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Pocatello Sister City program reports adult Japan delegation visit, fundraising supports youth exchanges
Summary
Representatives from the Pocatello–Wamazawa (as referenced) sister city program briefed council on adult and youth delegations, fundraising practices, volunteer governance and how city funds are used to run exchanges and local events.
Representatives of the Pocatello sister city program updated the City Council about recent exchanges with their Japanese counterpart and described how the nonprofit uses city funding.
Jody McHugh, who identified herself as chair of the Pocatello Wamazawa Sister City program, said the committee prepares delegations with weekly language and culture classes for youth starting the November before a summer trip and that fundraising covers travel costs. She explained city funds are used “to run the program” — for tours and local experiences such as two‑day visits to West Yellowstone — and not to pay board members or cover student airfares.
McHugh described a recent year when an adult delegation visited — a rotation that occurs every fifth year — and said the adult trip was shorter than the student exchange but “life changing.” She recounted hosting multiple delegates over seven years and noted ongoing friendships: “I've hosted 8 kids, and 7 of those 8 kids came on our opening dinner ... which brought me to tears,” she said.
Councilmember Merritt and other council members thanked the group for their work and welcomed the program’s return to fuller activity after COVID reduced exchanges.
The committee provided a booklet of return reports written by delegates as a record for host families, and staff told council they will continue to coordinate with the nonprofit to support the exchange program.
