OUR MISSION

ISS is a volunteer driven organization dedicated to connecting Iowans with the world community. Our mission is to provide international programs that promote the interests of Iowans abroad. We do this by facilitating and hosting exchange programs between Iowa and our Sister States.

HOW WE BENEFIT IOWA

• We provide Iowans (in all sectors) with opportunities statewide to connect with the international community via the sister state relationships.

• We host themed programs in various areas including: agriculture, law, business, culture, education, and many others.

• We facilitate exchange programs to host incoming delegations, as well as out-bound.

• We facilitate specific scholarship opportunities for Iowans to study in Iowa's sister states, as well as host students to attend Iowa-based colleges and universities. 

• We facilitate missions to our sister states that are open to all that support citizen diplomacy and are looking for new ways to engage the international community.

• And so much more....

BECOME A CITIZEN DIPLOMAT

Iowans are kind, hardworking, and generous. We are also successful, smart, and savvy. All of this and more is what makes the term "Iowa Nice" a reality. It also makes is prime candidates to be citizen diplomats.

Citizen diplomats are the foundation of Iowa Sister States and are key to keeping us a leader in our field. People-to-people exchanges change the world by changing one person at a time.

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Curious? Get involved with Iowa Sister States.

OUR STAFF

MONTY FREEMAN

Interim Executive Director

Monty and his wife Lori are from Indianola, Iowa. They have 2 grown daughters, 2 sons-in law, and 3 granddaughters.
 

He retired from teaching in 2016 after 39 years. Monty is very active in his community. He has been a local 4H club leader, County Senior 4H leader, and a member of the County 4H youth committee and is now on the Warren County 4H Foundation Board. And he spends his summers at the Annett Nature Center conducting day camps for ages 4 to 13. Monty also volunteers at the nature center for public programs and has been on the Friends of Warren County Conservation Board since it was formed.
 

Monty has been involved with Iowa Sister States since 2001. He was involved in a three-year high school student exchange program with Cherkasy, Ukraine. He fell in love with the country and its people and has been the chairperson of the Ukraine committee since. Monty also served on the Planning and Action Committee of ISS, and the annual fund-raising committee in 2011. He has held the Board positions of Secretary, Vice President and President.

He has decided to resign from the Board and become the Interim Executive Director until the Board selects a permanent Director. He is passionate about citizen diplomacy and the work of Iowa Sister States and very excited about this new challenge.

☏ 515-348-6265

✉ Email Monty

Kassi holds a BS in Anthropology from Iowa State University with a secondary major in International Studies and a minor in both Spanish and Math. Some of her previous work experience includes managing a team of AmeriCorps members, survey and database work for neighborhood revitalization initiatives, organizing large scale events, and programs. Kassi first became interested in traveling and other cultures through her experience in a youth exchange with her hometown's (Winterset) sister city Minami-Alps, Japan. This led to a lifelong passion for traveling, making connections, and learning more about other cultures. Kassi has been with Iowa Sister States since March 2015.

KASSI BAILEY

International Program Manager

☏ 515-348-6264              ✉ Email Kassi

BOARD OF DIRECTORS