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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
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
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.
Sister Cities to Conduct Young Professionals Business Exchange
Applicants being recruited for Japanese Business Mentorship Program
APPLICATION DEADLINE: JUNE 1st
For Immediate ReleaseMay 16, 2012Fort Worth Sister Cities is now accepting applications for its Young Professionals Japanese Mentorship Program to be conducted this fall. Applicants are being recruited from area businesses focused on: global logistics/transportation, arts/culture, or small businesses.
Fort Worth Sister Cities was notified by Sister Cities International that Fort Worth had been selected as one of seven U.S. cities to receive Leading Asia: Renewing the U.S. and Japan Sister Cities Network exchange funding. Through this funding Fort Worth is looking to strengthen its business relationship with Nagaoka, Japan, as well as develop a Young Professionals Mentorship Program.
Young professionals (age 25—40) will work for ten days alongside their counterparts in Nagaoka, Japan while being home hosted. In 2013, Japanese young professionals will participate in similar mentorships in Fort Worth. Selected participants will gain:
- International work experience
- Expanded business networks
- Japanese protocol training
- Perspectives on global marketplaces
2012-05-15 03:30
Sister Cities to Conduct Young Professionals Business Exchange
Applicants being recruited for Japanese Business Mentorship Program APPLICATION DEADLINE: JUNE 1st
For Immediate ReleaseMay 16, 2012Fort Worth Sister Cities is now accepting applications for its Young Professionals Japanese Mentorship Program to be conducted this fall. Applicants are being recruited from area businesses focused on: global logistics/transportation, arts/culture, or small businesses. Fort Worth Sister Cities was notified by Sister Cities International that Fort Worth had been selected as one of seven U.S. cities to receive Leading Asia: Renewing the U.S. and Japan Sister Cities Network exchange funding. Through this funding Fort Worth is looking to strengthen its business relationship with Nagaoka, Japan, as well as develop a Young Professionals Mentorship Program. Young professionals (age 25—40) will work for ten days alongside their counterparts in Nagaoka, Japan while being home hosted. In 2013, Japanese young professionals will participate in similar mentorships in Fort Worth. Selected participants will gain:- International work experience
- Expanded business networks
- Japanese protocol training
- Perspectives on global marketplaces
The Pilgrimage of the Holy Robe
April 13-May 13, 2012
In our Sister City of Trier
People throughout the world traveled to Trier to see the Holy Robe, which is said to have been worn by Jesus on the way to His crucifixion. Christ’s Seamless Tunic is Trier Cathedral’s best-known treasure. Normally kept covered and protected from light, it is only rarely on open display – that is, during the Holy Robe Pilgrimages. In the last hundred years, this has taken place three times: in 1933, 1959 and 1996. Learn more about the Pilgrimage of the Holy Robe Local artist and Fort Worth Sister Cities member Nancy Lamb was invited by the Bishop’s Museum of Trier in cooperation with the Fort Worth Gesellschaft of Trier to attend this event, viewing the exhibition from her own perspective and cultural background. She and other artists from around the globe reflected on their experiences through their craft and will exhibit as part of a review-exhibition, themed “Bring Together what is Divided,” at the Bishop’s Museum in 2013. Nancy Lamb (American, born 1956) is a sculptor and painter of great versatility who blends aspects of perspective, wit and sophistication to create diverse forms of art which never fail to delight and challenge. The unusual angles and spontaneous, unposed quality of her photos are used to create popular slice-of-life oil paintings, “Social Spaces.” While best known for this series, she has engaged a variety of media since the 1970s, including two 200-foot terrazzo floors at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, and murals for 8.0 Restaurant and the Women’s Center in Fort Worth. Lamb is represented by Artspace 111 and has received an Artist Award in 2010 at Preservation is the Art of the City. Pictured below are Nancy Lamb during her expedition to the 4th Century Tombs in Trier: Learn more about Nancy’s work here Get connected with more Sister City Events and Happenings2012-05-13 11:29
