Township considers adopting sister city

Amid celebrating International Day on Oct. 16, hosting an Italian festival at Voorhees Town Center and the existence of a Cultural Diversity Committee, Voorhees Township is trying to expand its cultural knowledge.

According to a profile of general demographic characteristics reported by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, in 2010 Voorhees Township’s total population of 29,131 people included approximately 72 percent white, approximately 9 percent black, 16 percent Asian and approximately 3 percent Latino residents. But the assorted ethnicities and religious backgrounds, Voorhees wants to become more diverse.

Deputy Mayor Harry Platt said he brought his idea to the Voorhees Township Cultural and Diversity Committee members about adopting a sister city that would “mirror” the cultures and economics of Voorhees.

According to Platt, the committee’s goal for 2013 is to “broaden the awareness” and spread communication between Voorhees and other cultures in the world.

Platt said the diversity committee was thrilled when they heard his idea for Voorhees to adopt a sister city.

“[The committee] thought it as a great idea to expand [Voorhees Township],” he said.

According to Sister City International (SCI) — a non-profit organization created by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956 to help “advance peace and prosperity through cultural, educational, humanitarian, and economic development efforts” — sister city relationships allow links to form between communities.

Platt said that if Voorhees is able to establish a connection with a sister city it could have an educational benefit for not only the residents, but for students.

He said opening the doors to another community could create student exchange programs, essay contest about cultural diversity and more cultural events like International Day. These activities would help get the community involved in broadening cultural knowledge.

“Always, the goal of every project we undertake is to have more resident involvement and more exposure,” he said.

Platt said the committee has yet to sit down and discuss which city is the best fit for adoption.

He said he hopes the township residents will be involved in the process, learning different cultures as well as draw in more cultures to Voorhees.

“The diversity committee is looking for ways to expose Voorhees Township to the world,” Platt said.

Platt said the first step to the sister city adoption discussion is researching cities that “mirror” Voorhees. After possibilities are established, the committee will write to that governing body explaining their goals and proposing the adoption. Platt said the committee is hoping to discuss the possible sister city sooner rather than later.

“It’s a nice option to make a national connection,” he said.