sch. Kelly Richey, North Side High School
Kay Gray, Wedgwood 6th Grade School Dr. Michael Roemer, Trinity Valley School
Bridget Guccione, Nolan Catholic High School Denise Rosas, McLean 6th Grade School
Maurice Hawthorne, O.D. Wyatt High School Gladys Scott, Wedgwood Middle School
Evelyn V. Hayden, Southwest High School Lauren Simenauer, J.P. Elder Middle School
Rachel Henderson Cook, Jean McClung MS Juan Soto, Western Hills High School
Chandra Hough, Fort Worth Academy Konstantin Stakhovich, South Hills High School
Isolina Howard, International Newcomer Acad Matthew Stroup, R.L. Paschal High School
Tiffany Johnston, W.C. Stripling Middle School Gabriel Valdez, Rosemont 6th Grade School
Anna King – Boswell High School Priscilla Williams, Rosemont Middle School
Angela Kornman, All Saints Episcopal School Michele  Wright, Carter-Riverside High School
Lori Zarate, Daggett Montessori Middle School

Fort Worth Awarded International Friendly City

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, TX — Chinese Sister City Makes Recommendation Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price was recently notified that the City of Fort Worth will receive the award as the 2012 International Friendly City at the China Friendship Cities Conference in Chengdu, China next month. Guiyang, China, Fort Worth’s newest sister city, made the nomination after only 12 months of on-going youth and adult programs and exchanges since signing the official  city agreement in October 2011. “On behalf of the City Council and citizens of Fort Worth, I want to thank Guiyang for this nomination.  We are delighted that our newest sister city feels that Fort Worth    deserves this honor. Friendliness is strongly valued in our city, and we are humbled by this recognition. Thank you, City of Guiyang, for your friendship and kindness,” said Mayor Price. The conference, where the award will be presented, is hosted by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the China International Friendship Cities Association.  Topics at the conference will include development strategies in cities, emergency relief, aging populations and economic initiatives. Sister Cities International will send a delegation of board members to the conference and Tom Lisk, Chairman of the Board, will accept the award on behalf of Mayor Price and the citizens of Fort Worth. In 2010, a delegation of Sister Cities board members, representatives from the Fort Worth Chamber, City of Fort Worth and local business leaders visited China to determine which city to invite as Fort Worth’s 8th sister city.  Upon a recommendation from the group, the Fort Worth city council unanimously selected Guiyang, China.

2012-08-31 10:01

Fort Worth Awarded International Friendly City

Fort Worth, TX — Chinese Sister City Makes Recommendation Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price was recently notified that the City of Fort Worth will receive the award as the 2012 International Friendly City at the China Friendship Cities Conference in Chengdu, China next month. Guiyang, China, Fort Worth’s newest sister city, made the nomination after only 12 months of on-going youth and adult programs and exchanges since signing the official  city agreement in October 2011. “On behalf of the City Council and citizens of Fort Worth, I want to thank Guiyang for this nomination.  We are delighted that our newest sister city feels that Fort Worth    deserves this honor. Friendliness is strongly valued in our city, and we are humbled by this recognition. Thank you, City of Guiyang, for your friendship and kindness,” said Mayor Price. The conference, where the award will be presented, is hosted by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the China International Friendship Cities Association.  Topics at the conference will include development strategies in cities, emergency relief, aging populations and economic initiatives. Sister Cities International will send a delegation of board members to the conference and Tom Lisk, Chairman of the Board, will accept the award on behalf of Mayor Price and the citizens of Fort Worth. In 2010, a delegation of Sister Cities board members, representatives from the Fort Worth Chamber, City of Fort Worth and local business leaders visited China to determine which city to invite as Fort Worth’s 8th sister city.  Upon a recommendation from the group, the Fort Worth city council unanimously selected Guiyang, China.

