US Servas Peace & Justice

Upcoming International Servas Events

Bill Magargal — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 18:19:39 GMT

Getting ready to travel? Discover events hosted by Servas groups around the world. There may be one perfectly timed for your journey. Check out the Servas International Events page to see most of the events below.

Note: You will need to log in to your https://servas.org account to view the individual international events.

Pathways Together France - June 26 to July
Organized by Servas France, this trekking gathering in the French Alps will bring together Servas members from around the world. Registration is now open. Find the details about the program and registration on their Sentierinsieme 2026 web page.

Servas by Bike in Poland – July 2 to 5
Visit Krakow with its UNESCO World Heritage sites, Old Town, and Schindler’s Enamel Factory. Then mount up to explore some of the natural wonders of Poland. For more information, visit the Bike Poland webpage. This popular event has a wait list for registration.

Peace School in Türkiye – July 4 to 14
Servas Peace School is an alternative educational program held in the village of Ekinci in Antakya, Hatay, Türkiye. Since its founding in 2009, it has taken place every July, bringing together volunteers from around the world who share a vision of building a more peaceful future. For full details and registration information, please visit the Türkiye Peace School 2026 webpage.

UK & Ireland Camp for Younger Members - Sept. 4 to 7
Organized by Servas Britain and Ireland, this gathering is open to younger Servas members aged 18 to 30. For more details, visit the UK Youth Camp website.

International Creative and Collaborative Meeting, Spain – Sept. 21 to 26
Servas Spain is pleased to invite you to participate in a creative and collaborative gathering in Murcia, Spain. To find out more, go to the Creativity Meeting event page.

East Africa Regional Meeting, Tanzania - October 5 to 10
This meeting is a high level gathering of Servas members from across the region to strategize ways to promote regional cooperation, hospitality growth, and our collective impact in Africa. Check out the East Africa Meeting webpage for more information.

Swiss Pathways 2026

Bill Magargal — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 15:31:41 GMT

June 26 to July 2, 2026

This meeting in the Alps brings together Servas members from different countries. Italy, Germany, Switzerland and France have taken turns every year – since 1985 – in the organization of this event which aims to meet and discover other environments, in accordance with the values of Servas.

The organizing team will welcome you in Lanslebourg Val Cenis, in the heart of Haute Maurienne, between the Vanoise National Park and the Grée Alps. 108 places have been reserved for the "CIS Ethic Etap" (International Stay Center), plus 16 places for those who could only free themselves on the Weekend.

As in previous editions, day hikes will be offered on Saturday and Sunday for 7 different level groups ('Hard', 'Medium 1" at 'Medium 4', 'EasyTrek' and 'EasyCool') The Hard and Medium groups will go on Trek from Monday to Wednesday, the Easy Trek group from Monday to Tuesday. The EasyCool group will stay at CIS with 3 days of walks and discovery.

Find all the details on accommodation, program and registration procedures on sentierinsieme2026.fr/en

Servas Switzerland National Conference 2026

Bill Magargal — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 20:59:20 GMT

Neuhausen am Rheinfall • May 23-25, 2026

Grüezi mitenand! Why not join us at our annual meeting May 23-25, 2026? If waterfalls are on your bucket list, it’s definitely a must! The Rheinfall is the largest waterfall in Europe. We will meet in Neuhausen am Rheinfall. In addition to meeting Servas members from around the world, there will be ample opportunities to explore the falls, hike along the Rhine, and visit 11^th century Old Town Schauffhausen known for its painted house facades and its 171 bay windows.

For more information about the program and how to register, click this link: Servas Switzerland's Annual Meeting.

Servas Korea 2026 Peace Ride

Bill Magargal — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 17:27:56 GMT

May 16-21, 2026

The Peace Ride is a unique opportunity to share Servas values while riding through some of Korea’s most beautiful landscapes from Mt. Odaesan National Park to Hwajinpo Beach and other points in between. There will be plenty of time to appreciate the journey and the destinations.

To Register please download the Program and Registration Form (PDF)

For more information email our contact person, Byungwan Choi at bwchoi1211@hanmail.net

Servas by Bike 2026: Krakow, Poland

Bill Magargal — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 14:35:20 GMT

July 2-5, 2026

Visit Krakow with its UNESCO Heritage site, Old Town, and Schindler’s Enamel Factory. Then mount-up to explore some of the natural wonders of Poland. Ride along the Vistula River. Circumnavigate the Sahara of Poland. Enjoy sharing conversations with Servas members from all over. Daily rides will be 40 kilometers or less – some of them will be hilly, some off-road. Bikes should be available for rent. Alternatively, walking tours will be available on Friday and/or Saturday.

Register here by March 31 2026

For more information download Servas by Bike 2026 (PDF)

Servas Germany Youth Camp 2026

Bill Magargal — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 22:21:51 GMT

May 21-25, 2026

Enjoy spring on the shores of Lake Constanz, Germany, located at the northern foot of the Alps. If you are a Servas member between the ages of 18 and 30 join us from May 21-25, 2026.

Do you love travelling, exchanging languages and cultures? Would you like to make friends with Servas members from different countries? Are you interested in exploring new ways for Servas to promote peace and international understanding? Are you up for a new adventure? Read the flyer for more information.

Then sign up quickly (registration closes on February 28) to join Servas Youth Camp in Germany. Only 30 spots are available! REGISTRATION FORM

Need more information, contact youth@servas.de. begleiten Sie uns! (Join us!)

Commission on the Status of Women Conference (CSW70)

Bill Magargal — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 17:34:52 GMT

March 9-20, 2026

The 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) will take place at UN Headquarters in New York from March 9-20, 2026. This is a conference on women's rights and gender equality that examines the reality of women’s lives throughout the world. CSW sets goals and shapes global standards for gender equality and women's rights and empowerment. CSW70 in 2026 will focus on ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls by promoting inclusive and equitable legal systems, eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices, and addressing structural barriers.

Servas' Participation in CSW70

In-person: Registration for in-person attendance closed in October 2025.

Virtual (online): In addition to the official UN meetings, there are also hundreds of parallel events collectively called the NGO-CSW70 Forum which take place virtually between March 9-20. The Forum is organized by and for non-governmental organizations like Servas International. It helps educate and advocate on the gender equality issues that UN member countries are currently discussing.

All Servas members worldwide are warmly invited to participate in the Forum virtually. There is no limit on the number of Servas members who can participate virtually, and there is no registration fee to do so.

To participate either in person or virtually, complete and submit the Application Form which is located on the Servas International website. We will then email you more information. We are organizing informational Zoom sessions before, during, and after CSW70 for Servas members to help them prepare for CSW70 and to gain the most from it.

When you complete the Form, please be sure to have your Servas International membership active and up to date.

Thank you!

Servas Women Organizers

Servas Women | Servas International

Please contact ServasWomen@servas.org if you have any questions

19th Servas Antakya Peace School

Bill Magargal — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 22:07:32 GMT

We are thrilled to share the invitation for the 19th Servas Peace School in Antakya, Türkiye!

If the Peace School were a person, it would now be a lively 19-year-old young, full of curiosity for cultures, languages, dances, games, and full of desire to spread peace around the world. It would be sensitive, understanding, tolerant, and inclusive.

Ah, wait… it already is! For 19 years, it has been growing children into exactly these kinds of young people. Many of them are now spreading peace through education, social work, and traveling.

Come and join us this year to be part of this heartwarming journey. Let’s live together, eat together, play together, dance together - peace together!

If you’re interested, please Information & Application webpage!

Peace,

Esra

2025 the 4th Servas Peace Forum

Bill Magargal — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 18:44:41 GMT

Vision 2026-2028: Build Servas Future Together (Dec. 14, 2025)

This October, Servas International elected a vibrant new team of volunteer leaders! Looking ahead to the next three years, the team has envisioned a blueprint for our community. However, to turn this vision into reality, we absolutely need you.

We sincerely invite you to join us—not just to hear the dream from the team, but to let your voice be heard. This is more than a presentation of plans; it is a gathering to spark new ideas. Let’s join hands, pool our collective wisdom and passion, and make the future of Servas even better… In peace and friendship!

Registration: Visit the Peace Forum webpage for more information and to register. Note: to access the registration form, scroll to the very bottom of the webpage, then click: NEXT. You will receive the Zoom meeting link after you finish registration. Registration deadline: 2025-Dec-12

For more information contact: peacesecretary@servas.org

Francisco Salomón Luna Aburto / Mei Wang (Servas International Peace Secretary)

My View of Servas International General Assembly

Bill Magargal — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 16:46:15 GMT

by Joanne Ferguson Cavanaugh

At the SI General Assembly (GA) held in Dijon, France in October, Shyla Esko Bare from Washington and I served on the Secretariat Team. We kept track of the meeting motions, amendments, decisions, and editing the final minutes. Our duty was to keep track of the Event and Decision made from the minutes that Shyla recorded. Moderator in training on the floor in green Aditya Divya Singh from India.

This year the General Assembly had representatives from 46 countries who participated in person and virtually. Our US representative was US Board Chair Tim Sullivan from Iowa. The General Assembly Moderator was Pramod Kumar (India) assisted by Dr. Hamsa Singh, (India) and Pamela Yang (Taiwan). Several youth moderators-in-training from around the world assisted. Mary Lee Behar from North Carolina was on the translation team which enabled any participant wearing a headset to hear translations from Spanish and French. The General Assembly took place over two days with the last morning to approve the minutes so action can be taken on decisions made.

TOP - The author’s view from the 5-person Secretariat desk looking out at the General Assembly. Opposite - Secretariat recording team from behind looking out at the General Assembly: From L-R: Maggie, Joanne, Salvador, Shyla, Helene.

