I was honored last week to be voted back on the board for Fountain Hills Sister Cities Corp.

It’s been a few years since I was actively involved with this volunteer non-profit group, but last week’s annual meeting assured me it was a good move to get back into action.

There are many good causes in our community, and Sister Cities definitely ranks up there towards the top.

Student exchanges have now become commonplace with this organization, offering high school students unique opportunities to experience different cultures and live – however briefly – with host families.

We will likely never achieve true global peace amid countries, but one-on-one cultural exchanges between young people can lay the groundwork for a much brighter future for international understanding.

It’s always exciting and fun to see enthusiastic high school teens reporting on their own experiences – all because of Fountain Hills Sister Cities.

My wife and I have hosted two exchange students over the years through Sister Cities, and we always found the experiences encouraging and enlightening.

I would urge other Fountain Hills residents to jump on board and support the Sister Cities program – join the group, make a donation, host a student, anything.

It will be well worth your money, time, energy and commitment.