The document discusses establishing a sister city relationship between Columbia, Maryland and Tema, Ghana. It provides background on what sister cities are, Columbia's existing sister cities in Europe, and reasons for expanding to a city in Africa. Tema is proposed as a candidate due to its planned community origins, proximity to the Ghanaian capital, and opportunities for cultural and economic exchanges. Next steps outlined are gaining board approval and developing a partnership agreement with Tema.
A Long Way To Go: Educators Perspectives of Multiculturalism and Racism in Al...CanadianCMF
Racism creates a ripple effect of exceedingly detrimental impacts to individuals, communities, and the collective wellbeing of any given geographical or social region as a whole. Though all who experience racism are subject its negative and harmful effects, children are especially vulnerable to the consequences. Racism exists in many forms, including racially or culturally-based prejudice, discrimination, bias, stereotyping, or violence. In order to gauge the level of racism that school-aged children experience in Alberta, as well as assess teacher preparedness with regards to teaching multiculturalism in classrooms, we conducted a research project and subsequent report outlining the issues. The report examines race relations in K-12 classrooms throughout urban and rural Alberta, and measures teacher knowledge and preparedness in the context of educating students on multiculturalism and racism.
From August 2017 to June 2018, teachers were contacted in person and online to complete an anonymous survey that answered various questions related to the research topic. Teachers were also given the opportunity to elaborate on their responses through comments on the online questionnaire, as well as through in person interviews. The researchers received 150 responses that were later used for the purposes of data analysis and to compose a research report that was released to the public on July 22, 2019. Another purpose of the research was for the foundation to examine if there is a need to develop a K-12 resource hub that teachers could utilize in order to teach multiculturalism, anti-racism, and inclusion to their classrooms in the future.
Within the results, half of respondents surveyed answered that students at their schools do engage in racism. This result is significant as it supports the idea that racism is still a considerable problem in Alberta that impacts children and youth, whose brains, personalities, and identities are still developing. Further research results are outlined in the report.
It is hoped that our research results will raise awareness about the magnitude of the issues discussed, and that further steps will be taken in order to address racism among school-aged children, including future research projects.
Help us make our 10th year in Detroit a special one! Support the AMC by becoming a sponsor today. Email morgan@alliedmedia.org to determine a sponsorship package that works for you.
www.alliedmedia.org/amc
A Long Way To Go: Educators Perspectives of Multiculturalism and Racism in Al...CanadianCMF
Racism creates a ripple effect of exceedingly detrimental impacts to individuals, communities, and the collective wellbeing of any given geographical or social region as a whole. Though all who experience racism are subject its negative and harmful effects, children are especially vulnerable to the consequences. Racism exists in many forms, including racially or culturally-based prejudice, discrimination, bias, stereotyping, or violence. In order to gauge the level of racism that school-aged children experience in Alberta, as well as assess teacher preparedness with regards to teaching multiculturalism in classrooms, we conducted a research project and subsequent report outlining the issues. The report examines race relations in K-12 classrooms throughout urban and rural Alberta, and measures teacher knowledge and preparedness in the context of educating students on multiculturalism and racism.
From August 2017 to June 2018, teachers were contacted in person and online to complete an anonymous survey that answered various questions related to the research topic. Teachers were also given the opportunity to elaborate on their responses through comments on the online questionnaire, as well as through in person interviews. The researchers received 150 responses that were later used for the purposes of data analysis and to compose a research report that was released to the public on July 22, 2019. Another purpose of the research was for the foundation to examine if there is a need to develop a K-12 resource hub that teachers could utilize in order to teach multiculturalism, anti-racism, and inclusion to their classrooms in the future.
Within the results, half of respondents surveyed answered that students at their schools do engage in racism. This result is significant as it supports the idea that racism is still a considerable problem in Alberta that impacts children and youth, whose brains, personalities, and identities are still developing. Further research results are outlined in the report.
It is hoped that our research results will raise awareness about the magnitude of the issues discussed, and that further steps will be taken in order to address racism among school-aged children, including future research projects.
