Mission Statement Chicago Sister Cities International (CSCI) is committed to promoting Chicago as a global city, developing international partnerships and networks, and sharing best practices on a city-to- city basis. To increase international trade, economic development, promote exchanges of culture, education, medicine, environment, technology & social service opportunities with its sister cities for the benefit of the City of Chicago, its residents and businesses.

History President Eisenhower’s “People-to-People” diplomacy In 1960, Richard J. Daley signed our first sister city agreement with Warsaw, Poland In the past decade, Chicago Sister Cities International has become one of the most active organizations in the world.

Programs/Initiatives Education Health Care Humanitarian

Healthcare

Sister Schools Abroad Mission Initiated the SSA Program in 1999 Provides an opportunity for students, teachers and administrators in Chicago’s schools to interact with their counterparts in schools abroad in Chicago’s 28 sister cities SSA is a great benefit to the City of Chicago and its residents to create global citizens Enriches the local community

Program Goals To provide students and educators an opportunity to develop: Responsible global citizens International and intercultural understanding through education The desire and confidence to learn other languages The incentive to promote peace and the tools to work towards it

Matching Process School Profile is filled out Information is exchanged via school profile that includes the size of the student body, grade levels taught, languages spoken, outstanding programs, and outstanding achievements and project proposals The participating schools determine the scope of the relationship and create a plan for the development of projects and exchanges.

Education Subcommittee Chair Maintain and nurture the relationship with the schools Serve as a liaison between schools in Chicago and abroad Assist with the selection process in both cities Assist with exchanges Share cultural understanding Principals Provide a climate that encourages and nurtures the relationship Engages in the partnership development Teachers Plan, organize and oversee projects and exchanges with counterpart Communicate with Chicago Sister Cities International regarding projects, exchanges and challenges Students Serve as ambassadors for their school, city and country Roles

Examples of successful school partnerships

Legacy Books and Bags Project

Abacus Project

Other Events Mexico City Calmeca Academy Paris, France Kellogg Elem. London, England Ward Elem. Parkside Elem. Kellogg Elem. Casablanca, Morocco Schurz H.S. Belgrade, Serbia Ogden Elem. Birmingham, England Kelly H.S. Beijing, China Northside College Prep Global Connections Through Safari Live

The Global Classroom

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Chicago Sister Cities Connections

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Other exchange examples: Service Learning The National Geographic’s Genographic project Growing Connections Young Playrights International Program World Art Chicago Global Citizenship

Partners: Chicago Sister Cities International The Office of Language and Cultural Education Chicago Public Schools Academic institutions throughout Chicago for project based curriculum. Mayor’s Office of International Relations

Awards Honored with the "Best Overall Program Award" for cities with a population greater than 500,000 in 2003, 2007 & 2009 Winner of the 2007, 2008 & 2010 Youth and Education Award from Sister Cities International

CSCI Education Liaison Danya Chazan Senior Manager of International Programs Phone: