By Karen Morian

It was Eleanor Roosevelt, the formidable diplomat who led the creation of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, who said, “It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it."

And more than one leader has expressed the idea that, in order for peace to exist, justice is necessary. As a non-governmental organization with a 75-year mission of promoting peace and, with a presence in over 100 countries, Servas International works to promote a culture of peace and inclusion. We reject racial, gender, and religious discrimination and xenophobia in all of their manifestations.

To further our efforts in this direction, in September 2024, Servas International officially recognized the constituency group called Servas Women. While the primary focus of this group is coordinating our efforts at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women meeting (CSW) in New York in March, there are many ways members can be engaged in the work for equity and equality. ALL members are welcome to join in this work.

Servas Women has been instrumental in engaging our members of the Global South. Recently, there was an SI-and SW-led conference in Kenya for Central African members. In India and in South America, Servas Women are engaging in helping new mothers with supplies and supporting girls in schools. Others are working on ways to increase safety for women travelers

This growing network is a direct reflection of the work being done by other NGOs with the United Nations around the world. Younger activists are providing their energy and technological expertise, and more experienced activists are contributing their wisdom and historical perspectives.

If you wish to know more about Servas Women and/or our CSW Work, see it here: https://servas.org/gender-and-equality If you wish to attend CSW69 in March 2025 virtually (online), visit the online Application Form.

For further information, contact us at: Servaswomen@servas.org

 We hope you will join us in our work to make the world a better place for al

As our 2024 Climate Action, Servas International has committed to planting one tree per member around the world. To join in this global effort, US Servas has partnered with One Tree Planted to support tree-plantings in the U.S. One Tree Planted is a non-profit based in Shelburne, Vermont. It is a public 501(c)(3) charity, so your contribution to this effort is tax-deductible. (ID# is 46-4664562)

You will find our project link here:  https://businesspartners.raisely.com/t/usservas

And the FAQs here: FAQ | One Tree Planted

Why we are planting trees:  

AIR

Trees act as natural air purifiers, absorbing particulate pollutants and carbon dioxide, and releasing clean oxygen for us to breathe.

WATER

Forests play a vital role in maintaining drinking water resources by regulating water cycles, absorbing stormwater, and preventing soil erosion.

HEALTH

Healthy trees and forests enhance public health by reducing exposure to air and water pollution and providing habitats that support diverse ecosystems.

SOCIAL IMPACT

Communities benefit from reforestation projects through improved livelihoods, increased access to resources, and sustainable development.

CLIMATE

Trees play a critical role in the fight against climate change, as they trap carbon dioxide and increase the climate change resilience of ecosystems and communities.

BIODIVERSITY

Forests support diverse flora and fauna, contributing to the richness and resilience of our ecosystems.

by Karen Morian

On Sept. 21, 2024, during the US Servas held a nationwide online conference commemorating the United Nations International Day of Peace. This year’s theme was “Cultivating a Culture of Peace.” We have two videos of the conference each about one hour in length.

Video 1: This video focuses on 9 Servas Women who share what they gave and received at the UN's 68th conference Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68) held March 11-22, 2024 in New York City. Here is a link to Video 1. Presenters in this video include the following:

#	Start	Presenter
1	00:00	Karen Morian, US Servas Peace Secretary
2	01:09	Paige LaCombe, US Servas
3	37:19	Kent Macaulay, Servas Canada
4	51:44	Rachel Elion Baird, US Servas
5	52:24	Daniela Balderrama, Servas Bolivia
6	55:03	Amruta, Servas India
7	1:01:03	Victoria, Servas Argentina
8	1:01:46	Kiara, Servas Austria
9	1:06:38	Kate, Servas Australia

Video 2: Includes Volunteers for Peace, US Servas Plants Trees, and the Friends Committee on National Legislation. Here is a link to the video part 2. Presenters in this video include the following:

#	Start	Presenter
1	00:00	Matt Messier, Volunteers for Peace
2	37:01	Paige LaCombe, Global Reforestation
3	42:40	Friends Comm. on National Legislation

Volunteering at an IDF Emergency Medical Supplies Distribution Center in Israel

by Josi McIntire, former US Servas Peace Secretary

I have never thought of myself as a Zionist. I am not even a practicing Jew. But since I do believe that Israel has the right to exist, perhaps I am at least a “political” Zionist insomuch as I am Jewish, and I accept Israel as a sovereign Jewish state. At the same time, I acknowledge that the Palestinian people have legitimate aspirations for statehood and self-determination. 

