Fort Worth Sister Cities

Nîmes, France to be Fort Worth’s Ninth Sister City

Posted on April 4, 2018April 4, 2018 by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, TX – City Council votes unanimously to accept French invitation

After a two-year search and selection process, Fort Worth will add its ninth sister city, Nîmes, France. The last sister city added was Guiyang, China signed in 2011.

A resolution to accept the invitation from Nîmes Mayor Jean-Paul Fournier to partner was unanimously, “and with enthusiasm” as stated by Mayor Betsy Price, approved by the City Council on behalf of the citizens of Fort Worth at last night’s Council meeting,

Sister Cities recommended Nîmes as a partner to build a mutually beneficial relationship through international education, exchange and commerce.

“Our goal is to promote Fort Worth globally and enrich our local community. We find that important now more than ever,” said Johnny Campbell, board chairman and President of Sundance Square.

“The two cities are well suited for each other because Nîmes, like Fort Worth, is experiencing significant demographic and financial growth,” said Pat Miller, Chair of the Long Range Planning committee of Sister Cities and leader of the delegation that traveled to France last year to research the possibility of partnering.

A delegation, led by Nîmes Mayor Fournier, several Deputy Mayors and the Presidents of the Chamber of Commerce and University of Nîmes, visited Fort Worth in January to discuss programs that would be of interest to both cities.

An official signing trip to France will be planned for this fall or Spring 2019. Anyone interested in learning more about Nîmes or joining the delegation to Nîmes can visit www.fwsistercities.org or contact danielle@fwsistercities.org.

2018-04-04 10:11

Nîmes, France to be Fort Worth’s Ninth Sister City

Fort Worth, TX – City Council votes unanimously to accept French invitation

After a two-year search and selection process, Fort Worth will add its ninth sister city, Nîmes, France. The last sister city added was Guiyang, China signed in 2011.

Sister Cities recommended Nîmes as a partner to build a mutually beneficial relationship through international education, exchange and commerce.

“Our goal is to promote Fort Worth globally and enrich our local community. We find that important now more than ever,” said Johnny Campbell, board chairman and President of Sundance Square.

Sister Cities Youth Make a Difference for Kids In Swaziland

Posted on March 28, 2018March 28, 2018 by Fort Worth Sister Cities

FORT WORTH, TX – Community Service a Big Part of Global Education

Over twenty-five students gathered at UNT Health Science Center recently to work on an annual community service project as part of their global education.

The students assembled Dream Delivered Boxes (DDB) jam-packed with informational magazines, hands-on educational activities, and toys, all themed around a different career. DDB is an off-shoot of Dream Outside the Box, a free after-school program for kids K-12^th grade, designed to show children the endless career possibilities the world has to offer and put kids on a pathway to success.

“Our kids work hard to find meaningful community service projects each year. As soon as they heard about Dream Outside the Box, they knew that’s what they wanted to do,” said Beth Weibel, Sr. Program Manager. “Our programs ensure that students develop the skills necessary to pursue their own goals and become globally-minded leaders in their communities, so it makes sense for them to help other children dream of the possibilities, too.”

A delegation of students will visit Mbabane, Swaziland in June and deliver the boxes to children at the Nkwalini Community Center, made possible through a grant funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation received by Fort Worth Sister Cities in 2010.

Fort Worth Youth International is open to students grades 6-12 who want to learn about the cultures and customs of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities. The group hosts events for international visitors and develops leadership skills through organizing various projects. They promote local and international community service projects and raise scholarships for students to travel to Fort Worth’s sister cities in order to further their education.

For more information contact Beth Weibel at beth@fwsistercities.org or call 817/632-7100.

2018-03-28 08:50

Sister Cities Youth Make a Difference for Kids In Swaziland

FORT WORTH, TX – Community Service a Big Part of Global Education

Over twenty-five students gathered at UNT Health Science Center recently to work on an annual community service project as part of their global education.

For more information contact Beth Weibel at beth@fwsistercities.org or call 817/632-7100.

