35 Things in 35 Days
2020-05-23 - 2020-06-26
This year marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of Fort Worth Sister Cities International. To celebrate our sister cities and everything international, join us every day live at noon starting May 23. Like us on Facebook to follow along as we share educational, informative and entertaining content leading up to our official anniversary on June 26.
A special thank you to our amazing volunteers and international friends for gathering material to share as we celebrate our 35 years of service to Fort Worth!

See the videos on Facebook

Check out the content calendar

Sister Cities International Annual Conference
2020-07-08 - 2020-07-09
This year, Sister Cities International is tackling the virtual world by introducing their very first online conference. As more sister cities programs explore new ways of connecting with their international partners, they thought it would appropriate that this year’s conference theme be “Reimagining Citizen Diplomacy: New Connections in a Virtual World”. They are also excited to report that there will be no cost to participate in this year’s event. We hope you will join us at the 2020 Annual Conference!

Register for the conference

Bandung-Fort Worth Summit
2020-09-29 20:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York)
We are delighted to announce a planned connection between the Fort Worth and Bandung Sister Cities supporters. We have contacted Bandung officials to discuss COVID-19 status and recovery, education challenges at all levels, plans for student programs, and future visit ideas. Join us for a fun and informative evening with our friends from Indonesia.

Register online.

The Amazing Art and Culture of Eswatini
2020-10-13 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
We are so excited to invite you to join us for a lovely virtual afternoon of culture from our African sister city of Mbabane, Eswatini. Our friend and artist Honest Mhlanga will be joining us and will share his art and talk about his recent projects. Our students and some alumni from Mbabane (known as the Spearheaders) will also be attending and will share their culture with us.

We are meeting at lunch time, so try one of these recipes and join us:
Slaai (avocado salad)
Sidvudvu (pumpkin porridge)

Register online.

Hidden Gems: Fort Worth & Budapest
2020-10-19 - 2020-10-23
In honor of Republic Day in Hungary on Oct. 23, we are inviting you all to participate in a fascinating and eye-opening social media challenge. Starting Oct. 19, the Budapest Committee will start sharing their favorite hidden gems about Fort Worth and Budapest on Facebook and Instagram.

We want you to post your favorite image of something off the beaten path in your city, e.g. an architectural gem or sculpture not normally seen by tourists or even generally known to residents. So, think unusual, interesting places and people in your city that not everyone may have heard of, but has a special meaning to you.

People from Fort Worth are encouraged to share their favorite photos from Fort Worth, and our Budapest friends are encouraged to share photos from Budapest. However, if you have visited either city and have interesting photos from there, please share, and share your story.

To participate make sure you:

Use the hashtag #hiddengems
Make your post public so we can share it
Tag @fortworthsistercities
Nominate three friends to do the same

Join the Budapest Facebook group.

The Evolution of Language
2020-10-25 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
Join the youth group Fort Worth Youth International and students from our sister cities for a fascinating discussion about the evolution of language and meanings of slang and informal phrases. Language is such a crucial part of culture, and Fort Worth Youth International wants to learn more about cultures all over the world. Students from our Sister Cities will join us to discuss the idioms that are unique to their cultures and share a few specific examples of cultural sayings.

Register online.

2020-21 Youth events calendar.

Reggio Emilia 35th Anniversary Celebration
2020-10-29 18:00 - 22:00 | Coyote Drive-In, 223 NE 4th St., Fort Worth, TX, 76164, United States
To commemorate the 35th anniversary of the original signing of sister city agreements between Reggio Emilia, Italy and Fort Worth, Texas, USA on Oct. 29, 1985, join us at the Coyote Drive-In for a special viewing of the Italian Job (2003). Before the movie starts, hear from Mayor Betsy Price and Mayor Luca Vecchi as they salute this exciting milestone.

Gates open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. It is recommended to arrive at least 60 minutes early to avoid lines, get a good spot, relax with some food and a drink before the shows, and watch the sunset.

And, in celebration of our 35th anniversary with Reggio Emilia, the 35th car to arrive and check in will receive a special gift all the way from Italy!

Cultural Competency Training Workshop
2020-11-17 14:00 - 15:00 | Zoom
IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT YOU: Cultural Competency Here and Abroad

You will learn about:

Other cultures, how they communicate, and how they operate
The difference between protocol and diplomacy
Improving and expanding international business relations
Persevering in difficult situations
Getting the most value out of your travels
Creating a welcoming experience for people of other cultures
Becoming more culturally competent and appreciative of other cultures

Want to attend? Cultural competency training is free to those who belong to the Members Circle of Giving. Not yet a member? Join today! Eligible members, please RSVP here. Non-members can register at the link below.

