Baltimore Sister Cities

2019 Year in Review: Baltimore Sister Cities

At the turn of each year, we take stock of our accomplishments in the past year and make plans for the coming year. Our slideshow gives you a taste of what our 100+ volunteers achieved in 2019.

Annual Report & Plan

Baltimore Sister Cities Annual Accomplishments Report for 2019 (PDF, 3mb)

Baltimore Sister Cities Annual Plan for 2020 (PDF, 1.4mb)

2019 Photo Slideshow

Check out our slideshow with highlights from Baltimore Sister Cities activities and events in 2019!

Slideshow includes:

  1. Joint activities across the sister city committees (00:00)
  2. Changwon, South Korea (00:58)
  3. Gbarnga, Liberia (01:41)
  4. Kawasaki, Japan (02:13)
  5. Luxor & Alexandria, Egypt (03:14)
  6. Odessa, Ukraine (04:03)
  7. Piraeus, Greece (04:28)
  8. Rotterdam, Netherlands (04:58)
  9. Xiamen, China (05:54)
  10. “In Appreciation” section (06:47)

2019 APAHM Video

Highlights from our Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Celebration on May 31, 2019, held at Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA).

New sister city agreement in 2019

Changwon, South Korea is our newest sister city! In 2019, a mayoral delegation from Changwon traveled to Baltimore to sign the official sister city agreement with Baltimore.

More info & video

40th year anniversary: Kawasaki and Baltimore Sister Cities

In 2019, Baltimore and Kawasaki celebrated the 40th year anniversary of their sister city relationship. A mayoral-level delegation from Kawasaki visited Baltimore to commemorate the anniversary and renew the sister city agreement. To mark the anniversary, the Baltimore-Kawasaki Sister City Committee created an anniversay “Legacy Video” with stories from its emeritus members about the history of Baltimore-Kawasaki Sister Cities.

View the anniversary video

Social media for our food bank drive

This page was intended for use by our sister city committee members. This page is not for the general public.

1. Promotion from April 26 – May 15, 2020

A. Please share/like these links:

From time to time, BRSCC posts new posts on its channels which you can also share/like. Its social media channels are here: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram.

Consider emailing members and friends of your committee to ask them to donate, and posting the food drive on your committee’s web page.

B. Or create your own posts on social media. You can borrow wording from the posts above and use images below. Include a link to our fundraiser page, which is here: https://mdfoodbank.fenly.org/drive/baltimoresistercities-fooddrive/

When you posts these posts on a social media platform, please “at” the Maryland Food Bank” name, in order to link its name to its account on that social media platform. Maryland Food Bank’s social media accounts are:

  • www.facebook.com/MDFoodBank
  • www.linkedin.com/company/maryland-food-bank
  • www.instagram.com/mdfoodbank
  • twitter.com/MDFoodBank

Here are some images that you can download and use in social media posts:

1. Rectangular images for Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc:

2. Square images for instagram:

2. Promotion just for May 3-May 6, 2020 — Special campaign for #GivingTuesdayNow

You can share/like the posts on BRSCC’s social media channels, or create your own posts using the text/images below. When you posts these posts on a social media platform, please “at” the Maryland Food Bank” name, in order to link its name to its account on that social media platform.

On Sunday May 3 (could also be done on May 4)

[For Facebook, Linkedin, Instagram]

Tuesday May 5 is #GivingTuesdayNow. This day provides people around the world the opportunity to stand together in unity and to use their individual power of generosity to remain connected with local communities.

Baltimore Sister Cities is participating in GivingTuesdayNow to fundraise for the Maryland Food Bank to fight hunger in our community. The coronavirus outbreak has led to a growing number of Marylanders at risk of losing income and increased food insecurity. Every dollar you give will provide not only the gift of food, but also the gift of hope for food-insecure children and families during this difficult and uncertain time.

Join the movement on May 5, 2020 by donating here: https://mdfoodbank.fenly.org/drive/baltimoresistercities-fooddrive/ and spread the word about this fundraiser.

You can also support the Maryland Food Bank by volunteering to sort and pack food at one of their locations. Sign up to be a volunteer here: https://mdfoodbank.org/ways-to-give/volunteer

#BaltimoreSisterCities #SisterCities #MarylandFoodBank #BaltimoreFoodDrive #Baltimore #MarylandUnites #UntilHungerEnds

[For Twitter]

Baltimore Sister Cities is participating in #GivingTuesdayNow on Tuesday May 5 to fundraise for the Maryland Food Bank and fight hunger in our community. Donate here: https://mdfoodbank.fenly.org/drive/baltimoresistercities-fooddrive/

#BaltimoreSisterCities #Baltimore #MarylandFoodBank #MarylandUnites #UntilHungerEnds

On Tuesday May 5, 2020

Post 1

[For Facebook, Linkedin, Instagram]

Today is #GivingTuesdayNow, a day to stand with our communities and use our individual generosity to support those who are affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

Baltimore Sister Cities is participating in GivingTuesdayNow to fundraise for the Maryland Food Bank to fight hunger in our community. The coronavirus outbreak has led to a growing number of Marylanders at risk of losing income and increased food insecurity.  Every dollar you give will provide not only the gift of food, but also the gift of hope for food-insecure children and families during this difficult and uncertain time. 

