St. Charles Sister Cities Programs is a non-profit organization with a mission to build social, cultural, economic and educational relationships with our international neighbors. Membership is open to people of all walks of life and all cultural and ethnic backgrounds. We encourage diversity and strongly feel it enhances our organization.
Our organization was incorporated in 1995 and it owes its existence to Joe Daues. Joe Daues, members of the German Heritage Society along with the fact that a significant number of our citizenry are of German descent was fundamental in making the vision of a Sister City organization a reality. After years of diligent work, the City of St. Charles was formally joined with its German Sister in Ludwigsburg, Germany in two separate ceremonies that were held in each city. On July 4, 1996, a delegation led by Mayor Robert Moeller went to Ludwigsburg to take part in the signing of the Sister City agreement on German soil. On October 5, 1996, a delegation from Ludwigsburg, led by Lord Mayor Dr. Christof Eichert replicated the signing ceremony in the St. Charles City Hall.
Since that time there have been many benefits received by St. Charles citizens and students to Ludwigsburg; and, in return by Ludwigsburg students and citizens to St. Charles. St. Charles Sister Cities Programs have coordinated a good majority of these student exchange trips and delegation of citizens traveling to and from the sister cities of St. Charles and Ludwigsburg.
Our continuing mission and purpose is to promote understanding among the many peoples of the world. With understanding comes peace and empathy upon which mutually beneficial relationships grow. As the advancements in the technology of today continue to make our world smaller, every day we come closer to being a true global community.Â
St. Charles Sister Cities Programs have members with an Irish heritage interest and this group just recently signed an agreement with Carndonagh, Ireland to be our Sister City. Efforts are underway to start a student exchange between students at St. Charles High and St. Charles West High Schools and students from Carndonagh Community School.
A group of residents with a French heritage interest is seeking a Sister City in France as well.
Our mission is to foster understanding, tolerance, and value through all the exchange programs. Our main focus has been primarily providing opportunities for the youth of the community. These student exchange opportunities transcend all geographic, religious, political, cultural and ethnic boundaries. These relationships, whether individuals or between cities, are fulfilling and enriching.
St. Charles Sister Cities Programs is also actively involved in both the Oktoberfest and the Missouri River Irish Festival held each year in Frontier Park on the bank of the Missouri River. This is another way that St. Charles Sister Cities can foster understanding among people that although we are different, we are all the same. Both festivals are a wonderful way for city residents to celebrate and enjoy the rich and varied ancestries.
The membership of the St. Charles Sister Cities Programs is proud of the City of St. Charles and the diversity it represents. We are excited about expanding our membership to more of its residents. We are hoping with more citizen involvement and more community effort, other sister cities can be found, more student exchanges can take place, there will be more citizen delegations traveling together aboard and a better understanding of the big wide world we live in can be comprehended. St. Charles Sister Cities has made great strides but we have not finished the race. If you would like to join us in our endeavors, please e-mail Carla O’Dell at cardinalcarla@yahoo.comÂ
Everyone smiles in the same language!