Help us make our 10th year in Detroit a special one! Support the AMC by becoming a sponsor today. Email morgan@alliedmedia.org to determine a sponsorship package that works for you.
www.alliedmedia.org/amc
Working Internationally for Libraries Conference 2021: Welcoming NewcomersCILIP
"ONE WORLD ONE LIBRARY NETWORK"
Working Internationally for Libraries Conference 2021
June 25, 2021
CILIP Working Internationally for Libraries Conference was a one-day virtual event supported by Arts Council England, in partnership with Libraries Connected, British Library, British Council, Carnegie UK Trust, CILIP International Libraries & Information Group, and CILIP Public & Mobile Libraries Group. The 2021 Conference explored ways of connecting with library services and sector professionals from across the world to inspire and inform local library services. Speakers from a diverse range of regions – UK, Europe, Canada, Africa, and the Middle East - shared best practices, new ideas, and successful examples of international working projects.
SESSION DESCRIPTION:
Toronto is a very multicultural city and has a long history of welcoming newcomers to settle in the city. This session explores the ways in which Toronto Public Library helps newcomers integrate into Canadian society with particular focus on the arrival of Syrian refugees in recent years.
Recordings of the sessions are available here: https://vimeo.com/showcase/8656926
Race Issues - Comic Meme Series About MicroaggressionsCanadianCMF
Race Issues is a relatable comic meme series created as a way of expressing the overlooked yet extremely common ways that people of colour are treated in a variety of social settings in our nation. We reached out to youth across the country, both in person and online, and asked them to share their unfiltered stories about how race plays a role in their daily interactions. Common themes emerged from the many responses we received, and the notion of microaggressions was included by each individual.
Microaggressions can be hard to identify unless you’ve experienced them personally, and that’s because they can manifest in so many ways. Essentially, a microaggression is any kind of behavior that emphasizes one’s “different-ness”-- usually a reference to their race or ethnicity. It can be projected through ignorant questions, avoidance,
or even a backhanded compliment. While racist comments are normally blatantly obvious, micro-aggressions are much more difficult to recognize, which is why they occur so frequently. These subtle social cues are often unintentional; however, a lack of intent does not mean that these words and behaviors are harmless.
The images and stories presented within these comics symbolize a disconnect between the perception of an equitable Canadian society and the very real experiences of Indigenous peoples of this land and racialized Canadians. Although diverse cultures do coexist and
thrive within Canada, many individuals cannot help but feel that their identity is constantly compared and contrasted to whiteness. It is up to all of us to be more conscious of the ways we treat each other, and to avoid the use of microaggressions by being more aware of how biases, stereotypes, and misconceptions frame the way we interact with
others. Differences are what make our country such a vibrant and unique place to live, and we all have to learn to embrace people that look, speak, and act differently than we do. When we choose to acknowledge that our personal experiences are not universally
shared by everyone, we will no longer react in ways that “other” people for not being just like us. We exist within a time and generation where there is no one way to look or speak Canadian, and it is important that we continue to challenge the assumption that there is.
The goal of this project is not only to highlight the impact of micro-aggressions, it was also developed with the hope to initiate a constructive dialogue on how we can better work together to make ALL Canadians feel welcome and worthy.
This was an adaptation of the classroom presentation I developed, but in this case it was created for parents, delivered at a followup info session, held a week after the in-classroom presentations.
Columbia Association International Exchange & Multicultural Programs - Sister Cities Summer High School Student Exchange between Howard County high school students and teens in Cergy-Pontoise, France and Tres Cantos, Spain.
Columbia Assocation’s Sister Cities Summer High School Student Exchange offers high school teens a wonderful opportunity to experience and explore another culture first-hand in France or Spain, and to practice their Spanish or French outside the classroom. This international cultural and linguistic immersion program is a 5 week international summer “camp” for students in level three (III) and above of Spanish or French. Teens from Howard County travel to Europe at the end of June and live for two weeks with a teen their age in one of Columbia’s two European Sister Cities: Cergy-Pontoise (near Paris) in France or Tres Cantos (near Madrid) in Spain. In July, they return to the US and host that same student in his or her home here in Columbia/Howard County. Chaperones (who are fluent in French/Spanish) accompany the teens and are there to support them or solve problems if they arise. The exchange provides an unforgettable summer experience and the opportunity to make lifelong friends in France or Spain. Participants serve as “student ambassadors” from Maryland and meet teens from other Howard County high schools in the process. More information and the 2012 Application Packet can be found at www.ColumbiaAssociation.org/TeenExchange. Applications are due Feb. 17, 2012.
