Newport Seeking Volunteers For New Sister City Commission

NEWPORT, RI — With an eye toward strengthening Newport's international ties, city officials have invited residents to apply to serve on a newly constituted Sister City Commission, which will be charged with promoting and organizing Newport's various sister city exchanges.

The group, which replaces Newport’s former Hospitality Commission, will consist of nine members, including seven appointed by the city council and two appointed at large in staggered three-year terms.

With six sister cities spread out across the globe, Newport’s Sister City Commission is designed to promote peace through people-to-people relationships — with program offerings varying from basic cultural exchange programs to shared research and development projects between cities with relationships that foster growth among the communities involved.

Sister cities provide opportunities for citizens to learn about, experience, and explore other cultures through long-term partnerships including student exchanges, community celebrations, and economic development opportunities.

Newport’s sister cities include Kinsale, Ireland; Shimoda, Japan; Imperia, Italy; Skiathos, Greece; Ponta Delgada, the Azores; and St. John, New Brunswick, Canada.

City officials said these long-standing relationships have served as the underpinning for countless traditions and cultural exchanges over the years, and will be on display this April as, Newport celebrates its 25th anniversary of friendship with the citizens of Kinsale.

All those interested in serving on the Newport Sister City Commission are encouraged to apply online through the city’s volunteer talent bank.

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