Join the movement today by donating here: https://mdfoodbank.fenly.org/drive/baltimoresistercities-fooddrive/ and help spread the word about this fundraiser.

#BaltimoreSisterCities #SisterCities #MarylandFoodBank #BaltimoreFoodDrive #Baltimore #MarylandUnites #UntilHungerEnds

Image for Facebook & LinkedIn:

Image for Instagram:

[For Twitter]

Today is #GivingTuesdayNow. Help fighting hunger in our community by making a donation to BSC’s virtual Food Drive: https://mdfoodbank.fenly.org/drive/baltimoresistercities-fooddrive/

#BaltimoreSisterCities #SisterCities #MarylandFoodBank #BaltimoreFoodDrive #Baltimore #MarylandUnites #UntilHungerEnds

Post 2

[For Facebook, Linkedin, Instagram]

The Maryland Food Bank is now more important than ever. Increasingly, people are losing their jobs and rely on the help of others to be able to feed themselves and their children.

Why does the Maryland Food Bank need our help? The statewide network of community partners is distributing 23% more food despite fewer distribution points being operational as a consequence of the coronavirus outbreak. The number of food requests has more than doubled since late March, and in order to keep food supply going, more food needs to be sourced. This has become increasingly challenging for the organization. The Maryland Food Bank needs to raise $12M to fund its COVID-19 response plan.

People from all walks of life find themselves in need of food assistance from time to time. Food insecurity can have lasting effects on both adults and children. This last group in particular will feel the impact of food insecurity on their ability to succeed in school and other activities. By providing them with “Grab & Go” meals, the Maryland Food Bank tries to diminish the consequences of food insecurity for this vulnerable group.

Join the movement today by donating here: https://mdfoodbank.fenly.org/drive/baltimoresistercities-fooddrive/ and help spread the word about this fundraiser.

#BaltimoreSisterCities #SisterCities #MarylandFoodBank #BaltimoreFoodDrive #Baltimore #MarylandUnites #UntilHungerEnds

On Wednesday May 6, 2020

[For Facebook, Linkedin, Instagram]

Today, on #ThankYouWednesday, we would like to thank everyone who supported our fundraiser for Maryland Food Bank on #GivingTuesdayNow! Our fundraiser continues for a few more weeks. Donate here: https://mdfoodbank.fenly.org/drive/baltimoresistercities-fooddrive/

 [If we raised a considerable amount of money, we could share that in these posts as well and state that the fundraiser will continue for another 1-2 weeks to achieve our goal of $5000].  

#BaltimoreSisterCities #SisterCities #MarylandFoodBank #BaltimoreFoodDrive #Baltimore #MarylandUnites #UntilHungerEnds

[For Twitter]

Today, on #ThankYouWednesday, we would like to thank everyone who supported our fundraiser for Maryland Food Bank on #GivingTuesdayNow! Our fundraiser continues for a few more weeks. Donate here: https://mdfoodbank.fenly.org/drive/baltimoresistercities-fooddrive/

#BaltimoreSisterCities #SisterCities #MarylandFoodBank #BaltimoreFoodDrive #Baltimore #MarylandUnites #UntilHungerEnds

[POSTPONED] Mar 28 / Enoch Pratt Library event for kids

The Pratt Library will cancel all public programs until March 31 or until further notice.

Original description of the event:

Imagination Celebration

Location: Enoch Pratt Central Library, 400 Cathedral Street, Baltimore, MD 21201

Pratt Library hosts Imagination Celebration (formerly known as the Fairy Tale Festival). This signature event will celebrate creativity and honor diverse voices and experiences within children’s literature and our communities.

Baltimore Sister Cities will have a table at this event with fun activities for kids from the countries of our sister cities around the world!

More info: Event page [event is postponed]

Supported by Baltimore-Changwon Sister City Committee (BCSCC), Baltimore-Rotterdam Sister City Committee (BRSCC), and Baltimore-Xiamen Sister City Committee (BXSCC).

Donate to our food drive for Maryland Food Bank

Update 12/31/2020: our food drive is over; the text below is out of date now. But you can still contribute directly to the Maryland Food Bank here: mdfoodbank.org

Baltimore Sister Cities Food Drive - Fundraiser for Maryland Food Bank - Donate to feed hungry families during COVID-19!

Help us fight hunger in our community! There is an exploding demand for food assistance from the Maryland Food Bank as people lose their jobs during the coronavirus outbreak. Every dollar you give will provide not only the gift of food, but the gift of hope for food-insecure children and families during this difficult and uncertain time. Baltimore Sister Cities is proud to partner with the Maryland Food Bank to host a Virtual Food Drive to support the hungry. Help us reach our fundraising goal!

Please visit mdfoodbank.fenly.org/drive/baltimoresistercities-fooddrive to make a donation to our food drive today!