For Columbia/Howard County high school students...Travel to Cergy-Pontoise, France or Tres Cantos, Spain in July 2011. Experience two weeks of cultural and language immersion while living with the family of your host student. Share American culture with the French or Spanish students when you return to Columbia for two more weeks of fun - and host your exchange student in your home.
Working Internationally for Libraries Conference 2021: Welcoming NewcomersCILIP
"ONE WORLD ONE LIBRARY NETWORK"
Working Internationally for Libraries Conference 2021
June 25, 2021
CILIP Working Internationally for Libraries Conference was a one-day virtual event supported by Arts Council England, in partnership with Libraries Connected, British Library, British Council, Carnegie UK Trust, CILIP International Libraries & Information Group, and CILIP Public & Mobile Libraries Group. The 2021 Conference explored ways of connecting with library services and sector professionals from across the world to inspire and inform local library services. Speakers from a diverse range of regions – UK, Europe, Canada, Africa, and the Middle East - shared best practices, new ideas, and successful examples of international working projects.
SESSION DESCRIPTION:
Toronto is a very multicultural city and has a long history of welcoming newcomers to settle in the city. This session explores the ways in which Toronto Public Library helps newcomers integrate into Canadian society with particular focus on the arrival of Syrian refugees in recent years.
Recordings of the sessions are available here: https://vimeo.com/showcase/8656926
Race Issues - Comic Meme Series About MicroaggressionsCanadianCMF
Race Issues is a relatable comic meme series created as a way of expressing the overlooked yet extremely common ways that people of colour are treated in a variety of social settings in our nation. We reached out to youth across the country, both in person and online, and asked them to share their unfiltered stories about how race plays a role in their daily interactions. Common themes emerged from the many responses we received, and the notion of microaggressions was included by each individual.
Microaggressions can be hard to identify unless you’ve experienced them personally, and that’s because they can manifest in so many ways. Essentially, a microaggression is any kind of behavior that emphasizes one’s “different-ness”-- usually a reference to their race or ethnicity. It can be projected through ignorant questions, avoidance,
or even a backhanded compliment. While racist comments are normally blatantly obvious, micro-aggressions are much more difficult to recognize, which is why they occur so frequently. These subtle social cues are often unintentional; however, a lack of intent does not mean that these words and behaviors are harmless.
The images and stories presented within these comics symbolize a disconnect between the perception of an equitable Canadian society and the very real experiences of Indigenous peoples of this land and racialized Canadians. Although diverse cultures do coexist and
thrive within Canada, many individuals cannot help but feel that their identity is constantly compared and contrasted to whiteness. It is up to all of us to be more conscious of the ways we treat each other, and to avoid the use of microaggressions by being more aware of how biases, stereotypes, and misconceptions frame the way we interact with
others. Differences are what make our country such a vibrant and unique place to live, and we all have to learn to embrace people that look, speak, and act differently than we do. When we choose to acknowledge that our personal experiences are not universally
shared by everyone, we will no longer react in ways that “other” people for not being just like us. We exist within a time and generation where there is no one way to look or speak Canadian, and it is important that we continue to challenge the assumption that there is.
The goal of this project is not only to highlight the impact of micro-aggressions, it was also developed with the hope to initiate a constructive dialogue on how we can better work together to make ALL Canadians feel welcome and worthy.
This was an adaptation of the classroom presentation I developed, but in this case it was created for parents, delivered at a followup info session, held a week after the in-classroom presentations.
Columbia Association International Exchange & Multicultural Programs - Sister Cities Summer High School Student Exchange between Howard County high school students and teens in Cergy-Pontoise, France and Tres Cantos, Spain.