The attack of October 7, 2023, on the Nova Music Festival by Hamas, was a declaration of Jihad challenging the future existence of Israel. Consequently, this summer I felt compelled to fly to Israel and serve as a volunteer working in an IDF Emergency Medical Supplies Distribution Center. 

There were other volunteering options, but, considering the horror of the October 7 attack and a deep concern for the future of Israel, I felt a calling to contribute to a people with whom I share an affinity. I chose to travel to Israel and serve in direct support of the IDF. It was an emotionally stirring two-week experience. I learned a great deal.

Outside of my small circle of Jewish friends, few people have had questions about my recent experience. Most seem to have answers: the broad condemnation of Israel. That has made me aware of how deep many historic prejudices still lie.

I do not know the answers. But I do know that any lasting solution will require a nuanced approach that recognizes that the confluence of historical, religious, and social factors, makes the issues multifaceted and extremely complicated. Simplistic, one-sided, uninformed biases may nurture some level of intellectual/humanitarian self-esteem and righteousness, but do not help. 

I hope that this contribution will encourage readers to pursue a search for truth, and perhaps even voluntarism. It is my hope that some form of lasting peace for both the Israeli and the Palestinian people will someday be found.

I know that the continuing Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a very emotional subject for many, but if you want to read more about my experiences in Israel and my take on what is happening there you can read it HERE.

by Karen Morian, Peace Secretary 

On September 21, US Servas will host a nationwide online conference in honor of the United Nations International Day of Peace. This year’s theme is “Cultivating a Culture of Peace.” More than just a single day of commemoration, the date is a call to individuals and organizations to collective action in order to make the world a more peaceful planet.

US Servas members will be meeting online (although gathering in person locally is encouraged) to hear from both fellow Servas members and from partner organizations about our work in peacebuilding, social justice, and climate action, and to learn more about how to get involved.

So, join us on Saturday, September 21, from 1-4:00 p.m. ET (10-1:00 pm PT) as we celebrate 75 years of Servas, and discuss how we can build our engagement with the world into the future. Here is a Zoom link to the meeting.

For questions, please email Karen.Morian@usservas.org

We look forward to seeing you all on camera, and to hearing from you about the possibilities for a more peaceful future.

by Karen Morian, Peace Secretary 

Servas International is committed to world peace and climate stewardship. Toward this end US Servas has set a goal to plant one tree per member around the world. One might ask, "Why trees?" Well, they do a lot for us like purify our air, regulate water cycles, promote biodiversity, trap carbon dioxide, and more (see details at bottom of article). These functions enhance public health and promote social stability, ergo peace.

US Servas has joined this global effort, and partnered with One Tree Planted to support tree-plantings in the U.S. One Tree Planted is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based in Shelburne, Vermont. All contributions to this effort are tax-deductible. (ID# is 46-4664562) We encourage US Servas Members to visit the US Servas One Tree Planted website to support this effort.

We hope to reach our Dollar-per-Member fundraising goal by October 1. The link will remain live until the end of the year, so that anyone who is looking to make further contributions for tax purposes may do so. Note that any amount over our U.S. goal of $1,900 will help Servas groups in developing countries reach their goals. For more information about the project check out the One Tree Planted FAQs page.

________________________________________________________________________

What Trees Do For US

AIR

Trees act as natural air purifiers, absorbing particulate pollutants and carbon dioxide, and releasing clean oxygen for us to breathe. 

WATER

Forests play a vital role in maintaining drinking water resources by regulating water cycles, absorbing stormwater, and preventing soil erosion.

HEALTH

Healthy trees and forests enhance public health by reducing exposure to air and water pollution and providing habitats that support diverse ecosystems.

