common for two-year colleges to establish them as well . It ’ s one thing for students to attend classes and read books about other countries , but actually traveling there broadens one ’ s understanding .
Where financial challenges are a factor , technology such as Skype helps students and faculties have ongoing face-to-face encounters . In addition , collaboration with other international organizations can provide opportunities that expand the ability to pool knowledge .
One such organization is Sister Cities International ( SCI ). The citizen diplomacy grassroots movement was begun by President Dwight D . Eisenhower in 1956 at a time when tensions with the Soviet Union were high . He invited a cross section of leaders to discuss how to bring people from across the world together in the hope that it would lessen tensions between them . The volunteer organization has grown to 500 cities , counties , and states who have partnered with more than 2,100 municipalities across the world in 145 countries .
What a good match for CCID . Mary Kane , President & CEO of SCI , came to Houston and will sign a Letter of Intention to explore a partnership that would allow each to leverage their networks for mutual benefit .
In a survey taken after the conference , attendees said that the weekend was productive and rewarding . While the presentations were useful , the friendships they made will last long after the event ended . iF Magazine | www . iFMagazine . net 19