The Elkhart Sister Cities Association, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization, responsible for leading Elkhart's involvement in the Sister Cities International program. Sister Cities international, created by the National League of Cities in 1958, works to build bridges and foster cooperation among citizens and nations of the world. Today's Sister Cities program links more than 1,000 U.S. communities with cities in more than 120 foreign countries.
The mission of the Elkhart Sister Cities Association is to provide leadership in the development, sponsorship, coordination, and management of Elkhart's Sister Cities activities. In so doing, we will be promoting international awareness and education within the community, fostering understanding and friendship among diverse cultures of the world, and stimulating cooperation and joint problem-solving in addressing issues of mutual concern. We invite you to join us in our mission, "Building Global Friendships for a Better Tomorrow."
Elkhart Mayor James
Perron (on monitor) and Burton upon Trent Mayor Tom Dawn (foreground)
during a live video conference on June 24, 1998. During the conference,
the mayors signed a memorandum
of understanding, re-dedicating the sister cities link between
their two communities.
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The City of Elkhart's participation in the program began in 1976, when it was linked with the town of Burton upon Trent, England. Over the past two decades, the two communities have exchanged letters and ceremonial gifts, and have hosted a number of informal delegations and visitors. More recently, however, there had been little contact between the two communities until the 1997 visit to Elkhart of East Staffordshire Borough Councillor Peter Beresford.
Councillor Beresford's visit, and the exchange of information and experiences that took place, inspired Elkhart city officials to deepen their relationship with Burton upon Trent. In early 1998, Elkhart Mayor James Perron formed a task force to explore the opportunities for a closer relationship with Burton, and for the establishment of future Sister City links around the world. From that task force came a number of recommendations, including one for the formation of a community-based non-profit organization to lead the City's efforts in this area. Thus, the Elkhart Sister Cities Association was formed.