Sister Cities . . . In The World
The Sister Cities movement was founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on September 11, 1956. His vision was to involve citizens of the world in a grass-roots effort to promote peace through mutual understanding and respect. This initial act of "sistering" led in 1967 to Sister Cities International (SCI), which now unites tens of thousands of citizen diplomats and volunteers in 570 member communities with over 2,300 partnerships in 150 countries on six continents.

Sister Cities . . . In Our City
In 1981, Mayor Andy Damiani and the Suffolk City Council signed our first sister city relationship with the County of Suffolk, England. Our second sister city affiliation, with Oderzo, Italy, began in 1995 because of Amedeo Obici, an immigrant from Oderzo who founded Planters Nut and Chocolate Company and Obici Hospital in Suffolk. Today, Suffolk Sister Cities International (SSCI) consists of Commissioners appointed by City Council, a Board of Directors, Friends of SSC, and Suffolk International Youth Association (SIYA), all of whom oversee the development and implementation of programs, cultural/social events, and exchanges.

Sister Cities . . . International Awards
• Best Overall Program for a City Less than 100,000 (2015)
• Best Innovation in Youth & Education for a City of Less than   
  100,000 - "Experience in Medicine" Program (2012)
• Best Overall Program for a City Less than 100,000 (2008 & 2011)
• Best Innovation in Youth & Education for a City of Less than
  100,000 - "Suffolk to Suffolk Musical Exchange" (2009)
• Circle of Distinguished Volunteers - Dana Dickens,
   Mary Jane Naismith (2006)

As a 501c(3) non-profit organization, SSCI is supported by the City of Suffolk, community organizations, businesses, and foundations. Its membership is open to all who are interested in fostering the goals of the organization. Please see our Membership page for more details about joining us!

Download our Suffolk Sister Cities brochure here!