RULES AND PROCEDURES FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A SISTER CITY RELATIONSHIP TO COLORADO SPRINGS.
The following procedures are to be followed for the establishment of a new sister city relationship:
1) Contact Sister cities, International in Alexandria, Virginia to determine appropriateness of proposed relationship.2) The interested individual, group, or organization must form an exploratory committee of interested residents of the community who are committed to promote and support the proposed relationship. This committee should consider the following factors:
Is there agreement between Colorado Springs and the foreign city on the purpose and goals of the sister city relationship, and are the goals realistic? Are there similarities to Colorado Springs with respect to population, geographic location, terrain, climate, etc.?
Is there a viable support group in Colorado Springs that shares an ethnic/cultural identity or other interests with the foreign city (groups, clubs, associations, businesses)? Type of economic base? Are there shared interests, concerns, and potential opportunities? Is there adequate communication available to sustain the relationship? Is it a desirable place to visit? How easily accessible is it? Are there any problems associated with economic or political stability?
This committee is to contact the city which would become a sister city to make sure there is interest in such a relationship. A corresponding committee in the foreign city must be set up. There must be an indication of support for the relationship from the local government in the foreign city.
3) When the above requirements have been met and the committee wishes to pursue a sister city relationship, the committee is to contact the President of C.S.S.C.I., who will schedule a preliminary presentation at an Executive Committee meeting.
After the presentation the Executive Board will vote on the acceptance of the exploratory committee as a proposed Sister City. The Mayor of the City of Colorado Springs shall be informed of the possibility of a new sister city relationship.
Following the acceptance by the Executive Committee (meeting), the exploratory committee will set up a proposed sister city committee. This committee will elect leadership, raise funds, garner community support, and demonstrate success to the Executive Board by functioning for two years as a viable sister city committee. At that time the Executive Board will vote on the acceptance or rejection of the committee as a permanent sister city committee. The President will schedule a presentation at a regular meeting of the C.S.S.C.I. membership who will vote on the proposal by secret ballot and a simple majority will prevail.
4) If approved by CSSCI, the President will request, by letter to the City Manager of the City of Colorado Springs, to be placed on the informal agenda of City Council. The presentation at the City Council meeting will be made by the chair of the proposed new sister city committee and will be supported by members of the committee as well as the President of CSSCI. on behalf of it's Executive Committee and it's members.
If approval is granted at the informal Council meeting a formal resolution will be placed on a future regular City Council meeting.
5) The signing of an agreement between the two cities outlining the programs and objectives of the two cities will take place at the earliest possible time.
Colorado Springs Sister Cities International