What's Hot? Belfast - Next Week.

A week away from the opening of the first Sister Cities International Conference that will be held - internationally! Next week more than 500 adults and youth will descend on Belfast, Northern Ireland for a mix of educational workshops, networking, and social gatherings.

I always look forward to the event because it's where we bring into focus - the hot issues in the Sister Cities network. Here are a few highlights:

• "It's the economy stupid" - well, we didn't name a session quite that bluntly but there will be a sessions on strategies to secure grants in the U.S. and in Europe, as well as a session on 'jump starting' your fundraising program. In these times, it'll be a mix of renewing old tricks and finding new tactics.
  
• You can't read a newspaper or click on an online news outlet without talking about 'green energy.' We've got our own session led by a pro from the U.S. Department of Energy that will feature some of our winning Sister City programs working in sustainable development as well as an audience conversation on how Sister Cities programs are complementing their local government's efforts.
  
• You can't run an effective Sister Cities program without a positive partnership with your mayor/city council. We've lined up a mix of mayors and local elected officials from the U.S. and Europe to give insight on how to navigate a successful relationship with the CEO of your home town.


• In our version of "ripped from the headlines"...a buzzworthy couple of sessions with journalist Alicia Anstead. She'll take on two hot topics in an interview setting: the Muslim story in the U.S. and Europe, and citizen diplomats working in regions of conflict.

It's hard to pick a few sessions over others since the economic development session is chock full of heavy hitters from around the U.S. and youth and adult conferences will connect for an afternoon of interactive discussions on peacebuilding - both will eye-opening for attendees.

If you can't join us in Belfast, watch our updates and reactions on Twitter (new for us!) and this blog. Check out the full conference schedule at www.sister-cities.org/conference.

Zebras and Lions and Jackals – Oh My!

Would you and a friend like to go to Tanzania for $25 to see a couple of thirsty cats? It’s possible.

Sister Cities International has launched its annual travel raffle and this year’s prize is a trip and safari for two to Tanzania. One winning ticket will take two lucky individuals round trip from the U.S. to Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania where you will spend seven days venturing to exciting destinations including Mikumi National Park, Zanzibar, and Saadani National Park.

Cost to you? $25 for one ticket or five tickets for $100. Read the full itinerary and purchase your raffle ticket(s) to experience fascinating destinations, big game, and a coastal wildlife reserve.

Many, many thanks to the Tanzania Tourist Board, South African Airways, and our other in-kind partners that helped make this package so terrific. Visit www.sister-cities.org/raffle today to enter!