Proposed City Budget Contains No Funding for Sister Cities

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, TX—Nation’s Best Program in Jeopardy The City of Fort Worth’s proposed FY2012/13 budget contains no funding for Fort Worth Sister Cities.   This total cut in funding may seriously jeopardize Fort Worth Sister Cities’ continued existence. After a meeting in which the Mayor indicated further consideration of funding may be given,  Brad Mahon, Chairman of the Board stated, “We are hopeful the funding will be directly designated in the budget so that we can continue to provide award-winning programs on behalf of the City.” Fort Worth has been recognized as having the Best Overall Program in the U.S. from the national organization eight times, more than any other city in the U.S. “Since starting Fort Worth Sister Cities in 1985 during my mayoral term, I have watched Sister Cities grow youth leadership programs, travel exchanges and business expansions around the world,” said former Mayor Bob Bolen. Sister city relationships are municipal government agreements recognized by the U.S. Dept. of State.  Fort Worth has eight such recognized official agreements signed by Mayors of Fort Worth beginning in 1985.  Sister Cities, who manages these relationships, received $100,000 from the City this year which is 20% of its core budget. Fort Worth Sister Cities programs yield an annual economic impact of $2.6 million to the City of Fort Worth hosting over 500 visitors annually.   It leverages international relationships to attract economic connections and tourism.

2012-08-21 08:11

Proposed City Budget Contains No Funding for Sister Cities

Fort Worth, TX—Nation’s Best Program in Jeopardy The City of Fort Worth’s proposed FY2012/13 budget contains no funding for Fort Worth Sister Cities.   This total cut in funding may seriously jeopardize Fort Worth Sister Cities’ continued existence. After a meeting in which the Mayor indicated further consideration of funding may be given,  Brad Mahon, Chairman of the Board stated, “We are hopeful the funding will be directly designated in the budget so that we can continue to provide award-winning programs on behalf of the City.” Fort Worth has been recognized as having the Best Overall Program in the U.S. from the national organization eight times, more than any other city in the U.S. “Since starting Fort Worth Sister Cities in 1985 during my mayoral term, I have watched Sister Cities grow youth leadership programs, travel exchanges and business expansions around the world,” said former Mayor Bob Bolen. Sister city relationships are municipal government agreements recognized by the U.S. Dept. of State.  Fort Worth has eight such recognized official agreements signed by Mayors of Fort Worth beginning in 1985.  Sister Cities, who manages these relationships, received $100,000 from the City this year which is 20% of its core budget. Fort Worth Sister Cities programs yield an annual economic impact of $2.6 million to the City of Fort Worth hosting over 500 visitors annually.   It leverages international relationships to attract economic connections and tourism.

Emerging Leaders Network Summer Celebration of Global Leaders

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth Sister Cities is saluting  its international global leaders with a special Emerging Leaders Network summer celebration.  Jason Lamers, Chief of Staff for the Mayor and Fort Worth City Council, will share his thoughts on global involvement at the city level.   We will also recognize recent high school graduates, hear from the Yamagata Emerging Leader scholar Gladys Guevara, and see a presentation from our first Emerging Leaders Scholar, Keome Rowe who recently returned from Mbabane, Swaziland where he served as the Associate Delegation Leader. Our international delegation leaders and office interns from Toluca, Mexico; Reggio Emilia, Italy; Trier, Germany; Mbabane, Swaziland and South Korea will also be recognized. Other special entertainment to be announced. This is sure to be an awesome evening to meet new friends and re-establish old friendships. Don’t miss the fun!
Date: Wednesday, July 25th
Time: 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.
Location: The Garden’s Restaurant, 3220 Rock Springs Road Fort Worth, TX 76107
Cost: $15.00 for members and $20.00 for non-members
Cash Bar
RSVP by July 20th to Beth Weibel at 817-632-7105 or beth@fwsistercities.org Your advanced paid registration secures your reservation. Debit/credit cards accepted by phone or send payment to:
Fort Worth Sister Cities International
610 Grove Street
Fort Worth, TX  76102-5555
PayPal payment:
Emerging Leaders Network Summer Celebration of Global Leaders–Members $15:
Name(s) on RSVP
Emerging Leaders Network Summer Celebration of Global Leaders–Non-Members $20:
Name(s) on RSVP

2012-06-19 08:17

Emerging Leaders Network Summer Celebration of Global Leaders

Fort Worth Sister Cities is saluting  its international global leaders with a special Emerging Leaders Network summer celebration.  Jason Lamers, Chief of Staff for the Mayor and Fort Worth City Council, will share his thoughts on global involvement at the city level.   We will also recognize recent high school graduates, hear from the Yamagata Emerging Leader scholar Gladys Guevara, and see a presentation from our first Emerging Leaders Scholar, Keome Rowe who recently returned from Mbabane, Swaziland where he served as the Associate Delegation Leader. Our international delegation leaders and office interns from Toluca, Mexico; Reggio Emilia, Italy; Trier, Germany; Mbabane, Swaziland and South Korea will also be recognized. Other special entertainment to be announced. This is sure to be an awesome evening to meet new friends and re-establish old friendships. Don’t miss the fun!