Columbia Assocation’s Sister Cities Summer High School Student Exchange offers high school teens a wonderful opportunity to experience and explore another culture first-hand in France or Spain, and to practice their Spanish or French outside the classroom. This international cultural and linguistic immersion program is a 5 week international summer “camp” for students in level three (III) and above of Spanish or French. Teens from Howard County travel to Europe at the end of June and live for two weeks with a teen their age in one of Columbia’s two European Sister Cities: Cergy-Pontoise (near Paris) in France or Tres Cantos (near Madrid) in Spain. In July, they return to the US and host that same student in his or her home here in Columbia/Howard County. Chaperones (who are fluent in French/Spanish) accompany the teens and are there to support them or solve problems if they arise. The exchange provides an unforgettable summer experience and the opportunity to make lifelong friends in France or Spain. Participants serve as “student ambassadors” from Maryland and meet teens from other Howard County high schools in the process. More information and the 2012 Application Packet can be found at www.ColumbiaAssociation.org/TeenExchange. Applications are due Feb. 17, 2012.
For Columbia/Howard County high school students...Travel to Cergy-Pontoise, France or Tres Cantos, Spain in July 2011. Experience two weeks of cultural and language immersion while living with the family of your host student. Share American culture with the French or Spanish students when you return to Columbia for two more weeks of fun - and host your exchange student in your home.
Now on its 16th year, FilmAid Kenya Film Festival is held annually and strives to fulfill FilmAid’s vision to Inform.
Engage. Inspire. refugees and their host communities in Kenya.
From stories that Inform about the impact of climate change to personal stories that Engage in addressing
those barriers that hold us back, to stories that Inspire action in the resilience of the human spirit in the
adversities we face, the narratives from the film festival will be a celebration of stories, voices, and cultures
from the communities we serve, from refugees in Kakuma Refugee Camp & the Kalobeyei Integrated
Settlement, to Dadaab Refugee Camp.
Held annually in Kenya, FilmAid Kenya Film Festival strives to fulfill FilmAid Kenya’s vision of informing, inspiring, and empowering refugees. Every year, FilmAid Kenya trains, supports, and empowers more than 600 refugee youth to tell their own stories through film, photography, theatre, journalism, radio, and digital media education, with the aim to give young refugees, and their hosting communities, the creative and technical skills necessary to explore issues within their communities and express themselves creatively.
TTS Calabogie Mentorship Sessions_notes all sessionsREDB_East
Alternative Servicing
First Nation Settler Collaboration for Economic Development
Municipal-Volunteer Relationships
Newcomer Attraction and Settlements
Bienven Bienvenidos! Engaging Latino Audiences and Building Cross-Cultural Br...West Muse
This session addresses the importance of creating new relationships and patterns of visitation and support for museums, applicable to any targeted constituency. Speakers share stories of bringing diverse visitors together for cross-cultural dialogue. Their strategies for engaging the Latino community can serve as guidelines for incorporating diversity into strategic planning, professional development, communication tools, and public programs.
Moderator: Jill Hartz, Executive Director, Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art
Presenters:
Gail Anderson, President, Gail Anderson & Associates
Salvador Acevedo, Principal, Contemporanea
Gabriela Martínez, Curator of Education, Museum of Latin American Art, Long Beach
Claire Muñoz, Director, E.L. Cord Museum School, Nevada Museum of Art
ABCD Model BronzevilleKenwoodHistorical and Cultural AssetsT.docxannetnash8266
ABCD Model: Bronzeville/Kenwood
Historical and Cultural Assets
The most important asset to the Bronzeville community and to the neighborhood Little Black Pearl is located in is its rich history dating back to the early 1900’s of Chicago’s lifetime. As a community Bronzeville was the Chicago equivalent of Harlem, New York in terms of its prestige, social capital, housing stock and its plethora of significant black political, spiritual and cultural leaders. After discussing the past of Bronzeville with Jitu Brown of the Kenwood-Oakland Community Organization I learned of the amazing importance of Bronzeville as a center of the African American community. Not only was it a place of black success and knowledge but also identity and empowerment. Many artists, writers and entrepreneurs that would be icons of the African American community resided here or spent much of their time being engaged in the neighborhood. Locally owned black businesses thrived here as well as the press, the arts and education. Contained in the neighborhood were the Sutherland Ballroom and the Palm Tavern. These were both Jazz Clubs visited frequently by Miles Davis and Louis Armstrong in their heyday according to Brown. Certain landmarks and important black leaders in Chicago derive their experience or residence from this community as well. The late and very important first black Mayor Harold Washington was from Bronzeville and there is even a cultural center in his name built on 47th avenue. This is a great asset to the community. Margaret Burroughs, founder of the Dusable Museum, the museum of African American history, grew up in Bronzeville and graduated from the Dusable high school. The museum itself, established over 50 years ago, is a landmark in itself and even more of a historical and cultural asset to the community. The house of Ida B. Wells, civil rights and suffragist leader, still stands as a landmark in the Bronzeville neighborhood and Bronzeville is home to an immeasurably treasured past and contains the very strands of history that could help to create a surge of culture and social capital. All of this rich history contains in it the potential for great development and strength. By using the roots of the neighborhood could be a great uplifting factor and increase the perceived capacities of the people and the community itself.
