Sister Cities Commission
The Sister Cities Commission provides representation for the citizens of
Life Span Statement
The Sister Cities Commission is a standing board, which meets monthly. Board members will reexamine the board’s purpose every three years beginning in 2013.
Powers and Duties
The Sister Cities Commission strives to further global understanding and to encourage and assist sister city relationships between the U.S. communities and their citizens and cities throughout the world. Current Sister Cities are County Meath, Ireland (Map), Hsinchu City, Taiwan, and LeTouquet, France. The Town has a relationship with Markham, Canada to promote economic development and cultural exchanges.
Membership
The Sister Cities Commission consists of 11 members appointed by the Town Council, 1 of whom the Town Council designates as chairperson. Members are appointed from within Cary’s corporate limits. All appointments to the commission are for three year terms, except where unexpired terms are being filled.
Goals/Work Plan
1. Raise awareness of foreign cultures
· Organize and facilitate the Cary Summit on Citizen Diplomacy
· Organize and facilitate a local Sister Cities International’s September 11 Concert in partnership with Town staff and the Sister Cities Association
· Provide informational material to be shared at Lazy Daze Festival
2. Explore potential sister city relationships
· Meet with representatives of the German and Indian communities in
· Explore a potential role for the
3. Facilitate exchanges to and from our sister cities
· Host and support sister city delegate visits
4. Support the Town with protocol for international visitors
· Coordinate necessary protocol and provide informational material from our sister cities.
5. Involve Cary youth in sister city activities
· Support Culinary School Exchange between Wake Tech Culinary and Le Touquet
· Promote local participation in Sister Cities International (
· Partner with SCA will to coordinate Le Touquet Youth Exchange
6. Increase participation in regional, national and international initiatives
· Participate in and promote awareness of RDU Triangle Area Sister Cities public Art project
· Participate in and promote awareness of the unveiling ceremony of the Triangle Area Sister Cities Public Art Project at
· Promote awareness of the
· Organize and facilitate a local Sister Cities International’s September 11 Concert in partnership with Town staff and the Sister Cities Association
· Promote awareness of the Beaujolais Nouveau Celebration.
· Participate in Community Tree event
7. Bring an international component to the Lazy Daze Festival
· Invite delegations to participate in Lazy Daze Festival.
· Host any sister cities visitors for Lazy Daze
· Provide informational material to be shared at Lazy Daze Festival
8. Encourage economic development with our sister cities
· Support Culinary School Exchange between Wake Tech Culinary and Le Touquet
9. Clarify roles and responsibilities with the Sister Cities Association of Cary (SCA)
· Meet with SCA to discuss roles and responsibilities
Evaluation Criteria: The board will periodically review and evaluate effectiveness their work plan, modifying as needed to meet annual goals.
Meetings
The commission meets as follows at 7:30 p.m. at the Page-Walker Arts & History Center on the Town Hall Campus, 119 Ambassador Loop, Cary. The duration of the meeting is approximately two hours and can require additional time for subcommittee meetings. Members are also expected to volunteer at major festivals and events, such as hosting sister city delegations, assisting the Town with international visitors, and working with broad based citizens groups including the Sister Cities Association of Cary.
- Thursday, January 21, 2010
- Thursday, February 18, 2010
- Thursday, March 18, 2010
- Thursday, April 22, 2010
- Thursday, May 20, 2010
- Thursday, June 17, 2010
- Thursday, July 22, 2010
- Thursday, August 19, 2010
- Thursday, September 23, 2010
- Thursday, October 21, 2010
- Wednesday, November 17, 2010
- Thursday, December 9, 2010
All meetings of the commission shall be open to the public and will adhere to the Open Meetings Law and Public Records Law. More information on this commission can be found in its annual report.
Please see the Town of Cary Calendar to confirm meeting dates, times, and locations.
Questions regarding the Sister Cities Commission should be directed to Kris Carmichael of the Town of Cary Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department by calling (919) 460-4971 or by email Kris.Carmichael@townofcary.org.
Additional Activities
In addition to their regularly scheduled meetings, volunteers commit time to performing activities such as:
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hosting sister city delegations
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assisting the Town with international visitors
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working on sister city planning committees
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staffing sister city events
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mentoring teen council representatives on the commission youth initiatives
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working with broad based citizens groups including the Sister Cities Association of Cary
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promoting sister cities regionally
The Town of Cary is a member of Sister Cities International (SCI) and the sister cities commission supports its mission, which is to "Promote peace through mutual respect, understanding, & cooperation — one individual, one community at a time."
How do I Apply?
Applications are accepted each year from May 1 through June 30 for upcoming vacancies. Applicants applying for this board are required to complete a supplemental application. Current Town of Cary employees are not eligible to volunteer. Questions about the application process should be directed to the Town Clerk's Office by e-mailing karen.gray@townofcary.org or by calling (919) 319-4508.
Current Membership Roster
Current Agenda
Minutes
Additional Meetings (see the Town's Web calendar for a current list of meetings and notices)