At the end of the 2^nd day our team gathered to make sure the minutes were accurate for the vote to approve the next morning. This photo does not include everyone who worked on the team. The people are: Back L-R: Joanne Ferguson Cavanaugh (USA), Pramod Kumar (India), Hamsa Singh (India), Salvador Matta (Brazil), Jonny Saganger (SI Secretary-Sweden), Maggie Ntambi (Uganda), Hélène Périn (France). Front L-R: Pamela Yang (Taiwan), Shyla Esco-Bare (USA), Aditya Divya (Singh-Inda)

SICOGA 2025

Bill Magargal — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 19:48:38 GMT

The 2025 Servas International Conference and General Assembly (SICOGA) was attended by 190 Participants from 50 different countries. This year for the first time a team of five Servas youth produced a newsletter for each day of the conference. Below are links to these missives:

Conference Day 1 Opening Ceremonies • Greetings from Deputy Mayor of Dijon

Conference Day 2 President’s Welcome • “World Café” Idea Sessions • Servas Children’s Library • Servas at UN Report

Conference Day 3 Day Trip report • “World Café” Idea Sessions • Meet the Interpreters • Tanzania Art • Youngest Attendees

Conference Day 4 Day Trip report • Saline Royale UNESCO site • National Presentations

General Assemble Day 1 Opening business and resolutions • Membership Updates

General Assemble Day 2-3 Election Results • Art Exhibition • Wrap-up

What Is SICOGA?

Bill Magargal — Sat, 30 Aug 2025 14:21:17 GMT

It seems that Servas, like many other groups, likes acronyms, for example SICOGA and EXCO. I guess they are easier to write than their full names. SICOGA stands for Servas International Conference and General Assembly, while EXCO means Executive Committee.

SICOGA is the most important global gathering of the Servas community, held approximately every three years. SICOGA brings together Servas members from all over the world to share experiences, explore cultural understanding, and discuss the future direction of the organization. It is being held this year from October 3 – 9, in Dijon, France.

Although the conference is fully booked, you can learn more about the conference and what it means by reading the Pre-SICOGA Newsletter.

Help Shape Servas International

Bill Magargal — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 16:09:23 GMT

By SI Nominations Team

Are you ready to help build a more connected and peaceful world? Servas International is now calling for volunteers to step forward for a wide range of elected and appointed positions for the 2026–2028 term. Whether you have a passion for leadership, coordination, communication, or service, this is your opportunity to contribute to a global movement of peace through hosting, travel and cultural exchange.

This call is open to Servas members across the world who are eager to play an active role in shaping the direction and operations of Servas at the international level.

Why Volunteer?
Volunteering for Servas International offers a unique opportunity to:

• Support a worldwide network of peacebuilders.
• Strengthen intercultural understanding and cooperation.
• Gain experience in international collaboration.
• Be a part of meaningful global decision-making processes.

Whether you’re an experienced Servas volunteer or a newer member ready to get more involved, your voice and energy can make a difference. Positions span a variety of committees and roles, such as SI President, SI Vice president, SI Treasurer, SI General Secretary, SI Peace Secretary, SI Membership and Technology Secretary, SI Development Committee, SI Youth and Families Committee, SI Internal Audit Committee, SI Distant Vote Administrator

Don’t Miss Your Chance to Lead

If you are interested in helping guide Servas into the future, now is the time to step up. The international community is looking for committed, thoughtful, and inspired individuals like you.

How to Apply

Access the Nominations webpage which contains information about what a board position entails, and things to consider before you complete the application form. Before filling out the form, all candidates are encouraged to carefully read the following two appendices:

● Appendix A – Guidelines: Important instructions and procedures for completing your nomination.
● Appendix B – Candidate Considerations: Key points to think about before applying for a position.

The final step is to submit a Candidate Application form. It is divided into two main parts:

• The Candidate: Share your background, experience, and why you want to volunteer.

• Nominations: Demonstrate the support you’ve received from others in the Servas community.

2025 General Assembly - Motions

Bill Magargal — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 15:37:31 GMT

by Deirdre Aroujo

The agenda for the 2025 Servas International General Assembly (SIGA) in Dijon, France includes 17 motions for discussion and voting. As per standard practice, discussion groups have been established for each of the motions, with a moderator assigned to facilitate the discussion within each group. If the subject matter of any motion is of any interest to you, as part of the democratic process, you are invited to join the discussion group for the motion. The discussion groups will remain open till the middle of July.

To join a discussion group, follow the steps below.

Sign in to Servas.org
Click on SICOGA 2025 at the top of the page the choose SI General Assembly (SIGA) 2025 from the drop-down list
Review the list of motions. If you want to know more about a particular one, click on its description.
Click on the Discussion Group link to join the group.
Click on Ask to Join Group, then fill out your contact information in the pop-up window that appears

Summary of Motions - This is a copy of the list that appears on the SI website

No.	Description	Discussion Group
1	Improving Servas Internal Communication	Procedural DG01
2	Website space for social media guidelines	Technical DG02
3	Change fiscal year to calendar year from 2026	Financial DG03
4	Two-factor authentication for security of members' data base	Technical DG04
5	Increase transparency in financial reports	Financial DG05
6	Ensuring essential data in Servas profiles	Procedural DG06
7	Promote Servas values and principles more prominently	Procedural DG07
8	Development plan for Servas	Procedural DG08
9	Facilitating donations between member countries	Financial DG09
10	Improving Servas Website and Servas Online Database	Technical DG10
11	Reorganizing the introduction and Article 1 of statutes	Procedural DG11
12	Supporting member groups with fewer resources	Procedural DG12
13	How to attract young members	Procedural DG13
14	Shorten time for submitting proposal	Procedural DG14
15	Move servas.org to a 3d party platform	Technical DG15
16	Changing the name of SYLE	Procedural DG16
17	Host response rate improvement	Procedural DG17

2nd Servas Uganda Peace School

Bill Magargal — Sat, 31 May 2025 19:26:23 GMT

Join Servas Uganda August 25-30, 2025 for an unforgettable experience at the 2nd edition of the Servas Peace School in village of Buyoga. Here we bring people together to promote peace, share knowledge, and inspire young minds! This unique initiative invites Servas members from around the world to connect with children in rural Uganda through storytelling, creative activities, cultural exchange, and shared experiences. (see Joanne Ferguson Cavanaugh's Peace School Volunteering article about why you might want to do this!)

Buyoga is located 20 miles from Masaka city in Kibinge sub-county, Bukomansimbi District. The village is well known for coffee and matoke (highland bananas) and the people of the village are mostly subsistence farmers. They are welcoming, friendly and kind to others. The language commonly spoken is Luganda and during peace school, a team of volunteers will be available to help translate.

All volunteers will be staying in the village with families. Arrangements are in place for this. Many children have not yet had the chance to interact with people from various places across the world except in the literature they read. With peace school, we aim to bring different cultures closer to our village as a way of promoting peace, understanding and appreciation.

Do you have a skill, talent, or passion to share? Whether it's art, music, storytelling, sports, or language, your contribution will make a lasting impact! Come, inspire, and be inspired! Let’s build a more peaceful world—one child, one story, and one experience at a time. By participating, you’ll not only enrich young lives, but also gain a deeper understanding of different cultures, strengthen bonds of friendship, and become a true ambassador of peace.

Here is a link for more information and to REGISTER.

Call for Servas Artists at SICOGA

Bill Magargal — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 15:36:13 GMT

from Servas International

Servas Artists was conceived in the bustling city of Budapest, during the warm days of August 2007, when Gizella Börcsök from Servas Hungary and Jean-Luc Turlure from Servas France joined forces with a visionary goal. Their aim – to establish a dynamic and diverse collective of Servas artists to foster cultural connections within the broader Servas community. This would include visual artists, painters, sculptors, photographers, filmmakers, musicians, and more. At its core, Servas Artists is dedicated to linking like-minded Servas members, enabling them to collaborate on cultural exchanges that transcend borders and provide artistic expression directed towards a greater purpose – contributing to the advancement of global harmony.

To further this project Servas Artists is inviting Servas members to participate in a curated art exhibition at the SICOGA 2025 conference in Dijon, France, October 3 - 8. The exhibition theme is Servas values: meeting, sharing, friendship, peace... Artists need not be registered for SICOGA to submit their artworks.

The exhibition space has high ceilings; large works can be proposed. The hanging system is classical. Please specify any work requiring special conditions. Artists might consider the kakemono scroll system for pictorial works is easy to send, rolled up in a tube.

Deadline for submitting your Preregistration Form is Monday, June 2, 2025. Don't wait! You will receive your file, which will be finalized as soon as we receive it. Please note that Servas has limited financial means. The transportation and return of the works are the artist's responsibility.

This document is a first step; further information will be given as the project progresses.

If you have questions, please email Jean-Luc Turlure at artists@servas.org

Servas by Bike 2025

Bill Magargal — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 20:42:14 GMT

Servas By Bike 2025 Servas by Bike is an annual summer event that rotates between Italy, France, Germany, Czech Rep, and Poland. This year's ride is being hosted and organized by Servas Germany.

Around 30 Servas members of all ages gather to lodge near or at a local organisation or hostel. Day trips of circa 40/60 km are planned for each day. Meals are communal. Attendees draft the cultural agenda themselves, which can include meeting with local people involved in peace activities, music, art, games, and more.

This year, we are meeting in the Eifel National Park in Germany July 24-27, a low mountain range in the German-Belgian border region of Eifel / Haute Fagnes, characterised by many volcanoes, volcanic craters and lakes.

● We will be staying in the Vogelsang Youth Hostel – one of the best-rated youth hostels in Germany. It offers cycling groups everything their hearts desire.

