SCI: Programs and Services - Legislative and Policy Resource Center

Legislative and Policy Resource Center

Welcome to Sister Cities International's Legislative and Policy Resource Center!

This site is maintained by Sister Cities International's Government Affairs Department. Below you will find information on Congressional committees and new policies, SCI's 2008-2009 Federal Funding Initiative, and how you can get involved with our advocacy campaign which could bring more money to your local sister city program.

In an effort to continue expanding and improving our programs, Sister Cities International is requesting that the 110th Congress establish a funding program within the Department of State to provide "seed grants" to our local member communities. These grants would be specifically designated for international citizen exchanges through Sister Cities programs that will promote peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation - one individual, one community at a time. If successful, each year, for the next five years, Sister Cities International would provide a long-term sustainable capacity for international communities to participate in diplomatic citizen exchanges.

The Program:
The creation of 4,320 international citizen exchange opportunities per year through increased funding, organized through SCI's network.

Areas of Concentration of New Exchange Programs:

Focus on the cultivation of youth participation and personal expression in regards to their role in designing and contributing to citizen exchanges and peaceful interactions.
Increased outreach to predominantly Islamic communities in conflict countries to foster a better understanding of one another and significantly enhance U.S. standing throughout the Islamic world.
Facilitate trade exchanges to excourage the interaction of international businesses and organizations across countries, integrating them into a stronger global community.

How You Can Help:
Contact your Congressmen! It is vitally important that your Congressional representatives hear from you and are informed about your sister city programs and activities. We need your help! Invite them to your events, visit their legislative offices when you are in Washington, D.C., and make sure they are on your local newsletter mailing list. For more information on how you can help on Capitol Hill follow the 2008-2009 Legislative Initiative link below or contact Jim Doumas at 202-347-8630 ext 8636 or jdoumas@sister-cities.org.

For more information, follow the links below.