Sister Cities Committee

The Sister Cities Committee of Forest Grove was founded in 1988 to bring about understanding and a sense of mutual interest and purpose among the peoples of Forest Grove and similar cities of foreign nations through the exchange of people, ideas, and things. In this way, we hope to contribute to world peace and international cooperation. The Committee is comprised of volunteers from the business community, students, educators, homemakers, and public servants.

The Sister Cities Committee of Forest Grove continues to build a cultural bridge as it welcomes a student delegation annually and an adult delegation every other year.   Many of these experiences continue to grow the future of global understanding and our continued friendship with our Sister City.  

Members

• Nicole Nowlin, Chair
• Larisa Nefedov, Vice Chair
• Kermit Anderson, Secretary
• Doreen Stenson, Treasurer
• Karen Martinez, Councilor (Council Liaison)
• Joyce Phillips, Communications and Program Assistant (Staff Liaison)
• Claudia Yakos, Chamber Director/Liaison
• Rich Blackmun, Volunteer
• Jackie Anderson
• John Beechwood III
• Aimee Lawlor

A member board sets the policies for the Sister Cities Committee of Forest Grove. These board directors are elected to a two-year term by a vote of the membership at their annual meeting. The Sister Cities Committee develops and implements program activities to enhance goodwill and deepen mutual respect between the peoples of two great cities and nations. New committee members are always welcome. If you are interested in becoming a member, email Forest Grove / Cornelius Chamber of Commerce or visit us at the Forest Grove / Cornelius Chamber of Commerce Site.

Event

The Forest Grove Sister Cities Committee currently does not have any fundraising activities planned at this time.

Resources

• Access more information on the Nyuzen Delegation Visits 
• For more information, please visit: the Chamber of Commerce - Sister Cities
• To be added to our email notification list, please email the Sister Cities Committee

Donations

Consider making a donation!  Even the smallest contributions have a significant impact in helping us ensure the continued success of our sister cities exchange program! Donation Form (PDF). The Sister Cities Committee is a community-based organization, working under the Forest Grove Chamber of Commerce, to foster international community involvement and people-to-people relationships between the City of Forest Grove and the Town of Nyuzen, Japan.

The Sister Cities Committee of Forest Grove was founded in 1988 to bring about understanding and a sense of mutual interest and purpose among the peoples of Forest Grove and similar cities of foreign nations through the exchange of people, ideas, and things. In this way, we hope to contribute to world peace and international cooperation. The Committee is comprised of volunteers from the business community, students, educators, homemakers, and public servants.

To apply: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScB6jrBGYzplxRCZ4c00-7sowUzq5SgMmBLLCZrj7TO7X0w0Q/viewform

Apply to travel to Nyuzen, Japan with the adult delegation from the City of Forest Grove. Applications will be reviewed and processed by the Sister Cities Delegation Selection Committee.

If selected, the applicant will be responsible for all travel expenses; including but not limited to airfare, food, beverages, train travel, taxis, all accommodations outside of homestays, travel insurance, and any additional travel expenditures.

The estimated travel date to Nyuzen, Japan is June 30, returning July 8, 2025. Travel dates are approximate. This is a delegation, not individual tourism; group participation is expected. Applicant cannot detract from the delegation's purpose and agenda. Must have a current U.S. Passport, a proper visa (if necessary), and be over the age of 21 at the time of application. Application closes on March 23, 2025, at midnight.