Background Info of Community: Erika Kreiner
Little Black Pearl has a vision to help younger adults struggling in school and to provide them with several opportunities to benefit themselves. Little Black Pearl is located in the northern neighborhood of Kenwood on the Southside of Chicago. At first I was a bit frightened for my safety traveling to the school. It seems as though almost every other day one hears about a shooting on the Southside of Chicago. As I continued to volunteer at Little Black Pearl, my assumptions slowly turned around. I began to notice small gestures of kindness that people did for each other in the community. I .
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Antarctica- Icy wilderness of extremes and wondertahreemzahra82
In this presentation, we delve into the captivating realm of Antarctica, Earth's southernmost continent. This icy wilderness stands as a testament to extremes, with record-breaking cold temperatures and vast expanses of pristine ice. Antarctica's landscape is dominated by towering glaciers, colossal icebergs, and expansive ice shelves. Yet, amidst this frozen expanse, a rich tapestry of unique wildlife thrives, including penguins, seals, and seabirds, all finely attuned to survive in this harsh environment. Beyond its natural wonders, Antarctica also serves as a vital hub for scientific exploration, providing invaluable insights into climate change and the Earth's history
Discover the wonders of the Wenatchee River with a variety of river tours in Monitor, WA. Whether you're seeking thrilling whitewater rafting, peaceful kayaking, family-friendly float trips, or scenic sunset cruises, there's something for everyone. Enjoy fishing, wildlife spotting, bird watching, and more in this beautiful natural setting, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike.
Its running cost is among the diverse vital aspects you must consider before buying an electric scooter. Calculate the cost of getting e-scooter charge for your regular usage to calculate its economic efficiency, similar to people who investigate the mileage of petrol or diesel-driven scooters.
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How to change name on Volaris ticket? This is one of the most common questions asked by travelers flying with Volaris Airlines. The mentioned details can help you with your name rectification on the airline ticket. If you are still facing difficulties call the consolidation desk at +1-800-865-1848.
The Cherry Blossom season in Hunza begins in the second week of March and lasts until the end of April, varying with altitude. During this enchanting period, tourists from around the world flock to Hunza Valley to witness its transformation into a vibrant tapestry of white, pink, and green. The valley comes alive with cherry blossoms, creating a picturesque and mesmerizing landscape that captivates visitors.
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During the coldest months, Italy transforms into a winter wonderland, providing visitors with a very unique experience. From the Settimana Bianca ski event to the lively Carnevale celebrations, Italy's winter festivities provide something for everyone. Enjoy hot cocoa, eat hearty comfort foods, and buy during winter deals. Explore the country's rich cultural past by participating in Settimana Bianca, and Carnevale, sipping hot chocolate, shopping during winter deals, and indulging in winter comfort foods. Visit our website https://timeforsicily.com/ for more information.
Discover Palmer, Puerto Rico, through an immersive cultural tour that unveils its rich history and vibrant traditions. Experience lively festivals, savor authentic cuisine, and explore local markets. Visit historical landmarks, museums, and stunning colonial architecture. Engage with friendly locals, enjoy live music, and hike scenic nature trails, all while participating in cultural workshops and discovering unique artisan crafts.
