Kitakata, Wilsonville to Establish Sister City Pen Pal Program
January 4, 2022 — The Kitakata Sister City Advisory Board is initiating a new sister city pen-pal program with colleagues in Kitakata, Japan, to help spark new friendships and build long-lasting connections among individuals and families in both cities.
Community members of all ages may participate. Simply submit an introductory letter during business hours at the Parks & Recreation Admin. Building (29600 SW Park Pl.). Letters may be submitted by individuals or families. City staff liaison Erica Behler is sending the letters to Kitakata at the end of this month February.
“The Sister City Board is encouraging people of all ages to participate if they are interested in connecting,” Behler said. “Through letter writing and email exchanges, the Board is hopeful that Wilsonville community members can build connections with people across the globe to discover our common ground and gain a more complete understanding of another culture.”
Behler said the Board recognizes that people — the students, the teachers, shop owners, etc. — are the heart of both the Wilsonville and Kitakata communities, and that many of our successes and setbacks are universal.
“I am sure everyone living in Wilsonville has so much to share from the last year, both the good times and difficult times,” Behler said. “This is an opportunity to share, to learn, and to experience a smaller and friendlier world.”
Letters should include the following information:
- Your name & age
- Your return address
- (include email address if you prefer email correspondence)
- Your school/grade or occupation
- Your hobbies/interests/pets/currently reading/etc...
Participants are encouraged to ask questions about Japanese culture, and/or include drawings, photos, stickers, bookmarks or other light items that can lay flat. Get additional ideas at ci.wilsonville.or.us/sistercity.
The Kitakata Sister City Advisory Board is funding the cost of the first letter to and from Kitakata. Participants who wish to continue corresponding via snail mail should set aside funds to mail additional letters.
To learn more, contact Recreation Coordinator/Board Liaison Erica Behler at behler@ci.wilsonville.or.us or 503-570-1525.
