Sister Cities of Durham, NC, Inc. (SCD) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that seeks to promote peace, understanding, and goodwill among all people by maintaining long-term affiliations with communities in other countries; the goal is to develop mutually beneficial activities, program and ideas for each world community. The purpose of Sister Cities is to establish and encourage greater communication among the people of the world through the exchange of people and ideas; to engage in activities which strengthen and promote education and to carry out other programs and activities for charitable, religious, artistic and scientific purposes. By providing a supportive and stimulating environment, Sister Cities of Durham will continue to implement an extensive program of cultural, educational, municipal, business, medical and technical exchanges and projects. Why have a sister city? A sister city program enables the citizens of both communities become directly involved in international relations in unique and rewarding exchanges which benefit everyone. It enables all who participate to:
Exchange ideas and develop friendship with their counterparts in another culture on a direct personal basis.
Establish an identity as members of the global family involved in the constructive process of building world peace.
Develop a way for the many and diverse elements of each community to come together to enjoy and profit from a cooperative program.
Open new dialogues with the people of another culture to find unique solutions to improving the quality of life of all citizens.
Participate in a program with a real partner in another country so all members of the community can feel they are contributing to international understanding in a direct personal way.
Better understand their own community by interpreting their way of life to the people of another culture. |
Durham, NC has four Sister Cities. Our first relationship was established in 1986 with Durham, England, located 250 miles north of London. Three years later, two agreements were established—one with Kostroma, Russia and another with Toyoma, Japan. The Durham, NC-Kostroma, Russia relationship expanded our opportunities to foster a global cultural exchange with a nation which dates back to the mid-12th century. Kostroma is located about 200 miles northeast of Moscow on the Volga River. Toyoma, Japan is an international port situated on the west coast of the island nation which is known for its medical research and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Our most recent sister city relationship was established in 1991 with Arusha, Tanzania. We are very excited about this new agreement which has enriched our opportunities to share the rich cultural heritage and unique traditions of this east African nation, comprised of 1,221 tribes and tribal dialects. Each year in October, committees from each of our four Sister Cities meet in Durham to share accomplishments and make plans for a unique community showcase of cultural experiences as well as numerous mutually beneficial business and educational exchanges which strengthen our global bond and citizens of our communities. |
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How Do Sister Cities Find Each Other and Develop a Relationship? |
Cities find each other in many different ways. Sometimes it is a top-down process, where two mayors meet and become friends, then involve the rest of their community. Other times, it is a bottom-up process where a group or individual in the community, an educator, a businessman/woman, a service club or an ethnic association, take the lead and organize a sister city committee, then request that their elected leaders form an official partnership. Some cities link because they share the same name, or celebrate the same famous festival. Charming odd coincidences or chance meetings sometimes also lead to a sister city affiliation.
Sister Cities International also acts as a matchmaker, utilizing its “Cities Seeking Cities” section of the International Community Resource Center (ICRC), which enables communities to “meet” one another by reviewing on-line profiles. All communities, both U.S. and international, must complete a “Request for a Sister City” form in order to participate in this on-line service.
In general, it is wise for cities to pursue a relationship with a community that is as similar as possible in terms of geography, population, industries and interests. On the other hand, there are many successful “marriages” of opposites. |
SCD receives support from the city government, with the Mayor acting as Honorary Chair. A staff person designated at City Hall also serves to support the program, particularly by coordinating the direct involvement of various city departments in exchanges concerning municipal entities, economic development, technology, public safety and numerous other areas. SCD also receives various forms of Direct and Indirect (In-Kind) Support for many of its activities, such as assistance with administrative costs and receptions. |
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Non-Profit Status |
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Sister Cities of Durham is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Here's a copy of the letter confirming our status. |
SCD is governed by a broad-based elected Board of Directors. Volunteering their time and energy to this effort, Directors serve three-year terms. Officers are elected from the Board members. The Chairperson of each City Committee also serves on the Board. SCD Board meetings are held monthly and an Annual Meeting of the general membership is held each October. A financial review is conducted each fiscal year ending June 30. |
SCD is governed by a broad-based elected Board of Directors. Volunteering their time and energy to this effort, Directors serve three-year terms. Officers (President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary) are elected from the Board members. The Chairperson of each City Committee also serves on the Board. SCD Board meetings are six times a year and an Annual Meeting of the general membership is held each October.
Current officers and embers of the Board are listed on our Contacts page. |
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