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Montreal boasts a vibrant artistic heritage, showcased in its top art galleries and museums. From the expansive collections at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts to the cutting-edge exhibits at the Musée d'art contemporain, discover the city's rich cultural landscape. Experience dynamic street art, indigenous works, and contemporary pieces, reflecting Montreal's diverse and innovative art scene.
London Country Tours, the foremost travel partner offers customized Stonehenge tours from London coming with private tour guides and direct access to the inner circles. Visit: https://www.londoncountrytours.co.uk/tour/tours-to-stonehenge-oxford/
The Power of a Glamping Go-To-Market Accelerator Plan.pptxRezStream
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Get off on the most luxurious Tokyo itinerary from Singapore. Experience Tokyo’s sophisticated modernism and rich tradition with first-class travel, sumptuous lodging, fine food, and special tours. Savor the finest that this energetic city has to offer for an experience that will never be forgotten.
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2. What is a “Sister City?”
Broad-based, officially approved, long-term
partnership between two communities.
Becomes official with the signing of an
agreement by officials of the two cities, after
approval by city councils of each community.
Allows citizen volunteers of both
communities to get involved in international
relations, citizen diplomacy & projects of
mutual interest.
2
3. Why Have a Sister City?
To increase understanding between cultures,
through direct, friendly, personal contact
As long term partners, to open dialogues with
people of another culture who can share insights
and perspectives
3
4. Columbia’s Current Sister Cities
1. Cergy-Pontoise, France (since 1977)
2. Tres Cantos, Spain (since 1990)
Hundreds of high school students have gained global
perspective, improved language skills through CA youth
exchanges.
CA has also sponsored adult exchanges, based on
business, art and cuisine.
Columbia International Day was created to celebrate
the annual July Sister Cities High School Exchange,
beginning in 1995.
4
5. New Sister City for Columbia
Interest in developing relationships with non-European
nations is growing.
Community members began meeting in June 2011 to
explore the possibility of a relationship with a planned
city in Africa.
Tema in Ghana was identified by community members as
a planned city, with potential for a sister city relationship
with Columbia
5
6. Selection Criteria
Planned community, like Columbia
Safe and welcoming for visitors
Politically stable country
Non-stop flight accessibility
Near the nation’s capital
Opportunities for cultural, educational
& economic exchanges
Reflective of a large segment of
Columbia’s diverse population
6
7. Why Africa?
24.8% of Columbia’s population is African-American. Many
have profound interest in Africa.
Many Ghanaians and Nigerians live in Columbia
21044 is #77 on list of zip codes w/largest percentage of
Ghanaian first ancestries
21046 is #83 on list with the largest percentage of
Nigerian first ancestries (source: city-data.com)
Columbia’s diversity should be reflected in CA’s
international programs
Our Sister Cities currently only involve European cities.
7
17. In June 2011, Ghana was selected as one
of four nations to continue to access
grants under the Millennium
Challenge, given to nations working
toward:
• ruling justly
• investing in people
• encouraging economic freedom.
17
18. Why Ghana? Education
Public education is free and mandatory
English is official language; taught in all the schools
5 public and 12 private universities, and 10 public
polytechnics offering British Higher National Diploma
18
20. Why Ghana? Visitor-friendly
2010 Global Sister Cities Foundation International
Conference held in Accra.
First country to welcome the Peace Corps program;
Former CA President Pat Kennedy accompanied very first
Peace Corps group in 1961.
Popular destination for Columbians: African Art Museum
of Maryland and Columbia Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha
Fraternity have organized several trips there.
Students and faculty from Howard Community College’s
Nursing Dept. have visited health clinics in Kumasi.
20
24. Why Ghana? Business-friendly
U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Accra includes…
• Cargill • IBM
• ADM • 3M
• DHL • Motorola
• FedEx • Star-Kist
• UPS • PriceWaterhouseCoopers
• KPM • United Airlines
• Coca Cola • Delta Air Lines
• S.C. Johnson • National Cash Register
• Ralston Purina
• Pfizer
24
25. “Over the last 20 years, political
stability and economic growth has
been the long-term trend. Ghana is on
track to meet the Millennium
Development goal of halving extreme
poverty by 2015.”
