Board members Nancy Hitchcock, Mollie Means, Ruth Pepple and Carolyn Rice attended this year's Sister Cities International Conference in Spokane. They presented a photo display and information about our annual Winterfest celebration for the "Best Practices Showcase." This is the first time Grants Pass has participated in the annual conference, which more than 600 adults and 35 youth attended.  Mollie Means, who is Oregon's state coordinator for Sister Cities, hosted and facilitated several of the conference events.  The four came back with information about what the national board and staff is doing, enthusiastic about Sister Cities future,  and full of ideas about programs and possibilities.  Next year's international conference, marking Sister Cities 50th year, will be held in Washington, D.C.
 

Carolyn's letter as written in September 2005 newsletter:
     It's possible to explore the world in four days.  That's what Nancy Hitchcock, Mollie Means, Ruth Pepple and I discovered when we attended the Sister Cities International Annual Conference in Spokane in July.  It was a virtual global tour, with delegates from around the world, an international marketplace of arts and crafts, and four days learning about sister city projects.  (By the way, we were one of the 60 cities asked to be part of the “Best Practices Showcase"). 
    The experience was inspiring and mind opening.  So much is being done.  Partnerships with organizations like Rotary and Chamber of Commerce can help communities with economic develop­ment projects.  Trade exchanges and internet fundraising are two examples. Could we do that?  Some of the most heart-warming projects had to do with education, like adopting a school. Is that something we could undertake?  Many cities have more than one sister city. Could we?
    A world of possibilities exists for us.  Sister Cities has accomplished a lot in 49 years, and there's good reason to celebrate its approaching 50th birthday! -Carolyn Crowley Rice
 

Letter Nancy received from the president of Sister Cities International:

Dear Ms. Hitchcock,
     We want to take this opportunity to thank you for participating as an Exhibitor in the 2005 Sister Cities International Annual Conference July 27-31, 2005 in Spokane, Washington.  We recognize that everyone's schedules are busy and we appreciate you volunteering your valuable time to the conference.   
     Your participation and presentation contributed to the success of the conference.  More than 600 adults participated in the 2005 Annual Conference and second U.S.-Sino Conference, and more than 35 youth attended the Youth Leadership Conference. These participants, from over 25 countries, not only had an enjoyable time, but also took back important information to their local programs.  The delegates had the opportunity to interact in discussions and benefit from your expertise.  In addition, your contribution will aid our local programs as they continue to build and strengthen the exchanges and the programs they undertake with their sister cities.
     This was also the first time a Best Practices Showcase was presented at a Sister Cities International Conference, and we have received nothing but positive feedback.  You truly made this a successful addition to the program.