City Seeks Residents to Join New Sister City Board
November 16, 2020 — The City of Wilsonville is now accepting applications for residents who are interested in joining the City’s new Kitakata Sister City Advisory Board.
This board’s formal charter is being considered for adoption by the City Council at the Dec. meeting. The board would include at least five members, and no more than nine. Participants would meet quarterly, typically serving three-year terms. Members would be recommended by the Mayor and appointed by City Council vote.
The Sister City Board supports activities to sustain and advance the long-standing cultural relationship between the City of Wilsonville and Kitakata, Japan. It serves in an advisory capacity, recommending policies and activities to support the program’s success.
Board members serve as program ambassadors, advocating for and supporting program activities, maintaining strong relationships with delegates from Kitakata and promoting a positive image of the program locally and abroad. The Board participates in the cross-cultural exchange of ideas and information, plans itineraries and identifies host families for visiting delegations, recommends annual program budgets and performs community outreach to support the program.
Wilsonville has enjoyed a sister-city relationship with Kitakata since Oct. 1988 “to deepen the understanding and friendship between the two cities through programs in such fields as education, culture and economy.”
The program has long been sustained through the dedication of the Wilsonville Sister City Association, a volunteer group that has organized, raised funds and documented cultural exchanges prior to this board’s establishment.
Diversity within the City’s Boards and Commissions is critical to ensure that City policies and programs serve people of every race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion and ability. People of all races, genders, ages and nationalities are encouraged to apply.
Interested parties may apply online now. Initial appointments are expected to be made in December, though applications are accepted year-round so that candidates may be considered as positions become available.
The City of Wilsonville is still recruiting applicants interested in serving on other City boards and commissions, which provide guidance and oversight of City programs.
Positions to be filled include:
- Two positions on the Budget Committee (three-year term)
- Two positions on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (two-year term)
- Six positions on the Development Review Board (two-year term)
The application deadline for all applicants, is Monday, Nov. 30, at 5 pm. Applications may be completed online at ci.wilsonville.or.us/boardsapp.
The city of Kitakata is located about 4 1/2 hours northwest of Tokyo, within the Fukushima prefecture of Japan. The climate is warm in the summer and usually receives heavy snowfall in the winter. The population of Kitakata is about 52,000. Kitakata is well known for its delicious ramen and beautiful lacquerware.
For years, delegations of local high school and middle school students from Kitakata stay with families here in Wilsonville, and students from Wilsonville stay with host families and participate in local activities in Kitakata. These exchanges have nurtured and increased understanding of different cultures, while creating wonderful memories and new friendships.
For additional information on applying for board service, contact Kimberly Veliz, City Recorder, at 503-570-1506; cityrecorder@ci.wilsonville.or.us.
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