About Our Program
For more than a decade, Gastonia Sister Cities has been sending local students abroad to represent our community. With the support of our Mayor, City Government, Gaston County Schools, private schools, and hundreds of volunteers, we provide an exciting and educational program that changes lives.
Traveling to another country is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for most high school students. We are proud to plan exchanges with our Sister Cities—Santiago de Surco, Peru, and Gotha, Germany—for students who excel academically and demonstrate outstanding character.
Board Membership
Membership
Join us in promoting “Peace Through People.” Board Membership offers opportunities to connect with others who share a passion for cultural exchange, international friendship, and student success.
Board of Directors meetings are held at the Garland Center, 150 S. York Street, 2nd Floor Bobbin Room, on the 4th Tuesday every other month at 4 p.m.:
• August 25, 2026
• October 27, 2026
Meet our Board of Directors
Gastonia Sister Cities Board of Directors serve a 2 year term, that can renew up to two times
Maggie LeGrand Swanson - Chair
Anggie Fernandez - Vice Chair
Mary Williams - Secretary/Treasurer
Laura Arnold
Kim Borromeo
Deb Bowden
Jada Brooks
Megan Chapman
Jennings Dixon
Rebecca Edison
Brunella Escate
Heather Forbes
Christian Gallardo
Kendra McKechnie
Julio Paredes
April Perry
Shannon White
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer Opportunities
We welcome volunteers who want to make a difference! If you have experience—or interest—in any of the following areas, we’d love to connect:
- Student recruitment
- Pre-trip activities
- Community engagement
- Fundraising and scholarships
- Alumni outreach
- Chaperone a student trip to one of our Sister Cities
Contact: becca.hurd@gastonianc.gov
Support Our Student Ambassadors
Support Our Student Ambassadors
Each year, Sister Cities students serve as ambassadors for Gastonia abroad. These exchanges allow young people to explore new cultures, build lifelong friendships, and bring valuable perspectives back home.
Not every student has the financial means to participate. By donating to the Sister Cities Student Scholarship Fund, you can give hardworking students the chance to take part in this life-changing experience.
Every contribution, large or small, opens doors and helps shape the next generation of leaders, bridge-builders, and global citizens. If you would like to contribute to our scholarship please reach out to becca.hurd@gastonianc.gov
Middle & High School Volunteer Opportunities
Middle and High School Volunteer Opportunities
PEACE CREW Interest Form
Peace Crew will have 3 types of events, and you may choose to participate in any of them, at any time! I will provide service hours paperwork for all the types. Click on the links below to sign up for anything you are interested in attending!!
SERVE: These events are community-based and focus on creating outreach materials or doing outreach (1.5+ hours)
Wednesday, Sept 9, 4-5 pm Fundraising Swag Bag Stuffing, need 120 bags stuffed!
Friday, Sept 18, Oct 23, 3:30-5 pm: Create Welcome Kits for Schools and Teachers
Friday, Dec 4, 3:30-5 pm: Prep Materials for Christmas Parade
LEARN: These events will be culture and leadership training classes (about 1 hour)
Class content will include Culture 101, Foods and Festivals, Refugee Camps, International Explorations, etc.
Wednesdays: Sept 16, Oct 14, Nov 4, Dec 2, 4-5 pm
CONNECT: These events will be for Peace Crew participants to work together doing something that connects the PC group, building relationships (1.5+ hours)
Friday, Sept 25, 3:30-5 pm Community Canvas Painting
Saturday, Oct 3, 8 am-11 am Farmer’s Market Halloween Swap
Wednesday, Nov 11, Veteran’s Day Poppies Community Event with Keep Gastonia Beautiful Teen Club (no school) 9 am – 3pm, bring a bag lunch
Sunday, Dec 6, 3 pm-7 pm, March in Gastonia Christmas Parade as Peace Crew- PEACE ON EARTH
What Do Peace Crew Members Do?
Students may participate in one time events or ongoing projects.
Open to middle & high school students
All students under age 13 must have adult stay on site.
Cultural & Educational Projects
• Help prep World Wide Wednesday cultural activities
• Create country spotlights, displays, or trivia
• Assist with school or library cultural pop ups
Creative & Media Projects
• Design posters and outreach materials
• Create short videos, reels, or social media posts
• Photograph or document events
Community Outreach & Service
• Assist with mailings and event prep
• Staff booths at festivals and public events
• Participate in peace themed activities (chalk art, ribbons, pinwheels)
Youth Led Initiatives
• Propose and lead new peace or cultural ideas
• Serve as a school based Peace Crew representative
Service Hours & Recognition
Peace Crew members earn documented volunteer hours and formal recognition.
25 hours – Certificate of Service
50 hours – Certificate + Public Recognition
100 hours – Certificate + Letter of Recommendation (upon request)
✔ Service may be listed on Gastonia Sister Cities travel applications
Meetings & Communication
Monthly working sessions to prepare for events
REMIND app used for updates, schedules, and opportunities
Students choose activities that fit their interests and availability
Why Join?
Make a local impact with a global mission
Build leadership, teamwork, and creative skills
Earn service hours and recognition
Strengthen eligibility for Sister Cities travel opportunities
INTERESTED? Email Becca.Hurd@gastonianc.gov for an application and to find out more.
Contact Information:
Garland Municipal Business Center
150 S. York Street, Gastonia, NC 28052
(PO Box 1748, Gastonia, NC 28053-1748)
704-869-1008 (office)
becca.hurd@gastonianc.gov