Register online.

The Return of the Dragon
2020-12-08 14:00 - 15:00 | Zoom
CHINA’S CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES POST-COVID

In partnership with

Join us to hear Dr. Carrie Liu Currier, Associate Professor and Chair of the Political Science Department at Texas Christian University, speak from an expert’s perspective on politics in China.

Dr. Currier teaches courses in Asian politics, comparative politics, feminist international relations theory, international relations, and global political economy. Her research has generally focused on: 1) economic reform in China, to understand how developing countries are adapting to the demands of globalization, 2) China’s Foreign Policy with the Middle East, examining both arms transfers and the pursuit of energy, 3) China’s energy policy and pursuit of resources, 4) China’s one child policy and its social implications, and 5) the politics of entrepreneurship in Taiwan and China.

Register online.

Holiday Traditions Around the World
2020-12-13 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
Join us to hear from the youth board as they share holiday traditions from our sister cities and around the world! Friends from Toluca and Eswatini will also be present to share their holiday cultures and traditions. They will also share special holiday recipes from Mexico and Italy, so join us to hear from them about how they are made. If you want to challenge yourself and attempt the recipes ahead of time, here are the recipes for Italian Christmas cookies and tamales. Make them before the meeting and tell us about how yours turned out!

Register online.

Chinese Dumpling Virtual Cooking Demo
2021-02-26 18:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
In collaboration with Hao & Dixya, we are celebrating the Lunar New Year, Year of the Ox, and making jiaozi (Chinese dumplings). It is a virtual, live, and interactive class where we will make jiaozi with pork (vegetarian option) and chili oil. The registration includes a live demonstration with instructions, a recipe packet, and ingredients to make 4-5 dozen dumplings.

Register.

Virtual Cowtown Marathon
2021-02-27 - 2021-06-30
In partnership with the Cowtown Marathon we want to make this year’s events truly international. All races can be run virtually anytime between Feb. 27 – June 30 so join a team!

Teams are being formed here in Fort Worth and in each of our nine sister cities. Win prizes for awards like Team with the Most Participants, Team with the Most Miles, and more.

It’s easy so join the fun!

Sister Cities Discount Prices

Ultra – $90
Marathon – $85
Half Marathon – $75
10K – $35
5K – $25
Relay – $200 per team (teams of 4)

Email beth@fwsistercities.org for Sister Cities discount codes.

All registrants receive a bib number, t-shirt, and instructions for how to ensure your race is captured virtually via running app.

When registering, choose you team by clicking “Yes” under “Team Association.” Then, choose “Open” as the “Team Category.” Each team is listed as “Sister Cities – [city name].”

Register online.

All About Anime
2021-02-28 13:00 - 14:00
Join the youth group as we hear from our friends at Left Field Media and learn all about this fascinating genre of animated film. Left Field Media is a marketing company who is bringing the convention Anime Frontier to Fort Worth. They will explain how you can get involved as volunteers for the event. Anime Frontier will take place at the Fort Worth Convention Center Dec. 3-5, 2021. Find out more>
Register.

International Speakers Series: Japan's Global Moment
2021-03-16 14:00 - 15:00 | Zoom
Join us as we launch the Fort Worth Sister Cities International Speakers Series featuring our special guest, Joshua Walker, Ph.D., President & CEO of Japan Society of New York City. Walker brings a breadth of knowledge to Fort Worth having grown up in Japan with over two decades of experience in international business and diplomacy. He has also worked with clients worldwide focusing on Japan to evaluate global geopolitical risks.

Watch here.

International Trivia Night
2021-03-23 18:00 - 19:00 | Zoom
Want to see how much you really know about the world? Join this virtual party and test your skills at international trivia!
There will be three rounds and each round has a theme:

Round 1: Languages of the World
Round 2: Culinary Delights
Round 3: General Geography

Teams can be fun so recruit others to join in the competition. Teams can consist of people in your household or you can connect and play with folks outside of your house using a meeting app like FaceTime, text, Google Hangouts, or an old fashioned phone call.
Register today and we’ll send you all you need to know about how to play!
Register online.