Youth Represent Fort Worth in Germany, Hungary, Italy and Mexico

Posted on March 12, 2018March 13, 2018 by Fort Worth Sister Cities

FORT WORTH, TX – Goodwill Ambassadors travel to four Sister Cities

Thirty-seven students and leaders are visiting four of Fort Worth’s sister cities this month including Trier, Germany; Budapest, Hungary; Reggio Emilia, Italy; and Toluca, Mexico.

These Youth Ambassadors of Fort Worth benefit from a global education. In addition to learning leadership skills and participating in cultural exchange, they also receive training to become citizen diplomats representing the U.S., Texas, and Fort Worth which enhances their college and career opportunities.

“Today’s growing global community is making more of a footprint in young people’s lives, making cultural understanding and exchange a pivotal part of a student’s education. Our student-centered program ensures students develop the skills necessary for them to pursue their own goals and become globally-minded leaders in their communities,” said Johnny Campbell, Chairman of the Board of Sister Cities.

Educators from the FWISD, private schools, and universities will lead the delegations including:

Trier, Germany: Christian Gehman, Trinity Valley School, as well as Associate Delegation Leader Shannon Owings, University of Texas at Austin

Reggio Emilia, Italy: Angelia Ross, International Newcomer School, as well as Associate Delegation Leader Edward Ayala, Tarrant County College.

Budapest, Hungary: Andreanne Annis, Fort Worth Country Day, as well as Associate Delegation Leaders Arian Martinez, Tarrant County College and Kenneth McCleveland, Pennsylvania State University.

Toluca, Mexico: Joe Ayala, Western Hills High School, as well as Associate Delegation Leader Nancy Martinez, Sam Houston State University.

More students will depart for exchanges in the summer.

2018-03-12 09:36

Youth Represent Fort Worth in Germany, Hungary, Italy and Mexico

FORT WORTH, TX – Goodwill Ambassadors travel to four Sister Cities

Thirty-seven students and leaders are visiting four of Fort Worth’s sister cities this month including Trier, Germany; Budapest, Hungary; Reggio Emilia, Italy; and Toluca, Mexico.

Educators from the FWISD, private schools, and universities will lead the delegations including:

Trier, Germany: Christian Gehman, Trinity Valley School, as well as Associate Delegation Leader Shannon Owings, University of Texas at Austin

Reggio Emilia, Italy: Angelia Ross, International Newcomer School, as well as Associate Delegation Leader Edward Ayala, Tarrant County College.

Budapest, Hungary: Andreanne Annis, Fort Worth Country Day, as well as Associate Delegation Leaders Arian Martinez, Tarrant County College and Kenneth McCleveland, Pennsylvania State University.

Toluca, Mexico: Joe Ayala, Western Hills High School, as well as Associate Delegation Leader Nancy Martinez, Sam Houston State University.

More students will depart for exchanges in the summer.

Fort Worth Welcomes Bioengineering Students From Mexico

Posted on February 28, 2018February 28, 2018 by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, TX – Visiting delegation to tour local companies

Fort Worth Sister Cities International is thrilled to be hosting a delegation of engineering students from the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education in our sister city of Toluca, Mexico.

Ten bioengineering students and two professors are returning to Fort Worth for a mentorship exchange March 23-30.

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.

Students will visit: University of North Texas Health Science Center, Tarrant County College, the Fort Worth Police Department Crime Lab, the University of Texas at Arlington Bioengineering Department, Texas Health Resources, the Botanical Research Institute of Texas, AT&T Stadium and the Dannon Company.

To show the group Texas hospitality, they will be home hosted by community leaders.

If you’re interested in home hosting in the future, please contact Beth Weibel with Fort Worth Sister Cities International at beth@fwsistercities.org.

2018-02-28 06:15

Fort Worth Welcomes Bioengineering Students From Mexico

Fort Worth, TX – Visiting delegation to tour local companies

Ten bioengineering students and two professors are returning to Fort Worth for a mentorship exchange March 23-30.

To show the group Texas hospitality, they will be home hosted by community leaders.

If you’re interested in home hosting in the future, please contact Beth Weibel with Fort Worth Sister Cities International at beth@fwsistercities.org.

Russian Women Meet American Women

Posted on February 28, 2018March 5, 2018 by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, TX – Sister Cities partners on Russian project

Fort Worth Sister Cities International, in partnership with the Center for Citizens Initiatives (CCI) and the Women’s Policy Forum of Fort Worth, will welcome four Russian women to Fort Worth later this month for an educational mission.

