Our Mission Statement

Illinois State Chapter of Sister Cities International promotes partnerships between Illinois municipalities and international communities to build bridges of cultural understanding, economic development and educational cooperation, and to ensure a more peaceful world.

Additional Sister City Facts International Conference is held each July in a major U.S. city. Illinois State Conference is held annually in April at the invitation of the local Sister Cities Organizations. State Conference Hosts include: Belleville, Belvidere, Bloomington/Normal, Decatur, DesPlaines, Dixon, Elgin, Elk Grove Village, Hanover Park, Highland Park, Palatine, Rockford, Springfield, Tinley Park, and Quincy.

About SCI

Sister Cities International was formed in 1956 at the height of the cold war under the direction of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. SCI has grown to represent more than 250,000 volunteers in over 1400 U.S. cities and overseas partners in 140 countries. In Illinois, more than 55 cities are partnered with municipalities around the world across 6 continents.

Each Sister City Relationship is Unique

Some are cultural in nature; others emphasize business and trade. Cities with third world partners focus on assisting with educational, economic and health issues.

Who Can Participate?

Teachers, students, government officials, employees, business people, medical personnel and regular citizens from all over the world are invited to travel and participate in exchanges.

About the Illinois Organization

The Illinois State Chapter of SCI coordinates special cultural, social and educational activities, including an annual meeting at which Illinois Chapter member cities can interact and exchange information and fellowship. It facilitates positive relationships and serves as an effective ongoing liaison between the national and international organization, the Illinois Municipal League of Cities and various SCI member cities throughout the state. It assists SCI member cities in Illinois by advising on issues that arise from international student and adult exchange programs, such as visa and insurance information.

The Illinois State Chapter of SCI fosters the goals and objecives of the national SCI Program through:

• Communication
  The Illinois organization maintains active communication with the national organization. As a clearinghouse and resource for information, we strive to stimulate interaction between the national and international organization and the various SCI member cities throughout the state. The primary components of this communication system include: an informative newsletter distributed quarterly to all SCI member cities in Illinois; personal visits to SCI member cities in Illinois; and this website, which aids in the distribution and communication of information among Illinois Sister Cities.



• Training
  The Illinois organization has developed an active training program for SCI member cities throughout the state. This training provides members with in-depth education on topics that are in demand, such as the availability of and the procurement process for obtaining grants and immigration law changes. In most instances this training is conducted at the State Convention.



• Volunteer Support
  The Illinois organization maintains a volunteer state board to support the Illinois member cities in policies and procedures when they are dealing with their sister city's government programs. They offer a broad range of assistance in order to develop and maintain a healthy relationship with your individual program. Board positions include: president, secretary, treasurer, newsletter editor, historian, parliamentarian, trade mission facilitator, youth coordinator, nominating chair, and municipal liaison.

If you are interesting in becoming involved with the Illinois State Chapter of SCI, please contact us.