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We seek to achieve this mission through:
- Partnerships with Education
- Culture
- Economic development
- Shared dialogue
The History of Sister Cities
In 1956, Sister Cities International was established as a nonprofit citizen diplomacy network creating and strengthening partnerships between US and International communities in an effort to increase global cooperation at the municipal level, to promote cultural understanding, and to stimulate economic development. SCI leads the movement for local community volunteer action by motivating and empowering private citizens, municipal officials, and business leaders to conduct long-term cultural exchange programs between Sister Cities. In 1990, then Mayor James B. “Jick” Garland was approached by a local businessman, Kurt Scholler, who suggested Gastonia get involved in the International Sister Cities Program. Mayor Garland contacted a friend, Bill Lawson, to spearhead a citizens group for the purpose of establishing a local Sister Cities nonprofit organization. The rest is history!
In 1956, Sister Cities International was established as a nonprofit citizen diplomacy network creating and strengthening partnerships between US and International communities in an effort to increase global cooperation at the municipal level, to promote cultural understanding, and to stimulate economic development. SCI leads the movement for local community volunteer action by motivating and empowering private citizens, municipal officials, and business leaders to conduct long-term cultural exchange programs between Sister Cities. In 1990, then Mayor James B. “Jick” Garland was approached by a local businessman, Kurt Scholler, who suggested Gastonia get involved in the International Sister Cities Program. Mayor Garland contacted a friend, Bill Lawson, to spearhead a citizens group for the purpose of establishing a local Sister Cities nonprofit organization. The rest is history!
Gastonia now has two Sister Cities: Gotha, Germany, and Santiago de Surco, Peru.
For more up-to-date information and pictures, please follow us on our social media:
For more information on Sister Cities, please see the Quick Links section to the right.
Contact Information:
Garland Municipal Business Center
150 S. York Street, Gastonia, NC 28052
(PO Box 1748, Gastonia, NC 28053-1748)
704-869-1008 (office)
704-866-6067 (fax)
Email Becca Hurd