● We explore the fantastic area by day, getting to know each other better each evening. Many of us have participated in previous years, so this is also a bit of a reunion. That said, we welcome new faces! We look forward to exploring the Eifel with you this year!

● We speak English. We cannot guarantee translation into other languages, but will do our best to support everyone! ● We will split into three bicycle groups:

● Light tour (half day) 25-35 km, fewer hills ● Moderate tours, 40-55 km, some hills ● Sporty tours, 60-80 km, more hills.

Registration Act ASAP as the deadline for registration is April 10.

Canada NOT a 51st State

Bill Magargal — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 15:41:01 GMT

by Claude Lefrançois, Servas Canada

Dear American friends. Hello from Quebec! I'm feeling so uncomfortable about what is happening in the United States that I need to write to you. I'm so sad to see that your democracy is being threatened. I must say that all my information is coming from social media such as FaceBook, a Montreal newspaper (Le Devoir), and Radio-Canada.

The point to start my writing is the dictator in chief saying that Canada will become the 51st state of the United States. We are good neighbors. We share a lot of economic exchanges.

BUT Canada doesn't want to become an American state. We are a country and want to stay that way. Right now, many of my friends and family are cancelling their holidays to the United States. Many, many people in Canada don't buy any more food produced or made in the U.S. All stores and groceries are putting big maple leaf stickers on their wares, emphasizing Canadian food. We buy cellular phones from Korea. Drivers are putting stickers on the numerous Teslas already sold here saying they bought the car before Elon went crazy. That is something we didn't want to do... but that is the only way to put pressure on the 2 men who "seem" to control your country right now... We cannot vote in the US... I'm sending you all these comments in case your newspapers or social media are silent about us in Canada.

So, tell me if I am right or wrong. What can I do to help you? I don't want a dictatorship or autocracy to develop in North America. We read that people, politicians are reacting, for example: "Stand up for science," Bernie Sanders, Ocasio-Cortez...is it enough? How can we help?

Hope everyone is well...

Amitiés, Claude Lefrançois, Saint-Lambert, Québec.

Costa Rica Conference Wows Attendees

Bill Magargal — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 16:14:34 GMT

By Mary Lee Behar

The Conference

In February, I attended the Pan American conference in Costa Rica and served as a volunteer interpreter, along with Miriam Kerekes Beltrán (Servas Mexico). Most conference participants were from US Servas and Servas Costa Rica, but participants also came from Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Panama, Germany, France, Austria, New Zealand, and Guatemala. One of my favorite parts of the event was making friends and watching participants grow closer over the course of four days together.

Many presented about Servas operations in their respective countries. Some also showcased the beauty of their country and brought a little something to share. Canada offered maple-flavored cookies, maple-flavored candy, salmon jerky and a Canadian flag pin. Mexico shared some tequila, mezcal, and spicy peanuts. Colombia shared a salsa dancing lesson, loving yoga, and red, yellow and blue beaded bracelets. A family from Servas Panama shared an intimate portrait of what Servas has meant for them over the years and how they treat every guest like family. Servas Costa Rica shared coffee, cookies, artisanal soaps and souvenir keychains. Each country extended an invitation to everyone present to come visit.

In the first two days, we heard talks on many subjects. Nancy Castro on Costa Rica's biodiversity. President Radha Radhakrishna and Peace Secretary Francisco Solomón Luna) updated us on Servas International and ways to grow the organization. Irma Alvarez on the dances of Costa Rica. Doña Carmen Mora Mora on the history of Costa Rica. Roxana Abarca and Ligia Araya on the dissolution of the army and more history of Costa Rica. Jaime Duque on the coffee industry in Costa Rica. Jim Leask and John Whidden on changes to the Servas International website. Kent Macaulay on Servas and the UN. Monica Garcia and Ana Maria Fajardo on Servas Colombia. Miriam Kerekes Beltrán on Servas Mexico. Flor Cano de Picota, Arquimedes Picota and Eufracio Centella Rodríguez on Servas Panama.

United States Servas made some presentations, too. National Peace Secretary, Karen Morian spoke on various peacebuilding activities including an effort to reforest areas of Altadena, California, in honor of Paige LaCombe, former National Peace Secretary, former US Servas Board Member, current Chair of Servas Women, whose home burned in the Los Angeles wildfires on January 7, 2025, Bill Magargal, US Servas Board member spoke on internal operations and presented a Peace Pole as a gift to Servas Costa Rica. Paige LaCombe and Victoria Cripovich from Servas Argentina spoke about Servas Women.

On our third day, we had an outing to see some of the natural wonders of Costa Rica, including: a live volcanic crater, a waterfall on the side of the road, and a lagoon surrounded by a lush forest.

At the lagoon, we were hosted for lunch by the non-profit "Asociación de Desarrollo Especifica" in the large dining area of the Airbnb "Volcan Hule Lodging." The non-profit built this Airbnb overlooking the Laguna de Hule and the Bosque Alegre Natural Preserve (forest) as a source of revenue to protect these natural spaces and ensure clean water and ecotourism in the area indefinitely.

This spot was more than just a place to eat with a view; it was the result of ten years’ effort by a small group of women, who ultimately obtained government funding through Dinadeco to realize their vision. That ours was an inaugural event for the lodge and conservation non-profit made it special – as did the delicious food.

A huge thank you to Servas Costa Rica: Larissa Mora Mora, Carmen Mora Mora, Marc Krebs, Manuel "Malo" Ramirez Quiros, Irma Alvarez, Ligia Araya, Elizabeth Araya, Roger Chavarria, Magaly Camacho Cordero, Tatiana Colindres, Roxana Abarca, Nazira Vega, Lorena Navarro, Nancy Castro and Jaime Duque, and Francisco Salomón Luna, one of the International Peace Secretaries, for hosting us.

Take-aways

Learning about local food, traditions, government, and way of life made for a great experience. One such tradition is the "El Torito" dance, a playful partner dance where the man acts like a bull and the woman acts like a bullfighter with her large colorful skirt. (In Costa Rica, they don't do actual bull fighting because they find it cruel.) This is one of the many ways that Costa Rica is a model for peace and social justice.

Most traditional meals in Costa Rica include avocado, fried plantains, some meat/fish/eggs as a protein source, their signature side dish "gallo pinto" which is a mix of rice and beans, and "gallo de queso" which is a corn tortilla with a slice of cheese on it. Our meals were well-balanced and flavorful. There was no shortage of exotic fruit including a local passion fruit, golden berries, coffee cherries, and coconuts. (Coffee beans are the seeds left over from coffee "cherries.")

I was surprised to learn that Costa Rica has had no army since 1949. Instead, Costa Rica has powerful "friends" and neighbors (including the United States, the European Union, and other regional organizations) who will come to their aid in the event of a threat or invasion. By having no army, Costa Rica can invest more money in public education (which includes a free college education), universal health care, social development, cultural programs, and conservation. After the dissolution of the army, weapons were melted and turned into sculptures. In Costa Rica, they have literally replaced the sword with the pen.

Costa Rica’s commitment to conservation is remarkable. In fact, after the banana and meat industries destroyed half of the forests in Costa Rica between 1940 and 1987, activists successfully pushed legislation to protect the existing biodiversity and increase protected natural spaces. Now Costa Rica has 52% forest cover (compared to the all-time low of 21% in 1987). How did they do it? They made alliances with politicians, planted trees, protected areas around active craters, created a national parks program, created a system of protected areas, biological corridors including interurban biological corridors, and provided incentives for landowners to not develop their land. Costa Rica recognizes that protecting biodiversity and its forests is a way of protecting our species and our planet. Costa Rica has determined that ecotourism can be just as profitable or more profitable than clear-cutting forests for crops or cattle, with the added perks of ensuring clean water, better air quality, and a source of food and medicine for generations to come.

I left the conference wishing that somehow the United States could be more like Costa Rica, as regards conservation and prioritizing social development over guns and warfare. I also left the conference sad to leave such a like-minded group of people, who had become like a second family... so I left with two new Servas friends on another adventure.

Together my new friends from Servas Canada discovered the Quetzal National Park and Uvita. I thoroughly enjoyed this time in nature. There we saw a magnificent blue butterfly, a sloth, and howler monkeys in the wild. We visited a village in the mountains that is pretty self-sufficient with its own cows for cheese, its own river trout and lots of fruit trees, avocado trees, coffee plants, fresh air, clean water and a simpler way of life. I saw more happy cows grazing in Costa Rica than I've seen anywhere in the United States, and I got to walk a spectacular coconut tree lined beach. The experience was a memorable one, for sure.

Upcoming Events

1) International Women's Day, March 8, 2025 -- plan an event in your community

2) CSW, the Conference on the Status of Women, at the United Nations in New York from March 10-21, 2025 (now accepting only for remote access and parallel events: https://ngocsw.org/ngocsw68/),

3) International Day of Peace, September 21, 2025 -- plan an event in your community

4) SICOGA, Servas International Conference & General Assembly, in Dijon, France, October 3-9, 2025 (save the date),

5) Servas LatAm Conference in Cundinamarca, Colombia from January 7-12, 2026 (https://myqrcode.mobi/7fcca16f), and

6) Servas Colombia's Peace School in Cundinamarca, Colombia, January 12-18, 2026 (servascolombia.latam2026@gmail.com),

Conclusion

If you've never been to a Servas conference, I highly recommend it. Travel with Servas not only opens your mind but also opens your heart. Pura Vida! ["Pura Vida" translates to "pure life" in Spanish and represents a laid-back, optimistic attitude towards life that is widely associated with Costa Rican culture.]