“Discussions between our two peoples are critical at this time. Cultural understanding and respect of our differences can only be achieved through open and honest dialogue,” said Sharon Tennison, President of CCI.

Facilitated discussions with community leaders, educators and officials will provide multiple points of view and allow for honesty in a world that is controlled by social media.

The philosophy behind the discussions that will be held are:

To identify similarities and differences between cultures
To explore the sources of conflict that divide us
To highlight issues that are most important
To define ways to promote better understanding and respect for differences

Fort Worth Sister Cities plans to continue these kinds of dialogues in the future to fulfill our mission of promoting Fort Worth globally and enriching our local community with international education, exchange and commerce, all to create a more peaceful and prosperous world.

Anyone interested in learning more can contact mae@fwsistercities.org.

2018-02-28 10:28

Russian Women Meet American Women

Fort Worth, TX – Sister Cities partners on Russian project

Facilitated discussions with community leaders, educators and officials will provide multiple points of view and allow for honesty in a world that is controlled by social media.

The philosophy behind the discussions that will be held are:

To identify similarities and differences between cultures
To explore the sources of conflict that divide us
To highlight issues that are most important
To define ways to promote better understanding and respect for differences

Anyone interested in learning more can contact mae@fwsistercities.org.

International Youth Ambassadors Given Oath at Council Meeting

Posted on February 13, 2018February 13, 2018 by Fort Worth Sister Cities

FORT WORTH, TX – Students selected to visit Fort Worth’s Sister Cities

Nearly 100 Fort Worth students recently completed a vigorous selection process and have been selected to represent the City of Fort Worth as Ambassadors to several of Fort Worth’s international partners.

These students and their delegation leaders will attend the Fort Worth City Council meeting Feb. 13 at 7:00 pm where Mayor Price will administer the Citizen Diplomat Oath to the students and their delegation leaders.

“Selection of Youth Ambassadors is a competitive process and we feel we have an outstanding class to represent Fort Worth and the U.S.A. this year,” said Dr. Sheryl Harris, Chair of the Exchanges and Outreach committee of Fort Worth Sister Cities International.

This year’s Youth Ambassadors will represent Fort Worth in France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Mexico, and Swaziland. Scholarship assistance of over $100,000 is awarded annually ensuring a diverse group of students and teachers.

A complete list of Youth Ambassadors can be found at fwsistercities.org/congratulations-to-the-students-selected-for-youth-exchanges-in-2018/

Congratulations to all the Youth Ambassadors who will embark on life-changing exchanges this year. Represent us well!

2018-02-13 10:23

International Youth Ambassadors Given Oath at Council Meeting

FORT WORTH, TX – Students selected to visit Fort Worth’s Sister Cities

A complete list of Youth Ambassadors can be found at fwsistercities.org/congratulations-to-the-students-selected-for-youth-exchanges-in-2018/

Congratulations to all the Youth Ambassadors who will embark on life-changing exchanges this year. Represent us well!

Global Connections Thrive in Fort Worth

Posted on February 12, 2018February 12, 2018 by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, Texas –Sister Cities Kicks Off 2018 Members Circle Campaign

Led by Bob Jameson, 2018 Campaign Chair and President of the Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Members Circle is a thriving network of individuals, organizations, corporations and community leaders committed to expanding global relationships for Fort Worth.

Lead donors to this year’s campaign will be recognized at the Mayor’s International Dinner at the Omni Hotel May 24. Due to the generosity of corporate and individual donors, Sister Cities is starting the year with $195,208 in Members Circle commitments and is on its way to meeting a $350,000 goal.

This early support comes from Sundance Square, as a Platinum member; the Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau, Rae & Michael Hyatt, and Texas Health Resources as Premier members; BNSF Railway Company, the DFW International Airport, and Linebarger Goggan Blair & Simpson, LLP as Global members; Bank of Texas, Bell Helicopter, Bennett Benner Partners, Mary Palko, Sister Cities International, and Tarrant County College as Presidential members; as well as 100% of the Sister Cities’ board of directors and others.

