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Sister Cities International
World Services of La Crosse works in partnership with Sister Cities International (SCI) to bring communities closer.
By becoming a hosting organization you city will have the opportunity to bring delegates from your sister city to the United States to experience an exchange of knowledge, ideas and profession guidance. Open World currently offers professional exchange from a host of Eurasian countries
- Russia
- Ukraine
- Moldova
- Azerbaijan
- Uzbekistan
- Armenia
- Kyrgyzstan
- Tajikistan
- And other Eastern Europe / Former Soviet Union nations
If you are interested in becoming a Sister City please read more at Sister City International by clicking here.
National Hosting Opportunities
World Services of La Crosse is looking to partner with new cities, communities and organizations to host international delegates with the Open World Program.
Intent to Host 2011 Open World Program
If you are interested in hosting an Open World delegation in 2011 please fill out a form by clicking on Host Profile Form and e-mail to
info@wslax.us
or mail it to:
World Services of La Crosse, Inc.
1601 CALEDONIA ST STE B
LA CROSSE WI 54603-3605
Benefits to Your Community
Every hosting community has a different experience, but each one comes away with a fulfilling reward.
- This level of humanitarian professional development was much appreciated in the community. ~ Duluth, MN
- The many Americans who met the delegates at schools, colleges, and other organizations were enriched by the contact, as reported verbally to our organizing committee. ~ Grants Pass, OR
- The information they provided helped elected officials in Utah understand better about the present and upcoming government in Russia. It also helped them see the similarities and differences between the two countries. ~ Tooele, UT
- Every American educator who met with the delegates was so enthusiastic about the visit that the most difficult task was moving on to the next appointment. ~ Syracuse, NY
- This was helpful to the students learning; they spoke later of the realization that everyone faces similar problems, but the approach to solutions needs to be sensitive to local history and culture. ~ Ashland, WI
- The County of Santa Clara / Moscow Sister County Commission has already seen an increase in interest by local citizens in becoming a part of the Commission ~ Santa Clara County, CA
Become a Community Coordinator
- Arrange a cultural and professional program for eight days in your community
- Coordinate a professional schedule of at least 32 hours
- Communicate among local program volunteers, host families, interpreters, etc.
- Prepare host families
home stays
- Recruit members from your community to host delegates
- World Services will provide host cities with Host Family orientation materials
- Arrange transportation
- Provide cultural / social events
- Complete a Host City Evaluation Form
- Complete final reporting focused on results from program conclusion
Benefits to being a Community Coordinator
- Experience new cultures
- Provide the community with new experience and understanding
- Administrative compensation
Possible Hosting Themes
The Open World Program brings emerging leaders from Russia, Ukraine, and other post-Soviet states to engage constructively with one another on timely issues such as the accountable governance, environment, and health. Because issues are addressed in a timely manner, each year Open World changes hosting themes, but for the most part they tend to fall into these categories:
Accountable Governance:
- Local Governance
- Community Development
- Environmental Management
- Women as Leaders
- NGO Development
Rule of Law:
- Specialized Rule of Law
- Civic Rule of Law
Social Issues:
- Social Services
- Health-care Provision
- Education
- Women as Leaders
If you would like to have the opportunity to share your communities strengths with delegates from other countries or you are interested in learning more about other cultures, please contact us at info@wslax.us or call us at 608-781-4194.
