Vermont needs your help.
Last year, the Vermont Legislature created a working group that was tasked with establishing a Vermont “Sister State” program that would create formal partnerships between Vermont and up to five foreign countries or regions. These Sister State relationships — commonly formed between states, provinces, or countries — will promote cultural exchange, economic collaboration, educational ties, and mutual understanding through government, business, and community initiatives. The program aims to build mutually beneficial and lasting partnerships that promote peace, human rights, and environmental sustainability; strengthen connections between Vermont’s immigrant and refugee communities and their countries of origin; and foster cultural exchange, tourism, trade, and education. The program will also seek to support Vermonters serving abroad, including military personnel, foreign service officers, aid workers, and volunteers. Establishing this program will provide valuable opportunities for Vermonters to engage in global collaboration and joint ventures, enriching both local communities and international relationships.
To support this effort, the Sister State Working Group is conducting a statewide survey to inventory existing international outreach and exchange activities. This information will help refine program criteria, identify key stakeholders and potential Sister State champions, and determine the countries and regions with which Vermonters are already actively engaged.
Please take a few minutes to support this effort by completing the inventory survey (linked below). Here are a few reasons why you should participate:
- Help shape Vermont’s global profile. Your input will contribute to a stronger statewide network of international collaboration.
- Enter to win! Participating organizations will have the chance to win a free Municipal-General Membership with the Vermont Council on World Affairs, providing you with $250 worth of value as well as 50% discounts on select VCWA initiatives.
- Support student exchange. You may also receive a 10% tuition reduction from Green Across the World (GATW) for Vermont students enrolled in a GATW international exchange program.
Completing the survey will take approximately 10-15 minutes, and your contribution plays a vital role in amplifying Vermont’s global footprint.