Sister City MINUTES 09.10.2024

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SISTER CITIES PROGRAM 
MINUTES FOR THE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS 
Tuesday, September 10, 12:00pm – Trinity Methodist  
I. Welcome 
a. Roll Call: 
Present: Victoria White, Sandra Kinney, Ersa Henry, and Betty Ruleman 
II. Approval of Minutes 
a. No minutes were presented. 
III. Reports 
a. No financial report was presented. 
IV . New Business 
a. The meeting was called to discuss the possibility of teaming up with the Asian Culture 
Center of Knoxville to provide scholarships for middle and high school students to travel to 
Japan with that organization.  
b. Since it is challenging to get connected with students at the high school, the group 
discussed working through TWU to sponsor a trip to the Isahaya region only. Ersa and Betty 
will contact Ana Barrios to see if this can be implemented along the lines established in an 
itinerary provided by Yui Hayashida. This would be a 9-day trip with the inclusion of the 
English camp held in late May. Students aged 16 and up would be welcome, and some 
scholarships might be made available. Leadership for this trip would need to be part of this 
discussion.  
c. The question was raised as to how much support the summer program for 2025 might need. 
Ersa and Betty said some financial support will be needed and appreciated.  
d. Sandra suggested offering opportunities for volunteer hours to high school students who 
need them for their Tennessee Promise hours. These hours could be funneled through the 
Main Street non-profit.  
e. A Certificate of Appreciation that acknowledges the Athens Isahaya Sister City’s support of 
the 11
th Knox Asian Festival was presented to the Committee by Victoria White. Betty will 
start keeping such documents for the Committee.  
V. The next meeting date is Tuesday, January 28, from 12-1:00 p.m. at Trinity.  
V . The meeting was adjourned at 12:35 p.m.