In 1956, Dwight D. Eisenhower gathered a group to discuss new ways to enhance international understanding and strengthen world peace through citizen diplomacy. The result was the establishment of Sister Cities International, a non-profit organization dedicated to the support of world-wide cultural exchange at local levels. Today, there are 1,100 American cities that each have numerous sister cities throughout the world.

Since its inception in 1987, Sonoma Sister Cities Association (SSCA) has expanded their mission to further educational, cultural, social, and charitable objectives, promoting goodwill and international understanding between the people of the City of Sonoma and those of our foreign Sister Cities Greve in Chianti, Italy (a wine region similar to our own), Kaniv, Ukraine, and Patzcuaro in the state of Michoacan, Mexico.

Sonoma Sister Cities Association has initiated numerous international programs to promote the exchange of ideas, freedom of expression, and shared resources. These include numerous student exchanges, Mayoral exchange visits, professional and cultural exchanges, medical aid programs, and special hosting for foreign visitors. Nine International Sister Cities awards have been received in SSCA's 10-years of service. An additional award was recently bestowed by the League for Historic Preservation for the restoration of the historic building that is home to Sonoma Sister Cities Association and the Sonoma Ecology Center.