Sister Cities Association of Spokane

The Sister Cities Association of Spokane is a non-profit organization supported by the City of Spokane and volunteer citizens. Its mission is to build opportunities for Spokane residents by developing ties of friendship, culture, and business around the world through sister city relationships.

History and Sister Cities

Spokane established one of the earliest sister city relationships in the United States with Nishinomiya, Japan, in 1961. Over the years, the city has added more sister cities: Jilin City, China (since 1987), Limerick, Ireland (since 1990), Jecheon, South Korea (since 1999), and Cagli, Italy (since 2016).

Activities and Initiatives

The association supports the activities of five local Sister City Societies, each representing one of Spokane's sister cities. These societies are integral for community involvement and host various cultural events, exchange programs, and educational initiatives throughout the year. A notable event initiated by the Sister Cities Association is the Dragon Boat Festival, which began during the 2005 Sister Cities International conference held in Spokane.

Role in Cultural and Educational Exchanges

The association facilitates student exchange programs and cultural exchanges between Spokane and its sister cities. One example is the Spokane-Cagli Sister City Committee, which initiated a student exchange program between the two cities. This program involves homestays for students from Cagli and Spokane, fostering citizen-to-citizen diplomacy.

Governance and Membership

The organization is governed by a board of members who oversee its operations and promote new sister city relationships based on grassroots support from both involved cities. Annual membership opportunities are available for individuals, families, and businesses interested in participating in events and trips organized by the sister city societies.

Future Developments

The association supports potential new sister city initiatives, such as the Spokane-Malay Friendship City Initiative, which aims to foster cultural exchange and understanding with Malay, Philippines, as a precursor to establishing a sister city relationship. This aligns with the broader goals of Sister Cities International, the national membership organization for individual sister cities in the United States.