The Foreign Service Journal, October 2016

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | OCTOBER 2016 71 AFSA NEWS Sister Cities International— Creating Peace Through People On July 15-16, AFSA joined Sister Cities International in celebrating its 60th anniver- sary and annual conference at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C. The event drew leaders and representatives from across the United States and around the world into one forum to discuss the connec- tions that help create “Peace Through People.” Created in 1956 at Presi- dent Dwight Eisenhower’s White House Summit on Citizen Diplomacy, SCI has been a leading driver of citizen diplomacy for the past 60 years. With 545 U.S. sister cities, counties and states encom- passing 2,121 partnerships in 145 countries and across six continents, it’s fair to say that this organization has fostered people-to-people relationships, literally, around the globe. AFSA was an exhibitor at the conference, sharing infor- mation about AFSA and the Foreign Service with con- ference-goers as they came through the marketplace. Among the most popular AFSA programs and activities promoted were the National High School Essay Contest and the Speakers Bureau, as well our publications, Inside a U.S. Embassy and The Foreign Service Journal. Participants were eager to learn more about the Foreign Service and how it supports American ideals and inter- ests abroad. SCI reaches out to U.S. embassies when they need help with a sister-city part- nership overseas. SCI is a potential partner in AFSA’s outreach efforts. With approximately 350 speakers in 35 states, AFSA’s Speakers Bureau is an excel- lent resource for Sister Cities chapters looking to engage experts on diplomacy and development for local meet- ings and events. SCI audiences would get a unique glimpse into the world of diplomacy and come away with greater awareness and appreciation for the work of foreign affairs professionals. AFSA staff representa- tives had the opportunity to attend several sessions at the conference, including a panel on “How to Engage the Emerging Generation through International Part- nerships” and a session on “Food, Culture, Music and Sports: Diplomacy through Unique Platforms.” n —Catherine Kannenberg, Outreach Coordinator