Servas Korea Peace Ride May 19-22

Bill Magargal — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 17:07:39 GMT

Servas Korea is hosting a four-day Servas International Peace Ride from May 19th - 22nd. The ride begins in Yeoju and winds km along the Namhangang and Bukhangang Rivers, ending in Wungislan. The ride is limited to 40 riders. The cost is $330 US which includes the following:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinners & Snacks
Accommodation (Youth Hostel or Group accommodation in common)
Support Car
Bus fee, Entrance ticket fee
Round-trip bicycle transportation.

Bike rentals are available for $20 per day if you choose not to use yours (E-bikes $30/day). Here is a link to Details About the Ride

13 Members to Attend Costa Rica Conference

Bill Magargal — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 22:02:40 GMT

By Karen Morian

Servas Costa Rica is hosting a Regional Meeting for representatives from North and Central America from February 6^th-9^th. The goal of the February meeting is to re-set international connections within the region, and to develop joint projects for the future. It is hoped that these will include peacebuilding, justice, and climate projects. Thirteen US Servas members will be there. We will present our work from 2024 and some of our plans for 2025. The US will make a peace pole to be installed permanently at the conference site commemorating the event. A report on the event and proposed projects will be published in the next Open Doors. Members who wish to get involved in international regional projects should reach out to PeaceandJustice@usservas.org

Already working towards peace? Let us know! We would love to hear about US Servas efforts to support Peace, Justice, and Climate work in our communities around the country. Please contact the Peace & Justice team at PeaceandJustice@usservas.org to let us know what you are working on.

SICOGA 2025 Is Fully Booked

Bill Magargal — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 02:18:28 GMT

Servas International 33rd Conference October 3 - 9, 2025

The Servas International Committee, in collaboration with Servas France, has arranged the next Servas International Conference and General Assembly (SICOGA) to be held at the Centre de Recontres Internationales in Dijon, France. The conference will take place October 4 – 6, 2025, followed by the General Assembly Business meetings Oct. 7 – 8. Servas delegates and members from any groups may attend in Dijon, or virtually, from anywhere in the world.

The conference attendance is already fully booked. Here is a link to the Conference Information page if you would like to view it..

We expect to have many discussion sessions and informative presentations of interest to all our members during the conference. There will also be sightseeing and cultural activities that we will enjoy as a group on October 6. In addition, there are other group activities being planned on other days too. Additional details on these various activities will be provided in the mail-outs that follow.

We hope you can join us in France to share an enjoyable and challenging week of Servas work. It will be a moment for us to reflect together on our evolution as an organization, where we want to go next, and how to achieve it. We have also planned a lot of social activities. It will be an opportunity to meet old friends and new from around the world. We hope it provides a happy combination of work and cheerful friendly moments that make lasting memories.

We look forward to making the upcoming meeting a productive, successful and joyful event for all of us!

In the interim, if you have any questions please email the Conference Committee.

4th International Meeting for European Servas Activists

Bill Magargal — Sun, 01 Dec 2024 23:47:11 GMT

Servas Germany will host the 4th international meeting for Servas Activists from Europe, Middle East and Africa to discuss “How to gain more members, more younger members, more active members”. The meeting will be held January 30 thru February 2nd in Weisbaden (new Frankfurt). Anyone who is active in the national Servas organization and has a function as National Secretary, Vice President, Treasurer, Peace, Youth or Family Secretary, or is an active Servas member under the age of 35 is eligible to participate.

You can find all the details about this event in the following PDF:

Conference of the Servas European Groups

Vote For Your Favorite Servas Story

Bill Magargal — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 21:37:55 GMT

by Bill Magargal

Here is your chance to celebrate the creativity and unique experiences shared by our global Servas family. From heartfelt stories to beautifully captured videos, these entries embody the theme: My Fantastic Servas Experience. We announced this competition earlier in the year; now is your opportunity to see just how interesting and creative Servas members are.

Click this link Written Stories to view the selection of written entries. There are 33 great tales, each with a unique view of Servas. Although a bit daunting in number, many of them are very interesting reads. Double-click on a story link to read it. Be sure to note the two-digit prefix to the entry you like the most. That is the number you will enter as your voting choice.

Likewise, click this link Video Stories to view the video entries. I am a visual person, so I particularly enjoyed the videos. They ranged from a solo guitar performance of an original Servas song, to visually appealing travelogs and heartfelt peace projects. After you’ve viewed them, be sure to note the number of the video to vote for the one you like most.

Vote: Each Servas member may cast 1 vote per category, i.e. Best Written Story, and Best Video. The deadline for voting is December 22^nd, 2024. Click Here to vote: Use this password to log in to the ballot: @heyServas1973

We give rave reviews to the people who initiated and oversaw this inaugural event. We hope it becomes a regular part of Servas.

Book Your Costa Rica Winter Get-away Now!

Bill Magargal — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 21:09:06 GMT

Now is the time to plan your winter get-away trip to Costa Rica for the first-ever Servas Pan Americas Conference February 6-9, 2025. Airfares are still relatively cheap (approx. $400 r/t from Philadelphia). Also, for some reason December 3^rd is usually the best day of the year to purchase airline tickets. There are still spots available at the venue. February is summertime in Costa Rica, so you only need light-weight summer clothes... except February 8, when we will visit Poás Volcano National Park (long pants, a warm shirt, jacket or rain jacket, sturdy shoes recommended).

The conference is being hosted by Servas Costa Rica at Casa de Espiritualidad San Benito about 23 km northwest of San Jose, and only 8km from the Juan Santamaria international airport. San Benito has common and individual dormitories, large green spaces, a prayer chapel, parking, bathrooms with hot water, drinking water, Wi-Fi and food service. The venue works with 110 volts of electricity.

The cost is $275 USD per person which includes accommodation at the San Benito House of Spirituality, all meals, and a day tour of Lapaz Waterfall Gardens and Peace Park. The purpose of this event is to strengthen the bonds and communication channels between our respective Servas groups, with an additional focus on climate issues. (See article in this issue on the Floods in Spain).

Agenda

(Feb 6) After Lunch - Welcome presentations by Servas International and Servas Costa Rica.
(Feb. 7) Presentations by regional groups.
(Feb. 8) Day Trip- early breakfast then bus to Poás Volcano National Park .
(Feb. 9) Morning - conference conclusion after lunch.

For more information click Conference Details. This includes how to reach the venue, a more detailed agenda, details about the day trip and more information about the San Benito venue. Note - you will be asked to log in to Servas International to view this. To attend the conference click the Registration Form, fill in the information, then click "Submit."

Conference attendance is limited to a maximum of 75 people. Sign up now to reserve your place for this peaceful retreat and enjoy summer in the winter.

Help Victims of DANA Floods in Spain

Bill Magargal — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 14:21:36 GMT

from Servas International & Wikipedia

On October 29, 2024, torrential rains caused by a *DANA (upper-level isolated atmospheric depression) brought over a year's worth of precipitation within 24 hours to several areas in eastern Spain. The resulting floodwaters caused the deaths of 226 people, with 14 missing and substantial property damage. It was one of the deadliest natural disasters in Spanish history.

We, the Servas International community, extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and communities affected by the devastating floods caused by the DANA storm in Spain, in the regions of Valencia, Castilla-La Mancha and Andalucía. Our thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones, endured injuries, or suffered significant damage to their homes and livelihoods. We stand in solidarity with all those impacted during this difficult time and offer our deepest sympathies.

In the face of such hardship, it is inspiring to see communities coming together to support one another. To the emergency responders and volunteers, including our brave Servas Spain members, tirelessly working to provide relief and aid, we offer our profound gratitude for your courage and dedication. We are united in our commitment to helping rebuild and restore the affected areas, supporting those in need, and standing alongside Spain in its recovery.”

Cars destroyed by the storm DANA in a street of Valencia. Source of the picture: unknown

Official channels to donate and help with DANA relief (information taken from Maldita.es is listed below.)

Be wary of links or messages circulating on social networks if their origin is not clear and analyze who is behind them. Authorities, public entities and other organizations involved in the work of caring for victims have set up official channels to transfer donations and provide other types of help.

The Red Cross (Cruz Roja) has activated a Donation Page

Cártitas Valencia and Cárias Albacete have a website to transfer monetary donations ( Graves inundaciones en España | Cáritas) and have opened two bank accounts and a number to make donations via Bizum.

Bizum has published a thread detailing all the organizations and entities that are receiving donations at This Website. Caritas and the Red Cross are included.

*DANA: A weather phenomenon that occurs when cold air in the upper atmosphere meets warm air from the Mediterranean Sea, causing heavy rain, flash floods, hail, and tornadoes. The term is a Spanish acronym that stands for Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos, which translates to "upper-level isolated atmospheric depression."

Servas Japan Spring Camp

Bill Magargal — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 21:05:29 GMT

March 21-23 2025

Join Servas Japan for an exciting 3-day Spring Camp, where Servas members from around the globe come together to connect and share experiences! Hosted by Servas Youth Japan, this event is open to all Servas members.

It will be held in the beautiful old city of Kyoto when the cherry trees are in bloom. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to forge lasting friendships and be part of a vibrant global community!

For more information, please click here

Registration Form

East Asia Virtual Meeting Led to Meaningful Personal Exchanges

Bill Magargal — Sat, 28 Sep 2024 15:14:32 GMT

by Deirdre Araujo

Last January (2023), I joined the 6th annual East Asia Servas online meeting where I met Servas members from around Asia. These new relationships led to many meaningful in real life exchanges.

What began as simple email exchanges with JoJo Jen and Emily Liu about my upcoming trip to Taiwan blossomed during the 6th annual East Asia Servas online meeting. I was captivated by Polly Chan’s insights and glimpses of Hong Kong’s natural beauty. Then I was able to be Terry Chen’s San Francisco day host and prepared for my East Asia sojourn with virtual language lessons with Emily’s daughter, Arielle, in Shanghai.

