Our Mission

Promote peace through mutual respect, understanding and cooperation – one individual, one community at a time

Sister Cities International grew out of the People-to-People program developed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956. Eisenhower envisioned an organization that could be the hub of peace and prosperity by creating bonds between people from different cities around the world. By forming these relationships, President Eisenhower reasoned that people of different cultures could celebrate and appreciate their differences and build partnerships that would lessen the chance of new conflicts. His idea was to involve people and organized groups at all levels of our society in personal diplomacy, thus contributing to world peace.

Sister Cities International creates relationships based on cultural, educational, information and trade exchanges creating lifelong friendships that provide prosperity and peace through person-to-person “citizen diplomacy”.

Walnut Creek Sister Cities International (WCSCI) subscribes to the ideals and programs of Sister Cities International.  WCSCI formed in 1987 and became a non-profit in 1990.  Our first sister city relationship was established with Noceto, Italy in 1987, and Siófok, Hungary was added in 1991.  Throughout the years the organization has organized many wonderful events that have enriched the citizens of Walnut Creek and our sister cities in many ways.  Events and programs have included:

• Adult travel and cultural exchanges
• Teacher exchanges
• Children’s Art Exchange
• Siofok youth soccer team visit and hosting
• Youth Choir visit and hosting
• International Art Contest
• Student Poetry and Young Authors Contest
• Youth Ambassador Exchange – see below
• Youth Leadership Summit

After many years of planning, in 2012, under the guidance of WCSCI members Walter Schick, Karen Cassano and Jerry Hicks, the organization was able to expand its programs to include the Youth Ambassador Exchange.  This has turned into a huge success that has over the years impacted over 90 students and families in Walnut Creek, Siófok and Noceto.  The impact that this program has had on our youth, and those in Siofok and Noceto, is life changing and immeasurable.  This is all thanks to the commitment, and countless volunteer hours of our members that have made this possible.

Please considering joining WCSCI!   If you are interested in joining our group, please complete an online membership form.  WCSCI is a non-profit organization.

The current WCSCI Board is:

• President – Desiree Gandrup-Dupre
• Vice President – Ajit Chakradeo
• Treasurer – Isabel Eleazar-Wong
• YAE!! – Annie Zeiph
• Secretary – Cheryl Haga
• Events – Fran Doggett
• Communications – Bonnie Cameron Wells
• Membership – Kathy Lawrence
• Web design – Open
• Past President – Steve Lewis
• Member at Large – Cindy Silva
• Walnut Creek City Council Representative – Matt Francois