– State Dept. background note
25
26. Reasons for Selecting Tema
• Tema, like Columbia, began in the 1960s as a planned
community
• Tema has many different ethnic and language groups --
primary language is English
• Only 16 miles from the nation’s capital, Accra, on the coast.
• Population of Tema Township: 120,000
26
31. Tema’s Current Sister Cities
• San Diego, CA (since 1976):
• Norfolk , VA (since 2010):
• Greenwich, England (since 1990)
Sister Cities International requires that Columbia sign
Cooperative Agreements with Tema’s existing U.S. sister
cities in order to develop a new sister city relationship.
31
32. Exploration with Tema To Date
• Dr. Willie B. Lamousé –Smith hand-
delivered letter from CA to Tema’s government
to gauge interest – Dec. 2010
• Tema Mayor, Hon. Robert Kempes
Ofosuware, responded with letter of interest –
Jan 2011
• CA Program Manager Laura Smit has been in
email contact with Frank Asante, officer in
charge of Sister Cities relations for Tema
32
33. Potential focus for
Columbia – Tema relationship
• Cultural/historical
• Visual and performing arts
• Sports
• Health
• Education
• Media
• Technology
• Environment, water management & sanitation
• City planning
• Business partnerships
Youth & Adult In-person Exchanges AND via videoconferencing
and other electronic media
33
34. Committee Members with
Links to Ghana
Doris Ligon , African Art Museum of Maryland sponsors trips to Ghana and
visits Tema
Ken Jennings & David Barrett, Alpha Phi Alpha members regularly take
Howard County teens to Ghana and visit Tema
Kwaku Ofori-Ansa, Ghanaian, Howard University professor of Visual Arts
Willie B. Lamousé-Smith, originally from Cape Coast, Ghana, with
contacts in Tema
Pat Kennedy – took first Peace Corps group to Ghana
Harriet Lancaster – Peace Corps Director in Ghana – 5 yrs
Jim Lancaster – President & Founder of African Literacy, Art & Development
Association, Honorary Chief of Torgorme, Volta Region
Gerry Maxwell-Jones, Ghanaian Arts & Crafts
Gloria Paul born in Ghana. Bill Paul, Bill is grandson of a Paramount
Chief
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36. Estimated Cost
Tema, Ghana Sister City Program
• Hosting of Ghanaian exchange visitors by community members
in their homes – no cost to CA
• Travel by Columbians at their own expense – no cost to CA
• Miscellaneous expenses for Ghanaian exchange visitors, such as
welcome dinner with CA staff/board, refreshments for
participants in events
• Administrative expenses, such as meeting refreshments,
copies/printing, office supplies, postage
• Airfare for one trip by Program Manager in FY13 - $1,200; some
meals & hotel if not staying with local host
FY12: Under $500
FY13: Under $2,000
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37. Next steps
• Gain approval from the Columbia Association Board
of Directors to proceed with the Sister City partnership
process with Tema, Ghana
• Collaborate with Tema to develop a partnership
agreement and organize signing ceremony
• Research initial exchanges, activities, travel, etc.
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38. Planning Committee Members
(page 1)
DAVID BARRETT, leads Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s Ghana study tours
ELIZABETH (Liz) BOBO, State Delegate
BRITTANY DUNBAR, CA Camp Staff, former student at George Washington
University, business project with Ghanaian street vendors
KEN JENNINGS, leads Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s Ghana study tours
PADRAIC KENNEDY, former CA president; organized first Peace Corp mission to
Ghana
STACY KORBELAK, Assistant Professor at Howard Community College; Coordinator
of its Global Distinction program
WILLIE B. LAMOUSE-SMITH, Professor Emeritus of Africana Studies at UMBC
HARRIET LANCASTER, former Director for the Peace Corps in Ghana
JIM LANCASTER JR., served in senior positions with ACTION/Peace Corps
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39. Committee members (cont.)