Fort Worth Sister Cities International Alumni Panel
2021-03-28 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
Fort Worth Sister Cities International has an impressive group of alumni who participated in our programs as middle and high school students. Come and learn from a panel of accomplished professionals who had a Fort Worth Sister Cities experience and are now in successful careers and are contributing to their communities.

Panelists are:

Ana Alba, Domestic Violence Assistance Coordinator, Women’s Institute of the City of Toluca in Mexico
Joshua Cauthen, Deputy Director, Strategy Planning and Management, External Affairs at Penda Health in Nairobi, Kenya
Carlo Capua, Co-owner of The Meeting Squad and Locavore
Danielle McCown, Exchanges & Outreach Associate at Fort Worth Sister Cities International
Mary Robinson, Doctoral Candidate in Linguistics at New York University and Research Assistant in Sociolinguistics at Glasgow University
Lindsay Wilson, Director of Meetings at Verto Solutions in Washington, DC
Kristin Vinson Wright, Coordinator of Career Services & Campus Mentoring Program at Tarrant County College

Register online.

Trier Night at Rahr
2021-04-29 17:00 - 20:00 | Rahr & Sons Brewing Company, 701 Galveston Ave., Fort Worth, TX, 76104, United States
Raise a glass with us on April 29 at Rahr & Sons Brewing Company to celebrate Fort Worth’s partnership with Trier, Germany.

Nick Ballarini, accordionist will be playing some German polka favorites and The Doghouse Food Truck will be on hand serving a variety of hot dogs including their famous “Schaunzer” with spicy brown mustard and sauerkraut.

20% of all taproom sales will go directly to Fort Worth Sister Cities International, so join us and have a “bier”!

RSVP to beth@fwsistercities.org to let us know you’re coming!

Intercultural Etiquette & Protocol Training
2021-05-18 16:00 - 17:00 | Zoom
Want to learn more about other cultures and how they communicate? Join us for intercultural etiquette and protocol training led by Fort Worth Sister Cities President/CEO Mae Ferguson.

You will learn about:

Becoming more culturally competent and appreciative of other cultures
Improving and expanding international business relations
Persevering in difficult situations
Getting the most value out of your travels
Creating a welcoming experience for people of other cultures

Register online.

Citizen Diplomacy & Human Rights
2021-06-08 14:00 - 15:00 | Zoom
HOW DOES AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL FIT IN?
Join us for another International Speakers Series featuring our special guest, Roger-Mark de Souza, Chief Movement Building Officer of Amnesty International. De Souza oversees research and programs designed to document human rights abuses and directs Amnesty International USA’s work to grow, diversify, train, and deepen the engagement of its membership base in order to leverage the organization’s grassroots activism from the local to the global level.

Watch the livestream.

Saké Sampling
2021-08-26 17:30 - 19:30 | Sanders Travel, 3550 Hulen St Ste A, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, United States
Join us for an evening of saké and sushi with the Nagaoka Committee. Sample saké all the way from the Asahi Shuzo Sake Brewing Co. in Japan while learning about the brewing process and the history of the famous Japanese beverage from the creators themselves who will join us virtually. A sushi demonstration will also be provided by the Culinary School of Fort Worth. Buy tickets today!

Buy tickets.

North Texas Giving Day
2021-09-23
On Sept. 23, 2021, Fort Worth Sister Cities is participating in Communities Foundation of Texas’ North Texas Giving Day, a one-day online giving extravaganza for our whole region.

Last year, Communities Foundation of Texas brought together nearly 3,000 organizations to raise $50 million, and we are excited to be a part of the movement this year!

Join with others and help us reach our goal of $5,000. Here’s how you can help:

1. Get up and give on Sept. 23!
Donate here. Not available on Sept. 23? No worries! Make your gift early between Sept. 1 and Sept. 22.

2. Spread the word!
Spread the word to your friends and loved ones about Fort Worth Sister Cities and North Texas Giving Day. Don’t forget to tag @fortworthsistercities and #NTxGivingDay if you’re posting online. Encourage your friends and family to get up and give as well. Communities Foundation of Texas is even offering a prize for the social media post that’s shared the most.

3. Follow us!
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on North Texas Giving Day.

Donate online.

POSTPONED - Taking Control of Your Security With Confidence
2021-10-04 17:00 - 18:30 | UNT Health Science Center MET Building, 1000 Montgomery Street, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, United States
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTONED. STAY TUNED FOR NEW DATE.

