ESTABLISHING A SISTER CITY

Who initiates new Sister City relationships?

Any individual can approach the Sister Cities organization with a Proposal Paper for a new Sister City (See ‘What should a proposal include’ below). Initiation of the relationship itself is a combined effort of the Sister Cities Board of Directors and the local Mayor’s Office working together. The Sister Cities Board reviews and approves the new formation of the relationship and the Mayor signs the agreement into effect.

How are Sister Cities selected?

SCL analyzes the potential success of a Sister City partnership by examining measurable criteria that have been submitted by the interested party. These include: the similarity of geographic characteristics; population bases and economic activities; the vibrancy of educational institutions at all levels and in all disciplines; the strength and emphasis of arts and cultural programs and economic development projects.

Once a Proposal Paper has been submitted for review several additional criteria must be met. 

·         It is the policy of Sister Cities International that affiliated cities in the United States form only one official link to one community in any other given country.

·         The local diaspora must have already been contacted and have demonstrated a willingness to be involved at a committee level.

o   Evidence of similar commitment in the proposed city must also be demonstrated.

·         The Mayor’s Office in both cities must be interested in such a relationship

If it is determined that a relationship would be fruitful and vibrant, approval for a Friendship City would first be granted. As this relationship matures, these touch points are further explored, and the two communities begin exchanges of information among officials about municipal issues of policy, procedures, and best practices; economic development projects of mutual interest, possibilities for increased tourism; and educational, medical and health-related research and technical opportunities.

Proposal Paper: What must it include?

1.       Measurable Criteria:  It must be demonstrated that there is potential for sustainable programs, exchanges, business opportunities, cultural endeavors etc. This can be done by submitting the following information:

a.       Comparison report of the education system in both cities

b.      Comparison report of the higher education system in both cities

c.       Report of the similarity of geographic characteristics & population bases

d.      Report of local diaspora interest in establishing and maintaining a relationship with proposed City

e.      Arts and Cultural opportunities for engagement/programs/exchanges. E.g. comparable Ballet, Orchestra & Theatre in each city.

f.        Economic Development opportunities, including possibilities for Trade, Import/Export etc.

2.       Nomination:  of two Local individuals willing and able to serve as Ambassadors for the relationship and serve as Co-Chairs for the initial term of the City to City relationship. (pending approval by the Board)

3.       A plan: 5 year timeline and goals for the relationship, demonstrated sustainable interest (include local individuals, groups, businesses and schools where applicable) and growth in activities.

4.       Funding: Identify any funding sources that will support the proposed activities.

Submit your Proposal Paper to:

Sister Cities of Louisville

620 S. 3^rd Street., Suite 100

Louisville, KY 40202

Tel: (502) 574-3397

Email: sclou@sclou.org

You may be contacted for further questions regarding your submission.

ABOUT SISTER CITIES

SCL is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to global friendship, multicultural understanding, and economic growth by developing lasting relationships between the Louisville area and Sister Cities around the world. For over forty years, SCL has been highly recognized in the community as an international citizen diplomacy network. At Sister Cities of Louisville, we believe in establishing people-to-people connections with our citizens and tw