On July 3, Servas International will launch version 2 of the ServasOnline host/traveler database. This long-awaited release makes it a lot easier to connect with member groups around the world. The clean, modern functionality of the new Servas.org website is supported by a completely new member database designed from the ground up. Besides providing a more logical and appealing display of member information, “Version 2” eliminates some of the problems inherent in version 1, enabling features such as:
- Multiple members in the same household are now shown together
- Embedded GPS coordinates make it much easier to find hosts/members by region
- Members can tailor LOIs for a specific trip and include other household members on it.
How to Log In: The website address has not changed... simply go to Servas.org, then click on “Log In” in the upper right of your screen (on your phone it’s just the “person” icon). You must reset (not change) your password: Sorry, we could not transfer the security-encrypted passwords to the new system. Just click the “Password forgotten?” link to do this. You will then receive an email containing a link to set your password. Make sure the email did not end up in your spam folder. You can probably use the same password from Version 1.
You’re in a Household now: A big change in Version 2 is that Servas members are now grouped into Households. When you log in you will end up on your "household" page, even if you are the only person in that household. A Household is defined as one or more Servas members living together in the same location. Each member still needs to have their own membership, but they are grouped together. You may have other households (locations) as well, such as a summer home or country cabin, etc.
Host or Traveler, it’s up to you: Members of Servas United States can become travelers at any time by requesting an eStamp from within their profiles. Likewise, you can start or stop offering Hosting and Day Hosting whenever you want by just editing their profiles. You must still be an active, paid-up member to receive a current eStamp.
You search for Hosts on a map: Our Host Search function uses the Google Maps interface and will display hosts on either side of an international boundary.
Help is just a click away: Each page in ServasOnline has a blue “Help?” icon which will give you detailed explanations of what to do. Other questions can be directed to the Servas US Member Help team via the Contact Us link at the bottom of each page.
A Volunteer Project!: Version 2 is the result of thousands of hours and more than three calendar years of work by Servas volunteers from around the world, and the patient competence of our contract programmer Eliza Lacoblev from France. Leading the team was the indefatigable Jim Leask of Servas Canada, along with Paul Neilsen (Australia), Joseph Lestang (France), Judy Bartel (Canada), Steve Gaarder and David Hills (US), and many others. Thanks to all!