Once in Taipei my contacts made it possible for me to volunteer at a senior center with JoJo. Later, I reunited with Terry for lunch. Who knew just a few months later, I’d host the Hong Kong keynote speaker, Polly Chan, here in California?

While many in Servas are fortunate to travel, there are many who would still like to travel but face mobility challenges or have environmental concerns. However, they still want the connections and stories. I believe this opens an opportunity for US Servas to provide armchair travel and robust Servas-led virtual programming. (It could be more inclusive and easier on the planet.) By enhancing our virtual programming, we can engage more Servas members both near and far — and continue weaving connections for peace.

Here is a link to the video that was recorded during the East Asia Virtual Meeting. It was a very enthusiastic gathering of 100+ Servas members from every continent but Antarctica. One simple thing I enjoyed during the conference was the opening exercise led by Mei Wang, co Peace Secretary of Servas International. She had the virtual attendees from each Servas group call out their traditional word for "Welcome / Hello" in their language. That word was the put up on the screen transliterated to English for all to see (see image below).

US Servas Members Volunteer at Uganda Peace School

Bill Magargal — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 19:02:01 GMT

by Joanne Ferguson Cavanaugh

US Servas members Jacqueline Barnhardt and Joanne Ferguson Cavanaugh along with Servas members from Italy, Taiwan, Mexico, Turkey, Kenya, and England, will be volunteering at the first Ugandan Peace School from August 25-30. Buyoga is a small village located 20 miles away from Masaka city ( see map). The village is well known for coffee and matoke. The people of the village are mostly subsistence farmers, and, in every home, there are some domestic birds.

The Peace School was organized by Uganda Servas Peace Secretary Prossy Nampijja for the village area which has about 80 children and teens. The program is modeled after the Peace School in Türkiye where Mr. Nampijja volunteered for several years. The philosophy behind the school is that every person has something to teach, and every piece of knowledge is precious. A baker teaches how to make bread, the villagers teach making tomato paste, some people teach math, astronomy, yoga, art, folk dances, French, Arabic or an indigenous African or American language, etc. That means every person can volunteer in this school, teach and learn.

"My Fantastic Servas Story" Competition

Bill Magargal — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 18:54:13 GMT

by Karen Morian, US Peace Secretary

Servas International is holding its first "Best Servas Story" competition. There are two separate categories, one for a written story, and one for Video. We hope the stories will capture the essence and joy of Servas traveling and hosting. Submissions officially open on September 8th, so whether you're a traveler or a host, we want to hear about your unique Servas experiences. Share your stories and showcase your creativity for a chance to shine in our global community.

Best Creation Prize: Two awards will be presented, one for a written story, and another for best video. Each award includes:

Free Entry to SICOGA 2025: Winners will receive complimentary entry to the next Servas International Conference and General Assembly in Dijon, France. (Please note: Winners are responsible for their own travel expenses.)
Publication Opportunities: Your work will be featured on the Servas website, social media, and in the Servas International News Bulletin (SINB).
Award Certificate: Presented by the President of Servas.

Read more: What is SICOGA? Looking for more concrete info? Check our most recent general assembly - SICOGA 2022 in India.

Special Mention by Servas Members: Several "Special Mention" awards will be given to written and video entries. Each award includes:

Servas Goodie Package: Enjoy a selection of Servas merchandise.
Publication Opportunities: Your story or video will be showcased across Servas platforms.
Award Certificate: Presented by the President of Servas.

Key Dates:

· Submissions Start Date: September 8th
· Submissions Deadline: October 25th
· Results announced Dec. 8th, 2024
How to Participate:
· Write a Story: Share a memorable Servas experience.
· Create a Video: Capture your story visually.
· Visit the Servas My Fantastic Story webpage for guidelines and submission details.
· Use the Submission Form to send us your story

If you have any questions please email us at storytelling.servas@gmail.com.

We look forward to your submissions!

Servas Africa Assembly

Bill Magargal — Thu, 29 Aug 2024 21:39:06 GMT

by Joanne Ferguson Cavanaugh

August 19th was the last day of the Servas Africa Meeting held north of Mombasa Kenya at the Jumuia Conference and Beach Resort included a stop at the Bomburi Forest. Members donated enough money for 70 trees and were able to plant 50 in this restoration project. Servas Italy members Franca Giovanna and Piero Girolodo organized the donation of funds to repair a school in the village nearby the conference location and a home for a mother of six. Local Servas Kenya member, Perry Thoya, a local contractor and will report progress back to the group who attended the conference.

Pictured in the first tree planting from left to right is (1) Philip Olero, Servas Kenya National Secretary, (2) Fidel Rutayisire, Servas Rwanda National Secretary, (3) Radha Radhakrishna, Servas US and Servas International President, (4) Ahmed Salem, Egypt, (5) Perry Thoya Servas Kenya, (6) Wen-Chi Liu, Servas Taiwan.

US Servas members attending the conference were from California, Connecticut and Nebraska: Jacqueline Barnhardt, Devon and Nichole Burke, Jeff Epler, Joanne Ferguson Cavanaugh, Ingrid Kirst, Paige LaCombe, Rhada Radhakrishna and Wooly Wooldridge.

see US Servas Plants Trees

Latin American and Caribbean Servas Meeting

Bill Magargal — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 14:09:24 GMT

Nov. 14-18 "In tune with the environment"

Servas Brazil and Servas Uruguay are hosting the Latin American and Caribbean Servas Meeting (LATAM 2024) in Parque das Laranjeiras, Três Coroas city, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil from November 14th to 18th, 2024. The conference theme is In Tune With the Environment, which demonstrates our concern for the health of our planet and the future of the next generations, drawing members attention to care for the environment. This meeting is part of a series of celebrations for the 75th anniversary of Servas International (1949/2024).

For complete details about this event log in to Servas International, then choose [Events] => [Upcoming Events] from the top menu. Scroll down to the event (organized by date) and click on it. Click this Pre-Register link to sign up for the conference.

SICOGA 2025 - FULLY BOOKED!

Bill Magargal — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 20:10:27 GMT

The 2025 Servas International Conference and General Assembly SICOGA will be held in Dijon, France from October 3 to 9, 2025. Be sure to save the dates on your calendar. SI will send out more information in the coming months. However, if any of you would like to volunteer to join any of the Servas International committees or attend some of the committee meetings to learn more, please contact the conference committee

SI Story and Video Competition

Bill Magargal — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 20:03:42 GMT

My fantastic Servas experience

Servas International is hosting a new written story and video contests. The theme is "My Fantastic Servas Experience". They are interested in hearing personal experiences with Servas, whether from travelers or hosts. One winner will be selected for each category (one story winner and one video winner) and published on Servas websites and our social media.

The submission deadline October 25^th, 2024. visit the Servas My Story webpage for contest details, submission requirements, and application form.

Servas France Member Inspired by US Conference

Bill Magargal — Sat, 25 May 2024 20:28:12 GMT

by Bill Magargal

It is always nice to get positive feedback from participants in events we host, and this one is especially heartwarming. It involves Servas France member, Céline Boute, who attended the 2023 US Servas Conference last October in upstate New York. Céline was so motivated by the conference that when she returned to France, she immediately became a volunteer for Servas France.

Céline and her husband Pat have been Servas members for eleven years, and in fact, the author and his wife were their first Servas travelers. They are wonderful hosts, but they never took particular interest in the inner workings of Servas France... that is until the US National Conference.

On the weekend of May 17 & 19 Servas France held their national assembly in Blois, which is 45 minutes Northeast of Tours. Two hundred out of 2300 French members attended. At the conference Céline was elected vice President of Servas France In her words, "I am super happy to have been elected vice president of SERVAS France, an organization that is particularly close to my heart! I am very happy to 'do my part' and invest more in the association, after being a member for more than a decade and hosting some awesome travelers from around the world!”

Viva la France! Viva Céline!

Australia Peace Walks - October 2024

Bill Magargal — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 14:55:22 GMT

Servas Australia will host two separate, 7-day peace walks along the West Coast from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin (see map below). The first walk is Oct 16-25, and the second one Oct. 28 to Nov. 6. It will be Springtime Down Under, so it will be pleasant. The Walk is 135 Kilometers and while it’s not technically difficult, the terrain can be arduous, testing hips and knees! The walk takes 7 days, with a rest day to enjoy the wineries, in and around Margaret River.

Each walk is limited to 9 Servas Members. Men and Women of all ages are welcome. The walk does require reasonable fitness and stamina, i.e., the ability to walk approximately 20Km/day for seven days. On some days a lot of the walk is on soft sand. When walking you will have a day pack to carry the water you need for the day along with your morning tea, lunch, and your all-weather gear. Here is a link to more DETAILS about the walk.

The Cost is AUD$1300 per person. This price includes accommodation, the hire of the bus and fuel plus accident insurance, and nearly all meals with good quality breakfasts, packed lunches and 2 course dinners. It is expected the group will assist with the preparation and clean-up of meals. Here is a link to REGISTER.

Servas by Bike - France August 8-12

Bill Magargal — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 14:42:23 GMT

Servas by bike will take place in Lorraine, France, August 8 (arrival) -12 (departure), 2024. Please sign-up ASAP (it may already be too late) - payment will be possible in April. IBAN information will be delivered upon successful registration. Registration can only be made for the entire duration of the event. Circa 30 spots are available, 10 of which will be reserved for those under 35.

