Many people find it confusing that US Servas uses two websites, so we thought it might be useful to explain why. Things would be much simpler if we only had one platform, but for the time being the complications of multiple languages, countless currencies, and a plethora of procedures and policies make this very difficult to program, especially for an all-volunteer, non-profit organization like ours. We all look forward to the day when we have only one site, but in the interim, here are the functions and features of each system.

USservas.org - Membership Admin

The primary function of the US website is to administer membership records, provide a vehicle for volunteers to help members, and keep track of all financial transactions, i.e. donations and membership fees, etc. As of 2021 we are an all-volunteer group, so the US website is the only way for us to do this. Here are some of the functions handled by the US website and benefits to our members:

• Join and Renew Memberships - the website automatically handles these functions and records all financial information.

• Member Help - Various pages on the US site allow members to request Host/Traveler status, get answers to common questions, and request individual help using the "Contact Us" form.

• Communications - the database provides a way to send customized emails to members re questions and membership updates. It also provides a way to send out the Open Doors newsletter and other important notices to all members at once.

• Events - members can announce and request assistance with setting up local events.

• News & Blogs - Menus on the website direct members to our blogs, news stories, newsletters, and board meeting minutes.

• Member Profiles - Members can (and should) update their profiles and contact information whenever changes are needed.

Servas.org - International Travel & Events

The international website is the place to go for anything related to hosting and traveling, and international news. US Servas volunteers create Host/Traveler accounts and issue member certification "eStamps" for US members. Members use the international site to do the following:

• Request Hosting - The servas.org website has an excellent search engine to find hosts throughout the world and display their locations on a map.

• Letters of Introduction - Members can easily update and print their LOIs, even tailoring them to a specific trip and including other travelers on one LOI.

• Host/Traveler Profiles - The site allows hosts and travelers to easily update their photo, "About Me" information, their hosting status, etc. Find Members - Members can look up travelers who might request hosting, or even US members in their local area (or elsewhere).

• News & Events - The new Servas v-2 website includes easily accessible abstracts for Servas events throughout the world, and stories of interest to members.
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