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.