Message from the President
It's an honor to be here today to explain some of the many new benefits Toledo Sister Cities
International (TSCI for short) is delivering every day.
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As some of you may already know, Sister Cities International in Washington D.C. is a 65+ year
old non-profit organization created by President Eisenhower in 1956 to promote peace
worldwide through cross-cultural knowledge, understanding, and appreciation by individual
Citizen Ambassadors.
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Some 25 years earlier, community leaders in Toledo, Ohio had already focused on those same
values and created the first "Citizen Ambassador" partnership agreement between Toledo,
Spain and Toledo, Ohio in 1931. Those outstanding citizen patriots recognized not even the
"Great Depression" could hide the future value of long-term relationships creating economic
opportunity, and connectivity between Toledo, Ohio, and its sister cities.
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Today I want to go a little deeper and talk specifically about the impact that TSCI Ambassadorship activities are having not just locally, but in the whole world.
First, let's clarify what TSCI is and what it is doing.
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TSCI is a local independent, non-governmental organization of local leaders focused only on
fostering global harmony through mutual respect and understanding. It never gets involved in
political or ideological activities.
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How do we do this?
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We are connecting the people of Toledo with the people of our sister cities through a variety
of programs, events, and activities. These include cultural exchange programs, language
classes, business development initiatives, and various other activities that expand a world view
of events and allow individuals to more easily know, like, and trust each other.
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One of the key ways that TSCI promotes cultural understanding is through our cultural
exchange programs. These programs provide individuals from both Toledo and our sister
cities with the opportunity to travel abroad and experience different cultures firsthand.
Participants have the opportunity to live with host families, attend local schools, and
participate in cultural activities.
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These experiences are incredibly valuable for promoting cross-cultrual understanding, as they
provide individuals with a unique perspective on the world and help to break down stereotypes and prejudices.
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Another important aspect of TSCl's mission is language education. We offer language classes
for several languages spoken by our sister cities, including Spanish, French, German, and
Japanese. These classes are not only a great way for individuals to learn a new language, but
also a way to experience different cultures and customs. By learning a new language,
individuals are able to communicate with people from different backgrounds and gain a
deeper understanding of their cultures.
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Business development initiatives are another important aspect of TSCl's mission. TSCI helps
connect Toledo-based businesses with businesses in our sister cities. We provide low cost
opportunities for businesses to expand their reach and access new markets benefitting both
Toledo and our sister cities. Additionally, our business development programs promote
targeted economic development and job creation in both Toledo and our sister cities.
Throughout the year, TSCI hosts various events connecting local & international organizations,
cultures, activities, and causes. Cultural festivals, film screenings, and lectures provide a
platform for individuals to learn about and experience different cultures in a fun and
interactive way. They also provide an opportunity for individuals from Toledo and our sister
cities to connect and form personal friendships. All these activities and events promote a
deeper understanding, respect and bond between people and cultures.
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These connections and relationships are what TSCI is all about and what makes it so important.
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But TSCl's daily impact goes beyond local contacts. Our international connections also benefit from cultural exchange, our dedication to learning about them, and our commitment to appreciate their role in the development of world affairs.
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They too have the opportunity to learn more about different cultures, and to form
connections and personal friendships with people from Toledo. This creates a ripple effect of
exploration and opportunity that spreads far beyond our community.
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Discussing all the exciting opportunities that impact might generate at TSCI Board meetings,
extensive research was completed in 2022 to focus our resources and activities for maximum
benefit to all the Toledo community.
"Peace is a journey of a thousand miles but it must be taken one step at a time." - Lyndon B. Johnson