Date: Wednesday, July 25th
Time: 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.
Location: The Garden’s Restaurant, 3220 Rock Springs Road Fort Worth, TX 76107
Cost: $15.00 for members and $20.00 for non-members
Cash Bar
RSVP by July 20th to Beth Weibel at 817-632-7105 or beth@fwsistercities.org Your advanced paid registration secures your reservation. Debit/credit cards accepted by phone or send payment to:
Fort Worth Sister Cities International
610 Grove Street
Fort Worth, TX  76102-5555
PayPal payment:
Emerging Leaders Network Summer Celebration of Global Leaders–Members $15:
Name(s) on RSVP
Emerging Leaders Network Summer Celebration of Global Leaders–Non-Members $20:
Name(s) on RSVP

Toluca Trade Mission Coming to Fort Worth

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Trade Mission from Toluca, Mexico Coming to Fort Worth

For the past year, since Toluca, Mexico sent officials to Fort Worth to develop new connections, Sister Cities, in partnership with the City’s Economic Development Dept. staff and Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, have been working on a trade mission between the two cities.  Businesses from Toluca, interested in working with companies in Fort Worth, will travel here June 24-27.  The Chamber and City staff have matched the Mexican companies with similar companies in Fort Worth and have scheduled one-on-one meetings to discuss business opportunities.  Sister Cities members will act as Cultural Ambassadors and day hosts showing our visitors what’s unique about Fort Worth. If you would like to help with transportation or translation services, please call Eva Rodriquez at 817/632-7100. Information on the welcoming reception should be available soon.

2012-05-25 02:56

Toluca Trade Mission Coming to Fort Worth

Trade Mission from Toluca, Mexico Coming to Fort Worth

For the past year, since Toluca, Mexico sent officials to Fort Worth to develop new connections, Sister Cities, in partnership with the City’s Economic Development Dept. staff and Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, have been working on a trade mission between the two cities.  Businesses from Toluca, interested in working with companies in Fort Worth, will travel here June 24-27.  The Chamber and City staff have matched the Mexican companies with similar companies in Fort Worth and have scheduled one-on-one meetings to discuss business opportunities.  Sister Cities members will act as Cultural Ambassadors and day hosts showing our visitors what’s unique about Fort Worth. If you would like to help with transportation or translation services, please call Eva Rodriquez at 817/632-7100. Information on the welcoming reception should be available soon.

Fort Worth Youth Ambassadors To Visit China

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, Texas – Sister Cities sends students to China to represent U.S. as goodwill ambassadors on inaugural exchange Fort Worth will reach a milestone in international exchanges this year sending 12 Youth Ambassadors to China for the first time to represent the U.S. and Fort Worth in a reciprocal educational program. Exchange programs are a key element in the overall programing for Fort Worth Sister Cities and this unique opportunity for Fort Worth students is no exception. The students depart June 6 for a two-week program in Guiyang, Fort Worth’s 8th sister city, along with a visit to Beijing where they will be briefed by U.S. Embassy staff.   While in Guiyang the students will be home hosted by local families for a unique experience and glimpse into the Chinese lifestyle. Exchanges with each of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities provide students the opportunity to spend 9-15 days with an international host family and experience the local history, culture and customs.  This is done as citizen diplomats and gives students a better understanding of other cultures providing them an international education only these programs can offer. All student applicants (8-12th) participate in a vigorous selection process including teacher recommendations, essays and personal interviews. Youth Ambassadors to China include:  Spencer Bartlett, Claudia Carranza, Joshua Cristol, Matthew Dang, Zachary Harris, Zackery Kurima-Blough, Sanish Shrestha, Arian Martinez, Syed Madeeha Sadiq, Bitaal Syed Sadiq, accompanied by delegation leaders Glen Mears and Irene Chase, Vice President of Fort Worth Sister Cities and Associate Leaders Stephanie      Atkinson and Andrew Lockhart.

