Every cultural festival, student exchange, international delegation, and committee meeting tells part of the Denver Sister Cities International story. But behind each of these experiences is a year-round network of dedicated volunteers, community partners, and members working to build lasting friendships across the globe.
This week, we’d like to take you behind the scenes.
While many people know DSCI through a favorite event, a committee, or an international exchange, there’s much more happening throughout the year. Behind every program is a group of volunteers who plan events, welcome international visitors, build relationships with our Sister Cities, and create opportunities for people from different cultures to learn from one another.
What Is Citizen Diplomacy?
At its heart, Denver Sister Cities International is about citizen diplomacy—the idea that friendships between ordinary people can strengthen understanding between communities and countries.
While governments build official relationships, citizen diplomacy happens person to person.
It happens when a student participates in an exchange program.
When a family welcomes an international visitor into their home.
When a volunteer helps organize a cultural festival.
When local businesses, artists, educators, and community leaders collaborate with counterparts around the world.
These connections build trust, encourage collaboration, and create friendships that often last a lifetime.
Denver’s Global Connections
Denver is proud to maintain its Sister City relationships spanning four continents, each led by dedicated volunteers who organize programs that reflect the unique culture and interests of their partner city.
Our committees host cultural celebrations, coordinate international delegations, support educational and youth exchanges, foster business and professional connections, and create opportunities for Denver residents to experience the world without leaving their own community.
In addition to our Sister City relationships, DSCI is also proud to support our growing Friendship City relationship with Dnipro, Ukraine, expanding opportunities for international cooperation during an especially meaningful time.
Our Volunteers Make It All Possible
If there’s one thing we’d like more people to know about DSCI, it’s this:
Everything we do is made possible by volunteers.
Behind every successful event are people donating their evenings, weekends, talents, and professional experience because they believe international friendships matter.
Some volunteers help welcome visiting delegations.
Others coordinate educational exchanges or organize cultural celebrations.
Some serve on City Committees throughout the year, while others volunteer for a single event.
Every contribution—large or small—helps strengthen our organization and our international partnerships.
We’d Love Your Help
As we prepare for a busy fall season, we’re looking for volunteers to become part of our growing community.
Current Opportunities
🇪🇹 Ashenda Festival – September 7
Help us celebrate Ethiopian culture by assisting with event setup, greeting visitors, cultural activities, and community outreach.
🇫🇷 Brest Committee
We’re looking for members interested in helping revitalize the Brest Committee as we strengthen our relationship with our French Sister City.
🌍 City Committees
Whether your interests include Japan, Italy, Mongolia, China, Ethiopia, France, India, Mexico, or Ukraine, every committee welcomes new volunteers, fresh ideas, and community involvement.
You don’t need previous international experience.
If you enjoy meeting people, learning about other cultures, organizing events, helping behind the scenes, or simply giving back to your community, there’s a place for you at DSCI.
Looking Ahead
Over the coming months, we’ll continue sharing stories about the people, partnerships, and programs that make Denver Sister Cities International unique.
We’ll introduce our City Committees, highlight volunteers, explore the history behind our international relationships, and showcase the many ways citizen diplomacy creates lasting connections here in Denver and around the world.
Whether you’ve been a member for years or recently joined our community, we hope you’ll discover a new committee, attend an event, volunteer your time, or simply learn more about the incredible work happening throughout our organization.
Because at the end of the day, Denver Sister Cities International isn’t defined by buildings or offices.
It’s defined by people.
People who believe that a conversation can become a friendship, a friendship can become a partnership, and a partnership can help build a more peaceful and connected world.
Interested in getting involved?
Reply to this email info@denversistercities.org to learn more about our City Committees, upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and membership. We’d love to help you find your place in the DSCI community.
🤝 Get Involved
Whether you are passionate about cultural exchange, mountain traditions, environmental stewardship, travel, education, or simply building friendships across borders, the Denver Sister Cities' relationship offers countless ways to get involved. Join Denver Sister Cities International as we continue strengthening connections between Colorado and our Sister Cities through community events, cultural programs, volunteer opportunities, student exchanges, and shared experiences that span generations and continents.