SOCIAL IMPACT

Communities benefit from reforestation projects through improved livelihoods, increased access to resources, and sustainable development.

CLIMATE

Trees play a critical role in the fight against climate change, as they trap carbon dioxide and increase the climate change resilience of ecosystems and communities.

BIODIVERSITY

Forests support diverse flora and fauna, contributing to the richness and resilience of our ecosystems.

Voices Unveiled is an NGO which seeks to facilitate empowerment of Afghani women through a three-month online course. It will launch its 5th trimester of the course soon. Voices Unveiled would like your support in reaching its goal of providing 50 full scholarships for women across Afghanistan, empowering them to overcome adversity and build a brighter future.

The three-month course leads students through an interactive process of creative writing, journaling, reading, discourse, lecture, and video content on a wide variety of socio-political, psychological and gender-related topics. Students are guided through exercises and practices to deepen self-compassion, self-awareness, mindfulness and self-care.

Team members meet with students three times per week over three months, offering vital support, skills training, and mental health guidance. The program also integrates mindfulness practices, women’s health education, and creative expression into its curriculum to ensure comprehensive empowerment.

A full scholarship for one trimester is $300; every contribution, regardless of size, makes a meaningful difference. Your tax-deductible donation will provide Afghan women and girls with life-changing opportunities and essential support. 

Halima, a survivor of the Taliban bombing at her university in Kabul, shares: Through your encouragement, I’ve gained practical skills and developed self-confidence. This program has been invaluable, teaching me self-care, resilience, self-love, and mindfulness. Your support has helped me endure difficult days with strength.

Saira, age 23, Afghanistan: I want to share how I've changed while taking this class. I've learned to say "No" to things and people I don't like, even though it wasn't easy at first. These days, I love myself more than ever. Despite feeling insecure and fearful outside and even at home, there's a different feeling inside me, mentally. There's peace within me. You have had such a profound impact on my life. I'm so grateful to have you.

Adela, age 23, Afghanistan: The waves of my life are full of longing, like a cloud that wants to rain.

HERE'S HOW YOU CAN HELP:

• Donate Now:  Help us reach our goal of 50 student scholarships by August 31st.
• Spread the Word: Share our campaign with your friends, family, and colleagues. Together, we can raise awareness and reach our fundraising goal.
• Volunteer: Consider volunteering your time and expertise to mentor and support Afghan women on their educational journey. Email us at lecafedelaculture@gmail.com

Act now and be the guiding light these women so urgently need.

by Eliana Lynne Uretsky

Note - Eliana recently rejoined Servas after a long-term gap, so she needed to reapply for membership. We were so inspired by her answers to two questions on the application that we thought our members would be inspired by her words - Marguerite Hills

What does Peace Mean to you?

Ahhh. I notice my breathing expand and I calm just reading the question. Peace is not just an absence of war or anything else. It includes qualities of calm, well-being, spaciousness, presence, allowing self and other to just be, a kind of neutrality. Peace can also be active - the result of hearing another/others and finding common ground.

When you hear “Peace and Understanding through Travel and Hosting” what comes to mind?

See last question's response, and.... Taking the time to communicate with the human beings right in front of us, just as they are; listening; giving full attention, presence - these are powerful tools. Every place I have ever traveled, especially where I have stayed with locals, is now a part of my inner geographical and heart's landscape, and as that landscape grows, there is an increase in capacity to 'hold the world.'"  

"To have the felt experience of being a citizen of the world, to know and have a caring connection with human beings around the globe, is life-changing; isolationism becomes not even faintly an option. This then affects our thinking and our actions. I think that now more than ever, with divisiveness and hate so much on the rise, the simple human connections speak louder than ever. And I think that being a sane and considerate "ambassador" from the U.S. is extremely important at this time.

by Karen Morian, Peace Secretary

I felt an intense pride at seeing the large numbers of (mostly) women activists who attended, and a renewed energy being among them. I came away with an increased respect and appreciation for all the efforts of those who came before me. So much amazing work has been done at the international level of which I was unaware even though I consider myself a well-travelled activist. The ongoing work of the UN delegates and agencies is awe-inspiring. The energy of the younger attendees continues to be a force which drives progress forward.

