Sister Cities in Lawrence

Sister Cities in Lawrence

The Lawrence community has always indirectly benefited from long-term international relationships developed through programs at the University of Kansas.

In the 1980’s, some involved with these existing KU relationships sought to extend and broaden them to include larger segments of the Lawrence community. As these notions developed, a number of city commissioners and community leaders decided to adopt the sister cities model to promote the creation and broadening of these broader relationships.

The outcome of these efforts culminated in the Lawrence city commission adopting an ordinance establishing the Lawrence Sister Cities Advisory Board to foster these efforts.

Early outcomes of these interests resulted in the formalizing of relationships with Eutin, Germany in 1989 and Hiratsuka, Japan in 1990. In 2009, a new relationship was established with Iniades, Greece.

How are Lawrence Sister Cities Organized

In Lawrence, general policy guidance to the City Commission is provided by the Lawrence Sister Cities Advisory Board Terms are for three years. Normal monthly meetings occur on the second Wednesday of each month, at 5:30 p.m. in the city commission chambers of City Hall.

Much of the day to day work in organizing and hosting the actual exchanges is accomplished through volunteers and the “Friend” organizations for each of the three cities: “Friends of Eutin", “Friends of Hiratsuka,” and "Friends of Iniades." These groups are directly involved with the details of home-stays and transportation of international guests, as well as assisting in other aspects of the exchange programs. The Friends groups meet semi-annually.

To establish a Sister City relationship, the city governing bodies of each city adopt a general agreement establishing these relationships. Copies of the agreements made by the City of Lawrence with Eutin, Germany; Hiratsuka, Japan; and Iniades, Greece may be viewed here.