We will stay overnight at Soleole in Landremont. This lodging is committed to sustainability. It is located at the top of a hill, surrounded by natural areas to explore. Each evening, after our bike ride, we will engage in a variety of activities. You can explore the options (book exchange, donkey walk, yoga etc.) when filling out the registration form. Lodging is in shared rooms. Bikes can be rented on site; however, you should bring your own helmet. Servas members will be given priority for registration. Here is a link to the Registration Form.

Sustainable Living Documentary

Bill Magargal — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 23:56:39 GMT

European Hosts Sought by Catrina Walker

One of the principles of Servas is that respect and care for the planet lays a foundation for a more peaceful world.One step toward this objective is to live in a more sustainable way, especially when it comes to how we obtain our food. Sustainable choices differgreatly throughout the world. US Servas traveler and author, Catrina Walker, is a permaculture professional dedicated to improving sustainable living and farming practices. In 2009 she spent extended time in Silly-la-Poterie in France where she documented a permaculture garden transformation and enjoyed the participation of students from a nearby agricultural school.

This year Catrina will travel in the Netherlands. Germany, Italy, and France from late May through June 2024 to learn more about European sustainability methods. Her trip will culminate with a video documentary about her travels and what she learned. This documentary will be made available to Servas members worldwide.

Catrina is currently seeking European hosts in the regions noted below.

The Schwartzwald (Black Forest) region of Germany
The Piemonte region of Italy
The Noordwijk and Haarlem regions of the Netherlands
The Loire, Burgundy and Dordogne regions of France

If you or someone you know practices or is knowledgeable about sustainable living, please reach out to her. Areas of particular interest include communities and families who have or are currently involved with

Permaculture-based practices,
Biodynamic methods, and/or
Ease of life outcomes.

Catrina would love to hear from you and welcomes collaboration with students and practitioners of all ages. To learn more about this project or hopefully, to host her, please contact Catrina Walker on the Servas International website. This project offers a unique hosting and sharing opportunity.

Here is a link to Catrina's "Alchemy of Ecology" website.

17th Annual Türkiye Peace Camp

Bill Magargal — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 14:32:44 GMT

July 4-14, 2024

The Servas Peace School in Ekinci, Türkiye is holding its 17th annual Peace Camp where Servas travelers can share their worlds with the village youngsters. One year ago this month, this region was badly damaged by a massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake centered about three hours away near the major city of Gaziantep. The camp will give international travelers a chance to experience traditional village life and to meet and share with the local villagers. It is hoped that you will teach village children about your world, and in the process feel their joy and animated smiles.

In the words of Italian Servas traveler, Francesco Stoduto who recently attended the camp, "Everything is unforgettable: the children, the animators/interpreters, the Servas friends from India, Pakistan, Mexico, Italy, Russia, the hospitality of the host families...And all the other friends who contributed to wonderful days and helped everyone forget the heat and wind of southwestern Turkey." Here is a link to Francesco's full article.

In addition to experiencing village life and visiting villagers’ homes you might also assist with the post-earthquake recovery process. If you would like more information about the camp, please email servaspeaceschool@gmail.com

First Peace School in Uganda

Bill Magargal — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 23:21:54 GMT

August 25-30, 2024

About the village - Servas Uganda would like to welcome you to its first peace school on August 25-30,2024 in the village of Buyoga, which is located 20 miles away from Masaka City. The village is well known for coffee and matoke, a kind of banana that is a food staple. Most villagers are subsistence farmers. The language commonly spoken is Luganda and during peace school, a team of volunteer translators will be available to facilitate communication.

How to get to the village? - Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, arrangements to connect volunteers with their hosts will be in place. In orderto reach the village on time, plan to arrive in Kampala on August 23rd. On the morning of 24th, a bus will leave Kampala to take all the volunteers to Buyoga. This is usually a 3 to 4-hour drive, but we will take our time so the beautiful scenery can be enjoyed along the way.

Hosting and peace school information. - All volunteers will be staying with village families. After all, Peace Schools’ slogan is “live with us, share with us." We hope the Peace School will strengthen the values of peace and give our children the chance to interact with people from various places across the world in real-time, not only in books.

For Information please email ServasUgandaPeaceSchool@gmail.com

Peace Hikes in the German Alps

Bill Magargal — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 22:30:46 GMT

July 19-25, 2024

Servas Germany will host the 2024 Pathways Together Alpine peace hikes in Southeastern Bavaria near Berchtesgaden and the Königssee the week of July 19 to 25. It is a gorgeous area with spectacular mountain and lake views, and excellent hiking for all levels of experience.

Participants will spend Friday July 19 through Sunday the 21^st at the CVJM Hintersee Centre located directly on Lake Hintersee with a view of the mountains. Lodging will be in double and multiple-bed rooms (3-4 beds), all with private bath. Bedding and towels will be provided. The bus stop is only a few meters from the hostel. It is possible to swim in the lake. The weekend program includes short excursions and day hikes of varying difficulty and plenty of time to meet the other hikers.

Organized hikes begin on Monday the 20th with separate itineraries based on level of difficulty ranging from easy, moderate, moderate+, and difficult. Pricing is reasonable and varies depending on the hiking package chosen. Hikers who choose the easy treks will stay at the Hintersee Center and partake in multiple three-to-four-hour day hikes. Other options included multiple day hikes with stays at youth hostels. Here is a link to the Participation Fee Schedules.

This is a recurring annual program that is well-organized and excitig with many opportunities to meet and get to know the other participants. There are 84 slots for this week-long adventure. The website includes pretty much all you need to know including detailed itineraries, descriptions of the hiking levels, prices, and links to the registration form, and additional information about the area. Here is a link to the English version of the website.

Come to Servas Georgia's 1st Summer Peace Camp

Bill Magargal — Sun, 25 Feb 2024 17:27:55 GMT

June 22-29, 2024

Servas Georgia will hold our first peace school camp this Summer in Lamovani, Sakartvelo, Georgia, from June 22-29. We invite you to bring the world to our children, develop feelings of peace, and provide opportunities for participants – children and volunteers to experience different ways of living. We invite you to volunteer and share your unique experiences and skills with our children. At the same time, we will share our village with you.

You will stay in the Tbilisi Georgian American school for free and includes breakfast in the morning. Workshops will be held two days in Tbilisi for schoolchildren aged 10-13, and 4 days in the village of Lamovani for students aged 7-18. We will take you from Tbilisi to Lamovani village and will be returned by us to Tbilisi.

The main goal or our Servas Peace School is to bring the variety of the world to our village, develop feelings of peace in the participants, provide conditions for volunteers to learn local culture(s), and experience different ways of living on Earth. We also want to train local children and adults and help them become world citizens and Servas members. That is the core value that makes the Servas Peace School so valuable.

If you would like to attend the camp, please fill out this volunteer application form. For details about Lamovani Public School visit our Facebook page. If you have any other questions, please email us at peaceschoolsakartvelo@gmail.com.

How does our Servas Peace School work?

Servas Peace Schools have no fixed curriculum or program. The background of the volunteers defines what activities will occur.
We have no budget nor a manager ... volunteers make decisions altogether.
Local and international Servas (also non-Servas) members come to the village and teach their topics to local children workshop mostly outdoors (in forests, gardens, back yards, streets, etc.).
We believe that every person (farmer, worker, artist, teacher, etc.) has something to offer that children need to learn.
The use of technological tools in the workshops is not encouraged.
Volunteers sponsor themselves to travel (however, they can apply for support if they need).
Volunteers can join the event for one day or the whole Peace School period. Local assistants help them with workshops and translation with local people (if needed)
Local families host volunteers for 3-4 days and provide food for them. They attend cultural and social activities in the area. The idea derives from the fact that when you live with a family you share a lot, face your prejudice if you have, exchange background, and usually become friends.
Volunteers do workshops during the day. They have free time in the mornings and evenings. They usually spend time with locals and enjoy cultural activities.
Volunteers can come to the village with their own children.
Servas Peace Choir is formed with children, and they learn to sing songs in local languages and in the languages of the volunteers.
City, village, nature tours are organized for the volunteers.
At the end of the school period, a Servas Peace Party is organized with the local people and children who will present their products and skills.

2024 Servas International Peace Ride

Bill Magargal — Sat, 24 Feb 2024 20:17:50 GMT

South Korea - April 29th - May 2nd

Servas Korea invites you to join up to 40 cyclists for a four-day, 220 km peace ride along the beautiful Seomjingang River. The SIPR Bike Tour is open to all Servas cycling enthusiasts. We will ride approximately 65km a day. We will start in Seoul and travel by bus to Jeonju where we will begin the ride to Gwangyang. The itinerary is below.

Day 1: Monday, April 29th: Total 20km (city tour)

07:30 Start. Seoul Central Bus Terminal (Bus) to City Jeonju Express Bus Terminal. 10:00 City bike tour.

12:30 Lunch: UNESCO recognizes Jeonju as a City of Gastronomy.

14:00 Check in Jeonju Guest house.

18:00 Dinner (Lee Gawon Restaurant).

Day 2: Tuesday, April 30th: Total 75km

8:00 -11:00 Seomjingang riding towards Lake Okjeongho and the first Certification Place.

12:00 Lunch.

14:00 Kim Yongtaek Poet’s museum of literature. 17:00 Sunchang Motel

18:00 Dinner (Deodeok bulgogi)

Day 3: Wednesday, May 1st: Total 70km Riding

8:00 Start.

10:00 Hyangga Amusement Park.

11:00 Saseong Am (Temple of the Four Holy Monks).

12:00 Lunch.

14:00 Temple Ssanggyesa.

18:00 Check in Kensington & dinner

Day 4: Thursday, May 2nd: Total 55km

9:00 Start. Choi Champan house (traditional Hanok) Pyeongsa-ri, & Park Kyungri Museum of Literature.

