Sister Cities International

Mission Statement
Sister Cities International (SCI) is a nonprofit citizen diplomacy network creating and strengthening partnerships between U.S. and international communities in an effort to increase global cooperation at the municipal level, to promote cultural understanding and to stimulate economic development. SCI leads the movement for local community development and volunteer action by motivating and empowering private citizens, municipal officials and business leaders to conduct long-term programs of mutual benefit.

Building a lasting relationship with a sister city, county or state may well be one of the most rewarding activities your community becomes involved with. However, the process of searching for and finding that special partner who shares your interests and goals, is an intricate and often lengthy one. Therefore, your search must be extremely well organized and undertaken with great planning and commitment.

Selected guidelines
1. Please review SCI's publications and make your first priority the organization of your sister city committee. This committee should be led by elected officers (i.e. president/chairperson, vice-president, treasurer, secretary) and comprised of a broad range of community members: community leader(s) who speak directly for the Mayor/City Manager, business professionals (i.e. private enterprise, physicians, attorneys), Chamber of Commerce officials, youth and educators, retirees and so on. (Form sub-committees as needed, such as fundraising or youth, as well as separate committees for each sister city affiliation and so on.)

2. Gather and secure strong community support. Don't forget to involve other groups, such as your Rotary club, churches, hospitals, schools, your local government for example.

3. When you are ready to approach a potential partner, present a comprehensive view of your community by sending a detailed packet of information to the mayor of the desired city. This packet should include a formal letter from your mayor (and committee president/chair) inviting the community to enter into a dialogue regarding the prospect of becoming sister cities (sample documents available from SCI), along with promotional materials such as brochures, maps, photos or videos. Do not forget to enclose a copy of your "Request for a Sister City" form. Also, request such information in return.

4. If you receive a positive response, reply promptly and extend an invitation for an official delegation to visit, with suggestions for potential projects, such as student exchange, business/trade development and so on. Build up your relationship. Get to know one another well. After some time, you will be able to determine if this is the right match for you. As you "date," please keep SCI informed regarding your progress.

5. When there is mutual intent to become formally linked, both mayors must sign an official sister cities agreement (sample documents available from SCI). Upon receipt of a copy of this document, SCI will send two official charters-one for you and one for your sister city. At this point, you will be eligible to use the name "Sister Cities," and you will officially become part of our network of registered sister cities.

6. Continue to build your relationship by involving more community members and expanding the scope of your projects.

Sister Cities International, 1301 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Suite 850 Washington, DC 20004
Phone: 202-347-8630, Fax: 202-393-6524
Web page: www.sister-cities.org E-mail info@sister-cities.org