 

About Maryland Food Bank

Maryland Food Bank is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides food to local pantries in Baltimore city and around our state who then distribute it to hungry members in their communities (see their map). Because the food bank has special relationships with wholesalers, they can purchase food at lower costs that we consumers can buy in grocery stores, so your donated dollars go a really long way.
Learn more about Maryland Food Bank

Maryland Food Bank also needs volunteers!

The food bank desperately needs more volunteers to help continue to sort and pack food for the growing number of people who are in need. If you can roll up your sleeves and lend a hand, please sign up to be a volunteer!
mdfoodbank.org/ways-to-give/volunteer

Mar 25 / Culinary Health and Egyptian Cuisine

This event has been CANCELLED.

Culinary Health & Egyptian Cuisine with Amy Riolo & Aida Mady (photos of Egyptian spice, produce, and ancient art)

Location: Middle East Institute, 1763 N Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2020
Time: 5:30-8pm
Admission: Ticketed. Advance registration required.

Award-winning author, chef, television personality, and Mediterranean diet advocate Amy Riolo will share the secrets of culinary medicine while gourmet chef entrepreneur Aida Mady will introduce you to the world of Egyptian spices and cuisine. Evening includes presentation/demonstrations, pastries and cookbooks to take home, and a silent auction to benefit Baltimore Luxor Alexandria Sister City Committee. PLUS treats from Koshary by Misteka and Fava Pot.

This event has been CANCELLED.

Organized by Baltimore-Luxor-Alexandria Sister City Committee (BLASCC).

Feb 11 / Taste of Business in Japan

World Trade Center Institute's Taste of Business Series: Japan

Location: Spark Baltimore, 8 Market Pl #300, Baltimore, MD 21202
Date: Tuesday, February 11, 2020
Time: 5-7pm
Admission: WTCI members – Free; Non-members – $50

Learn key business strategies from the public and private sector about doing business in Japan while sampling Japanese food and drinks at this event hosted by World Trade Center Institute (WTCI).

Speakers include Shinichi Iida, Minister for Economic Affairs, Embassy of Japan and Chiyo Kobayashi, Owner, Washington|CORE

Stop by the Baltimore-Kawasaki Sister City table at this event to learn more about the sister city relationship and the upcoming 2020 Summer Olympics in Japan!

More info: Event page

Supported by Baltimore-Kawasaki Sister City Committee.

Baltimore Sister Cities Holiday Party (Jan 10, 2020)

We held our annual meeting and holiday party at Baltimore City Hall on January 10, 2020. We had fun looking back on a great year of accomplishments with our members and friends!

Baltimore City Hall decorated in purple colors in January 2020
Baltimore City Hall was decorated with purple colors in honor of Baltimore’s football team, the Ravens (Photo: Anthony Quivers)

Baltimore Sister Cities’ executive officers address sister city committee members at the annual members meeting at Baltimore City Hall. (Photo: Vanessa Chen)

After the meeting, we celebrated with a holiday potluck featuring delicious food from around the world. (Photo: Vanessa Chen)

The party included a holiday raffle fundraiser with cultural items donated by our sister city committees. (Photo: Rachel Sengers)

Vice President Chip Graber and other BSC leaders addressed the crowd at the holiday party, talked about the past year’s accomplishments and looked to the future, along with a slideshow of photos from our 2019 activities. (Photo: Anthony Quivers)

Baltimore & Changwon become official sister cities

On November 8, 2019, Changwon (South Korea) and Baltimore (USA) officially become sister cities. Changwon Mayor Huh, Sung-Mu and Baltimore Mayor Bernard C “Jack” Young signed the sister city agreement in a ceremony at Baltimore City Hall. The Changwon Mayor traveled to Baltimore with a large delegation, to sign the agreement.

Video of the signing ceremony:

Dec 3 / EU Delegation visits Maryland

On December 3, 2019, European Union Ambassador Stavros Lambrinidis leads a delegation of over 20 EU Member State Ambassadors for a day of engagement with Maryland state and local officials, students, educators, environmental and trade organizations.

Public events include:

Events are free but advance registration is required.

Organized by the Delegation of the European Union to the United States. Baltimore-Rotterdam Sister City Committee is helping promote the events.

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Baltimore Sister Cities, Inc. is a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. No goods or services were provided for this gift. Please consult your tax advisor regarding specific questions about your deductions.

 

Web site copyright © 2022 Baltimore Sister Cities, Inc.

logo-baltimoreBaltimore sister city committees operate under the auspices of the City of Baltimore’s Office of the Mayor.

 

Brandon M. Scott, Mayor

 

Previous mayor’s Dec 2015 press release about Baltimore Sister Cities.

 

Baltimore Sister Cities, Inc. is a 501c3 organization incorporated in the State of Maryland.
Member of  Sister Cities International, Maryland Nonprofits, World Trade Center Institute, Visit Baltimore, & affiliate of Maryland International Education Consortium.
Recipient of 2016 Innovation Award from Sister Cities International.