Information for U.S. Communities

There are many reasons why a partnership with a Muslim community can be particularly valuable and beneficial for your community. If you are ready to get involved, find out how you can be a part of this historic Initiative.

Promote better cross-cultural understanding

Use the Sister Cities partnership to encourage a better understanding of Islam and Muslim culture in your community. According to a recent Pew study, 66% of Americans say they know little or nothing about Islam and its practices.
Fight prejudice! According to a recent Gallup poll, 1 in 4 Americans admit to feeling prejudice against Muslims. But, levels of prejudice are much lower among Americans who personally know a Muslim.
Enable a Muslim community to learn about the customs and culture of your community. Despite what you may hear, many people in the Muslim world recognize the need for better mutual understanding between their communities and the West and are eager to do something about it.
Stop the spread of anti-Americanism. We know that anti-American sentiment is spreading and intensifying around the globe, but what can you do about it? Polls have found that Muslims who have had a first-hand experience with the United States or Americans have more favorable attitudes about both Americans and the U.S.

"Houston has been enriched by its partnerships with three Islamic communities. Among the goals of Sister Cities International are educational and cultural exchanges, as well as economic development.

Baku, Azerbaijan has sent several dance troupes to perform on our stage at the city's international festival and recently brought a delegation of Azeri editors-in-chief to meet with us. As a result, excellent articles highlighting our relationship have appeared in their newspapers and on their websites.

The Houston-Istanbul Sister Cities Association (SCA) teaches third graders about Turkey, which the students represent at a Children's Day Parade.

In addition, the Houston-Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates SCA hosts a breakfast for UAE delegates to the Offshore Technology Conference. In each case, we build friendships and business networks that continue across the miles."

(Ellen I. Goldberg, President, Houston Sister Cities)

Gain first-hand experience with a fascinating part of the world

The Middle East is the cradle of civilization and the birthplace of the three Abrahamic religions: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
The Middle East is the birthplace of many social and cultural innovations as well as technological inventions. These include the concepts of cities and states, domestication of animals, monumental architecture, the wheel, glass, writing, libraries and much, much more.
The Muslim world holds some of the world's most stunning archeological, architectural and religious sites. Think: Carthage, the Pyramids, Petra, the birthplace of Jesus, Mecca, Old Sana'a, Dubai's "The World", the Blue Mosque, Borobudur Temple, and much, much more!!
First-time visitors to a Muslim country are often surprised by the overwhelming generosity and hospitality of the locals that they meet. Many Muslim communities place a great deal of importance on hospitality towards visitors.

"During the past 34 years, our sister city partnership with Tashkent has led to numerous exchanges and other non-political activities that have educated the citizens of Seattle about an area of the world about which they know very little. Further, our visits there, and ongoing communication between our cities, has promoted positive interactions between U.S. citizens and Uzbekistan. These non-political interactions have promoted peace and understanding that are absolutely critical to our collective future."
(Dan Peterson, President, Seattle-Tashkent (Uzbekistan))

Prepare citizens in your community to become global leaders

A partnership with a Muslim community can provide an opportunity to expose youth in your community to fascinating languages and cultures. This exposure and the knowledge they gain can help position youth in your community to become the global leaders of the future.
Africa and the Middle East are becoming of great strategic importance to the United States with regards to the economy and global security - responsible citizens need to increase their knowledge of these regions.
More and more American companies are doing business in Muslim countries, yet many American professionals know very little about these parts of the world and are unable to effectively navigate the cultural differences. Give professionals in your community an edge by familiarizing them with another culture through a Sister Cities partnership.

Opportunities to participate in groundbreaking programs

Those involved in a partnership with a Muslim community have the opportunity to explore exciting and historic programmatic options. These programming possibilities could include humanitarian efforts, economic development projects, peace-building initiatives, democracy development projects, and much more! Your community could be involved in shaping a brighter and more peaceful future through your Sister Cities efforts.
Funding for exciting programs is available. The need to build stronger relationships with the Muslim world is recognized by a wide-range of organizations and businesses, as well as by the U.S. Government. Funding for programs that meet critical needs is available for communities who launch innovative partnership projects.

"The Baghdad partnership is about people, not politics. The entire purpose is for us to get to know each other better. The partnership has opened eyes on both sides. The result has been increased understanding about each other, mutually beneficial professional relationships, and tremendous personal friendships."
(Joe Rice, Partnership Volunteer, Baghdad (Iraq)- Denver Region Partnership)

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