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Legislative and Policy Resources

In order to expand the support for the work of our members, Sister Cities International continues to educate members of Congress on Capitol Hill. Along with keeping members of Congress up to date on the work of our local Sister Cities members, we are proposing a federal funding initiative. This initiative, Strengthening America's Image Program, has the potential to provide local Sister City programs with some much needed financial support. Included below is an overview of our federal funding initiative, along with information regarding key Congressional committees, and other advocacy resources.

If you have any questions or would like to get involved in our Advocacy Campaign, please contact Jennelle Root at jroot@sister-cities.org.

Why Advocate?
While the legislative process can appear to move at a slow pace, a well-informed and active constituency base can effect much change. Involving yourself in the political process can help ensure that your voice is heard. This is not just a matter of writing a letter or placing a phone call to a member of Congress. Rather, advocacy should be seen as networking with the major institutions and players within a community to build support and reinforce the need and importance of your sister city work within the general community.

Political decisions are being made regarding funding at the local, state and federal levels which have a direct impact on your work and the type of community we all share. In almost every case, lawmakers are faced with a budgetary dilemma that is similar to the dilemma your own organization may face. There are many worthwhile programs to fund but a finite amount of funds to support them. Often, the decision to fund or not to fund a program will rest on you and your level of advocacy.

Look for opportunities to meet and talk with your representatives and the larger community to show them the positive work you are doing. Invite them to an event, write them a letter or make a phone call. Share with them the powerful work that you are creating and sharing.

Sister Cities International Advocacy Campaign
Visit this section to find more information and updates regarding our 2011 federal funding initiative. This includes a one-page program summary and specific details of the initiative.

From Capitol Hill: Advocacy Resources
Click on this link to get recent news and speeches from Congressional hearings and see relevant legislation passed concerning exchanges and citizen diplomacy. On this page we provide links to US agency websites and their international relations offices, along with Congressional online resources where you can learn about what is being discussed on the Hill and find out more about your state's Congressional delegation.

How You Can Help
  1. Send in your Sister Cities Newsletter! As a quick and easy way to keep your Congressional representatives up to date on your exchanges and events, email or fax them your monthly or annual newsletter. Make sure they're on your mailing list when it's time to send out the latest sister city news.

  2. Write a Letter or Send an Email to your Member of Congress:
    • These letters are a chance to update the member on your local programs and advocate for particular legislation or requests.

  3. Arrange a Meeting in DC with your Congressional Representatives:
    • If you are visiting the Washington, D.C. area, it is possible to meet your representatives in their Capitol Hill offices. The Sister Cities International office can help you arrange a meeting on Capitol Hill. Please give us two weeks of advance notice of your trip and we will contact the Congressional office for you.

  4. Arrange a call or meeting with the District office of your Congressional Representatives:
    • The easiest way to meet your representatives is in their district offices.
    • Visit Congress.org or contact the DC office of Sister Cities International to find the contact information for the local offices of your members of Congress.

  5. Invite your Congressional Representative to Participate in an Exchange or Local Event:
    • One of the best ways of showing your representatives how significant your Sister City work is to your community is to invite them to come visit a delegation or participate in one of your local sister city programs. Including them in the exchange will bring a personal touch to further communications you have with them.

  6. Consult our Advocacy Toolkit for tips on how to make your efforts more efficient and effective.

If you have any questions or want to learn more about how you can get involved with our Congressional advocacy campaign, please contact Jennelle Root at 202-347-8635 or at jroot@sister-cities.org.


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