“We kicked off this year’s campaign with a reception to welcome a delegation from Nîmes, France who were visiting in hopes of establishing a partnership with Fort Worth,” said Johnny Campbell, Board Chairman. “We are working to strengthen and create even more relationships for Fort Worth and grow the opportunities for youth and adults alike.”

Funding and in-kind support from the City of Fort Worth (4% of Sister Cities’ budget) plays a key role in Sister Cities’ mission, but most work is made possible through public support like that received through the Members Circle.

To support Fort Worth Sister Cities and join the Members Circle, contact Katie Wharry at 817-632-7101 or katie@fwsistercities.org.

2018-02-12 12:47

Global Connections Thrive in Fort Worth

Fort Worth, Texas –Sister Cities Kicks Off 2018 Members Circle Campaign

To support Fort Worth Sister Cities and join the Members Circle, contact Katie Wharry at 817-632-7101 or katie@fwsistercities.org.

Fort Worth Looking at Possible French Partnership

Posted on January 17, 2018February 7, 2018 by Fort Worth Sister Cities

FORT WORTH, TX – Sister Cities launches search

Fort Worth Sister Cities International has launched a long-range plan to select new sister cities in countries where they can build mutually beneficial relationships through education, exchanges and commerce.

“Our goal is to promote Fort Worth globally and enrich our local community. We find that important now more than ever,” said Johnny Campbell, board chairman and President of Sundance Square.

A delegation, led by the Mayor of Nîmes, France, the Presidents of the Chamber of Commerce and the University of Nîmes, as well as several Deputy Mayors, will arrive in Fort Worth at the end of the month to continue the conversation.

While here the group will meet with Mayor Price and other city officials, as well as community and business leaders from the Chamber of Commerce. They will also visit area universities to discuss a partnership with the University of Nîmes and visit several cultural sites in the city.

Last year, Sister Cities sent a delegation to explore the potential partnership with Nîmes, France. The delegation returned with positive recommendations to move forward on this partnership and are looking forward to welcoming the delegation to Fort Worth.

Anyone interested in learning more about this possible connection with France or Fort Worth Sister Cities can visit www.fwsistercities.org or contact mae@fwsistercities.org.

2018-01-17 03:50

Fort Worth Looking at Possible French Partnership

FORT WORTH, TX – Sister Cities launches search

“Our goal is to promote Fort Worth globally and enrich our local community. We find that important now more than ever,” said Johnny Campbell, board chairman and President of Sundance Square.

Anyone interested in learning more about this possible connection with France or Fort Worth Sister Cities can visit www.fwsistercities.org or contact mae@fwsistercities.org.

Sister Cities Hiring Part-Time Leadership Academy Coordinator

Posted on December 22, 2017December 22, 2017 by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth Sister Cities is hiring a part-time Leadership Academy Coordinator to manage the International Leadership Academy (ILA) and Jr. International Leadership Academy (JILA).

The International Leadership Academy is a dynamic summer leadership programs bringing Fort Worth students together with students from our Sister Cities in China, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico and Swaziland.

Jr. ILA is open to sixth- through eighth-grade students and focuses on cultural understanding taught by international college students from Mexico and Swaziland who have participated in previous ILA programs.

If interested, please email resume and cover letter to beth@fwsistercities.org

Job Description

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. Must be able to prioritize and handle projects from start to finish. Visual and mental concentration is necessary for working at computer for extended periods of time and tolerating frequent interruptions while performing tasks.

Key Activities

(1) Work with leadership and staff on all aspects of ILA/JILA

(2) Recruit, train and supervise Fort Worth and international interns

(3) Oversee management and acquisition of all supplies

(4) Assist leaders with pre-Academy training sessions for local students

(5) Oversee arrival/departure of all international participants

(6) Oversee successful home hosting experiences for international delegates

(6) Provide 24/7 on-call service during ILA

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of the position. Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by management. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.

2017-12-22 10:51

Sister Cities Hiring Part-Time Leadership Academy Coordinator

Fort Worth Sister Cities is hiring a part-time Leadership Academy Coordinator to manage the International Leadership Academy (ILA) and Jr. International Leadership Academy (JILA).

If interested, please email resume and cover letter to beth@fwsistercities.org