2012-05-25 12:30

Fort Worth Youth Ambassadors To Visit China

Fort Worth, Texas – Sister Cities sends students to China to represent U.S. as goodwill ambassadors on inaugural exchange Fort Worth will reach a milestone in international exchanges this year sending 12 Youth Ambassadors to China for the first time to represent the U.S. and Fort Worth in a reciprocal educational program. Exchange programs are a key element in the overall programing for Fort Worth Sister Cities and this unique opportunity for Fort Worth students is no exception. The students depart June 6 for a two-week program in Guiyang, Fort Worth’s 8th sister city, along with a visit to Beijing where they will be briefed by U.S. Embassy staff.   While in Guiyang the students will be home hosted by local families for a unique experience and glimpse into the Chinese lifestyle. Exchanges with each of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities provide students the opportunity to spend 9-15 days with an international host family and experience the local history, culture and customs.  This is done as citizen diplomats and gives students a better understanding of other cultures providing them an international education only these programs can offer. All student applicants (8-12th) participate in a vigorous selection process including teacher recommendations, essays and personal interviews. Youth Ambassadors to China include:  Spencer Bartlett, Claudia Carranza, Joshua Cristol, Matthew Dang, Zachary Harris, Zackery Kurima-Blough, Sanish Shrestha, Arian Martinez, Syed Madeeha Sadiq, Bitaal Syed Sadiq, accompanied by delegation leaders Glen Mears and Irene Chase, Vice President of Fort Worth Sister Cities and Associate Leaders Stephanie      Atkinson and Andrew Lockhart.

Fort Worth Ambassadors Travel to Germany, Japan and Swaziland

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, Texas – Sister Cities sends goodwill ambassadors to 3 Sister Cities Exchange programs are what it’s all about for Fort Worth Sister Cities.  This summer    delegations will visit three of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities including a Service Adventure group of 9 students and adults visiting Mbabane, Swaziland; 8 students and teacher   traveling to Trier, Germany; and 28 traveling to Nagoaka, Japan including members of the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra celebrating Fort Worth’s 25th anniversary with Nagaoka with a gift of music. Exchanges with each of Fort Worth’s sister cities provide youth the opportunity to spend 9-15 days with an international host family, attend schools, make presentations about Texas and the United States and experience the local history, culture and customs.  This is done as citizen diplomats and gives participants a better understanding of other cultures and gives the host cities a better understanding of the U.S. “Students and adults  who participate in outbound exchanges  experience personal growth,  expand their capacity to understand the world as seen through the eyes of    others,  and gain an appreciation of the interconnectedness of all humans regardless of geographical location,” said Sister Cities board member and Mbabane, Swaziland Chair, Dr. Staussa Ervin. Art teachers from Fort Worth ISD will also accompany the group to Swaziland and work with the people of Mbabane on art projects to include painting a mural in the Central  Library of Mbabane.  The Trier, Germany group are taking a City of Fort Worth flag to be hung at the Trier Rathaus (City Hall) to celebrate 25 years of partnership.

2012-05-25 12:01

Fort Worth Ambassadors Travel to Germany, Japan and Swaziland

Fort Worth, Texas – Sister Cities sends goodwill ambassadors to 3 Sister Cities Exchange programs are what it’s all about for Fort Worth Sister Cities.  This summer    delegations will visit three of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities including a Service Adventure group of 9 students and adults visiting Mbabane, Swaziland; 8 students and teacher   traveling to Trier, Germany; and 28 traveling to Nagoaka, Japan including members of the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra celebrating Fort Worth’s 25th anniversary with Nagaoka with a gift of music. Exchanges with each of Fort Worth’s sister cities provide youth the opportunity to spend 9-15 days with an international host family, attend schools, make presentations about Texas and the United States and experience the local history, culture and customs.  This is done as citizen diplomats and gives participants a better understanding of other cultures and gives the host cities a better understanding of the U.S. “Students and adults  who participate in outbound exchanges  experience personal growth,  expand their capacity to understand the world as seen through the eyes of    others,  and gain an appreciation of the interconnectedness of all humans regardless of geographical location,” said Sister Cities board member and Mbabane, Swaziland Chair, Dr. Staussa Ervin. Art teachers from Fort Worth ISD will also accompany the group to Swaziland and work with the people of Mbabane on art projects to include painting a mural in the Central  Library of Mbabane.  The Trier, Germany group are taking a City of Fort Worth flag to be hung at the Trier Rathaus (City Hall) to celebrate 25 years of partnership.