12:00 Island Baeal- final certification place 14:00 Gwnagyang Express Terminal and return to Seoul.

Contacts:

Mr. B W Choi / SIPR 2024 Organizer bwchoi1211@hanmail.net +82 10-5255-0591

Mr. S K Song / Servas Korea National Secretary sksong@suncheon.ac.kr +82 10-8484-2170

Servas Britain & Ireland National Gathering

Bill Magargal — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 16:18:13 GMT

April 26-28, 2024

We are holding a national gathering in the Southwest of England this spring and would love you to join us! It will be held near Dartmoor National Park with plenty of activities including Saturday day trips and a big Sunday meeting. There are good rail connections close to the Youth Hostel Bracken Tor and there is the chance of holding a Ceilidh ( [kay-lee] a traditional dance – lots of fun for everyone! We need to have at least 60 attendees to make this viable. Do get in touch if you are interested in attending - accommodation will be allocated on a ‘first-come, first served’ basis.

If you have any questions, please contact Rachael Clayburn (Travel Secretary): travel@servas.org.uk

Details

Date: Friday 26th April - Sunday 28th April 2024 (2 Nights)

Place: YHA Bracken Tor, Okehampton (House), EX20 1QW:

Travel: Approx. 4 hours from London by train

Space: Bunk beds for 35, dining room, kitchen, nice lounge and gardens, 15-minute walk from train station

Activities:

Friday - arrive from 5 pm, Bring & Share supper, Evening Entertainment (music / travel stories tbc*)

Saturday - Breakfast, Outings (Exeter, Castle Drogo, Lydford Gorge, Okehampton, Dartmoor Walk tbc, everyone to arrange own transport/lunch/snacks), light evening meal, Evening Entertainment (film / board games tbc)

Sunday - Breakfast, 10am Check Out, Servas-related discussion or activity, Buffet Lunch, Depart.

Cost: (International payment methods to be confirmed)

Option 1 : £90 max 35 people: two-nights' accommodation, Tea/Coffee, 2 x Breakfast, Saturday light evening meal, Sunday buffet lunch

Option 2 : Sunday only £15: inc l. Tea/Coffee, buffet lunch

Option 3 : £140: Sunday evening meal, Ceilidh, 3rd night accommodation, breakfast (only available if there is significant interest)

Extra: Sunday Night Ceilidh £15 (only available if there is significant interest)

Register: Please choose your option and contact Rachael Clayburn to register.

*tbc = ‘to be confirmed’

Note: Dartmor is famous for its moors and heather, Sherlock Holmes, the world’s largest land slug (up to 8”) ...and a recently discovered stone circle that may predate Stone Henge.

2025 Servas International Conference

Bill Magargal — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 17:34:12 GMT

Call for Host Country

The next Servas International Conference and General Assembly (SICOGA) will be held in 2025. During SICOGA 2022, Servas Costa Rica indicated that they would like to be considered as a venue. There have also been informal discussions with other Servas member groups. Our thanks to all that have approached us.  

As is our custom, Servas International Executive Committee (SI Exco) will now give all Servas Groups an opportunity to submit a formal proposal before we begin the selection process. If you have questions that need to be resolved before your Servas Group can offer to host the next SICOGA, please get in touch.  We are happy to provide more details. November 15, 2023,is the deadline for expressions of interest.

Following the initial expression of interest, each group will have until December 31, 2023, to submit a feasibility study. We will provide guidance on what information is needed, and what issues will be considered when selecting the most suitable venue.

If we get enough proposals that meet the criteria, SI Exco hopes to finalize the venue during our January meeting. If that is not possible, we will continue the process. When thinking about your country as a possible venue for the SICOGA the key issues to consider include:

Do you have an active Servas Group who would be committed to working together to prepare for an international meeting which lasts for 6 days?

Is there a suitable venue available at an appropriate cost?
What sort of travel costs would be involved for delegates from different regions?
What issues might arise for delegates applying for visas to visit your country?
Please indicate the ecological footprint involved for delegates to travel tot he venue from different regions?(For example, is the venue accessible by train or bus for a great number of people?)

Let us know if you have any questions.

Please send your inquiries to exco@servas.org with “Hosting SICOGA2025” in the email’s subject line. 

Language Experience - Malawi Style

Bill Magargal — Sat, 16 Sep 2023 16:09:07 GMT

Malawi now offers a well thought-out and certainly one-of-a-kind, four-to-six-week language and cultural exchange program. It is not a traditional SYLE, but one that is open to any current Servas member, not just youth.

Malawi is a long, narrow, landlocked country in east Africa (see map below), surrounded by Mozambique, Zambia and Tanzania. It is commonly called the 'warm heart of Africa' and has a population of 14 million consisting of Muslims, Christians and Animists. The economy is largely based upon tea, coffee and sugar production. The daily staple is Nsima(maize) with relish (little fish-kapenta, beans, tomatoes, andonions).

These are the requirements for participation.

Be a model Servas traveler
Be prepared to give a PowerPoint presentation about your life, your country, your Servas group

Buy and pay for your air travel and insurance.
Be between the ages of 18 to 80.
Pay $25 for four Chichewa language lessons.
Pay $100 SYLE fee (50% goes to the NGO that you volunteer with)
Be fit and have health Insurance.

Be able to communicate comfortably in English.
Pay for your own lunches, local buses, and incidental expenses.
Pay for the ingredients and cook one meal for each ‘long-stay’ host.
Have an up-to-date Servas LOI.
Have funds to travel the last week around Malawi.

Arrival:

You will be greeted at the airport and taken to the home of our National Secretary where you will stay for two nights to settle in before beginning your SYLE. We will present you with a Servas Malawi membership, T-shirt, ID, and an item worth up to $50 for YOU to donate to the NGO you choose to work with (see below).

Week 1: Stay two nights with three or four Blantyre hosts who will:

Take you to work with them for a day.

Show you how to use the local minibuses, etc. to get around.

Help you study and speak Chichewa.

Visit St Michaels, Carlsberg, Thyolo & Mulanje

Week 2 - 3: Stay with two long-stay hosts, one per week while doing daily volunteer work with an accredited NGO’s from the list that follows:

Footprints Africa- agroecology in Mulanje.

Tiyamike – photography work - make a booklet.

Work with 2-6yr old children in a Nursery/Primary sch.

Blood Donor Board – work in Mzuzu/Lilongwe

Garage Workshop.

Housing support.

Week 4: 1 week of self-funded travel @ lake oraround Malawi & back for debrief with National Secretary.

For more information CONTACT:

National Secretary: demelzabenbow@gmail.com • WhatsApp +(265) 999-482-983

SYLE Support: Jacqueline13@hotmail or call +(265) 997-376-475 or 993-920-386

Shall We Grow Servas - How?

Deirdre Marlowe — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 21:13:58 GMT

Servas International would like all members to share their thoughts on how to grow – perhaps with special interest groups. To that end, the Servas International Development Committee (SIDC) created a survey that they would like as many members as possible to complete. Complete the survey here.

SIDC has received a lot of requests to consider setting up special interest groups as a way for members to collaborate.We are asking that you complete this survey to find what special interest groups members are interested in. These groups will work together (in-person or virtually) to initiate, learn, and collaborate on topics they are interested in. Some interest groups that have been suggested are listed here. Please check as many as appeal to you. If there is a different interest group in which you might be interested, please include your suggestions at the bottom of the survey.

The survey is available in other languages on request.

International Meeting Servas for Peace

Bill Magargal — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 14:06:21 GMT

Moraira, Alicante, Spain • September 16-23, 2023

Servas Spain invites members to participate in an international meeting with a focus on peace from different points of view; Personal Peace, Peace in Servas, and Peace in the world. And of course, this will be combined with leisure and tourism activities in the area, giving priority to enjoying and having a good time with peace of mind.

For more details, follow this link.

Spain - Servas Pyrenees Trek

Bill Magargal — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 13:59:59 GMT

August 25 to 31 , 2023

There is a tradition of inter-Pyrenees meetings, and this year Servas members will meet in the Núria Valley near Andora. It is an ideal place to visit, relax, see nature, go hiking... The plan is to spend a few days together, live together, get to know each other, exchange and share experiences in the surroundings of the Pyrenees.

Click HERE for details, housing options, and registration.

Finnland - Servas Peace Gathering

Bill Magargal — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 13:54:00 GMT

Servas members of Finland will gather on an island in the beautiful Maxmo Archipelago, off the west coast of Finland near the city of Vaasa. The group will be staying in the quaint Wästinn Hotel, located by the sea, complete with traditional sauna and fishing facilities. There are only left 4 places available for international friends, and altogether there will be about 30 people. Events included are sharing friendship in Servas spirit, hiking on the seashore trails, international dancing, and enjoying sauna, swimming, and tasty local cuisine.

From abroad, you can fly directly to Vaasa or fly first to Helsinki and then take the 4-hour train from Helsinki to Vaasa. Before or after the meeting you can stay with some of Servas families in Vaasa. From there, there's transportation with private cars to the meeting place some 50 km north. Contact: Arja Sigfrids arja.sigfrids@akat.fi for more information.

Servas National Assembly - Spain

Bill Magargal — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 13:44:28 GMT

October 12 - 15, 2023 Caleruega (Burgos)

Servas Spain will hold their 2023 national assembly at the Santo Domingo Monastery in Caleruega in the foothills of the Pyrenees in north central Spain. The monastery is a sanctuary of Dominican friars and offers a calm place for reflection and prayer to those who wish to withdraw for a while from daily occupations and find themselves more deeply with themselves. It has ample space for the activities and an assembly hall to celebrate the gathering.

