Walla Walla + Tambasasayama
Sister Cities
Creating
GOODWILL & FRIENDSHIP
MEET THE OFFICERS
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Ben
Brown
Chairman
Ben spent his first year in Japan through a high school study abroad program, an experience which changed his life and made him realize the value of cultural exchange for broadening perspectives. He is excited to support high school students in and around Walla Walla who are interested in the adventure of international travel.
Wendy
Angus
Vice-Chairman
Wendy first went to Yokohama Japan as a high school student which created a lifelong passion. She worked and studied in Kyoto and Tokyo and has been involved in exchange programs in Okayama. Wendy is thrilled to bring this opportunity for cultural exchange to local students and families.
Barbara Noel
Secretary
Barbara has been a member of the committee for over 15 years and is an avid Japanophile. She has worked with BMHS to develop a Cat Management Cooperative and is active around the community.
Sonja Gooding
Treasurer
Sonja enjoys traveling with her family. She has volunteered for many local non-profit organizations.
Sonja works as an Accountant at Block, Maughan & Associates.
OUR MISSION
Walla Walla, Washington, USA and Sasayama, Hyogo, JAPAN entered into a sister city relationship on August 23, 1972. The Washington State Economic and Trade Commission introduced our two communities.
Through the exchange of culture, information, and personal contact the promotion of peace, understanding, and friendship has created a lasting international relationship. Home Stay programs, and cultural exchange of music, dance, and the arts have brought the two communities closer together in understanding cultural diversity. Regardless of political affiliation, religion, or cultural customs, it is the understanding of the differences that leads to peace and friendship.
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The Washington State Association of Sister Cities awarded its 2011 Peace Prize Award to Walla Walla-Sasayama Sister City Affiliation Committee. The honor is awarded to a city in Washington State that has demonstrated the promotion of peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation – one individual, one community at a time.
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MEMBERSHIP
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The Walla Walla - Tambasasayama Sister City Affiliation Committee organizes the yearly student homestay travel exchanges. We are comprised of four elected officers, a city representative, and passionate community members. Membership is by affiliation.
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We are always looking for new members to help us with recruitment, planning, marketing, hosting, and much more. Please reach out to us if you are interested in joining, or to learn more. You can also visit our Events section to attend our next meeting.