About Longmont Sister Cities Association
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OUR MISSION
To strengthen connections within our own community and through the world community by:
OUR HISTORY In 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower proposed the people-to-people concept that lead to the development of Sister Cities International. It was Eisenhower’s belief that strong relationships established between cities in the United States and cities of the world would lessen the potential for world conflicts. Based on this concept, in 1991 local businesses and city government joined together to establish Longmont’s first Sister City Association with Chino, Japan. In 1995 the Longmont Sister City Association (LSCA) was founded to manage the sister city relationship and to relieve city employees of the many tasks and responsibilities associated with coordinating sister city activities. Shortly thereafter LSCA became a member of the Sister Cities International (SCI) organization. In 1998 Ciudad Guzman, Mexico became Longmont’s second sister city. The connection between Longmont and Ciudad Guzman is based on similarities of the two cities and Longmont’s large Hispanic population. STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAM Since its inception, the Longmont Sister Cities Association has sponsored an annual student exchange. The exchange brings students from Japan and Mexico to Longmont for a 10-day visit. In turn, students from Longmont participate in a similar 10-day visit to Japan or Mexico. Students currently enrolled in 8th – 11 grade are encouraged to apply. Following a series of interviews, selected students will be invited to participate in the Student Exchange Program. Students accepted into the exchange program are expected to participate in fundraising activities. This allows them to earn money for their trip to Japan or Mexico and helps the students to work together as a team. CHAPERONE PROGRAM Adults also have an opportunity to participate in the Sister Cities Exchange Program. Just like the students, adults living in the Longmont area are encouraged to submit an application to serve as a chaperone. Following a series of interviews and background checks, chaperones are selected to oversee the student exchange, assist with fundraising activities and accompany the students to Japan or Mexico. VOLUNTEER-BASED A Board of Directors governs the Longmont Sister Cities Association. The Board is comprised of about 15 members who volunteer their time to the organization. KEY ROLE IN THE LONGMONT COMMUNITY The Longmont Sister Cities Association maintains a key role in the city of Longmont through its partnerships with the city museum and civic organizations to promote cultural awareness. |