Asheville Sister Cities Inc. History

Sister Cities International

Sister Cities International (SCI) was created in 1956 by the Eisenhower administration to improve global understanding and cooperation. Since that time, more than 1200 communities in the United States have been linked with more than 2,100 partners in 117 countries and involving hundreds of thousands of volunteers. It is one of the largest volunteer organizations in the world, growing out of the recognition that we all are members of a single global community. It is a unique non-profit organization, nationwide/worldwide in scope, involving governments, businesses, cultural and educational sectors and private volunteers.

The Asheville Sister City Program

Organized in 1988, Asheville Sister City Inc (ASCI) is an independent, people oriented community organization affiliated with the city of Asheville and Sister Cities International. In conjunction with local governments, it serves to promote international awareness and maintain good relations with the sister cities linked to Asheville. Asheville Sister Cities, Inc does not endorse any political or partisan group, issue, or individual, and does not advocate any political preference with respect to its sister cities. The Mayor of Asheville serves as Honorary Chair. In 1997, ASCI won the best program award at the Sister Cities International conference in San Diego, CA.