HistoryThe Sister City concept was initiated by President Dwight Eisenhower on September 12, 1956 in Washington D.C. and has been supported by each U. S. President since then as important to the development of people-to-people understanding and international education. At present, there are over 1000 U. S. cities that have about 1700 formal Sister Cities throughout the world. U. S. Presidents have given strong support to the Sister City Program, most recently through challenge grants for international youth exchange.
Michigan's Sister State agreement was signed by Governor George Romney and Shiga's Governor Kinichiro Nozaki on November 14, 1968 in Lansing. The text of the agreement and those of the Sister City agreements that followed include "... will promote interchange in various fields of activities with the object of deepening mutual understanding and working together to bring about mutual happiness and prosperity," and "...this affiliation will unite the people... in everlasting bonds of friendship and promote understanding of the people of the world..." Birmingham's Sister City agreement with Ritto, Shiga, Japan was signed on April 12, 1976.
Want to learn more about the statewide Michigan-Shiga Sister City relationship and view photographs from previous Goodwill Missions? Visit the Sister-State blog or the Michigan-Shiga Sister-State website.
Goodwill Missions - Ritto to Birmingham (Even Years) Members of the Japanese Delegation arrive in Michigan and tour Lansing before being greeted by their host families at a welcome event in Lansing. From there, the host families and delegates travel back to the host cities for several days. Over the years, experience has taught us that the individual host families prefer to plan the days for the delegates to create a truly unique visit. A farewell dinner in Lansing the last day of the visit is sponsored by the Michigan-Shiga Sister State Board.
The City of Birmingham is currently seeking volunteers to serve as host families for the 2010 Sister Cities Goodwill Mission, which will take place from September 10-16, 2010. The Sister City relationship with Ritto dates back to 1976, with the cities sending delegates in alternating years. Host families will be asked to provide accommodations for visiting Japanese delegates for approximately 5 days/nights and will be invited to attend a statewide Welcome Reception and a Farewell Event, as well as local events in the Birmingham area.
If you are interested in serving as a host family for members of the Japanese Delegation, please send an e-mail to Christian Wuerth or call 248.530.1807.
Goodwill Missions - Birmingham to Ritto (Odd Years) The typical Goodwill Mission is twelve days. The delegates spend a couple of days at the beginning and end of the trip touring the cities of Otsu and Kyoto. The Home Stay portion is approximately 6 days and 5 nights in length; during this time there are sightseeing trips to various local points of interest such as the Ritto Historical Museum, Wachuchan Pharmacy, the ancient and world-renowned Shigaraki Pottery district, an excursion on Lake Biwa aboard the Michigan Boat, a formal tea ceremony, local shrines and temples; along with every day family camaraderie.