About Us

How did the Sister Cities movement originate?

The concept of communities having a sister cities relationship started with President Eisenhower 50 years ago, in 1956. He believed that the best way to achieve world peace and better understanding of different cultures was through people to people initiatives therefore he found the People to People movement and Sister Cities International.

What is the goal of Sister Cities organizations?

Sister Cities goal is to engage communities in projects and activities that promote cultural understanding generally through some type of exchanges or community events.

How did Sister Cities get started in Fishers?

In the mid 1990’s Walt Kelly, Fishers Town Council President, asked Fishers Rotary Club if some of their members would start a Sister Cities Organization and link the town of Fishers with an international sister cities. The founding members of Sister Cities Association of Fishers were all Fishers Rotarians. Over the next several years more community members joined the original board members to form a non-profit organization.

How is Sister Cities Association of Fishers organized?

Sister Cities Association is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. Sister Cities is governed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors and managed by an Executive Board. Sister Cities Association of Fishers is the official representative of the town of Fishers in long-term relationships with international communities.

How did Fishers select Billericay, England as a Sister City?

Billericay, England was selected because of its similarity to Fishers as a suburb of a large metropolitan city, family oriented community, some agriculture, some light industry and because they spoke English! The sister cities relationship was established in 1998 when the two town councils signed an official proclamation linking the communities.

• See Billericay, England website for more information.