US Servas Terms and Conditions

Organization

• US Servas is a nonpartisan, nonreligious, inclusive organization that contributes to a more peaceful world.
• US Servas is a volunteer-operated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
• US Servas is a voting member of Servas International.
• Servas International is an international nonprofit, nongovernmental, multicultural peace organization comprised of national Servas groups. It is incorporated under Articles 60 to 79 of the Civil Code of Switzerland, and in conformity with Swiss law, with legal seat currently at Zurich, Switzerland.
• Servas International encompasses a global network of members, hosts, and travelers. The purpose of the network is to help build world peace, goodwill and understanding by providing opportunities for personal contacts among people of different cultures, backgrounds and nationalities.
• Since 1973, Servas International has had a consultative status as an international, non-governmental organization with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) at the United Nations.

Terms of Membership

• US Servas membership is open to residents of the United States who are 18 and older. Residents of other countries can find membership information on Servas International website. Persons aged 17 and younger can participate in Servas activities under the guidance and supervision of a parent or guardian.
• Servas welcomes people of all races, nationalities, languages, religions, sexual orientations and gender identity or expression.
• US residents age 18 and older who submit a valid application are granted a membership status of Friend of US Servas. Members may remain in Friend status or pursue a status of Host/Traveler as described below.
• All memberships are for a one-year period starting from the date of payment of the non-refundable membership fee. Changing from Friend to Host/Traveler does not extend the membership period.
• All members must be familiar with the benefits and any limitations of their membership status in US Servas, as outlined on the Join Us Page on US Servas Website. Exceeding the benefits of a membership status (e.g., requesting Servas homestays when a Friend) is grounds for expulsion from US Servas.
• Membership data, including but not limited to, host, day host, and traveler information, is to be used only by approved Servas members for its intended purpose. Using information for any other purpose (e.g., as a mailing list) is grounds for the immediate termination of Servas membership and possible litigation.
• All members are expected to be professional, respectful, and honest in communications or interactions with fellow Servas members, or when representing US Servas / Servas International in any way.
• At any Servas event or activity, Friends of US Servas agree to abide by the Ethical Code for Servas Members.
• Members in Friend status who wish to pursue Host/Traveler status must take further action. Typically, this action includes completing a Host/Traveler application, submitting letters of reference, completing an interview, and attending an orientation.
• If Host/Traveler status is granted, the member manages their own profile on Servas International (ServasOnline website). By having an account on ServasOnline, a person becomes a member of Servas International and responsible to the Terms of Use as outlined by Servas International. If Host/Traveler status is not granted, the member remains a Friend of US Servas.
• Neither US Servas nor Servas International perform comprehensive background checks or home inspections. Members should do their own due diligence when arranging to host travelers, meet day hosts, or be home hosted.
• At any Servas event, activity, or hosting interaction, Host/Travelers agree to abide by the Ethical Code for Servas Members. In addition, Host/Travelers agree to the terms of hosting and traveling as detailed in the US Servas Host/Traveler Responsibilities guidelines.
• Any person age 18 and older requesting a Servas stay must have attained their own Host/Traveler membership status. Travelers will not request Servas stays for non-Servas members, even if they are traveling together.
• Servas hosts are responsible for the conduct of all members in their home, including any non-Servas members that interact with Servas members during a stay.
• The accommodations offered by a Servas host must meet reasonable expectations for a clean and safe environment for visitors.

Terms of Renewal

• US Servas membership is renewed on a member’s payment anniversary date.
• Only members in good standing may renew.
• If a member does not want to renew, he/she should turn off automatic recurring payments in their US Servas profile. Members can do so at any time. If a member has turned off automatic recurring payments, they can still renew on or before their payment anniversary by going to their US Servas profile and renewing manually.
• Emails are sent prior to renewal informing members they will be renewed.
• Profiles set to automatic recurring payments are automatically renewed on the member’s payment anniversary date.
• Once a member is renewed, membership continues for another year. Yearly membership fees are non-refundable.
• If payment is not received on or before the payment anniversary date, the member is considered to have lapsed. Lapsed members are not eligible for the benefits of US Servas membership and, if a Host/Traveler, must immediately stop using the Servas International website. If he/she has scheduled stays or hosting through Servas, these must be cancelled.
• If a lapsed member does not make payment within 30 days, their Servas International account will be deleted and their US Servas account deactivated. At that point, to rejoin, a lapsed member must reapply as a Friend.

Complaints/Revocation of Membership

• US Servas retains the right to revoke membership with or without cause.
• US Servas does not tolerate harassment. Harassment consists of unwelcome verbal, visual, or physical conduct that is based on another person’s identity. It may include, but is not limited to, actions such as the use of epithets, slurs, negative stereotyping, jokes, nonconsensual physical contact, or threatening, intimidating or hostile acts.
• If a member has an issue with a fellow US Servas member or Servas International member they should try to resolve it, and if unsuccessful, report it in a timely manner to the Complaints Resolution Committee.
• The Complaints Resolution Committee has the right to investigate complaints as they deem necessary. Please note that, although US Servas encourages members to report misconduct, Servas is not responsible or liable for members’ actions and not obligated to take any action.
• The Complaints Resolution Committee may take action up to and including expelling a member for behavior that does not properly represent the ethos of Servas as specified in the Ethical Code for Servas Members or breaches the expectations of the organization as detailed in the US Servas Host/Traveler Responsibilities guidelines.
• All decisions made by the Complaints Resolution Committee are final.

Changes to Terms -- US Servas may update terms and conditions from time to time. It will notify members of significant changes by sending a notice to the primary email address specified in member US Servas profiles or by placing a prominent notice on the website. Continued use of the website following notice of any such changes shall indicate a member’s acknowledgment of changes and agreement to be bound by the entire body of terms and conditions currently in force.

{2023-10-16: Published Date}