Caleruega is a municipality with fewer than 500 inhabitants, located in the region of La Ribera del Duero, about 160 km. from Madrid. A few places of interest in the area are: Clúnia, an archaeological site, La Yecla Gorge, Santo Domingo de Silos, Covarruvias, Lerma, the small old village of Peñaranda de Duero, Wineries in Gumiel de Izan, Museum of Human Evolution, and the Unesco archaeological site of Atapuerca. Follow this link for further information.

2023 Latin America Peace Conference Report

Bill Magargal — Thu, 04 May 2023 21:13:25 GMT

by Paige LaCombe & Alvany Santiago

After the four-day UN Commission on the Status of Women CSW67 conference in NYC, see OD article, Paige LaCombe (US Servas), and Alvany Santiago (Servas Brazil) flew to Santiago to share their experience with women attending the XIII Congreso Latinoamericano de Investigación sobre la Paz (CLAIP), i.e., Latin American Peace Conference.It was held at the University Alberto Furtado in Santiago, Chile from April 18 to 24, 2023. Attendees were thrilled to have these two powerful women make their conference presentation, “UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW): The Experience of Servas Representatives”.

Paige LaCombe is the former peace secretary for Servas International. She holds a BA in Human Development from Pacific Oaks College, Pasadena, California.She’s taught in Los Angeles for more than twenty-five years to maximize opportunities for migrant children and their families. She also has a keen interest in gender issues, particularly the rights of girls to participate in sports, as well as supporting equal opportunities for education and wages for women. She served as the Servas International Peace Secretary from 2019 to 2023 and focused on organizing the attendance of Servas International Women at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women and developing partnerships with men’s group that support gender equality.

Alvany Santiago is a Servas Brazil member, a founder of SantiagoEcoAmigas, and a member of the Conflict Resolution Team for Servas International. She is a professor in the postgraduate program in Development Dynamics of Semi-arid Regions and Public Administration at the Federal University of Sao Francisco Valley, Brazil. She is the leader of the research group Laboratory of Career and Competences Development (LCDC) and a member of the research group Governance for Sustainability and Carbon Market Management at Federal University of Bahia, Brazil. She was a visiting fellow at the University of Birmingham, UK and at the University of Tampere, Finland. Her studies revolve around the contribution of people and organizations to sustainable development, including gender equality, circular economy and business ethics. 

Like the New York CSW, the Chile conference included people from diverse groups within Latin America, not just Servas members. Their first objective was to inform attendees about Servas and describe efforts to address gender and diversity issues within an international peace organization. To achieve this, they introduced Servas International, described the strategy of action, and analyzed Servas International’s participation in CSW. Their presentation conveyed the energy and relevance of the CSW as they shared some of the key sessions and presentations from the UN conference, including the presentation hosted by Servas Canada member, Julie Cormak, entitled Women and Girl's Access to Education in Afghanistan, and Türkiye Servas International Peace School. See video.

During their time in Santiago, they stayed with wonderful Servas hosts Javier Heusseur, National Secretary Servas Chile, and family, and with Emilio Caicedo, Peace Secretary, Servas Chile.  Many thanks for their hospitality, conversations, meals, and true Servas camaraderie!

Paige Lacombe, Alvany Sanitago and Javier Heusser attending Servas SYLE online

L-R - Christine, Javier, Emilio and Alvany (Servas hosts and traveler)

Emilio Caicedo and Paige Lacombe

Sweden - Bremen International Peace Award 2024

Bill Magargal — Thu, 04 May 2023 15:49:15 GMT

On May 31, 2024, the schwelle Foundation will confer the 11th International Bremen Peace Award for exemplary commitment to Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation. The award is given with the aim of honoring people and organizations that set an example through their work contributing to reconciliation, human rights, overcoming racism, social justice, sustainable handling of nature and environment as well as to intercultural and inter-religious understanding.The patron of the Bremen Peace Award is Bremen’s former mayor Karoline Linnert. For more information about the Peace Award and the schwelle Foundation click HERE.

Servas at the UN

Bill Magargal — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 13:55:36 GMT

By Julie Cormack & Kent Macaulay

Did you know that Servas plays a role at the United Nations?

As an organization promoting peace, Servas International has “consultative status” with the UN. This means that Servas can name 15 official representatives to the UN and can participate in and contribute to various UN conferences and discussions. In return, Servas members are requested to learn about and support the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals for 2015-2030 and other UN initiatives.

One of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals is gender equality. For the past few years, Servas members have been delegates to the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) conference held at the UN in New York every March. This year, over 40 Servas members from around the world registered as delegates for CSW67. Some of them attended a portion of the two-week conference in-person, while others participated online.

Join The Discussion on ZOOM

Sunday, May 7, 2:00 pm Eastern (11:00 am Pacific)

Hear what Servas members gained from CSW67 and how they contributed to it. Discuss how Servas International could increase its participation in next year’s CSW and other UN events and activities.

Click HERE to join the discussion

Hosted by

Julie Cormack and Kent Macaulay

Servas Canada members and Servas International Reps to the UN

International Online Forum - Apr 22, 2023

Bill Magargal — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 14:51:49 GMT

Servas International Peace Secretary, Francisco Salamón Luma, will host a new online "Servas Peace Forum" on April 22, 2023. These meetings will occur quarterly and will allow our members meet online and have regular cultural exchanges without flying. Topics will vary, but don't miss this opportunity to connect with other Servas members throughout the world. The 1st Servas Peace Forum is open for registration now. You are welcome to join us. Please register by April 8th. Here is the registration link.

International Peace Academy Project

Bill Magargal — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 13:21:55 GMT

Servas Türkiye held a Solidarity Meeting on March 12, 2023, and received wonderful participation from all around the Servas world. Twenty-five countries and more than 100 people, shared their support and suggestions for the earthquake survivors and Servas Peace School. During the meeting, Mehmet Ateş, proposed a permanent facility for the Servas Peace School. Like an academy, it would function all year long and would be open to any Servas projects and would be available to the local community as well. This idea received a good amount of support. After the meeting we came together with the Servas Turkish team and decided to move ahead with the idea as well as take some concrete steps.

We believe that this would be a great dream come true for Servas and should not belong only to Servas Türkiye but the entire Servas world. Therefore, we invite all Servas organizations to be part of this dream and work together as a project team of volunteers to take part in each phase of the project. Our immediate need is to create a work team of architects, project developers, fundraisers, educators, recycling project experts, environmental scientists, and those who have a huge heart who just want to do what will make this project happen, make this dream come true.

If you believe that you can be a part of this project with any kind of contribution based on your abilities, please write to usa bout what your contribution might be. We will then initiate a working group of volunteers to decide on next steps.

Read Mehmet's vision and goals for the Servas Peace School Academy. Mr. Ateş notes are preliminary and will be further developed together with the volunteer team.

The huge earthquake destroyed not only buildings but the veins of the cultural diversity and treasures in Antakya. Servas Peace School Academy will mitigate the loss and even remake the earthquake area as a valley of knowledge and skills.

It will be a permanent, year-round, sustainable, environment-friendly academy where children will discover the diversity of the earth. Adults will be able to join activities and volunteer as trainers. The academy will function as a Servas international center, too.

In addition to the topics that emphasize Servas values, the academy will cooperate with local farmers, other producers, and human resources and include them in learning and sharing processes. Volunteers will stay with local families for maximum exchange opportunities. Now, we need to:

Search for funded land, or buy or rent a piece of land if possible.
Build houses (ecological with local/modern architecture)
Invite volunteers to help with planning, organizing, and building
Start a donation campaign.

Our goal is to build this academy with the support and sources of Servas members and Servas friends all around the world. This way, it is going to be our Servas home. Let's not postpone our dreams. Let's share what we know with younger generations and different cultures. Let's teach and learn. Let's stand up and start to change life for good. Let's work together to build together. Let's give ourselves a chance to realize our values. It is possible when we work together.

Türkiye Earthquake Update

Bill Magargal — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 13:04:06 GMT

By now, we have all heard about the catastrophic earthquake in southeastern Turkey and, in Syria. Radha Radhakrishna, President of Servas International, reached out to members in Turkey about the disaster. US Servas members have asked how they can help with this huge humanitarian crisis. Below are suggestions from two Servas Türkiye members.

Message from Mehmet Ateş, coordinator of the Servas Peace School and member of SI Youth and families Committee

This is Mehmet Ateş, coordinator of Servas Peace School in my village of Ekinci, Antakya-Hatay Turkey. The epicentre was in Gaziantep.  Gaziantep is around 200 km from Ekinci. Images from nearby town of Dyarbakir on TV shows how terrible it is. The problem is that the buildings are not earthquake proof, otherwise the loss of human lives would not have been so dramatic. 

The region is Antakya. The nearest airport to Ekinci is Hatay airport, which is now closed because the destroyed tarmac uplifted, due to the tremors. So, the runway has been closed for flight operations.

My village and Antakya are 60 km far from the border with Syria. We have casualties but less than in the city center. Victims in city center urgently and desperately need more search and rescue teams. Secondly, heaters, tents and blankets. The best way to send help is to do it via reliable organizations who act fast to reach the earthquake zones: Turk Kizilay Is one we choose. Thank you … Servas is a real solidarity...

Message from Gülşen Elyak, National Secretary, Servas Turkey and member of SI Internal Audit Committee

Dear Radha and all the Servas members who are so intent to help and who reached out immediately to let us know that we are not alone... our gratitude is indescribable. As Mehmet, Esra, Tuana and the other witnesses of this disaster point out, we really need help physically and spiritually. Thank you so much for giving your support so freely and so humanly. 

Unfortunately, hundreds of aid organizations appear after every bad incident, so we will share with you the aid channel we trust most.  Visit the Ahbap (Dude) website make a donation.