About the Irvine Sister Cities Foundation
Recognizing the need to foster goodwill and understanding between its citizens and people of other nations, the City of Irvine has established a partnership with the Irvine Sister Cities Foundation to create an international program, reaching out to all segments of Irvine's diverse community. The Irvine Sister Cities Foundation, a non-profit organization, was founded in 1989 to assess, plan and implement programs that fulfill the City's opportunities and commitments involving affiliated cities in other countries. The Foundation also serves the community by responding to initiatives and communications directed to the City of Irvine from a variety of governmental and private agencies and organizations abroad. Irvine's Sister City activities are administered through the City Manager's office and carried out by Foundation members, both corporate and individual. Programs are enabled by volunteer energies and skills, by membership fees, contracts and grants, cash contributions, and in-kind donations. Efforts are made to involve the full spectrum of Irvine residents and friends who might gain from, and contribute to, Sister City activities. Members and constituencies range from families to major corporations, and from elementary students to senior citizens. The Foundation welcomes membership from anyone in the community with an interest in learning about the cultures of other nations. Under provisions of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and the State of California, the Irvine Sister Cities Foundation qualifies as a tax-exempt, non-profit corporation. The Sister Cities of Irvine are:
How Sister City Affiliations are formed
When deemed beneficial to the residents of Irvine and without fiscal liability to the City, Sister City affiliations may be established by the Irvine City Council with the support of the Irvine Sister Cities Foundation. A demonstrated base of volunteer and financial support sufficient to the quality of programs expected by Irvine's citizens and business community also is requisite.
Membership in Sister Cities International
Since initiating its sister city program in 1989, the City of Irvine has been affiliated with Sister Cities International (SCI), the nation's premier citizen diplomacy network. As the national membership organization for Sister City, county, and state programs, SCI serves as America's official agency linking communities with cities in 125 countries worldwide. Through global community partnerships and volunteer action, it aims to realize the people-to-people principles espoused by President Dwight Eisenhower. |
