Beginning
Initiated in 1956 by President Eisenhower, to build peace through people to people relationships between communities across countries, the idea of the sister city movement was seeded.
Illinois started its first sister city relationship between Chicago and Warsaw, Poland in 1960. It was followed by Bloomington-Normal with a relationship with Asahikawa, Japan in 1962.
A Leader
Today Illinois is a leader in the sister cities movement. We have vibrant sister city programs at the grass root levels including the winners of state, national and international awards.
What is a Sister City?
A sister city, county, or state relationship is a broad-based, long-term partnership between two communities in two countries.
A relationship is officially recognized after the highest elected or appointed official from both communities sign off on an agreement to become sister cities.
What do Sister Cities do?
Each sister city organization is independent and pursues the activities and thematic areas that are important to them and their community including municipal, business, trade, educational, and cultural exchanges and projects with their sister city.
What is Illinois Sister Cities Association (ISCA)
Illinois Sister Cities Association (ISCA) was incorporated in the state of Illinois in 2007 and as a 501 (c)(3) non-profit since 2009.
ISCA Mission
Illinois Sister Cities Association's mission is to build and promote people to people relationships, "citizen diplomacy", between Illinois communities and communities, cultures and countries across the globe.
What does ISCA do?
ISCA's primary functions include:
- Provide a forum for communications and interaction among Sister Cities organizations within the State of Illinois
- Provide programming assistance and serve as a resource to local Sister Cities organizations
- Promote the programs and activities of Sister Cities organizations across the state