Join us for our latest International Speaker Series on “Taking Control of Your Security with Confidence.”

Today, no one can be absolutely secure online. There is always a way to break through your defenses to seize your data or influence you toward an outcome you would not ordinarily follow. The only way you can gain confidence in your own security is by taking an active role in understanding this challenging cybersecurity and digital influence realm. Chris Dufour, a noted expert in digital security and nefarious influence, will offer a few time-tested best practices to get you on your path to taking control of your own security with confidence.

Register online.

Find out more about the speaker.

Youth Board Kickoff Meeting
2021-10-10 14:00 - 15:00 | UNT Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX, 76107, United States
You’re invited to the Fort Worth Youth International Coffeehouse! To kick off the year, the youth board invites you to sample international coffee and tea alongside various international treats.

Even more, you will learn about all the ways you can be involved with sister cities throughout the school year through Youth Ambassador Exchanges, the International Leadership Academy, the Jr. International Leadership Academy, hosting, community service projects, and much more. Bring a friend and come join us!

Register to attend.

Mangia Italia
2021-10-14 18:30 - 20:30 | Locavore, 715 Hawthorne Ave., Fort Worth, TX, 76110, United States
Join the Reggio Emilia Committee Oct. 14 to celebrate all things Italian culture and to learn more about an opportunity to travel to Reggio Emilia in April of 2022.

As a party goer you will get to:

Sample Italian cuisine and wine
Experience live Italian opera
Learn how to speak Italian

Buy tickets.

Youth Ambassador Deadline
2021-10-15
Since 1985, Fort Worth Sister Cities International has provided international youth trips and exchanges to help students develop deeper cross-cultural mindsets. Apply today!

Find out more

Fort Worth Youth International Book Club
2022-01-09 14:00 - 15:00 | Zoom
Join the Fort Worth Youth International Book Club on Jan. 9 for a discussion on “The Strange Library” by internationally acclaimed author Haruki Murakami. “The Strange Library” is a fantastical illustrated short novel about a boy imprisoned in a nightmarish library. Opening the flaps on this unique little book, readers will find themselves immersed in the strange world of best-selling Haruki Murakami’s wild imagination.

Pick up the book at your local library or bookstore and register today to receive the Zoom link.

Register online.

Youth New Year Celebration
2022-01-23 14:00 - 15:00 | Zoom
Join us virtually as we learn about how our sister cities and other cultures celebrate the New Year (and other significant holidays). We will hear “Happy New Year” messages from our friends in our sister cities as well as record a New Year message of our own to send to our international friends.

Come and also hear about the International Leadership Academies and how to get involved in sister cities for the rest of the school year and summer.

Register online.

Know Before You Go: Europe Edition
2022-01-25 09:00 - 10:00 | Zoom
Join us Jan. 25 at 9 a.m. CST for a real time live presentation on the state of Fort Worth’s European sister cities in France, Germany, Hungary and Italy. Hear from government officials, medical experts, business representatives, travel professionals, and our sister city colleagues on:

the status of the pandemic in Europe
how it has affected their economies
when they see a return to normalcy
what restrictions are in place currently or in the foreseeable future

Register.

Lunar New Year: Bao Making Class
2022-02-05 17:30 - 18:30 | Zoom
Get the Lunar New Year off to a tasty start with a classic Chinese street food, 包子 – “baozi or the bao bun. In collaboration with Hao & Dixya, we are welcoming the Year of the Tiger with a virtual “baozi” making class. Registration for the live demonstration is $25 and includes instructions and a recipe packet. An optional ingredient kit is available for an additional $30 and includes ingredients to make 12-16 bao.

Register today.

Monarchs in Mexico
2022-02-07 - 2022-02-12
TRIP IS FULL. EMAIL US TO JOIN WAITLIST.

Witness the amazing migration of millions of monarch butterflies and experience the traditional, modern and historical wonders of Toluca, Mexico on this once in a lifetime trip. While there you will:

Visit El Rosario Monarch Butterfly Preserve, the largest sanctuary in the state of Michoacán
See the beautiful botanical gardens of the area including the Cosmovitral, a botanical garden decorated by colossal works of stained glass art that tell the story of creation
Explore Valle de Bravo, a small town with cobblestone streets and plazas giving it a European charm
Get to know Mexico as a local with our friends as tour guides during the entire stay
