Factors to Consider When Choosing A Sister City

The following is a composite of different factors which should be taken into account when selecting a sister city. Keep in mind that this is only a loose guide to assist you in your search. However, while some cities choose their partner based purely on commonalities, others find greater success and fulfillment via the adage “opposites attract.” Overall factors to consider:

• Is there genuine interest on both sides?
• Is there a long-term commitment to the relationship?
Is there adequate financial support for exchanges and maintenance of the relationship? If you are working with an underserved region, are you capable of covering expenses they might not be able to handle?

Try to make a realistic assessment of what makes a successful sister cities relationship, and capitalize on the existing strengths of both communities. Remember that a desire to learn from and share experiences with a sister city can often balance the lack of similar characteristics with a potential partner.

Also take a look at the general characteristics of both communities:

• What the goals and objectives of each partner?
• Are there similarities in population, geographic location (mountains, desert, lake, port), key industries, ethnic population?
• Does the community already have existing linkages with other universities, businesses, YMCA, or Rotary clubs?
• Does the city have sister cities in other countries? Are they successful?
• What will be the role of the city and the sister cities committee in the relationship?

Look at economic issues like:

• Socio-economic conditions
• Language/cultural patterns and barriers
• Market analysis of industries
• Investment climate/present investment levels
• Liberal versus restrictive trade climate
• Port city-port connections
• Invisible trade (education, high-tech, service, exports)
• Trade exchange potential
• Number of tourists
• Presence of foreign businesses/factories locally
• Local businesses engaged in international activity

And political factors like:

• History of diplomatic relations
• Present degree of cooperation between U.S. and international country in political, economic, commercial and cultural fields
• Level of government bureaucracy
• Diplomatic presence
• Honorary consuls

What Makes A Successful Sister City Program?

The strongest and most successful types of sister city programs are the kinds that incorporate the three main sectors of a vibrant, productive community, county or state: local government, business and civil society/citizen volunteers. Successful sister city programs include:

• Support and involvement from city hall and the business sector
• Broad-based support and involvement from the community
• Alliances with like-minded organizations
• Strong communication links
• Cross-cultural awareness
• Clear objectives
• Willingness to grow and take risks
• Regular, ongoing exchanges

Even if your community lacks the resources to make trips between the two countries, there are a variety of low-cost exchanges that should continue to occur every year:

• An annual “state of the city” letter between the two mayors
• Exchanges of the cities’ annual reports and city plans by officials at city hall
• Exchanges of children’s artwork, letters or e-mails
• Periodic exchanges of interesting newspaper articles that show how society, technology, the environment, etc., are changing in your city
• Cultural festivals, movies or speeches that celebrate the culture of the sister city (foreign students or business people from the nation of the sister city can be guest speakers)