DORIS LIGON, Founder and Director of African Art Museum of Maryland
JOSEPH MASON , HCC professor
GERRY MAXWELL-JONES, African art & crafts, former HCPSS educator
VALERIE MONTAGUE, chair of CA’s International and Multicultural Advisory Committee; former
cultural exchange program manager
KWAKU OFORI-ANSA , Associate Professor African Visual Culture at Howard University; created its
Ghana study tour program
BILL & GLORIA PAUL, Columbia residents with strong family ties to Ghana
JEAN TOOMER, Chair of board of trustees of the African Art Museum of Maryland
Staff:
Laura Smit, Program Manager, International & Multicultural Programs
Katelyn Ely, HCPSS GT Intern
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Editor's Notes
I appreciate the opportunity to speak with you on behalf a grass-roots initiative that dovetails with CA’s existing Sister Cities program. I’m Valerie Montague, chair of the Advisory Committee for CA’s Int’l and Multicultural Programs. I’m also a member of a group, the Sister Cities Planning Committee, drawn from the community, that is very interested in having a sister cities program that is more reflective of the world. The impetus came from Doris Ligon, founder of the African Art Museum of Maryland, who contacted your Multicultural Programs Manager, Laura Smit. I’d like the planning committee members who are present tonight to stand so you can see some of the support for the ideas we are presenting.
Partnership made official with signed agreement between two cities. Citizens of both towns engage in programs that allow for one-on-one citizen diplomacy.
These programs can help people understand other cultures and, in our case, increase international awareness of, and respect for, Columbia.
We currently have two sister cities. Hundreds of students and adults from here and from Europehave deepened their knowledge of each other countries, have gotten an idea of how the U.S. is viewed abroad, and have learned, and helped others learn, how very similar we are in many ways. CA’s Int’l Day was planned to coincide with the period each year when Columbia families are hosting visiting French and Spanish sister cities students.
w/Columbia’s increasing diversity, there is growing interest in developing relationships with additional countries on additional continents. A number of Columbia residents, starting with Doris Ligon of the African Art Museum of Maryland, began exploring the potential for a sister city relationship in Africa. Doris contacted Laura Smit and we want to thank Laura for her openness to this idea, as well as her diligence and commitment to giving Columbia residents realistic opportunities to gain the int’l experience that is increasingly important in a globally interconnected world.
The Sister Cities exploratory committee came up with criteria to guide our search for a suitable partner for Columbia. A community as diverse as this one could benefit from having sister cities all over the world – now only Europe. So, we think it’s reasonable to focus on other continents, including Africa. To discuss the idea in more detail, I want to present Dr. Willie Lamouse-Smith, a resident of Harper’s Choice who is a Professor Emeritus of Africana Studies at UMBC, and who was born in Ghana.
River Hill resident Harriet Lancaster was the Director of the Peace Corps in Ghana for 5 years, from 1994 - 1999
Dr. Lamouse-Smith travels frequently to Ghana and offered to deliver a letter of interest last December to gauge interest on the part of Tema’s government. After receiving a positive response, Laura has continued the dialogue.
These are some of the areas the committee feels might be good to explore for possible in-person or virtual exchanges with Tema.
There are 16 members of the exploratory committee. 3/4ths of us live in Columbia. Half have spent time in Ghana or were born there. Biographical sketches are in your packet
Sister City relationships take time to build – months, perhaps years. It may involve several in-person visits before an agreement can be signed. Doris Ligon is planning to go to Ghana next summer w/a group from her museum, as are David Barrett and Ken Jennings, w/ another group of Alpha Achievers. To help develop a sister cities relationship with Columbia, Doris, David and Ken have offered to meet with relevant officials while they are in Ghana next summer.We anticipate that the next year should focus on fine tuning areas of interest and learning to work together. Near-term cost to CA would be minimal. The following year, before actual exchanges begin, we foresee the CA int’l program manager, or another rep, doing an in-person visit to discuss ways to vet host families, decide on places to visit, etc.
We request your permission for CA’s int’l program manager to continue her contact with Tema officials, and to develop the content and process of a Sister City relationship. We as a committee are ready to help and to continue donating time and energy to something we believe is important and is a direction that will benefit Columbia.
Your packet has biographical sketches of each committee member