As the Peace Secretary for US Servas, I am working to bring more awareness to US Servas members of the work the UN does daily, especially their agencies on the ground. And to the possibilities for Servas to engage more in international peacebuilding, social justice, and climate action efforts. We are planning a national (in-person/online hybrid) event for the UN International Day of Peace which will highlight some of this work and the possibilities to participate.

For our contribution to this international movement, I propose that Servas become the housing network for these international activists. In doing so, we will support folks doing good work who are (of course) working with limited budgets (the US Servas Board has endorsed this idea).

I was astounded to learn that some of the folks in the first Rainbow Caucus meeting had never been in a predominantly queer space before. We forget how much work there is still to do on LGBTQIA rights and protections around the world.

I networked every day at CSW68 to increase the visibility of Servas, and now have a lot of contacts with whom to follow up. For instance, I joined the Council of Organizations (of US-UN NGOs) and will represent Servas there.  

The work done by Servas presentation coordinators was extraordinary. I felt well-informed and connected throughout CSW68. We are, generally, independent travelers, which creates opportunities for many perspectives. For next year, I’ve suggested we hold our meet-up in a closed space which will be quieter and provide more opportunities for small group conversations. I’ve also suggested that there be a SERVAS sign on the door. Additionally, I’ve suggested that we have one parallel, in person event to better network with those on the ground. The possibilities to increase our presence at the next CSWs are unlimited.

*The 68^th Conference on the Status of Women

2024 Conference on the Status of Women

With its goal of promoting peace, Servas International has consultative status with the United Nations’ Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). This enables Servas members to participate in several UN conferences and meetings. One of these conferences is the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) that takes place in March each year. The purpose of CSW is to strengthen gender equality, which is one of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Servas members have been participating in CSW for the past five years, because equality is necessary for true peace. For more information about this year’s conference see  CSW68

This year's conference--CSW68--took place at the UN in New York March 11-22. It had the priority theme of empowering women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing. The conference also reviewed social protection systems for women and girls, their access to public services, and sustainable infrastructure for gender equality. Representatives of the UN’s member countries, UN agencies, and NGOs had discussions that led to Agreed Conclusions about what they will do to strengthen gender equality. This is to include a global wealth tax on the over $3 trillion hidden in illegal offshore accounts. These funds will then be directed towards much needed social programs.

Over 10,000 people registered to attend in-person, including fifteen Servas members from the US and eleven other countries who were hosted by Servas members in the NY/NJ/CT area. US Servas contributed travel assistance funds which covered a portion of the travel expenses of three Servas Youth and four other members from the Global South. Members participated in a Town Hall with the Secretary General, observed official meetings, and attended numerous side events and parallel sessions presented by UN agencies, member nations, and NGOs. Nearly fifty Servas members registered to attend the Forum virtually. A special thanks to Kent Macauley, Rachel Elion Baird, and Paige LaCombe for their work on organizing Servas’ participation at this important event.

The NGO-CSW68 Forum was a separate event which occurred simultaneously with CSW. The Forum is organized by and for global civil society and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as Servas. The Forum had over 750 parallel events that showcased grassroots efforts and gender equality work around the world. Here is a link to NGO Events held during the conference.

This year, Servas members organized three parallel events. These included a virtual event organized by US Servas member Rachel Elion Baird, on the topic of Indigenous Nations of US and Canada: Poverty Sources, Solutions, and Collective Vision. Servas Taiwan and Servas India and Mexico hosted two other events. You will be able view all three on Servas International's YouTube channel shortly. A big Thank You to all the presenters of Servas Parallel Events.

In addition, this year Servas International held our first meet-up during the CSW, where we greeted fellow delegates, staff, and ambassadors to dialog about peace. Meet-ups are an important part of the CSW schedule; it is where people get a chance to mingle freely and speak one-on-one. Watch Open Doors this fall for information on how to attend (in-person or virtually) CSW69 in March 2025.