Sister Cities International Legislative Initiative
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2008-2009 Congressional Campaign for Citizen Diplomacy!
Local sister city organizations are partnering with Sister Cities International to establish the "Congressional Campaign for Citizen Diplomacy." This advocacy campaign encourages Congress to enact the Sister Cities Exchange Initiative, a five-year program that will provide "seed" grants to programs across the United States for exchanges with their sister cities around the globe. When funded, it will create 4,320 international citizen exchange opportunities each year, resulting in 21,600 international exchanges over five years. Specifically, it will help sister city organizations reach out to communities in Islamic countries by targeting 500 Islamic exchanges each year.
Join our Advocacy Team!
It is imperative that your Congressmen hear from you! If you would like to support this Legislative Initiative, write a letter or call your Congressional Representatives. Below are some resources to help you form a successful advocacy campaign.
- Read a sample letter that could be sent to your representatives from your local sister city organizations urging them to support our Legislative Initiative. Also, read some hints and guidelines for writing a letter to your representative.
- It's also quick and easy to contact the local offices of your Representatives. Use our sample talking points when contacting Congress.
- Any questions or concerns, please contact Jim Doumas at 202-347-8630 ext. 8636 or at jdoumas@sister-cities.org.
Federal Funding Initiative and Background papers:
2008-2009 Legislative Initiative White Paper - The official summary of the Federal Funding Initiative and its goals for the expansion of local Sister City programs.
2008-2009 Congressional One Pager - This gives a break down of the costs to the Federal government and another summary of the Legislative Initiative.
Investing in Sister Cities International is Cost Effective [pdf file] Sister Cities International is one of the most cost-effective exchange programs. Ninety-nine percent of all funding for sister city programs comes from non-federal community resources. On average, each U.S. community undertakes at least one exchange per year with a sister city, which involves an average of 10-20 participants from both communities. When aggregated, approximately 7,000-14,000 people participate in sister city exchanges annually. A federal investment in the core grant means each sister city exchange costs only $30 to $60 to the U.S. Federal Government.
Federal Grants for Local Sister City Programs
There are many federal programs your local sister city organization can participate in. Go to Federal Grant Opportunities to find out more about other federally funded programs.