March 11 will be the cut-off date for Chula Vista residents, ages 18 to 23, to apply to become an ambassador for the 2019 Chula Vista Sister City Exchange Program with the city of Odawara, Japan.
The city of Chula Vista’s International Friendship Commission is accepting the applications online. Four delegates, male or female, will be selected to represent Chula Vista in Odawara in August.
“I am very excited to be a part of this program that gives a wonderful opportunity to students and young professionals to travel to Odawara, Japan to represent our city of Chula Vista,” said Judy Gallardo, commission chair. “We would like our ambassadors to share the cultural richness our city has to offer. This program helps forge friendships across the miles.”
“The ambassadors are hosted by families in each of the respective countries (no hotels),” said Lynnette Tessitore, cultural arts director for the city of Chula Vista. “All tours and activities are donated by community partners. No city general fund monies are used for housing, tours, or activities.”
“The IFC is looking for students, young professionals who are responsible, civic minded, have good communication skills, and have knowledge of the city of Chula Vista,” said Tessitore.
The dates for this year’s program are as follows: ambassadors will be in Odawara, Japan, Aug. 1-13, and Odawara’s ambassadors will be Chula Vista August 13-23. Ambassadors selected to participate must be able to participate for the entire duration of the program.
The position might include volunteering at local non-profits, charities, business functions, attending Odawara city council meetings, local excursions, and more.
Additionally, host families are needed for delegates visiting Chula Vista. The host application asks for gender preference, if you are able to supply three meals a day, references, types of utilities, sharing of bathrooms, and listing all other persons (adults and children) living in the home among other questions.
The IFC is comprised of Nimpa Akana, Sally Boucree, Venus Molina, Judy Gallardo, Marnyce McKell, Miguel Duran, Alexandra Mares, and Ken Muraoka.
Candidate interviews will be held March 20 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Up to four candidates will be selected. All candidates must be a resident of Chula Vista. Candidates must possess a valid USA passport and be a USA permanent resident.
Applications are available online at http://www.chulavistaca.gov/residents/cultural-arts/odawara-application. For more information, contact cultural arts manager Lynnette Tessitore at ltessitore@chulavistaca.gov or (619) 409-5465.