The Pilgrimage of the Holy Robe
April 13-May 13, 2012
In our Sister City of Trier
People throughout the world traveled to Trier to see the Holy Robe, which is said to have been worn by Jesus on the way to His crucifixion. Christ’s Seamless Tunic is Trier Cathedral’s best-known treasure. Normally kept covered and protected from light, it is only rarely on open display – that is, during the Holy Robe Pilgrimages. In the last hundred years, this has taken place three times: in 1933, 1959 and 1996. Learn more about the Pilgrimage of the Holy Robe Local artist and Fort Worth Sister Cities member Nancy Lamb was invited by the Bishop’s Museum of Trier in cooperation with the Fort Worth Gesellschaft of Trier to attend this event, viewing the exhibition from her own perspective and cultural background. She and other artists from around the globe reflected on their experiences through their craft and will exhibit as part of a review-exhibition, themed “Bring Together what is Divided,” at the Bishop’s Museum in 2013. Nancy Lamb (American, born 1956) is a sculptor and painter of great versatility who blends aspects of perspective, wit and sophistication to create diverse forms of art which never fail to delight and challenge. The unusual angles and spontaneous, unposed quality of her photos are used to create popular slice-of-life oil paintings, “Social Spaces.” While best known for this series, she has engaged a variety of media since the 1970s, including two 200-foot terrazzo floors at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, and murals for 8.0 Restaurant and the Women’s Center in Fort Worth. Lamb is represented by Artspace 111 and has received an Artist Award in 2010 at Preservation is the Art of the City. Pictured below are Nancy Lamb during her expedition to the 4th Century Tombs in Trier: Learn more about Nancy’s work here Get connected with more Sister City Events and HappeningsFort Worth Sister Cities Wins Best Overall Program in U.S. for 8th Time
Sister Cities International Recognizes 2011 Annual Award Winners
Fort Worth Sister Cities is proud to once again be recognized as having the Best Overall Program in the U.S. awarded by Sister Cities International’s 2011 Annual Awards Program! The Awards, given in several categories, recognize sister city programs that demonstrate outstanding accomplishments in advancing the goals and mission of the sister cities movement. Read the press release here. Fort Worth, along with other winners in different categories, were honored at the Lou Wozar Awards Ceremony on July 14th at the 56th Annual Conference in Jacksonville, Florida. This is the eighth time, more than any other U.S. city, Fort Worth Sister Cities has received the award. Thanks to our members and all who have continued to show your support and commitment. This award was received because of the combined efforts of many people. Thank you! Read the Best Overall Program Executive Summary.Welcome back to China delegation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 25 , 2012
FORT WORTH, Texas- 71 Fort Worth delegates have returned from Guiyang, China on an inaugural exchange to Fort Worth’s eighth sister city. The delegation was led April 13-22 by State Senator Jane Nelson and City Councilman Dennis Shingleton.
Along with the delegation, 28 members of the Texas Wesleyan University choir attended at the invitation from Mayor Li Zaiyong of Guiyang. Mayor Li extended the invitation on Oct. 17, 2011, after the Wesleyan Chamber Singers sang at the official signing of Guiyang as Fort Worth’s sister city. The TWU choir performed in the Guiyang Grand Theater with the Guiyang Symphony. Hundreds were in attendance and strong friendships were created during this exchange between two universities. The choir was accompanied by John Fisher, chair of the music department, and Jerome Bierschenk, director of choral activities.
While in Guiyang, the delegates experienced Fort Worth’s newest sister city by exploring sites of historic interest in and around Guiyang, a city of more than 4.3 million. Sights visited included the Ming Dynasty temple and rang a ceremonial bell in the city square. The group also traveled to Beijing where they explored Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Great Wall.
