ABOUT US

WHAT IS SISTER CITIES?

After WWII and the Korean War, wide human desire for peace sought ways to prevent war.  Starting in 1956, urged by President Eisenhower, an international people-to-people concept was born to overcome ignorance and suspicion.

Differences among nations, cultures, races, and religions need to be studied and respected.  Direct city-to-city links trancend both diplomacy and shifting government policies.

Enduring friendships between cities’ peoples can mold government interests to find peaceful solutions before violence.

WHY ROANOKE SISTER CITIES?

While Roanoke delegations travel to our Sister Cities on four continents, without leaving the Valley you can meet visitors from overseas, exchange letters, tapes, literature: you can enjoy national music, rhythms, dance, national dress, art forms, and cuisine; hear and try foreign languages; take part in major events and programs at schools and colleges; you can contribute your own special talents, and work with many other inovative and dedicated Valley citizens committed to our theme of “international friendship and world peace.” In the process of learning/teaching, we continue to add new dimensions to our lives.

HOW DOES SITER CITIES WORK?

Each of our seven Sister Cities Committees is as varied as the people who share its activities, limited only by their imagination and dreams. Seven executive committees comprise an “umbrella” corporate board responsible for overall polocies and business. But each sister committee chooses its own projects and brings them to life. Working cooperatively with Roanoke City & County governments; with schools, colleges, and universities; with churches, civic/service clubs, and with community festivals (i.e. Local Colors), we have and you can make a difference.