Alexandria-Gyumri Sister Cities Committee
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About Us
The Alexandria-Gyumri Sister Cities Committee (AGSCC) was formed in 1989 in the wake of a devastating earthquake that destroyed several towns and cities in northwest Armenia, killed thousands and devastated the economic prospects of a fragile region. This disaster continues to burden citizens of the region to this day. Drawing from its roots as a vehicle for humanitarian response, the AGSCC established to identify Alexandria organizations and citizens in the private sector that can assist the Gyumri reconstruction and development efforts. Over the years, the Committee has, undertaken numerous projects to assist the people of Gyumri in addressing their extraordinary and pressing needs. Notably, the children of Gyumri have been a particular focus of the Committee’s efforts to provide aid in the form of grants to local community organizations. In addition to this humanitarian mission, the Committee has worked to enhance visibility and appreciation of the Armenian culture in Alexandria and Northern Virginia, as well as to foster understanding of American culture by the citizens of Gyumri. For the past 18 years, the international linkage with Armenia has been a prominent example of our city’s willingness to look beyond itself in response to the needs of others and an example of the power and value of cross-cultural partnership in addressing many of the challenges shared by communities worldwide. The Committee meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month at 7:30 pm. Individuals who are interested in the Committee and it's work are invited to contact the Chair via the Office of Citizen's assistance (703) 838-4691.
AGSCC Mission Statement
Background
The City of Alexandria’s relationship with the City of Gyumri, Armenia’s second largest city, dates back to 1988 when a major earthquake devastated Gyumri. The City of Alexandria responded rapidly to this crisis by providing emergency assistance to the residents of Gyumri. This effort laid the groundwork for the establishment of the Alexandria-Gyumri Sister Cities Committee (AGSCC). Mayor James Moran in 1990, on behalf of the City Council, signed a proclamation formalizing the existing 18 member ad hoc Committee as the Alexandria-Leninakan Exchange Committee, with the goal of implementing long term programs of cultural, educational and professional exchange. The name of the Committee was changed to the Alexandria-Gyumri Sister Cities Committee later that year. The twinning arrangement between the City of Alexandria and the City of Gyumri has been officially recognized by Sister Cities International (SCI), a citizen diplomacy network. Over the years, the AGSCC has sponsored various cultural activities, notably the annual Armenian Day Festival featuring live music, arts, cuisine and exhibits, and has provided funds to support the needs of children and youth, rebuild schools and assist the citizens of Gyumri through small grants given to non-governmental organizations operating in the local environment.
Goals
The Alexandria-Gyumri Sister Cities Committee has three primary goals:
• To foster a relationship between the citizens of the City of Alexandria and the City of Gyumri that promotes understanding, mutual respect and cooperation.
• To share information about and promote appreciation of their Sister City’s culture.
• To provide humanitarian and other assistance to Gyumri’s distressed populations, primarily its children and youth.
Methods
The AGSCC sponsors cultural and educational events and conducts fund raising activities to support its outreach efforts. Committee members volunteer their time, expertise and talents to achieve the aforementined goals.
Copyright 2010
Alexandria-Gyumri Sister Cities Committee