The delegation participated in talks on how to develop future business opportunities between the two cities, as well as educational and cultural exchanges. As a special recognition, Guiyang Mayor Li made the following people honorary citizens of Guiyang:
Senator Jane Nelson and Mike Nelson
Dennis Shingleton
Brad Mahon
Mike Hyatt
John &Nancy Burgoyne
Mae Ferguson
David Dubois
Irene Chase
For more information, visit Fort Worth Sister Cities’ Guiyang travel blog at https://fwsistercitiesguiyang.wordpress.com/ or contact Mae Ferguson, President and CEO, at (817) 732- 7104 or mae@fwsistercities.org.
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Special “thank you” to hosts of Toluca engineering and Trier student delegations
Muchimas Gracias to the fabulous families who hosted 12 students and 2 delegation leaders from Tec de Monterrey University in Toluca, Mexico. Your hospitality made them feel so at home and welcome in Fort Worth during their exchange March 31-April 7th. We could not have done it without you.
Danke to the host families for the 15 students and one teacher from Trier, Germany April 9-24. What a treat to have such awesome students visiting Fort Worth. Thank you especially to Cody Cox and Arlington Heights High School for an incredible job hosting these students as this year’s Ambassador school. Thanks also to Trinity Valley and All Saints Episcopal schools for hosting the German students for a day at their schools. It was truly a special experience for all.
Home hosting is an amazing way to meet and get to know a student from another country. Contact Beth Weibel, Senior Program Director, for more information. Sister Cities International Board of Directors approves Mae Ferguson as Texas State Coordinator
WASHINGTON, DC – Sister Cities International Board of Directors approved Ms. Mae Ferguson of Fort Worth as the State Coordinator for Texas. In her new role, Ms. Ferguson will spearhead Texas’ international exchanges and programs. Her vast leadership experience will help facilitate positive economic impact for the state through its sister city relationships.
Ms. Ferguson is president and CEO of Fort Worth Sister Cities International where she manages a budget of $1.6 million. She oversees all program activities with Fort Worth’s 8 international partners. Ms. Ferguson serves on Sister Cities International’s human resources, development, advocacy, and governance committees.
State Coordinators are dedicated and experienced sister cities volunteers. They serve as a resource at the local level to provide professional assistance and help, with support provided by Sister Cities International, to member communities in their state; and assist communities wishing to maintain or establish a sister city.
Read More About Mae
About Sister Cities International
Sister Cities International facilitates nearly 2,000 partnerships in 136 countries on six continents between 600 communities in the United States with similar municipalities abroad. Sister Cities International represents citizen diplomats who work tirelessly to promote the organizations’ mission of creating world peace and cultural understanding through economic and sustainable development programs, youth and education projects, arts and culture, and humanitarian assistance.
Facebook: Sister Cities International; Twitter: @SisterCityIntl; Website: www.sister-cities.org
Congratulations, Mae!
2012-03-29 08:53
Sister Cities International Board of Directors approves Mae Ferguson as Texas State Coordinator
WASHINGTON, DC – Sister Cities International Board of Directors approved Ms. Mae Ferguson of Fort Worth as the State Coordinator for Texas. In her new role, Ms. Ferguson will spearhead Texas’ international exchanges and programs. Her vast leadership experience will help facilitate positive economic impact for the state through its sister city relationships. Ms. Ferguson is president and CEO of Fort Worth Sister Cities International where she manages a budget of $1.6 million. She oversees all program activities with Fort Worth’s 8 international partners. Ms. Ferguson serves on Sister Cities International’s human resources, development, advocacy, and governance committees. State Coordinators are dedicated and experienced sister cities volunteers. They serve as a resource at the local level to provide professional assistance and help, with support provided by Sister Cities International, to member communities in their state; and assist communities wishing to maintain or establish a sister city. Read More About Mae About Sister Cities International Sister Cities International facilitates nearly 2,000 partnerships in 136 countries on six continents between 600 communities in the United States with similar municipalities abroad. Sister Cities International represents citizen diplomats who work tirelessly to promote the organizations’ mission of creating world peace and cultural understanding through economic and sustainable development programs, youth and education projects, arts and culture, and humanitarian assistance. Facebook: Sister Cities International; Twitter: @SisterCityIntl; Website: www.sister-cities.org